FAQ

Jacqtours was set up to introduce biking enthusiasts of all ages & fitness levels to the beauty & warmth of Taiwan cycling. While we do our best to align cyclists of similar experience level according to the nature of the itinerary, some variation in group standard is to be anticipated. We can assure you that no one will be left behind! You can expect people in their 20s and upwards joining the tours, of all races & nationalities, based in Singapore and from abroad.

A riding tour is not a race. Everyone rides at their own pace and no one is pressured to keep up with the front pack. There will be a sweeper and a leader to show the way so that no one gets lost. On the flats, you can go as fast as you wish, but do remember to pace yourself for the entire tour. On the climbs, depending on the itinerary, gradients can be steep so you will likely be climbing at single-digit speeds. Feel free to stop to catch your breath, have a drink or fuel up from the support vehicle — and remember to enjoy the view and take pictures!

Our tours comprise a mix of flats and climbs. While Taiwanese roads are generally smooth and well-paved with minimal traffic, the terrain can be challenging especially if you are used to riding in Singapore where there are no mountains. The fitter and more prepared you are, the more enjoyable the experience will be. If you are concerned about your fitness level, feel free to speak to us and we can customise an itinerary to suit your requirements, e.g. cutting out the more challenging climbs and descents, or reducing the daily mileage.

Beginners: we suggest riding at least once a week, starting easy and building up to 2 hours of continuous riding at a pace you can sustain. Commence training at least three months in advance. We highly recommend resistance training (e.g. gym sessions) to strengthen your quads, hamstrings, calves, back and core — strength and stretching sessions are important in injury prevention.

Intermediate riders: if you have been biking regularly for at least a year and want tougher itineraries, include climbs (Mount Faber, NUS and NTU are the limited choices in Singapore) in your route to prepare for hilly terrain. When engaging in hill training, cut down on gym work to prevent injury.

Advanced riders: if you race regularly, keep up your training and embrace the challenges that Taiwan’s breath-taking terrain can offer! Speak to us to discuss specific requirements — we can even customise an itinerary in preparation for an upcoming race, or sign you up for a local race.

Yes — there will be at least one pre-trip training session for all open groups where all participants get to meet and ride together. You are strongly encouraged to attend; details will be included in your pre-trip brief. For private groups, Jacqtours can arrange & conduct training rides, subject to availability. Contact us for more details.

Yes you may, if you are on a private tour and your group members are agreeable! Fixed-departure open groups are strictly for road bikes only. Ensuring everyone rides the same type of bike keeps the group level as uniform as possible — avoiding drastic contrasts in riding speed and completion times, and possible itinerary delays. It also allows for more efficient packing & loading on and off the support vehicle.

Bike: we recommend travelling with your own bike, as you will be familiar with the setup and comfortable with its handling. Service it before the trip and ride at least once after servicing to ensure it is in good working condition.

Bike box: if you do not have one, you can rent from most bike shops at roughly S$100/week, or simply pack your bike in a cardboard carton box from your nearest bike shop.

Helmets: compulsory. Bike gloves: essential for protection against road rash and better grip in wet weather. Front & rear lights: recommended for visibility at all times. Spare inner tubes or tyres: full technical support is offered, but being self-reliant optimises your holiday.

Bike gear: in addition to your jersey and tights/bib, a waterproof windbreaker that rolls into a jersey pocket is essential; full-length bibs or leg warmers are recommended for mountains or winter visits. A full packing list is emailed to you upon registration.

If you do not have a bike box, you can rent one from most bike shops at a weekly fee of about S$100. Alternatively, you can simply pack your bike in a cardboard carton box, easily requested from your nearest bike shop. Feel free to talk to us if you have questions about bike packing.

For each group of six to seven pax, there will be one knowledgeable local Taiwanese guide and one experienced Jacqtours leader/representative who will ride with the group and be your liaison support throughout the tour. There will also be at least one support-vehicle driver/technical crew.

Many advantages lie in choosing a guided tour over going it alone:

• Discover charming places in Taiwan you would never find on your own — experience Taiwan “off the beaten path”.
• Benefit from a carefully planned itinerary that considers weather, season, road conditions and your riding ability.
• Avoid wasting time getting lost.
• Enjoy the best local food (not necessarily the most expensive), from local knowledge of the region.
• Be assured of mechanical support & first-aid assistance when you need it.

With Jacqtours you are assured of full accountability and follow-through, minimising stress and optimising the quality of your experience.

Of course. If you have selected the right trip for you, it will have been pitched at a level appropriate to your standard, so it is unlikely you will need to hitch a ride. However, if you are fatigued, be safe and err on the side of caution rather than push yourself to injury or pose a danger to yourself and other road users.

Massage service for private tours — to prevent or minimise muscle soreness — is available on request and must be booked at least two months before departure to ensure availability. The service can be extended to open groups as well, subject to minimum numbers. Please contact us for rates and details.

Expect at least 3-star accommodation and up to 5-star hotels in the cities. In remote areas we also stay at hot-spring hotels and local guesthouses. All accommodation is clean & comfortable, based on twin share (single-room supplement available). Note that for 3-star accommodation, while we try our best to source and request twin beds, occasionally some hotels may only offer double beds. 3-star accommodation offers use of washing machines; laundry service is available at 4- and 5-star hotels.

Currently the itineraries are tailored for riders. Speak to us if you have a private group with non-riders and we will do our best to offer something to suit — non-biking activities include spa, massage, shopping, sightseeing and, of course, eating. Riders should be at least 15 years old and have adequate fitness & bike-handling skills.

Taiwan is renowned for its varied, affordable and delicious cuisine — from hearty street food to fresh seafood like sashimi and sushi, and much more. Each region often boasts a local delicacy found nowhere else. On open-group tours, breakfast is the hotel buffet, lunch is at a restaurant or local eatery en route, and dinner is at a restaurant near your overnight stay (or the hotel if the area is remote). You might also enjoy supper at the night markets ubiquitous in Taiwanese cities.

A typical breakfast is Taiwanese porridge with condiments (barbecued pork floss, braised peanuts, pickled cabbage, omelette) as well as a continental spread of eggs, toast, cereal and fruit. Lunch and dinner are typically rice- or noodle-based, including chicken, beef, lamb, pork, seafood and mountain vegetables.

On a private tour, if you prefer Western meals or have dietary requirements, please let us know — do share your budget so we can plan to meet your preference. For Muslim friends, a no-pork/no-lard, seafood or vegetarian diet may be arranged (Halal restaurants may not be available in remote areas).

Travel insurance is compulsory for participation. Your policy should cover cycling activities, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and bike damage/loss. Please contact us if you would like suggestions on suitable providers.

Included: tours are fully supported, with fees inclusive of everything you need during your trip — accommodation, airport transfer according to tour schedule, land transfers as stated, all meals as stated, local guide/leader/mechanic, driver, support vehicle stocked with food and hydration accessible while biking, technical support, local insurance cover, and personalised Jacqtours liaison throughout the trip.

Not included: air ticket, personal expenses, visas, costs incurred for extensions, bike rental, and travel insurance. Please note that travel insurance is compulsory.

All meals except one dinner are included in the tour package, so you only need to bring as much money for shopping and night-market visits as you deem necessary. As a gauge, a meal at a night market would rarely exceed S$10.