Ride Guide: Taipei – Le Col

Ride Guide: Taipei, Taiwan

Shawn is a Le Col community member who has been riding in Le Col for the last five years. He’s called Taiwan home since 2003, and for the past 11 years he’s built his life around the roads, climbs, and hidden loops of Taipei. When he’s not teaching, he’s out riding roughly 150 km a week, taking on everything from riverside spins to the island’s toughest ascents.

He’s tackled countless events and sportives, including the legendary Wuling climb at the Taiwan KOM Challenge, and has even appeared on TV promoting cycling and daily life in Taiwan.

Whether you’re visiting, new to the city, or searching for a local’s go-to loop, Shawn is here to share why Taipei is one of the world’s most rewarding and beautiful places to ride.

Shawn paused in front of a Taiwanese three-arched gate over the road.

Shot looking through the trees at tree-covered hills.

Take us on your perfect weekend ride from Taipei:

The Taipei loop is always my go-to ride. In the 11 years I’ve been cycling in Taiwan, this is the ride that has everything. I’m based in the suburb of Taipei called San Chong. In 10 minutes I can cross the bridge and start the loop. It’s about 65 km for me, but it can be stretched to around 80 km depending on which hill you want to take. I usually start at Dadaocheng Wharf and head over to the zoo, which is about 30 km. I sometimes stop at the 106 Bike Shop for a few refreshments, then head over to Nangang. This area is famous for its convention centre, and it’s also where the world-famous Taipei Bike Expo takes place once a year.

There are about three to four different climbs you can do. Even now, I’m still discovering hidden snickets and adding on miles. The loop is made up of about 60% bike paths. The infrastructure that the Taipei government has created for cycling is out of this world. Be warned, however: the loop gets busy on weekends. With the U-Bike system Taipei has, many choose just to hop on the bike path and wander.

A big shout-out to Marty, who showed me the loop all those years ago.

Bike selfie of Shawn and his friend in cycling kit in front of a t-rex mural.

What are the little cultural quirks that make riding in Taiwan completely different from Europe or the UK?

I wasn’t much of a rider in the UK. I was from Lincolnshire, and I had bikes, but mostly mountain bikes. When I first got to Taiwan in 2003, my boss Paul told me I would have to get a bike. We went to a local hypermarket, and I think I got a cheap run-around. At first, I was terrified. The number of scooters here in Taipei is like nothing I had ever seen – families of four all on one scooter going to do the weekly shopping.

However, I soon got to grips with the rules of the road. There is a type of equilibrium that has its own flow. The roads all have scooter lanes, so you hop onto the right of those. Ten years
later, I got my first road bike from my friend James. Unbeknown to me, this would be the turning point. I upgraded to a carbon bike not long after, then clipless pedals. I was fully
immersed in the scene.

The number of riders in Taiwan has grown exponentially. I still like to call myself the friendly foreigner and give shout-outs to all and sundry. I’ve met many friends just by saying
“hi.” At first they’re surprised, then they realise I’m being friendly and they reciprocate. I met my good friend Nick from Australia this way – he smashed past me on the Duckhead (named
because it looks like a duck’s head on the Taipei loop). We had many amazing rides and adventures together.

An honourable mention also goes to my friend Shebby from St Vincent, who invited me to appear on a TV show called Wow! Taiwan. Together we rode to the lovely Wulai waterfall in
Xindian with a whole camera crew. In her interview, she told the presenters how I said “hi,” and that’s how our cycling adventure began.

Three tree covered hill peaks against a clear blue sky.

Hidden gems: Give us 2–3 rides or climbs within striking distance of Taipei that most foreign cyclists have never heard of but absolutely should do.

The most popular rides on the north coast are usually centred around Yangmingshan. My favourite is Balaka in Tamsui. It’s a 10 km climb and lovely for training. If you’re feeling up to it, you can add Datun, which is the highest point on the mountain. On a clear day, the view is unparalleled.

Feng Gui Zui is also a great training ground. Shorter than Balaka, it has some tasty little ramps to get the legs burning. You can choose a shorter loop that leads to Neihu and then the river, or you can keep going over to Wanli and ride the north coast back to Tamsui. It’s a great road depending on which way the wind blows. If you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Cole Train tanking along doing his training.

Practical tips for anyone from the Le Col community planning their first Taiwan cycling trip:

Cycling is becoming accessible to a lot of people. Many shops are hiring bikes if you don’t
wish to bring your own. The Giant shop I mentioned before has a few bikes for rent. Also, a
lot of foreigners hire bikes from Auranden Bikes in Tienmu. Tienmu is a community with
many expats, and the guys in this shop are very helpful and accommodating.

