Dadu Ridge morning ride

Like many riders, the recent spate of afternoon thundershowers has put a damper on many a riding plan. I decided to get out early this morning and start the week with a little hills work. I went on a short course I had never done before to see how it would go. I started on Xiangshang 向上 Road and once it got past the expressway, it opened up pretty nicely and the climb up Dadu Ridge began in earnest.

Looking up the hill along Xiangshang Road

A little further on up the climb

It isn't a very steep climb, but it is fairly steady, lasting for a good five-six kilometers. Looking back, the view toward downtown and the Central Mountain Range beyond was quite nice.

Looking back from near the top of the morning climb on Zhonglong (Taichung-Longjing) Road

A small temple along Zhonglong Road

Lookout out over Taichung Harbor and the Taiwan Strait from the top of Dadu Ridge

I descended some after reaching the top of the ridge, but looking at the maps last night, I decided to turn on Zhongxing Road. I am not familiar with this side of the ridge, so although it wasn't as far down as I wanted to go today, I really didn't want to go into unfamiliar territory on a Monday morning. I will map scout further down and try it again another day.

Came back down on Zhonggang Road then Huanzhong to Shizheng. Usual morning traffic, but it moved nicely except for a couple of buses I had to navigate around. A great way to start the week.