As autumn and winter arrive, the northeast monsoon begins to blow, reminding cyclists that it's time to ride south with the wind. With cycling becoming increasingly popular year by year, the annual Taipei-Kaohsiung Double Tower challenge held around early November attracts more participants. Tackling such a long-distance event requires ample preparation, not only in terms of pre-race training but also in planning for various aspects before, during, and after the race.
(Image source: Cycling Association of the Republic of China)
Taipei-Kaohsiung Double Tower
From Taipei to Kaohsiung, from Fugui Cape to Eluanbi, these are distances that cyclists both love and hate. The One-Day Taipei-Kaohsiung and Double Tower rides are unique and exciting challenges on the small island of Taiwan. Within a single day, you can travel from the northernmost to the southernmost points, enjoying the beautiful scenery along Taiwan’s western coast. Not only is it a test of physical endurance, but it’s also a chance to unlock a life achievement. For cyclists, this event has become the "fourth thing" that Taiwanese people must do.
Joining the Taipei-Kaohsiung Double Tower challenge every November has become a routine for many cyclists. (Image source: velodash)
However, whether it's Taipei-Kaohsiung or Double Tower, even though most of the route is flat with the help of the northeast monsoon, the daunting distances of 360km and 520km are still quite challenging. Moreover, with a time limit, it’s difficult to succeed without serious preparation. Ample long-distance training beforehand is crucial, and strategies for speed and refueling during the race are equally important. With the race fast approaching, let’s take a look at what other preparations you can make.
First-time Challenger, Take Note; Repeat Participant, Time to Rehearse
1. Long-Distance Training
Having solid aerobic endurance is the most important physical requirement for the Taipei-Kaohsiung Double Tower. If your regular rides are mostly 1-2 hours long or you often ride in the mountains, it’s time to extend your training sessions and keep your rides within zone 2 aerobic endurance. Ideally, you should include a few rides over 200km before the race, and for Double Tower, even over 300km. This will help your body adjust to the sensation of long-duration riding.
After a long ride, leg pain might not be your biggest problem. Lower back, shoulder, and saddle soreness can all become issues. These are normal experiences, and after a few attempts, you’ll get used to them. Practice changing your posture during the ride, altering hand positions, or standing to relieve muscle tension. Don’t underestimate these symptoms—serious cases can force you to stop the ride altogether.
Changing riding positions during long rides can ease muscle tension. (Image source: pickpic)
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Route
The best way to get to know the route is to ride it beforehand. This will help you understand the road conditions and practice long-distance riding. You don’t need to complete the entire Taipei-Kaohsiung or Double Tower route in one go. You can break it down into 150-200km segments and also test your refueling strategy. Identify convenient store locations, and before each stop, decide what supplies you need. This will save you time at each stop.
On the West Coast Highway, remember to keep a safe distance from motor vehicles. (Image source: pexels.com)
Whether it's for checking the route or refueling points, your phone is an essential tool. Don’t forget to carry Bone's Tie Connect 2-Magnetic during training or the race. The strap and magnetic design offer a more secure hold, but remember to only use your phone for navigation while riding—never use it while in motion for safety’s sake.
Bone’s cycling mounting set is the perfect companion for your One-Day Taipei-Kaohsiung/Double Tower ride!
3. Refueling Strategy
For a ride like the Taipei-Kaohsiung Double Tower, which takes over half a day, energy refueling is a critical issue. Although riding at a zone 2 intensity burns energy more slowly, regular refueling is key to preventing bonking. The author suggests consuming 50-60g of carbohydrates per hour, which is about 2-3 energy gels. Since the ride spans midday under the sun, electrolyte replenishment is equally important. Salt tablets, electrolyte powders, and sports drinks are essential. When stopping at convenience stores, look for solid foods you enjoy in addition to gels to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Having a solid refueling strategy keeps the long ride going. (Image source: Bone)
4. Gear Testing
Long-distance rides require significantly more gear. Besides water, sports drinks, and gels, lighting equipment like bike lights and reflective vests are crucial. Both the Taipei-Kaohsiung and Double Tower races start in the middle of the night, and with speeds typically high at the start, good visibility is essential for avoiding accidents.
Apart from race-day essentials like bib numbers or chips, it's recommended to test all other equipment during training. Never use new gear on race day. You can schedule night rides during training to get used to cycling in the dark, and don’t forget to service your bike before the race.
5. Group Riding
For cyclists signing up for the Taipei-Kaohsiung or Double Tower, it’s likely that a group of friends convinced them to join. They might be your mischievous friends before signing up, but once you’re registered, they become your invaluable teammates. It’s quite difficult to complete the Taipei-Kaohsiung or Double Tower alone, and no one really wants to ride solo. Riding in a group with shared wind resistance makes the journey much easier, but it’s crucial to practice pace-lining and develop good team synergy during training.
Practicing group riding and drafting reduces wind resistance, making long rides easier. (Image source: unsplash.com)
Most cyclists who are roped into these races have probably heard seasoned riders say that the Taipei-Kaohsiung Double Tower isn’t as hard as it seems—just keep pedaling, and you’ll get there. But to ensure you can keep pedaling, thorough preparation is key. For first-timers, the race will undoubtedly be exhausting, and by the second half, your body will feel like it’s falling apart. You might even wonder why you signed up for such a crazy challenge. However, when you reach the finish at Pingshan Elementary or Eluanbi, the sense of accomplishment will be unforgettable.
For most Double Tower participants, the view at Eluanbi Park is likely to be pitch black. (Image source: Forest Adventure)