I’ve been thinking about going back to Japan for a visit next year and maybe bring my bike along. It turns out that Taiwan is not all that far, once you are in Japan, and there is a monster cycling event that you may have heard about before: the Taiwan KOM Challenge.
Essentially, the KOM is an uphill gran fondo that starts at sea level and finishes at an elevation of 3275 meters. There looks to be at least one downhill on the way up, which will be welcoming, but will also add to the total climbing. That total is close to 3500 m over 105 km, basically all straight up. Try doing that out your front door!
Illustrious winners include Vincenzo Nibali and I see that Marianne Vos got 2nd one year as well. I hope to be in shape because I’ve had to defer my Haute Route Alps entry to 2024. My goal is to be the first 56 year old Canadian living in France to the top.
The Vicious Cycle 
I would not have guessed that there was a 3275m peak in Taiwan, much less one with a road to the top. So I learned something today!
I’m glad I could help. This one’s been on the radar since it began nearly. Meet you there?
Emma Pooley won it in 2016.
And your old teammate nearly nabbed it in 2012.
Wrong thread..sorry
Emma Pooley won it in 2016
Interested in Taiwan or Japan bikepacking. Not KOM challenge..
Maybe you could just climb it for fun? Japan would be a great destination for a tour, I can attest to that.