Roma Highway Cycling Route Introduction
Are you no longer interested in the gentle riverside bike paths? As a cycling enthusiast, why not bravely conquer the Roma Road (Taiwan Provincial Highway 118)? Starting from Luofu in Taoyuan's Fuxing District to Mawu Du in Hsinchu's Guanxi Township, this route is not just a collection of uphill, downhill, and hairpin turns, but also tests your turning and shifting skills. The total distance is 33.83 kilometers, making it a significant challenge of endurance! Starting your ride from the Yihsing Suspension Bridge into Luofu, the journey begins with a 300-meter climb. Sweating as you pedal, the beautiful scenery is the best reward; from a distance, you can see Luofu and Fuxing Twin Bridges, which add vibrant energy to the majestic mountains. After completing the first climb, enjoy a cup of Muga coffee at a scenic café while taking in the view of the Dahan River's charming landscape, replenishing your energy. Then, ride down a gentle slope passing through Jialan and Chaoyang, where the giant vine basket indicates you've arrived at Xikou Village. Here, experiencing the mouth harp and hunting culture is a great option. Continuing westward with ongoing climbs, you pass by Kuihui and enter Meitui Mountain at an elevation of 404 meters, where the breathtaking views of Amuping and Jianguo Island are a great pleasure. There are restaurants and vendors nearby, where you can dine and replenish supplies. Heading towards Shimen Reservoir, in spring, you'll find cherry blossoms, while summer brings the companionship of tung flowers, making this journey of mixed hardships and joys a leisurely experience. Following the route, you will pass through various settlements such as Gaorao Ping, Xia Gaorao, Zhong Gaorao, and Shang Gaorao, where you can experience a century of Atayal culture. After about 1.9 kilometers of hairpin turns near Bashang Café, when you see the Guanxi Township sign, you have reached the highest point of Roma Road at an elevation of 464 meters! Enjoy the sense of achievement from reaching the summit, then embrace the thrill of the next 13 kilometers downhill, where you can also visit the ancient glutinous rice bridge in Mawu Du and savor the charm of the Showa era.
