I have my bike broken down and I am just about finished packing for my trip out to Hualien. I normally do my long distance riding over the course of a day and don't need racks or panniers, so I bought a light Mammut pack for any long distance travel in Taiwan. I chose the pack because it was light and seemed to be more aerodynamic than the others. It can break down quite small to fit different types of rides. For rides over 120 miles I might take it to haul food, liquids and supplies I might need for a longer haul.
For this trip I am probably over packing again, but a this time of year (or most times of year for that matter), you never know what to expect up in the mountains. A clear day might turn into low clouds, mist and rain on the top. There are few supply stops between Tian Xiang and Wuling... If I remember correctly, there is a general store before the wall of switchbacks, there is a shack on the side of the road that is often closed, there is the gas station near the hostel and a market, and a rest stop on the climb up the Highway 14. That's about it until all that Disneyland-Starbucks crap by Qing Jing Farm. It is best to be prepared for a few different scenarios. My biggest fear is that it will rain on the descent. People take those turns up there way too fast and always sweep into the oncoming lane. It could also be a bit chilly if it rains. Last time we went from sizzling hot to freezing cold in the course of a lazy morning cloud.
So here's what's in my little yellow pack:
Clothes:
Pair of Socks x 2
Bibs x 1
Jersey x 2
Base Layer x1
Windbreaker x 1
Sunglasses x1 (day and night lenses)
Pair Cycling Gloves x 1
Helmet x 1
Shorts x 1
T-Shirt x 1
Arm warmers x 2
Leg warmers x2
Tools:
Mini-pump x 1
Extra tubes x 2
Patchkit x 1
Multi-tool
Lights x 2
Flashlight x 1
Tire Levers x 3
CO2 kit x 1
First Aid:
Toothbrush
Sunscreen x 1
Contact lens kit x 1
Aspirin x 6
Tums x 6
Benadryl Tabs x 6 Sheet x 1
Asthma Inhaler x 1
Bandage kit x 1
Chamois Cream x 1
Food:
Granola Bars x 6
Gel x 1
Apples x 3
Bananas x 3
Powerbar x 3
Water x 2
Other:
Cell Phone x 1
Money x Extra
Health Card x 1
Camera x 1
ipod x 1
Waterproof Cover x 1
Waterproof bag x 1
Bike Bag x 1
