East Taiwan Self-guided Cycle Tour

Hopper app

Our dedicated Grasshopper Self-guided Adventures app combines navigating technology with visual and audio descriptions of points of interest along your routes, and can be hosted on all Android and iOS devices. The app contains your detailed tour route, podcasts with background information on the regions you will pass through, plus an audio commentary describing points of interest along the way. It also provides dining suggestions along your routes as well as in destination locations with translated menu recommendations. Furthermore, it will provide voiced glossaries of common phrases and words which you can use to make connections with locals.
On request we can provide iPads if you don’t wish to use your own mobile device.

Smooth Ride

Quality, well maintained Cannondale Quick Disc 4's in a full range of sizes are included in the price of your tour. These bikes are fitted-out to suit the conditions with hybrid tires for smooth touring performance, a wide gear range to help you on any climbs and removable mudguards in case we encounter wet conditions.

Comfy Beds

In the larger cities and established tourist centers, we use stylish and comfortable hotels and resorts. In the smaller destinations we use simple hotels with air-conditioning and private bathrooms, and some with private hot springs and swimming pool.

Cycling CPU

Exclusive to self-guided tours, our bikes come fitted with top of the range GPS navigation units. These biking computers have remarkable customization capabilities and can easily be ported with all major biking software, such as Strava, RidewithGPS or Kamoot, for all fans of cycling data. Never fear if you are not technically minded, as we've made them accessible to all riders. The device will be customised for you and we will upload the most accurate maps and routes. Furthermore, you will be well briefed on putting it to good use. You can download a free companion app and play around with its setup, download results of a day’s ride, or set yourself daily workout goals.

Self-Reliance

Before you ride out on your Self-guided adventure, you will be given a set of essential tools to handle all possible minor repairs, or you can turn to local mechanics for help. However, in the unlikely event of a breakdown, you just need to reach out to our representative who will either talk you through basic repairs or organize support in your location or will help you handle transfer to your destination.
On request, and for an additional fee, we provide a premium transfer service, to pick you up anywhere on the road if you feel you can’t make it to your ride’s destination.

Freedom

We provide the technology, travel planning and attention to detail so that you can just focus on enjoying the ride. You'll have your pick of great places to eat plus endless opportunities for local interaction as you cycle through regional communities. This is true independent touring without the hassle. It will take you to places you'd never reach any other way and allow you to explore new locations at your own pace.

Bag Transfer

We provide secure luggage transfers between each of your hotels. This way you can enjoy the ride knowing that when you arrive, your bags will already be waiting at reception. We will also call ahead to ensure that everything is ready for your arrival.

Bonus Kit

A beautiful souvenir Grasshopper cycling jersey is yours to wear and take home. We also provide a Grasshopper drink bottle as an extra memento.

Wahoo ELEMNT

On this tour we provide Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers for navigational support. These are the latest in user-friendly navigation tech from Wahoo Fitness. With Wahoo devices you will be able to track your progress and monitor your route. Beyond their basic setup, the geek-cyclists will find Wahoo ELEMNTs to be excellent data mining devices allowing to measure almost any aspect of the ride.

E-bike Option

In Taiwan we offer the Rikulau E-ILI ILI Gravel Bike, a superior example of Rikulau's commitment to quality and enhanced power. Crafted from premium grade chromoly, the Hercules frame is purposefully designed for touring, offering unparalleled comfort and durability. Its exceptional design ensures enjoyable, controlled rides on diverse terrains, including unpaved trails and pothole-filled city streets. Tailored for riders ranging from 150 cm to 190 cm (size XXS to XL), the bike also incorporates a handy pannier rack. Ideal for island exploration, multi-day journeys, or city touring and is a fine choice as your companion on the road in Taiwan. Find out more about our E-Bikes here.

Tour Extension

Our itineraries are carefully crafted to make the best of your time while touring and to balance out cycling and off-the-saddle activities. However, on this tour, there are locations which are ideal to spend an additional day, enjoy the hotel facilities, try your hand at surfing or just to relax while taking in the sights.

Reach out to our expert team to learn more about extending your adventure in Taiwan.

Safety

We are proud of the skills of our mechanics and put our full trust in the quality of our bikes, but we are always ready to act if something goes wrong. Self-guided touring requires that you can perform minor repairs yourself, but for any tough repairs you can count on our staff to provide assistance.

Your safety on a self-guided tour is our top concern as you ride without a local guide to offer immediate help. For this reason we provide means of contacting our Representative anytime, so if an urgent situation arises they can assist with translation, arranging transportation to medical facilities, or obtaining documentation required by your insurer.

Bike Upgrade

For those who want a little more zip in their ride the Rikalau Audaz 325 Titanium road bike is available as an upgrade option on all tours in Taiwan. The titanium frame offers a sublime blend of comfort, responsiveness, and lightweight agility, that will have you cruising along the coast and through the valleys of Taiwan with a grin from ear to ear. It's very likely you'll wish to purchase a titanium bike yourself by the end of the tour. The Ti frame is complemented by Shimano gearing, DT swiss wheels, and all the hardware to boost your riding experience to the next level - it's the true road warrior to best explore Taiwan by bike. Now all that's needed is you!

This bike is available as an upgrade option on this tour for $ 240 pp