Beiheng Highway Cycling Route Start Point Introduction
Feeling like life is monotonous? Why not plan a grand adventure to invigorate your dull existence! Journey objective – "Conquer the Northern Cross-Island Highway. I’m not afraid of the thousand-foot altitude!" This time, no cars, no transportation, just the challenging adventure of cycling. The uphill route stretches 80 kilometers, and I fear no one, as I traverse from Daxi through Jiao Ban Mountain, Dongyan Mountain, and Baling, heading straight for Zhuangwei in Yilan. Along the way, there are beautiful mountains, waters, and scenery, as you roam the vast world and rekindle your passion and initial intentions! Starting from the beginning point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Cikang Road in Daxi District, I smoothly pass by the Daxi mausoleum and Cihu Mausoleum. The Jiang Jing Memorial Park, before the crowds arrive, feels particularly tranquil. I continue to climb, passing through the Xinbaiji Tunnel, where leisurely tourists in scenic restaurants and farms provide a stark contrast to my rapid cycling. Before entering Sanmin Village in the Fengxing District, there are mostly straight sections, a good time to push for speed. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and distinctive tribal art installations, I pass by Yuanshan, Xin Village, to the Jiao Ban Mountain business district, where I can eat and replenish my water supply. Before reaching Baling, this is the only stop to replenish supplies. After crossing Jiao Ban Mountain and entering Luofu Village, I reach one of the three famous bridges on the Northern Cross-Island Highway – Luofu Bridge! Gazing at the grand and beautiful Dahan River valley fills me with energy. Continuing uphill, I pass through the Ronghua Tunnel and the Xuewu Tunnel, and after the former agricultural irrigation site Ronghua Dam, I arrive at the Biyao tribe, known for preserving the Formosan pheasant and the blue-breasted quail, where the Atayal people live harmoniously with nature, carefully creating a sense of belonging for visitors. Taking a short rest at Sulle to regain strength for the journey to Baling; from the Baling Bridge onwards, a series of steep climbs tests endurance and willpower. By now, I've cycled 50 kilometers, so don’t give up easily! After passing Guanghua, conquering a series of hairpin turns, I reach the highest point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Siling, feeling unforgettable excitement at the 1,170-meter altitude sign! As I descend toward the intersection of Taoyuan and Yilan, I draw closer to the end of this cross-border journey. Within Yilan, the riding mostly involves downhill sections. After passing through the Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area, I overcome the last major challenge - the Qilan hairpin turns, easily conquering Yuanshan and Yilan City, arriving directly at the easternmost point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway - Zhuangwei Pavilion, perfectly concluding the journey.
