Cycling in Taiwan: Taipei Riverside and Fushan (福山) in Wulai – January Weekend Rides

Still wheezing from the cough I caught cycling in Marikina, I wasn’t about to waste Taipei’s winter cycling season – gloomy skies, overcast days, mild temperatures, and effin headwind.

Xindian – Sankeng Eco Park (三坑自然生態公園), 105KM

I ride this route at least once per season because the scenery transforms with each change. In winter, silver grass lines the riverside roads and cypress trees turn a brilliant red.

@slabster013

I missed the Cypress turning red! This is Xindian-Sankeng Eco Park 三坑自然生態公園. Have you been here? #fyp #cycling #riverside #taipei #taiwan

♬ Let’s Go! – FASSounds

I brought my aero bike to help manage the headwind, which I 100% regretted when a rogue gust knocked my Enviliv against where I’d leaned my bike, leaving a scratch on it. My heart was crushed.

Here’s the route on Strava.

Xindian – Tamsui Riverside, 82KM

The scenic highlight of this route is the flower field at Huazhong Riverside Park (華中河濱公園)—or at least what remains of it. But the main draw is the spectacular Danjiang Bridge (淡江大橋)! I’m eagerly awaiting its opening so I can cross to Bali.

I brought my aero bike again to manage the headwind, and I’m happy to report no new scratches this time!

@slabster013

Which one is favorite riverside route? This is Xindian-Tamsui Old Street #fyp #riverside #cycling #taipei #taiwan

♬ Let’s Go! – FASSounds

Here’s the route on Strava.

Xindian – Wulai Falls (烏來瀑布) – Fushan (福山), 63KM, elev gain 974m

Winter is also my climbing season since we generate heat while climbing mountain roads, and the cooler weather makes it bearable. For my first climb of the season, I decided to return to Fushan, which I hadn’t climbed since 2021!

What I love most about this route are the waterfalls cascading along the road.

@slabster013

Pretty tough climb with 14% and 18% gradient. But absolutely worth it! Go beyond Wulai, there are more to see! Xindian 🚲 Wulai 🚲 Fushan, 62km, 971 elev gain #fyp #cycling #taipei #taiwan #mountain

♬ original sound – Ryan

Second, the challenging gradient helps me assess whether I’m ready to climb Maokong, Yangmingshan, or Guanyinshan.

Finally, the fascinating presence of indigenous language on road signs and in small villages captivates me. Seeing the Atayal language makes me feel a deep connection.

Here’s the route on Strava.

So, am I prepared to climb the mountain roads? I have no choice.

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Stay tuned for my weekend cycling in February! But first, here are scenic photos taken with Kodak Charmera.

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