Stage 01 — Taipei to Hsinchu
The launch from Taipei. Three climbs and 666m of elevation on day one set the tone, with the first mandatory 7-Eleven stop and a hard lesson in on-bike nutrition.
The Stage Films
Stage 02 — Hsinchu to Changhua
A 10km detour from a route closure, some minor bicycle mechanical issues, and 695m of climbing, which was more climbing than we expected. A tough examination on day two that the legs passed, just about.
Stage 03 — Changhua to Chiayi
The shortest stage and the best feeling yet. Finished by noon, then rewarded with the Wenhua Road Night Market, with grilled skewers, hot and sour noodles, and a fried cheese baton of alarming proportions.
Stage 04 — Chiayi to Kaohsiung
The longest day of the west coast. 124km and 7 hours 49 minutes tracking the HSR line into Kaohsiung through intersection after intersection. A masterclass in patience.
Stage 05 — Kaohsiung to Fangshan
The final west coast stage, arriving at Taiwan's southwestern tip. The coast, the mountains on the horizon, and the growing sense that the landscape is about to change entirely.
Stage 06 — Fangshan to Taimali
The stage that changed everything. Gusts so strong that we could barely move forwards in the first ten minutes, a mountain crossing to the East coast, and relentless Pacific headwinds all day. 12.4km/h average tells the story. Brutal, but brilliant.
Stage 07 — Taimali to Ruisui
The comeback. After Stage 6's battering, Stage 7 answered with the best ride of the trip: 91% moving efficiency, 18.7km/h overall average, and the East coast delivering everything it promised. Well deserved hot springs in Ruisui at the end of a great day.
Stage 08 — Ruisui to Xincheng
A clean, efficient ride through Hualien county as the mountains close in. First rain of the trip, a peanut wheel cake on Xincheng Old Street, and the infamous Suhua Highway waiting on the other side of a good night's sleep.
Stage 09 — Xincheng to Luodong
The queen stage. The Suhua Highway: terrifying tunnels, towering cliffs, the Pacific far below, and 1,442m of climbing. A 58.9km/h descent sets a new trip record. Every climb conquered without stopping.
Stage 10 — Luodong to Taipei
The final push. Headwinds, rain and cold on the last day, because Taiwan saves its best for the finish. 113km back to the 0km marker in Taipei where it all began. Every kilometre of 1,004km earned on the bike.