Chasing a cycling dream to a faraway land, Lauren set her sights on Taiwan—a paradise of street food, warm hospitality, and epic climbs. She rang up her ride-or-die Rae, and just like that, the two were off on a bikepacking adventure that redefined #adultfriendshipgoals

The Route

Taiwan’s Route No. 1 is a 900+ km cycling loop that takes you around the entire island—through buzzing cities, coastal roads, mountain passes, and quiet countryside. It’s well-marked, cyclist-friendly, and packed with variety. One day you’re riding past temples and street food stalls, the next you’re climbing into the clouds.

"We had a wild adventure and would definitely recommend cycling that route. It’s a challenge for sure but Taiwan is such a great country to explore and especially by bike."

Lauren Roerick

Lauren's Tips
  • This route is best done in the cooler months, like February and March.
  • It’s a challenging route that’s best seen over a few weeks.
  • Expect the unexpected (like landslides).
  • Take in the views from the mountains - and don't forget to dip in the lakes!

"We cycled what we could despite some torrential rain and an unexpected landslide on the western coast that blocked the path."

The Gear

For their bikepacking trip, the girls opted to ride in Samsara Tech Tees, Adventure Shorts, and OG Shorts.

"The colours are so pretty and fun! Thanks for making us look so good out there :) "

Lauren travels the world and vlogs about it all. Give her a follow @laurenroerick