Nov 10
21
Another impromptu decision was made as we approached the corner that leads to the top part of the Maguyam trail.
“Diyan sa kanto na yan papuntang Maguyam trail (That’s the corner that leads to the Maguyam trail),” Doc told me as we pedaled towards it.
Then a light bulb flashed on.
“Saan ang bagsak natin niyan? (Where does the trail end?)” I asked.
“Dun sa baba, sa intersection (Down below, at the previous intersection),” he answered.
I grinned. “Let’s do that trail!”
The last time Doc rode the Maguyam trail was in 2007 so the both of us didn’t know what to expect; but at least he has ridden the trail before.
He wasn’t sure if we can go through until the end. “Pag malabo then balik tayo (If we reach a dead-end then let’s just turn back)“, I said. Laughter from us both but our what-the-hell attitude prevailed. We continued on.
Observations
Based on my observation while going downhill through this trail, climbing it would give XC riders who crave for suffering and punishment what they want. In my unexperienced opinion it’s 100% rideable going up, giving you hardships along the way — but not too much.
Going down gives a similar, or maybe a bit better, reward. Again, in my opinion, the route going down should be ridden with a bit of riding experience under your belt. Make sure you have an ample amount of handling skills as some areas are prone to tire washouts.
The trail has quite a few excellent characteristics. Wide dirt road which narrows in some areas (due to tall grass, but not too much) for some single track fun. Near the top you get a nice view of Laguna (I think; please correct me if I’m wrong). You get adobe on some areas. There’s also a fairly wide graded area near some newly developed subdivisions — scary thought of the trail disappearing in the near future but that’s what we get with progress.
Huge smiles home-bound
Near the end of our trail, when Doc Riz planned to take the longer route to bypass a short river/stream crossing turned out to be unsuccessful. We still have to cross the stream. The road descends relatively steep towards the water then a sudden ascent as you get out. Being in the right gearing before entering the water (it’s rideable!) would give you an easy and fun climb, albeit a short one.
Another developing subdivision on our right side as we follow an old and established dirt road just outside the subdivision’s perimeter fence. The last section before reaching the pavement was a long mud pit created by cars and jeeps of locals, during and after all the rains. We had to walk, push/pull/lift our bikes as we walk along the very edge of the muddy tracks.
As we were pedaling on pavement, towards home, with huge smiles on our faces, we couldn’t stop telling each other how fcuking fun the ride turned out to be. Proving we weren’t expecting it to be this fun. We were both glad we were both fickle-minded whenever we reached “crossroads” that offered us different routes for an expectedly monotonous road ride.
Thanks for the unexpected bonus, Doc! Let’s ride again! Gotta love the trails.
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For some reason whenever I go 'exploring' I seem to end up down a forest trail that just runs out and have to haul myself back up! Essential to have someone with you who knows the area and can say, "I know where this leads" so you don't waste time on 'short-cuts' (we actually banned 'short-cuts' on our cross-country rides!).
BTW, I looked around the blog and still couldn't figure out where in the world you are – the language looks like Indonesian or Malaysian, or something, but that's my best guess! Anyway, good to read about mountain-biking from somewhere other than the US or UK..!
Hi Mark,
The expected shortcut wouldn't have taken a lot of time to check, since we were near, uhm, civilization
And we'd only take real unchartered shortcuts if we know we'll have enough time (daylight) to go back and home in the event the shortcut didn't go as planned.
Anyway, I'm based in the Philippines. Your almost got it, but not quite
Thanks for reading and welcome to my site, TheMTBjunkie.com
Franz, let's ride the trail, again. My joints are already rusty for having no bike ride for months…
Gawin mo na lang single-speed bike mo muna….
Let's GO! Brake cable housing na lang kulang then Darna's good to go!
Off-road biking is such a fun and I would say so relaxing. Even in the muddy roads and high grass there is some so special charm.