Taiwan 2026: On the road again.

The rain had gone by the morning, leaving a gray muggy day.

The Suzuki 650 V-Strom I had booked was waiting for me in a quiet Eastern suburb of Taipei. I jumped in an Uber after rushing to get my gear sorted and packed having overslept and not having had time for breakfast.......DOH!). The usual inexplicable trepidation before these trips taking hold as I tried to sleep the night before. Which always and I mean ALWAYS evaporates the moment I sit on the bike. Idiot!

Did the necessary paperwork and paid the balance. This included a hefty £600 refundable deposit paid on card against traffic violation fines (should any be incurred?!). I was warned to obey the speed limits at all times; which I did, only to have the locals tearing past me as if I was stood still!!

I set off north into the hills on a very small local road; just getting a feel for the V-Strom, my first Suzuki! A heavy beast and the seat is a bit low for someone of my height but it was sure footed enough, taking the corners with aplomb. I rejected the supplied side cases in favour of my trusty waterproof roll bag on the back seat. This proved to be a wise move later on as I filtered past the holiday traffic on the narrower stretches of coastal road.

There were a lot of cyclists out and a few bikers (ie. those NOT on a scooter!). Unlike virtually everywhere I've ridden in the world, the bikers do not acknowledge each other; no nod, no thumbs up, no cheery wave!?? Very odd, as they are, as a rule, very friendly otherwise.

I think is was a volcano I skirted as I approached the North coast. There were what appeared to be geothermal vents in places. It was turning into a very enjoyable ride. As the road descended, a huge temple type thing appeared. Looked like it was surrounded by many tombs and it was very busy today being the last day of Qing Ming (I think?!?). A quick photo stop before my stomach demanded reparations for the lack of breakfast. I spotted a Family Mart and got a microwave beef and rice bowl. Another gourmet biker meal on the move. Hit the spot!

Ever onward around the coast, the traffic getting heavier as the tourists made the most of the last day of the holidays. No problem on my skinny, side case free Suzuki. My destination was Keelung after only about 100 Kms of riding. An acclimatisation day, getting used to the bike and the Taiwanese driving style.

Quiet night in Keelung. A couple of cruise ships are in the harbour and the hawker food street was predictably packed out. Not a bad town though.

Taiwan, to me at least, has quite a Japanese feel about it in many ways. I know there is some historical connection, but it persists in the small details. I like it.