Roman Road Cycling Route Introduction
Are you no longer interested in the gentle riverside bike paths? As an experienced cyclist, why not bravely conquer the Roman Road (County Road 118 in Taoyuan)? Starting from Luofu in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan to Mawu Du in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu, this route features a combination of climbs, descents, and sharp bends that will test your cornering and gear-shifting skills over a total distance of 33.83 kilometers. It’s a true test of endurance! Starting your ride at the Yixing Suspension Bridge, the first challenge is a 300-meter climb. Sweating it out on your bike, the beautiful scenery is the perfect reward. From afar, you can see the Luofu and Fuxing double bridges; their striking structure adds vibrancy to the majestic mountain backdrop. After completing the first segment of the climb, take a break at a scenic café to enjoy a cup of Mago coffee, supplemented by the picturesque views of Dahan River, recharging your energy. Continuing downhill through Jialan and Chaoyang, you’ll notice the giant vine basket marking your arrival at the Xikou Tribe, where experiencing the mouth harp and hunting culture is a great choice. Continuing to climb west through Kuihui, you will reach Meituo Mountain at an elevation of 404 meters, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the must-visit scenic spots Amuping and Jiannong Island. Numerous restaurants and food stalls are gathered nearby where you can dine and replenish your supplies. Heading towards Shimen Reservoir, the spring is filled with cherry blossoms, and in the summer, you’re accompanied by the beautiful tung flowers, making this bittersweet journey enveloped in a leisurely atmosphere. Next, you will pass through the Gaya tribe composed of the settlements of Gaoyao Ping, Xia Gaoyao, Zhong Gaoyao, and Shang Gaoyao, experiencing a century-old Atayal culture. About 1.9 kilometers past the hairpin turn near Bashang Café, when you spot the Guanxi Township sign, you will have reached the highest point of Roman Road at 464 meters! After enjoying the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit, you can relax and embrace the speed on the following 13-kilometer descent while casually visiting the ancient glutinous rice bridge in Mawu Du, relishing the bygone charm of the Showa era.
