Each ride and each route had its own start. A ride often has its inception in the space between the map and our imagination. Other times it can be as simple as the kind of "happy accident" frequented in a Bob Ross sort of way, where a wrong turn turned out much more right.
This road started with telephone poles.
Two weeks ago I had been out on a late-starter and chose a route I knew with an added wrinkle along a farm road.
As I scanned the hillside across the valley, I saw a pattern of telephone poles zig-zagging up the hill and beyond. I really wanted to explore, but I couldn't guarantee a decent return time and left it.
This past weekend I recruited Michael Turton to go exploring with me and together we disappeared into the Miaoli Route 51.
The Route 51 starts off with an impressive staircase out of the river valley off the Highway 13 in Da She. Several of these roads are popular with cyclists. The Route 49 is especially used as a cycling route. The Route 51 was surprisingly devoid of cyclists.
After capping the initial climb, which majestically overlooks the area and a famous railroad bridge, the Route 51 flattens out in a twisting avenue through an ecological forest preserve.
The road is not glass smooth, but rather quite rough for traction against slick moss. The quietness of the shade along with the clicking and squeaking bamboos is simply relaxing.
The Route 51 will surely be on the map as an alternate to some larger, busier roads.
Near the Sanyi Station I bid my farewells to Michael and continued alone to see about connecting this network of incredible paved tracks that hide beneath the shadow of Guandao Shan.
My first experiment was a failure as a promising connection to the Route 56 ended at a sketchy little farm that, apparently, raised vicious dogs. Google Maps seems to include former roads and streams in its mapping software. Still, the ride through these little marshlands is so unique.
I eventually made my peace with the roads and retreated up the Route 49 to the Route 56.
The Miaoli Route 56 is a hidden little gem that rises up to Guandao Shan.. but it does so with some compassion. Lots of little climbs, but noting that would restrict the road for climbers only.
The Route 56 eventually opens up high over the landscape for about a hundred meters before being again devoured by the mountain.
After another climb, the Route 56 ends at a strange intersection of tiny roads under a low canopy of trees. Each road leads off the hill, so I went down the hill to the Liyu Reservoir.
I brushed along the orchards and graves lining the roadway until I was on the 53-1... roads I was more familiar with as ascents than descents.
We need more water!
I kept the chain on the large ring and jammed for home through Zhuolan and Dongshih. I was feeling good.
Moreover, I was able to put the final piece of a puzzle together--a puzzle that will make for a remarkable summer route under the shade of the jungle. This one's gonna' be great.
Route 2,869,597 - powered by www.bikemap.net
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