Taiwan Camping 台灣露營

This is the first stage of our 3 days 2 night cross-island coastal ride with my dog, Siboy. We supposed to cover 90km in 3 days. You can view the planning HERE. When we arrived at the trail head, I was surprised they have put up a sign NO BIKES allowed. Few months ago, we were hiking this trail and there was no such sign. Well, nothing is going to stop me now, after 2 yrs of desire and weeks of planning and waiting, I just have do it.

trail head - NO ENTRY TO BIKE

10km rest stop

one of the rocky section

suspension bridge

Well, there is nothing much I can write about this trail by MTB since biking is not allowed, I would say if you want to go in by bike, the risk is all yours. This trail is a very technical, not for an average rider and some sections can be very dangerous. Left alone the night before it rained making riding over rocks and logs very slippery. If you like to know more details on this trail by hiking, you can view my previous blog.

Overall, I really enjoyed this technical trail rather than cycling up a mountain track. Riding over logs, rocks and bunny hop along the way is more fun. So far, I would rate this is my best off-road trail riding in Taiwan. Do not have to be fast just have to be sure, that makes technical trail riding fun.

Some precaution to note, I have sustained some injuries from an over hanging vine and also mild sting by poison ivy on my legs and arms. At that time I was only wearing riding shorts and shirts, my skin was exposed. The last section towards the suspension bridge, the trail was almost covered by overgrown vegetation.

After the suspension bridge, you have to traveled down the river bed. The whole river bed trail is around 3km until you reach the aboriginal settlement. I followed a vehicle track until I came across the river crossing, judging from the river flow, I decided to back off this track as I knew those vehicle that crossed the river bed will deepen the crossing. Followed down stream till I met an aboriginal who guided and assisted me to cross the river. When crossing an unknown river, it is best to use a stick to test the river bed before any attempt. The aboriginal guy told me once there was a group of hikers from Taipei came to attempt this trail and they got stuck at the river bed as it was raining for the last few days. The SAR had to fly 6 sorties just to evacuate them all.

Seriously, even a very well planned trip, we need to understand how the weather affects the terrain. I have delayed and waited weeks until this day for this planned trip.

Started the trail around 2.15pm and arrived at the river bed at 6pm, was delayed due to video capturing in this trip. Came to a village and rested till 7.30pm. Called my partner and reported safety. By the time is was total darkness, good thing I found a beach park just not too far away and spent the night there. It was very chilly for a Summer night and the moon was full. Had to use my REI rain gear to warm up for the night, wish I had bought some beers and chilled the night out.