Before leaving the hotel, we thoroughly checked the bike bags. We made sure the bikes were properly secured and that there was no damage to the bags before boarding the bullet train. With everything in perfect condition, we were ready to start today's ride with peace of mind!

It’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel to THSR Taoyuan Station. With the bike and bikepacking gear, the total weight was quite a load. The shoulder straps gradually dug in—an all-too-familiar struggle for cyclists carrying their bikes on foot.

The ride from Taoyuan to Changhua took about an hour by bullet train. Since the standard seats were fully booked, we opted for the business class (Green Car). It cost NT$1210 per person (around ¥5,800). The spacious seating and secure luggage area made it a perfect choice for cyclists.

It was our first time riding Taiwan’s bullet train, THSR. Even Kenta, who’s usually calm, was visibly excited—taking more photos than Tsucchi! This moment was filled with the unique thrill of rail travel in a foreign land.

There’s a dedicated luggage space in the Green Car where bike bags can be stored. However, since space is limited, bikes need to be split up when traveling in groups. It’s also important to stand them upright to avoid blocking the aisle—small considerations that make a big difference.

With the bikes safely stowed, we could finally relax. Aboard the train, we reviewed today’s route while enjoying the peaceful view of Taiwan’s countryside rolling past the windows.

Arriving at Changhua Station, we headed to the starting point of our ride. Joining us this time was Nobu-san, a professional photographer from Cycle Sports magazine. Unlike our usual Kenta & Tsucchi adventure, this trip had an extra layer of excitement and tension.

As soon as we arrived at Changhua Station, Nobu-san took a commemorative shot with the bullet train in the background—a perfect way to kick off the day. Captured from a fresh perspective, the moment brought a smile to Kenta’s face.

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Right outside Changhua Station, we unpacked our bikes under a sheltered area. Between reassembling the bikes, attaching our bikepacking gear, and mounting cameras, the prep took about 40 minutes—longer than usual.

With all our gear checked and good to go, the long-awaited ride finally began. Before setting off, we snapped a group photo. What lay ahead was a cycling journey full of scenic views and delicious discoveries en route to Sun Moon Lake.

Soon after we started, we reached Tianzhong, a region in central Taiwan known for its rice cultivation. The landscape was dotted with irrigation canals that channel water into the paddies.

We rode smoothly along narrow trails between rice fields, surrounded by the tranquil Taiwanese countryside. The road surface was surprisingly smooth, making the ride effortlessly pleasant.

Pedaling through farmland, we reached the Ershui Bike Path, a popular cycling route that runs alongside the Jiji Line, a local railway. If you're lucky, you can ride parallel with the train—a charming feature. Though we didn’t catch a glimpse of the train this time, riding through the calm scenery was soothing in itself.

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We arrived at the Ershui Flowering Goldenrain Tree section of the Jiji Line. These pale pink blossoms—often mistaken for cherry blossoms—are actually Taiwan Goldenrain Trees (Cassia fistula). The area was packed with photographers and tourists hoping to capture that perfect shot with the train. It was a breathtaking spring scene that stopped us in our tracks.

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The “Green Tunnel” in Jiji Township is a 4.5 km stretch lined with mahogany trees. In 1940, to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Japanese imperial calendar, the Japanese government encouraged residents to plant camphor trees. These well-maintained trees now frame a scenic railway section that’s popular among photographers.

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Emerging from the treelined avenue, we reached the nostalgic Jiji Tunnel. The cool air inside was refreshing. As we passed through, the landscape suddenly opened up into a gentle descent—leading us straight into the town of Jiji, where our lunch spot awaited.

As we entered Jiji, the streets were lined with colorful signs and vibrant storefronts, quintessentially Taiwanese. Riding through town, we soaked in the local energy and liveliness.

We arrived at Jiji Station, a charming wooden train station located at the heart of town. Built in 1933 during the Japanese colonial period, it's still active today as a stop for tourist trains. A perfect place for a short break during our ride.

