The classic
Route name: The Jinshan Classic https://www.strava.com/routes/1043292
Start point: National Palace Museum 7-11 https://www.google.com.tw/maps/place/7-Eleven/@25.095831,121.5443335,14.54z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x4d694e62d0b5996c!8m2!3d25.1004745!4d121.550948?shorturl=1
End point: Xiao Guan Yin Parking lot (Xiao You Keng look out) https://www.google.com.tw/maps/place/Xiao+Guanyin+Parking/@25.1789393,121.546235,17.54z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x3442b2228fff0147:0x31046d28a8b87725!8m2!3d25.1797996!4d121.5462642?shorturl=1
Traffic level: Low-Moderate
Main climb(s):
- Feng Gui Zui TAS: WanLi Bridge-FongGueiZuei (5.4k) | Strava Ride Segment in Shilin District, TW
- Yang Jing 2-Jia Up to Xiao Yo Keng | Strava Ride Segment in Jinshan District, TW
Total estimated distance: 65km
Total estimated elevation gain: 1600-1700m
Max elevation: 800m
Difficulty: Hard
Description:
This is one of the most popular routes of cyclists in Taipei. It involves 2 major peaks, where you go from high mountain, down to a few meters above sea level, then back up the high mountain. There’s not too many routes like this in Taiwan.
You start by going up Feng Gui Zui which is a hill that throws everything at you. Stingers, flats, downhills, rolling hills, sustained pain, and a 100m head wind finish. It’s no wonder cyclists love it and why it’s one of the most ridden climbs in the city. However, don’t forget, you have a lot to follow so don’t go all out!
Your over 13km downhill from Feng Gui Zui down to Jinshan will consist of small windy roads with lots of blind corners, so do make sure you don’t zone out and keep your senses on high alert.
If you just burned off your early breakfast, there’s lots of places to eat including the 7-11 (https://www.google.com.tw/maps/place/7-Eleven/@25.2221286,121.6337344,16.79z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x345d4caa68ef14a7:0x5a421fceae2d5ff0!8m2!3d25.22132!4d121.632003?shorturl=1) or my favorite, My Warm Day (https://www.google.com.tw/maps/place/麥味登+金山店/@25.2211083,121.6349146,20.03z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x345d4ca9e590b19b:0x4c99e1c4fd928d9a!8m2!3d25.221121!4d121.6349535?shorturl=1) , which has plenty of outside seating and space for you and your bikes.
Make sure you rest up before heading out. You got another 12-13km climb ahead of you, in which you don’t want your second breakfast to appear in reverse direction. All I can say for this is…good luck, don’t go too hard. It’s a long way…