Many hostels will let you bring bikes into the premises and even into your room. The
language barrier is quickly becoming redundant with translator apps and AI.

Food and recovery, Taiwan style:

My recovery is sponsored by my amazing wife from Taiwan. I usually phone Joyce about 30 minutes from home and place my order with hers.

My nutritionist, Andrew, has helped me on the path of a plant-based diet. As well as being an avid cyclist, he has shown me many ways to recover faster and more efficiently.

The plant-based food scene in Taiwan is becoming very prominent. Lots of corner shops offer rice triangles, energy gels, coffee, fruit, and various ready meals. The food most people talk about is smelly tofu – it’s an acquired taste. You can get plain fried tofu, which is a rich source of protein. Coconut stands are also common and provide natural electrolytes to help you keep going or recover.

Rolling tree covered hills with a city in the distance.

Food and recovery, Taiwan style:

My recovery is sponsored by my amazing wife from Taiwan. I usually phone Joyce about 30
minutes from home and place my order with hers.

My nutritionist, Andrew, has helped me on the path of a plant-based diet. As well as being an
avid cyclist, he has shown me many ways to recover faster and more efficiently.

The plant-based food scene in Taiwan is becoming very prominent. Lots of corner shops
offer rice triangles, energy gels, coffee, fruit, and various ready meals. The food most people
talk about is smelly tofu – it’s an acquired taste. You can get plain fried tofu, which is a rich
source of protein. Coconut stands are also common and provide natural electrolytes to help
you keep going or recover.

You’ve been on Taiwanese TV talking about cycling and life on the island. What’s the one thing you wish more international riders knew about cycling in Taiwan before they arrive?

Riding in Taiwan is fantastic. I sometimes struggle with motivation. A lot of my cycling
friends have either moved on, stopped cycling, or are way too fast for me to keep up. If you
can find a riding buddy, it makes a difference. My Dutch friend Per, who I met eight years
ago, has spent many hours riding with me. He’s been busy as of late, but when we reconnect,
the world is put to rights.

What was the very first Le Col piece you bought, and why has the kit become your go-tofor riding in Taiwan’s hot, humid, and sometimes very wet climate?

I wore my first Le Col jersey until it was nearly falling apart. It was the lightweight jersey in
grey and white, perfect for these super-hot summers. I’ve also found the gloves fantastic. For
the colder mornings, I like to wear the Pro Gilet. The items I wear every day are the UV arm
screens – they’ve saved me from the dreaded cycling tan and the discomfort of sunburn. I
also match these with socks, bottles, and of course the chamois cream.

As I’ve accumulated quite a few points, I think it’s time to treat my feet to some new socks
and a new jersey to replace the older ones. I’ve seen a few Le Col riders recently – it’s great
to see people representing the brand. Plus, we get free shipping to Taiwan.

Finally, after 11 years of pedalling these roads in Le Col kit, what does cycling in Taiwan mean to you personally, and why do you think it’s a place every serious cyclist needs to experience at least once?

Cycling in Taiwan has been an adventure that I can’t express in words. It’s something you have to experience to believe. I’ve met many people on my travels. I’ve taken part in various events, races, and challenges thanks to my old team, International Cyclists United. We experienced some amazing challenge rides and stayed in some memorable places all over the island.

I’m always willing to say hi and ride with new people. I’m a full-time English teacher here in Taiwan, so finding time can be tricky. However, I have a supportive wife who lets me get out, as she knows miles are my meditation. I’ve met so many people from all over the world. The guys I rode with in the past taught me so much about this lifestyle. I’m grateful to have learned from all of them.

Ride Guide: Taipei, Taiwan

Take us on your perfect weekend ride from Taipei:

Taiwan KOM / Wuling is legendary, and you’ve done it!

What are the little cultural quirks that make riding in Taiwan completely different from Europe or the UK?

Hidden gems: Give us 2–3 rides or climbs within striking distance of Taipei that most foreign cyclists have never heard of but absolutely should do.

Practical tips for anyone from the Le Col community planning their first Taiwan cycling trip:

Food and recovery, Taiwan style:

Food and recovery, Taiwan style:

You’ve been on Taiwanese TV talking about cycling and life on the island. What’s the one thing you wish more international riders knew about cycling in Taiwan before they arrive?

What was the very first Le Col piece you bought, and why has the kit become your go-tofor riding in Taiwan’s hot, humid, and sometimes very wet climate?

Finally, after 11 years of pedalling these roads in Le Col kit, what does cycling in Taiwan mean to you personally, and why do you think it’s a place every serious cyclist needs to experience at least once?

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