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For lunch, we headed to “Ba Zhang Beef Noodles” on the outskirts of Jiji. The place was packed with locals—clearly a beloved neighborhood joint rather than a touristy spot.

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The dark, rich broth surprised us at first, but its mild flavor was soothing. A warm bowl of beef noodles was just the thing to refresh our tired bodies during this midday break.

After lunch, we visited the Jiji 921 Earthquake Memorial Hall (formerly Wuchang Temple), which was severely damaged in the 1999 earthquake that struck central Taiwan. The site has been preserved in its collapsed state to convey the severity of the disaster to future generations.

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We gently pedaled along the Jiji Town Loop Bike Path, which encircles the town, taking in the last views of this quaint, local area. Then, it was time to push forward toward our next destination—Sun Moon Lake.

Route 131, which connects Jiji and Shuili, was a recommendation from Sam. With little traffic and gently rolling terrain, it was a smooth and pleasant stretch—an ideal cycling route for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding nature.

At the foot of the climb toward Sun Moon Lake, we stopped at a famous dessert shop in Shuili called “Shuili Chen Family Douhua.” It's a beloved spot among local cyclists—a perfect place for a sweet break and energy recharge.

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We ordered a chilled mixed douhua—silky tofu topped with chewy delights like tapioca pearls and mochi. It was just what we needed to cool down in the nearly 30°C heat. The generous portion for just NT$40 (around ¥200) made it even more satisfying.

After our sweet treat, the real climb to Sun Moon Lake began. Though the average gradient was only 1–4%, the extra weight from our bikepacking gear made it a slow, steady burn for our legs.

After conquering the climb, we reached Checheng, a quiet mountain town once known for its thriving lumber industry. The Checheng Wood Industry Exhibition Hall preserves that legacy and offers a look into the region’s woodworking history. The town’s calm atmosphere made it a rewarding place to stop.

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In a corner of the exhibition hall, we found a wooden carving depicting a Shao tribal legend. According to the story, hunters followed a deer across the mountains and discovered the sacred waters of Sun Moon Lake, eventually settling there. Even today, the lake holds deep spiritual significance for the Shao people.

After resting in Checheng, the real uphill challenge began—over 10 km of climbing with a 3–6% gradient. As expected, Sam’s relentless pace quickly left Tsucchi behind in the dust...

Just as our water bottles ran dry and the uphill felt endless, we stumbled upon Qishi Xuanji Temple, dedicated to Zhuge Liang (Kongming). Believed to bless travelers with safety and wisdom, it was the perfect place to rehydrate and recharge both body and spirit.

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After grinding through nearly 20 km of climbing, we finally arrived at Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s top scenic destinations. The lakeside roads were busy with tourist buses, so we kept our focus all the way to the finish.

We coasted gently along the lakeside for the final 2 km and reached our hotel, Hotel Del Lago. The sense of accomplishment after such a long day naturally led to high fives all around. It’s moments like these that make bike travel so unforgettable.

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At Hotel Del Lago, we could store our bikes safely indoors, just off the lobby. For cyclists, being able to trust that your travel companion is secure is a huge relief.

Our room offered a sweeping view of Sun Moon Lake’s shimmering shoreline. The spectacular scenery was more than enough to wash away the fatigue of the ride. Even just relaxing on the balcony felt like a moment to cherish.

After a refreshing shower, we headed into town for dinner at “Xin Shan Wei Shao Tribe Cuisine Restaurant.” This popular spot serves traditional dishes from the indigenous Shao people, using local ingredients in warm, comforting meals. It’s loved by tourists and locals alike, with a welcoming atmosphere to match.

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Alongside a few traditional local dishes, we also ordered Kenta’s all-time favorite—mapo tofu. The thick, savory sauce clung to the tofu perfectly. It was mild, flavorful, and deeply comforting—just what we needed after a long ride.

The perfect end to the ride? A cold glass of Taiwan Beer. It soaked into our parched bodies and brought out smiles all around. This was the moment we pedaled for—and it gave us the energy to take on tomorrow's adventure, too.