FAQ
Activity and Itinerary related
Q. How many people are going?
A. We expect over 100 cyclists. The bike tour company will have cycling guides to direct traffic. Bike mechanics, as well as medical personnel, will travel in our group to ensure everyone’s safety.
Q. What time and where do we meet on Oct 18th?
A. We gather in front of the Red House in Ximen to begin Check-in at 9 a.m. Don’t be late!
Address: No. 10, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 108
You can take the Taipei MRT-Bannan Blue Line to MRT Ximen Station. Red House Ximending is about a one-minute walk from exit No.1 of MRT Ximen Station.
Q. What time do we get back on Sunday?
A. We expect to be back at Ximen around 4:30-5 p.m. We then will have a closing ceremony and dinner at Mudan from approximately 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Q. How do I pack?
A. Please check out our Packing List to prepare you for your trip. Bring no more than one suitcase that will be transported directly to the hotel. You can also bring a small backpack or a bike pouch attached to the bike that you will have access to during the ride.
Q. What will I eat?
A. We recommend you eat a light breakfast the morning of the 18th. Your tour includes lunch and dinner on the 18th as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the 19th and 20th. There will be plenty of snacks and beverages during the bike ride. We have noted your dietary preferences. Meals will be arranged by “meat” and “vegan”, and you can select accordingly.
Q. Can I bring my children?
A. Given the distance of the ride, this event is for adults only.
Q. Can my spouse, partner, friend, or children come to visit me at the hotel?
A. We will be having group dinners along with evening activities. Please let us know ahead of time that you’d like us to include your dinner guest, and we can arrange the purchase of an additional meal.
Bike Related
Q. What if I bring my own bike?
A. Please bring a bike helmet if you are bringing your own bike.
Please note: We do not recommend folding bikes or bicycles built for two for this riding distance. If you bring an e-bike, you are responsible for your own power charge.
Q. If I am renting a bike from you, what does my bike rental include?
A. If you rent a bike from us, your rental will include a hybrid bike with road tires, bike helmet, water bottle, and a small bike pouch that can hold sunscreen and a wallet. If you are renting an eBike, please be sure to bring the battery into your room to charge every night. (Staff will be there to assist you)
Q. What if something happens to my bike?
A. One of the tour guides is a bike mechanic. The tour company also brings a spare bike.
Q. Where do we park our bikes at night?
A. The hotel will give us a group parking spot for the bikes. If you are bringing your own bike of high value, we recommend you keep it in your hotel room. Please bring bike bag or wrap the tires with a bag as you bring it to your room. Please also bring a bike lock for Closing Ceremonies.
Route and Riding Difficulty
Q. How hard is the ride and what is the route like?
A. The ride is about 70% road cycling along cars and 30% on bike routes away from cars. The following are the details of our route. Day 1: 62.2 km, 97m elevation. Day 2: 79.5 km, 299m elevation. Day 3: 68.5 km, 193m elevation.
You can expect about 5-7 hours of time riding your bicycle each day. This is a ride, not a race, so there will be frequent stops and a one-hour lunch break. The bike guides will try to allow for different paces while also maintaining us as a group.
We recommend that you join us on our Training Rides leading up to this event. It’s also a great way to meet the new friends you’ll spend the weekend with in October.
Q. What if I can’t finish the ride?
A. We expect that all participants complete the bike ride. However, if you have an injury or feel that your health is at risk, you and your bike will be transported by the support van.
Weather and Emergency Situation
Q. What if it rains?
A. Rain is frequent in Taiwan and you should bring a raincoat in case of wet weather. We cycle in light to moderate rain. In case of heavy rain, we will be transported by bus to our destination for the day.
Q. What happens if there is a typhoon or a COVID outbreak?
A. The tour company would decide on canceling the tour based on what the city government decides, then of course the tour would be canceled and people’s money would be refunded per government guidelines.
Safety
Q. How do I prepare for safety?
A. Please be sure to visit our Safety page and watch the safety video to understand the rules of safety.
2024 Asia Rainbow Ride
The Asia Rainbow Ride will take place from October 18th to 20th, 2024 during Taiwan Pride month.
