Alan's Mountain Bike - Rides, Rentals and Sales in Northern Taiwan

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
Maokong Trail -- Click to Enlarge

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
WuzhiShan - Ski Lift -- Click to Enlarge

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
Wulai Trail -- Click to Enlarge

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
NanKan Trail -- Click to Enlarge

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
ZhongPu Shan - Gas Plant Trail -- Click to Enlarge

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
JuenJianYan - Battleship Rock -- Click to Enlarge

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 +
LiDongShan - Hsinchu/Taoyuan Counties -- Click to Enlarge

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.


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