Where
We Ride in Northern Taiwan
Northern Taiwan is loaded with
great mountain biking potential. We've been exploring
and riding this area since the 1980s. Let our
extensive experience and knowledge of the trails
help you find some excellent riding while you
are visiting. Here is a brief rundown of a few
of the trails that we ride.
|
Maokong
Trail - Mucha, South Taipei
A mixed on-road/off-road
cross country ride through scenic tea farms,
tea houses and bamboo plantations with great
views of Taipei. A ideal ride for hard spinning
or for cruising. The trail can get very
busy on weekends, but is very quiet on weekdays
and early in the morning.
| |
Difficulty: Intermediate |
Drive time: 20 min |
Ride time: 2 to 3 hours |
|
 |
|
WuZhiShan (Ski
Lift) - Neihu, North Taipei
This popular downhill
trail is set in the mountains near Yangmingshan
National Park. This trail challenges riders
with numerous technical off-road sections.
The trail is often very wet on top, but
quickly dries as the rider descends. The
ride also features an optional road-ride
to the top.
| |
Difficulty: Advanced |
Drive time: 45 min |
Ride time: 2 to 3 hours |
|
 |
|
Wulai, Taipei
County
A shaded out-and-back
trail (uphill then downhill) in a quiet
forest area only minutes from Wulai. Be
prepared to literally get your feet wet
on this ride. The trail is almost always
wet, and there are a few stream crossings.
The trail is rideable year round, and with
its abundant tree cover, makes for a great
summer ride. Don't forget your passport
or ARC, or you won't get past the police
check-in point.
| |
Difficulty: Intermediate |
Drive time: 1 hour |
Ride time: 2 to 3 hours |
|
 |
|
NanKan, Taoyuan
County
This small riding area
offers an interesting looped trail, approximately
3km long. The trail is fast and winding,
with a numerous climbs and a few technical
sections. We often organize Sunday morning
rides here. Ask about the nearby Yangcho
Forest Trail, which serves as an excellent,
high-speed way to finish the ride.
|
Difficulty: Easy - Intermediate |
Drive time: 30 min |
Ride time: 1 to 2 hours |
|
 |
|
ZhongPuShan (Gas
Plant) - Taipei City
Certainly one of Taipei's
most difficult rides, featuring heart pounding
technical climbs and descents along with
numerous chances to stop and enjoy views
of Taipei. This surprisingly challenging
trail is conveniently located close to the
World Trade Center and many downtown hotels.
|
Difficulty: Advanced |
Drive time: n/a |
Ride time: 45 to 90 minutes |
|
 |
|
JuenJianYan (Battleship
Rock) - Peitou, North Taipei
This riding area offers
a real mixture of riding on an interesting
network of hiking trails. Though there are
a few easy sections, the area is littered
with numerous highly technical descents.
The trails dry out quickly after rains,
and offer great views of Danshui, the Kuandu
Nature Park and Taipei.
| |
Difficulty: Advanced |
Drive time: 45 min |
Ride time: 2 to 3 hours |
|
 |
|
LiDongShan -
Hsinchu/Taoyuan Counties
Though we only ride this
area once a year, it is always memorable.
The ride involves a long climb up a fire
road with mountains towering over you. After
you've enjoyed the view from the top you
speed down the same fire road you climbed.
| |
Difficulty: Intermediate |
Drive time: 4 hours + |
Ride time: 3 hours + |
|
 |
|
Please note that we've provided
these details only as a guide. Our difficulty
ratings are very subjective and will not necessarily
be accurate for everybody. We urge all riders
to be extremely careful when riding, and please
remember to wear a helmet and other protective
gear.
The drive times are rough one-way
estimates from our bike shop to the trailhead;
unfortunately Taipei is often hampered by severe
traffic jams which could cause the real drive
time to be significantly higher. Keep this in
mind if you are planning a ride before an important
appointment. Ride times are estimates based on
our experience; actual ride time may also vary
significantly, depending on group size, rider
ability level, weather, etc.
If you are interested in learning
more about these trails, please feel free to contact
us. For more information online, please check
the trails
section of the Formosan Fat Tire Association
website.
|