中国の峠・トップ19

A monkey. He runs from right to left across the road, punching his way between his legs with his fists, pushing himself forward from the asphalt. After a few seconds, he's past me, disappeared from sight, back into the densely growing green forest. I doubt my cognitive abilities. I have to laugh, even though I have no breath to waste. I'm somewhere between sea level and 3,275 meters. I'm in the middle of the most impressive climb I've ever ridden. It's one of the longest any road cyclist can ride: the Wuling Pass in Taiwan. The facts: 3,410 meters of elevation, from zero to 3,275 meters without any significant interruptions. 85 kilometers, from the east coast of Taiwan on the North Pacific through Taroko National Park, through the jungle to the verdant heights of the pass. It's a pass that can't be grasped in the dimensions in which cyclists usually describe their mountain tours. Because what I'm telling you about the Wuling Pass is this: The last 15 kilometers were very tough. That means: 15 kilometers of uphill are just the – hard, hard, hard – finale of the climb. That means: Before that, there were already 70 kilometers of uphill. 85 kilometers alone make the journey worthwhile. Source: Radsport-Rennrad.de

A great starting point for many beautiful tours! Highly recommended!

Sejila Pass is at 4728m. If you are are lucky with the weather (mostly from October to March) you can enjoy a clear view onto Namcha Barwa, with its peak at 7782m. As it is mostly covered in mist and clouds it is also called ‚Fairy Mountain‘. The restplace and viewpoint is along the famous National Highway 318, which is the longest highway in China, spanning 5476km from Shanghai to the Nepalese border. The restplace itself is unremarkable, offering tourist trinkets and snacks. Yet the highway is busy and long delays should be expected.

Very easy for mountaineering. Perhaps that is why many people underestimate it. The altitude is tough. The lake below the pass was still covered in deep snow. So we didn't go swimming (swimming is supposed to wash away bad karma) There isn't another teahouse until after the pass. So take plenty of water with you!

@betty Small correction from a scientist. At 50% oxygen content, everything that is flammable (including us humans, clothing, animals, plants) would immediately start to burn. Up there, the air also has just under 21% oxygen content (the same as at the sea). Only the air pressure is correspondingly lower (or the density is lower) and therefore less oxygen is available with each breath. Therefore, an appropriate breathing technique is very helpful!

20km stretch to the highest road in Taiwan (Wuling) from the Puli site. After Quingjing Farm the road gets quieter, narrower and spectacular. For the full experience time the trip to finish at Songsyue Lodge for warm dinner and overnigh stay at 3100m. (advance booking required).

The name of the highlight is not very helpful, but this is the famous Taroko Gorge Highway. Amazing climb all the way to Wuling that tops at above 3000m. It is long, but not too steep (until the last section from Dayuling). Make sure to check if the road is opened as landslides are somewhat common. Go early in the morning and remember to look up from the handlebars :)

Climb out of Yilan on road no. 9. 12km, 4%, steady gradient with amazing views.