MICHAL GALKA / FULL REVIEW

A FULLY ORGANIZED TOUR

The Tour was very well organized. With a hassle-free airport transfer, before and after the event. Well located, comfortable and bike-friendly hotels. Full board. Very good communication between Lee, and us riders. Thanks to the small group of people (12 riders) we could get to know each other quickly, and start sharing our cycling passion, as well as thoughts about the KOM Challenge lying in front of us.

We were informed with details about each of 7 days of riding. Concerning the route length, elevation, estimated time and exciting attractions along the way. A professional photographer, Lee's friend – Paolo, cycled with us. He provided great photos of unforgettable moments. With GUARANTEED KOM Challenge entry including opening ceremony, riders pack, souvenir jersey and a T-shirt. We were certain, we couldn't have made a better choice.

Safety is a top priority An experienced team took care about our safety and convenience. During each ride one guide was leading, and another was at the rear. Because of that, everyone could find his or her own pace. If you are a racer, who likes a higher pace, you stick at the front. If you prefer more leisure ridding, enjoying the scenery, you stay somewhere in the middle (like me) or at the end. There was also a supporting van always with us along each day, for mechanical support, water refilling or medical emergency. In case one of cyclists decided that he had enough of pedalling for the day, he could jump on the van. The local guide helped us with translation from Chinese to English. He was also a skilful mechanician, who saved one of my days, when my chain quick link failed.

The hosts were vigilant for situations like local road closures, and adapted the fourth day route, when we had rain, accordingly. Nothing was left to chance. We were led by professional team. Hence, we could focus on riding, and enjoying the beautiful Taiwanese scenery.

These guys knows all the nitty gritty details about cycling in Taiwan. From a cycling perspective, there is probably no better group to explore Taiwan with.

RIDING THROUGH TAIWAN

The itinerary was planned carefully to present the essence of Taiwan to the Tour participants. Every day was a new discovery. Time and time again, we were surprised with beautiful new places to uncover and ideas how to explore the surroundings. We cycled in north, east and in the central mountain range of Taiwan. From Taipei with its amazing cycling infrastructure, through beautiful National Parks with Asian temples emerging from the jungle, through the hidden gems of climbing, across rice fields and tea plantations, along the ocean coast, to Taroko Gorge – home of the KOM Challenge. Taiwan is maybe not large, but diverse. Each region has unique beauty, microclimate, and of course possesses its own hills to climb!

Moreover, the people living in Taiwan are great. They love cycling. Every place we went, we were greeted with far-reaching enthusiasm.

WELL BALANCED TOUR

The thing I really like about the Tour is the fact that it was very well balanced in terms of daily cycling distance and climbing difficulty. The organisers were aware that we aimed for the main thing on the last day - the KOM event. The two days before the Challenge were easier, with the possibility to take a day off prior to KOM, to rest properly or perform your own routine. There was also a great balance between ridding and off-the-bike exploring, sightseeing, experiencing the local culture. We visited a night market in Taipei, the street market in Jiufen, as well as to several local restaurants. Each place had its own atmosphere and vibration.

A great idea, especially for people who were experiencing their first time in Asia – like me! It was something unique in comparison to my previous cycling events that I I took part in. I have never experienced anything like that before. An organizational masterpiece.

THE KOM CHALLENGE

Taiwan is hot and humid. I felt it from the moment I got off the plane. Throughout the tour, your body will adapt to the new climate’s conditions. You will also familiarize yourself with the new riding environment. Then on the the KOM Challenge Day you will be much more confident and have a significantly higher chance to succeed. I think this factor played an important role in my success.

On the course of the Tour, you can also ask the guides for tips on how to tackle the KOM. They are very experienced riders, and always willing to help. During the Tour, there was also one day, when we climbed about 1/4 of the KOM route, to familiarize ourselves with the beautiful Taroko Gorge, and the actual KOM Challenge conditions lying in front of us. After a week of riding through Taiwan, on the day of the Challenge, I felt strong and self-confident. For me, the Wuling pass climb was hard, but bearable. All participants of the Tour completed the KOM Challenge successfully!

That is why, I believe, there is no better way to attack the Taiwan KOM Challenge, than through the KOM Tour with Taiwan KOM Tours.

MINGLE WITH THE PROS

There was a possibility to ride with professional cyclists, like Simon Yates, a day before the Challenge, and get the autograph from them during opening ceremony. I met Ollie (Oliver Bridgewood), from GCN, and took a selfie with him. In fact, I had met him before, first in Switzerland in 2021. Therefore, by taking part in Taiwan KOM Tour, you can write an amazing story of your cycling life!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

When I finally decided that I am ready to dare myself to take on the Taiwan KOM Challenge, I started wondering about one thing. With the effort and logistics required to get there, I wanted to experience something more than just one single day of riding. It seemed kind of absurd for me. I wanted to make this long-haul flight meaningful. I desired something unforgettable, something epic!

I did some research and came across this Taiwan KOM Challenge Tour organized by Taiwan KOM Tours. A week of exploring Taiwan appeared to be much more reasonable and tempting. I signed up, and as the days counted down, my excitement grew.

It turned out that I could not have made a better choice.

SUMMARY

The Taiwan KOM Tour is a unique experience in a unique environment.

A one-of-a-kind balance between cycling, exploring, sightseeing, learning a new culture, and aclimbing challenge. The Taroko Gorge, home of the KOM, is one of the most beautiful gorges,I have seen. During the Tour you have possibility to visit it twice! I enjoyed each and every moment of the Tour. So far, it was best traveling, sycling and all-round advebture experience in my life. This trip will remain deeply engraved in my mind and heart for ever.

I highly recommend Taiwan KOM Challenge Tours to any cyclist who is looking for the adventure of a lifetime!