Took a very long ride through the quieter roads out of Taipei. 100km with 3 peaks of 400m and two 600m.
Shijhr to Shenkeng
The first peak is on the 109 leading from the Academia Sinica near Nangang, weaving up the hill, then dropping to Shenkeng on the other side. The road is wide and well-paved all the way up. There’s not much to see, but it is well lit at night and there are not many cars, even at at rush hours. The quick descent down the other side is best tackled heading in wide and keeping off the brakes, the corners are tight, but not so tight that you’ll need to slow down much.
Once down the other side, take a left and then the first right, over the bridge to the other side. Then head left on the 106B. Continue until you pass under the freeway then head right.
The 106B and Shrding
The set of convenience stores just ahead are the last you’ll see for 20 or 30km so get anything you need before heading up the right fork in the road.
There’s a short section after the convenience stores without houses. When you see houses again you’ll hit a fork in the road, take the left fork, even though it looks smaller than the right. There are no more intersections until Pinglin. From this point on you’re climbing for a while, quite a long while. The first half of the climbing section is under the faint, orange light that lights the freeway above. Although the road itself is lit, lights become sparse towards the peak. The university on this hill has meant the roads have been improved, which my colleague told me were very small only 10 years ago.
There are good views from the top which I was unable to capture (night + bad camera).
Heading down the other side they obviously ran out of money because the road is narrow, with many sections under repair. There are almost no lights, but also no traffic. Take it easy down this part, especially the sections which are not wide enough for even two cars.
Pinglin to Shuangxi
At the bottom you are pretty close to Pinglin, which is apparently a fairly decent place to go visit. There’s also a 7-11 there if you need anything. Head right if you want to take a look, but to continue the ride, head left.
This stretch of road is one of those beautifully untouched roads around Taipei. There are few cars. To the left are the hills, dotted with tea fields and the occasional temple or two. To the right the hills stretch down to the valley below, covered in a eary mist that gently rests on the river at the bottom. There were absolutely no cars between here and Shuangxi at the other end, so approximately 30km without any cars or signs of life whatsoever, apart from the occasional dog barking (not chasing) or bird singing in the trees. At two points there are roads that head directly over the hills to the North that connect with the 106, taking either of those gives a shorter option if pressed for time.
For the longest option, just continue on the lower road.
The road winds slowly upward along the contour of the hill. The whole road is lined with trees and views of the green lush hills to every side. Only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the big city you can be surrounded by the relatively untouched beauty of Taiwan’s countryside.
The 106
Unfortunately the road comes to an end and two options are available, with very different lengths. I took the shorter which goes left back to the 106 through a 2km tunnel. The 106 is quite nice, but a bit of a shock with very many more cars. This bridge was obviously there a bit before the one I was riding on.
At the other side is a tranquil pool. Anyone for a swim?
But coming up was the final, short and steep climb back to the Shijhr side of the mountains.
Dingnan Road
The final road is almost abandoned. It looks like it’s only used by people who live on the hill. It’s very peaceful and extremely close to Shijhr. Actually if you’re looking for a super-steep hill, this is one that’s hard to beat. Once at the top there is a turnoff to the right that makes a mad climb which I use the granny gear on my MTB to get up.
You’ll pass a temple with some nasty dogs to keep you moving fast. They don’t sound friendly.
Just beyond that there’s a lookout spot with great view of Taipei.
Take the first left and you’re on a downhill that will definitely test your brakes. My discs brakes get to the point where they sound like they’re glazing over only this section, be careful.
Once back in the big city just head on home.
And start dreaming about the next trip out.