Round-Island Ride
A round-island trip is the dream of every Taiwanese cyclist. At 540 miles for the shorter route, a fit rider should complete the ride in 10 days. It is an epic undertaking to do in one continuous attempt. For those with less endurance or vacation time, the route may be ridden in sections, similar to section hiking the USA's Appalachian Trail.
Following the recommended itinerary leaves riders within reach of civilization at the end of each day. This allows riders to travel light and ride further and faster. For a "loaded tour", in which the rider carries their food and camping gear, more time may be needed. Campsites exist, but may be less convenient to reach than a hotel room.
To whet your appetite for the ride, feast your eyes on the web-design candy that is the Ministry of Tourism's Taiwan on Two Wheels website. With an interface as slick as the tarmac beneath your tires, and expert photography to make you yearn for the open coast roads, the site is fountain of inspiration for your ride. Breaking the trip down into the ten-day itinerary, each leg can be clicked to reveal detailed information.
First time cycle tourists should take the time to read through the Ministry of Tourism's Cycling Around Taiwan guide. Beautifully illustrated and well-written, it is the island's Cycling 101 textbook. Once finished with the guide, the Institute of Transportation's Taiwan Cycling Route One website represents the most complete source of information for planning your ride.
Don't forget to spend some time on the nations Tourism Bureau's main page to plan the sightseeing side of the trip. The island has so much to offer, don't spend your whole vacation staring at your handlebars!