Roman Highway Bicycle Route Introduction
Are you no longer interested in the gentle riverside bike paths? As a cycling enthusiast, why not bravely conquer the Rome Road (Taiwan County Road 118)? Starting from Luofu in the Taoyuan Fuxing District in the east to Matsu in the Guanxi Township in Hsinchu in the west, this route has a combination of hills and hairpin turns that will challenge your cornering and shifting skills. Spanning 33.83 kilometers, it's also a test of endurance! Begin your ride at the Yixing Suspension Bridge and enter Luofu, starting with a 300-meter climb. Sweating as you pedal, the stunning scenery is the best reward; from afar, you can see the Luofu and Fuxing Twin Bridges, their striking structures adding vibrancy to the magnificent mountains. After completing the first climb, stop by a scenic café for a mug of mountain pepper coffee, enjoying the beauty of the Dahan River, and recharge your energy. Next, glide down the slope passing Jialan and Chaoyang, and when you see the giant rattan basket, you have arrived at the Xikou Tribe, where experiencing the jaw harp and hunting culture is a great option. Continuing westward and climbing through Kuihui, you will enter Meitui Mountain at an altitude of 404 meters, overlooking the must-visit scenic spots of Amping and Ginger Island, offering a great treat for the eyes. There are restaurants and vendors nearby if you want to dine and replenish supplies. Heading towards Shimen Reservoir, in spring the cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer, the tung flowers accompany you, adding a leisurely atmosphere to this mixed journey of sweet and bitter experiences. Then, pass through the Gaya tribe composed of Gaoyraoping, Lower Gaoyraoping, Middle Gaoyraoping, and Upper Gaoyraoping, and immerse yourself in the century-old Atayal culture. After passing a hairpin turn near the Bashang Café about 1.9 kilometers later, when you see the sign for Guanxi Township, you will have reached the highest point of the Rome Road at an altitude of 464 meters! After enjoying the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit, embrace the thrill of the next 13 kilometers of downhill riding, where you can leisurely discover the ancient glutinous rice bridge in Matsu, savoring the charm of the Showa era.
