Here is an 8-minute chat that covers these hills. The following write-up is an edited transcript of the chat. I hope you dig it.
Let me introduce you to the 405, a notable climb in Northern Taiwan, specifically in Taoyuan County. Unlike typical road numbers, the 405 signifies the elevation above sea level, with the climb peaking at 405 meters. Although our previous posts feature climbs with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, this particular ascent has been on my mind, prompting me to share it here. We might eventually categorize this post within the 60 to 70 range, but for now, it will take place #34.
This climb presents several extremely steep sections. As mentioned, it reaches only 405 meters and is relatively short. Key areas in Taoyuan County where the climb occurs include Linkou, Sanxia, Bada, Daxi, Shulin, Guishan, Taishan, Wugu, Sanchong, and Yingge. If you find yourself in this region and crave a steep challenge, this climb is perfect for you.
Though brief, the climb is notably steep, with five different roads offering varied ascents and descents, making for a substantial afternoon ride. Depending on your starting point, you could cover around 50 kilometers, potentially extending to 100 kilometers if you begin near the international airport. Despite Taoyuan City’s urban environment and heavy traffic, this climb provides a quick escape into single-lane roads with tree cover, a challenging hill, and minimal traffic. Once you start climbing, the scenery is pleasant, with few cars and perhaps a scooter or two, but overall, traffic remains light.
For those in Taoyuan City, I recommend heading towards Taipei on Highway 1 and then turning onto Datong Road. Completing all five climbs in a single afternoon offers a significant challenge. Strava records over 1500 meters of elevation gain, with local riders reporting upwards of 2000 meters.
While I’ve never tackled all five climbs consecutively, I’ve completed them individually. Notably, Dehe Road and Donghe Road on the New Taipei side are extremely steep, ascending straight up the mountain. The Minhe climb, about six kilometers long, features a consistent 6% gradient with two steep segments. The Longxiao climb is 6.5km from Highway 1 to the 405 summit, there is a 1.5km downhill section and the road condition is a bit broken but rideable on a road bike.
The 405 climb reaches 405 meters above sea level, providing a lookout point where you can view Taipei 101 and Taipei City. Many riders ascend to a radio tower at the summit, which is a dead end, requiring a return descent. The view, especially on a clear day, is well worth the effort.
On Strava, gradients of 15%, 17%, and even 22% are recorded. Although steep, the climbs are short, ranging from 500 meters to 2 kilometers. Even experienced climbers will find these hills challenging, often requiring around 15 minutes to summit. Minhe took me 25 minutes the other night, spanning five or six kilometers. It’s a solid climb, and with streetlights, it’s safe to ride at night. While summer nights offer the best conditions, Taiwan boasts excellent riding opportunities year-round.
These five hills are popular among local riders, earning a place in our top 100 climbs due to their challenge and relative safety. If you’re in Northern Taiwan, consider adding this climb to your list. While attempting all five climbs in one go is ambitious, trying one or two, like Datong and Minhe, is a rewarding experience.
Personally, I favor the Datong Road climb from Taoyuan up to 405 and the Minhe route if starting from the Sanxia side. Generally, I don’t frequent this climb often, preferring the Linkou area’s more moderate gradients of 3% to 6%, which allow for larger circular routes. For the 405, riders typically tackle one or two climbs and customize their rides accordingly.
So there you have it, the 405. It deserves recognition in our series. If you’ve ridden it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.