Cycling Taiwan 620km 四極燈塔 was the highlight for me in 2025!
Together with 9 other friends, we embark on this epic ride.
YouTube: We are still not sure how we manage to crawl through 620 km from North to South! (Ok, 600km, there is a 20km discount)
Imagine, cycling 620 km from Fulong to Kenting, this will bring us near to Taiwan’s four lighthouses.
These lighthouses are situated at the four corners of Taiwan.
Ironically, cyclists will not be able to spot the lighthouses.
North-FuGuiJiao 富貴角燈塔
East – SanDiaoJiao 三貂角燈塔
West – GuoSheng 國聖燈塔
South – Eluanbi 鵝鑾鼻燈塔
We took one year to train for this event. It is also a milestone for many Taiwanese. Salute to those who diy and complete without support car 保母車!
For those who are keen to challenge themselves.
There are two main bicycle organisations in Taiwan, TBA and TWB. We had joined TBA’s Taiwan 620km 四極燈塔 event.
You would have three different category flag offs on the same day. All are epic, and are designed to cater to different groups of cyclists.
The only differences are the start and end points.
Example
四極燈塔 (620km) start and ends at 福隆 Fulong and 墾丁 Kenting respectively.
雙塔 (520km) start and ends at 富貴角 (base) and Kenting respectively.
北高 360km) start and ends at 八里 Bali and 左營 Zuoying (Kaohsiung) respectively.
My training buddy, Hulk!
Seven of us completed the ride. We motivated each other along the way.
What works for me? How was our strategy? What are the tips and learning points?
1)Practice and consistency were key, when we build up our base.
Some of us signed up with Audax series to train our endurance in Malaysia.
I did 200,300 and 400km, and these trainings (heat and endurance) were helpful for my Taiwan 620km 四極燈塔.
2)The multiple Audax rides not only train our body and mind. It validates our equipment and gears too. Your lights, bike comp, camera and phones will need a recharge strategy.
3)7-11 and Family Marts along the route will be packed with cyclists. Toilet queues can take up to 20,30 minutes! Convenience stores are also where we refuel, and food and drinks might run out!
Seasoned cyclists will Uber their meals at some meeting points.
4)Whenever situation offers, a power naps do wonders
Imagine, 620km ride means you go through Night-Day-Night, to complete under 35 hours.
5)This tip is illegal, and you can be summon by traffic police!
You will go through at least 100 Traffic lights (not exaggerating).
We did not stop at all the red lights, we follow the locals :p
Assuming each red light takes 1 minute to turn green, for x50 red lights, it will mean 50 to 60 minutes delay!
6)Microsleep is REAL! I doze off on a few spells, and had a minor fall near the end point. When your body needs to rest, stop and take a quick rest.
Seasoned cyclists would even book short term hotel rooms to nap for 2 to 3 hours.
7)Do not neglect nutrition and hydration, or you will definitely bonk!
Keep on sipping on water, especially when you hit the warm provinces like Taichung and Chiayi.
Eat some REAL food too. Consuming too much gels will upset your stomach.
8)Secure your equipments. The speed bump strips are super bumpy.
My headlight mount broke and there goes my $70 headlight. (I had a spare light)
That is about it from my newbie Cycling Taiwan 620km 四極燈塔 experience. Do share your tips with me too.
Will I do it again? UNLIKELY.
But I can confirm that the friendship and bond we share over 620km, will stay with me a LONG time!