After completing Suhua Highway (蘇華公路) feels a little lazy to go on because it was like a "final examination". Anyway next destination do have some sort of magnet to pull me go further, Jiufen (九份). I have been to Jiufen before but that was with a tour which was a short and rush. Moreover this time I will be staying a night in Jiufen giving me a chance to enjoy the night view or more importantly sunset and sunrise. Seen it on photo and poster but it would be great to see it with my own eyes the real thing.
Setting up for the ride which will soon be wrap up in these two days. Not knowing till we are outside of the house, it was a wet day! Not just the roads are wet but everything was wet, raining which is not the same as previous rain we had in earlier day. Plenty of water on the road and from the sky. A little hesitate to go on because I hate getting wet at the start of the day. Indecisive for a while but looking at the amount of rain I don't think it will stop anytime soon thus put up raincoat then start the journey for today.
Have my "Digi Yellowman" suit on then we roll toward north coast. Grab a simple breakfast from a small shop selling dumpling since I am not sure what else to have. The rain spoil my mood and another matter making it worst. After installing a mudguard on BlackBeauty today is the first time test it during rain. Before this I tried riding on a pool of water seems okay but during raining it was disaster. The dirt picks up from my rear wheel could reach my helmet. And I was lucky to have my waterproof Vincita pannier which well protest my stuff and kept dry all time.
The plan is to go along the coast from northeast towards a point where we have to climb a small hill to reach foothill of Jiufen. The coast was equally good compare to those we ave seen so far but the sand is not white. Got into a township called Dali (大里) and we are tempted for another "cheat" taking train to foothill of Jiufen. Then saw a visitor center thus going to check for any alternative way to avoid the climb. It was a good decision to get help from visitor center. Several bikeway which will guide you to foothill of Jiufen without climbing the hill. The staff suggest to try the shortest yet a special way to explore the history of Taiwan. This bikeway will go through an old train tunnel which was now a path for cycling and/or walking. This tunnel, Caoling Old Tunnel Bikeway (舊草嶺自行車隧道), was the path I am looking for weeks after seen a cyclist friend tried it. The Caoling Old Tunnel, formerly a tunnel for trains, is the first to have been renovated as a biker’s tunnel in northern Taiwan. Since its opening in August 2008, it has become one of the most popular spots of the Northeast Coast for its complete facilities. It is packed with visitors at all time, including family groups.
The tunnel bring us to another town called Fulong (福隆) which again cannot decide if we should explore more here or just go on. Then later we wanted to have a look at the hanging bridge nearby. Unfortunately maintenance works was in progress thus gave up explore the town. Found a shorter way to go Jiufen but the surrounding looks like heading to nowhere。 At last we landed to a train station where we found a shop selling very good Bento (便當).
After lunch move on and my Garmin leading me to a road which is not meant for bicycle, or at least not for a folding bicycle with panniers. Get direction from nearest police station then we start the climb up Jiufen. Although the hill was not that high but the steepness not giving us any easy time. Moreover we are going up from east to west which will go to the top of the hill then descent to Jiufen.
Reach Jiufen then busy finding the homestay we plan to stay but it was not easy. Settle down in a homestay which is nearer to main road and we call it a day. Getting dinner is not difficult and after I had my own sweet time with coffee and Tiramisu while enjoying the night view.
Setting up bike, filled water bottle and going to start the ride soon.
Wet day to start with, make me felt so moody and not feeling good to cycle.
After much consideration, put on the "Digi Yellowman" suit then start riding.
Obviously the designer of this mudguard was an idiot. The water was from rear wheel able to reach my head.
After 30km ride reach a town near to coast.
Need to get some foods in this town called Toucheng (頭城) which is very near to coast.
Start riding along the coast to up north.
Saw this building looks not common in Taiwan but to me as Malaysian it is quite familiar.
A very good idea not to waste any inch of land, a farm land by the seaside.
A short bicycle lane along a nice boutique hotel facing the sea.
This hotel was unique and every unit was facing the sea.
One of the unit was the reception.
Northeast coast has its own identity which will give you a view that is comparable to other coast.
Luckily went into this place, with the help of the kind lady who work here found a shorter way which will also avoid more climbing.
With more option and variety of places to choose we have to plan thoroughly what is our next route to be.
A warm reminder for those who will cycle in this county.
Three recommended routes for novice, season and professional cyclist.
Those worth a visit places of interest.
Decided to go with Caoling old tunnel, from visitor center follow main road up north for approximately 2.6 kilometers. Or you may refer to milestone on road side marking 115.4km.
This stair will lead you to the old tunnel but you can go further to just roll down instead of carrying your bike down the stairs.
Make a U-turn here then will bring you to the old tunnel.
From here you can see the stairs which I mentioned earlier.
Make a left turn to here then follow by a right turn and you will see the old tunnel.
Places of interest nearby.
At the entrance of the tunnel you will see this information center explaining about the tunnel and surrounding.
That's the east entrance to the old tunnel.
Don't worry, we will not go into that tunnel! Lol
A parallel tunnel was built to replace this old and small tunnel.
At west exit of the tunnel.
An old train on display in the small park near to the tunnel.
Thought I could just send off my BlackBeauty with this train...but I need for the rest of the journey.
A disappointment when reach this place, a suspension bridge under maintenance.
I love this Bento and it was selling cheap.
Problem with my Garmin Edge 800, losing many mileage because the device not responding.
Half way to Jiufen.
The view at on of my rest point where many trekker will walk pass.
A trekking trail that people use to walk up to Jiufen in older days.
Definitely going to the left!
Hill top and Jiufen is just few kilometers descend from this place.
That's where I am climbing from.
Arrived and I need a bottle of Coke to chill out.
Famous spot for photo shot whenever you came to Jiufen.
Dinner in one of the small shop in Jiufen with a nice view....oh no, just a poster.
Love the name of this place, Babka (sounds like 肉腳).
Pampered myself with the view, Tiramisu and coffee.
Getting darker.
A view on Jiufen at dusk.
The view from coffee shop I am taking my rest.
Looks happy to be able to enjoy the night in Jiufen.
Night view...and it was so quiet.
A walk back to homestay through the street that was full of people in day time.
Common area of the homestay which we don't really have any spare time to enjoy it.
Actual ride route on day 10 with elevation profile and speed graph against distance.
Ride detail from my Garmin Edge 800.
