Ed got in touch with me to enquire about joining my Taiwan KOM Challenge Tour this October, and after chatting about that, he messaged to let me know he’d be in Taipei for a few days and asked if I could plan some routes for him around the amazing Yangmingshan National Park area.

After messaging back and forth, I then let him know about my concierge service for people looking to ride in Taiwan who for whatever reason don’t have time or the inclination to join one of my multi-day, fully supported tours. I offer a variety of services, from booking hotels to arranging van rentals, from airport transfers to highly detailed itineraries, and also my services as a cycling guide. This last option is ideal for people who are in Taipei for a day or two and want to head out for a ride with someone with local experience.

With Yangmingshan being so close to Taipei (25minutes ride from Taipei Main Station to its foothills), it’s perfect for a half day’s ride.

This is what Ed went for, and so we met up in Taipei, and headed out into the stunning beauty that defines Yangmingshan – read all about YMS here. After the ride, Ed kindly offered to write me a review, and here it is – he really spoilt me with this one!

Thanks Ed!

For all enquiries regarding tours in Taiwan and other services we provide, please message me here or head to Taiwan KOM Tours.

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This past week, cycling coach and journalist Lee Rodgers offered me the chance to
experience a fully customized tour of Yangmingshan National Park, the pearl of
the Taiwanese cycling scene. The rides were epic. Full stop. The guiding, from Lee,
was perfect.

Worth noting is that even apart from the customized tours he and his company offer,
Lee generously shares his knowledge of global cycling with any and all comers through
his journalism. Indeed, well before I met Lee, I got turned on to the Yangmingshan cycling possibilities through this terrific 2024 online article:
“Cycling in Yangmingshan Taipei/The Best Kept Secret-None-Secret of Taiwan.”

Accompanied by stunning photos and detailed route suggestions, that article, full of
experience and knowledge accumulated by Lee through his many years in Taiwan, provides
more than enough information to allow even relative newcomers to road cycling to
explore on their own.

But, for a truly sublime, totally unforgettable experience, you absolutely must ride
together with Lee on a guided ride. Here’s why:

First, Yangmingshan National Park and its surroundings encompass a complex
landscape offering all sorts of hidden treasures. Sure, had I gone on my own, I might
have figured out the more popular climbing routes accessible from downtown Taipei.
But, had I done that, I would have missed a ton – out-of-the-way ornate temples, lush
agricultural areas accessible only through tiny side roads for those in the know, lavish
traditional burial grounds with sweeping views of the ocean, and climbs of all manner of
grades. Yet, we didn’t just look at the ocean from the heights of Yangmingshan.

金寶山日光苑 above Jinshan

We went right down to it, checking in at some of northern Taiwan’s most beautiful beaches,
places with the kind of coral blue water I associate more with Fiji or the Maldives than
anything in Northeast Asia. Truth be known, I actually lived in Taipei for a period of time
several decades ago, and I’ve returned numerous times since then. However, I’d never
gone to any of these places that Lee was showing me – gems that despite their close
proximity to Taipei are probably unknown to many locals as well.

Linshan Cape near Sanzhi

The bottom line is that Yangmingshan, just a quick ride from Taipei, is a cycling paradise, especially when you have somebody like Lee to open it up to you.

Baishawan Beach

But, there’s a second point that’s just as important. Lee, a former
professional cyclist, is a renowned cycling coach with clients all over the globe. When
you ride with him, you have the opportunity to be educated — in a totally easy going and
open manner — in the latest training techniques, race preparation strategies, and
approaches to achieving optimal mind-body connection, all related in a way that’s
applicable to cyclists of any age or ability. This kind of coaching is absolutely invaluable
(plus, when you’re ascending those steep Yangmingshan climbs with the not-unfit
Lee, it’s good at times to let him do the talking while you do the listening and focus on not blowing up!).

On top of it all, you’ll also get some interesting cultural perspectives gleaned from Lee’s 30 years living in Asia, as well as tips on cycling destinations all across Asia.

The bottom line is this – if you have the opportunity to do some riding with Lee, you’re
going to have an unforgettable experience. Epic. I can’t wait for the next time.