Starting point will be at Boso-boso Cycle Park. Open to non-members of Philmofo.org

Date:

• Sunday, August 21
• 4:30am - 8:30pm

Categories:

• All Men
• Mixed

Events:

• 120KM event (start time @ 5:00 A.M. sharp)
• 200KM event (start time @ 4:30 A.M. sharp)
  

Prizes:

• All finishers, regardless of their distance event, will get a Finisher’s Medal.
• Winners’ prizes:
• All Men: 1st @ P5,000 | 2nd @ P3,000 | 3rd @  P2,000
• Mixed: 1st @ P5,000 | 2nd @ P3,000 | 3rd @ P2,000

Fee: 

• P500 per head/team member, inclusive of XCM-MIM shirt, food, and drinks at designated pit stops.

Online registration ONLY! Email brusko@philmofo.org or log on to Philmofo.org. Deadline of registration is on August 17, 2011!

Possibly Related Posts:

• Launching of Bacoor Bike Lane
• Prima riders bag two golds in 2011 Singapore Open
• Team Prima @ The SG National MTB Championships 2011
• Extreme Bauan XC MTB Challenge 2011
• 2nd SCAMB National Mountain Bike Fest

I love the way Chris Akrigg of Mongoose rides. I love watching his videos. Makes me wanna get out and ride. Thanks to Chucky, the Team Prima captain, I can do that using the loaner bike he lent me.

Anyway, when I’m watching videos like this I just try not to think of the stuff I can’t do, haha! I just let myself get stoked.

Fine, I’ll shut up now and let you watch the video:

A Hill in Spain from chris akrigg on Vimeo.

Possibly Related Posts:

• FOR SALE: BMC Trailfox ’08
• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• Kid gives greatest inspirational speech after riding a bike for first time
• Human-Powered Health
• Back-to-School 2011 Mission for Malipay Students

Read Aimless, Part 1 here.

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.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• Team Prima @ The SG National MTB Championships 2011
• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Another Crazy Akrigg Video!
• Is Riding a Bike Just Riding a Bike?

Last week plans were made with Tugel for a Cardiac Hill climb in Sta. Rosa today. The whole day Monday not a word was heard from him. I was looking forward to this ride as I haven’t been riding lately — not by choice. Weather’s been $#!t.

Monday night I sent out a text to Tugel and Allan C., both Team Prima teammates, confirming Tuesday’s Cardiac Hill ride.

Both gave out reasons of not being able to do the ride. Even after I promised I’ll take it easy so they won’t have a hard time (HAHA! I’m kidding!).

So I decided to ride solo…

Solo ride again…

6 A.M. Tuesday, my alarm went off. I began thinking with a groggy brain as I turn the alarm off; deciding whether I should go and ride, or sleep some more then ride later. After a very loooong time debating with myself (all of 5 seconds) I just had to give in and go back to sleep.

10:30 A.M. Tuesday, after a late breakfast, I decided to stick to the plan and attack Cardiac Hill. I hate riding solo, but if I have to, then so be it.

It being late and not wanting to still be out riding in the dark I sent out a text message to Doc Riz. I asked his opinion on how long it will take for a leisurely-paced ride to Cardiac Hill and back.

“6 hours,” he replied.

After a few more confirmatory text messages he asked who I’ll be riding with.

“Ako lang. Sama ka? Tara! (Just me. Wanna join? Let’s go!)” I said, knowing he won’t be available but still hoping he is.

“Sama ako! (I’ll join you!)” he said.

Cool, I thought. I won’t be riding solo. We agreed to meet at Gran Trail Cycles, Cavite, at 1 P.M.

Grand entrance

When Doc Riz finally arrives at Gran Trail we set out, but not before me asking him our route, and not before me noticing his new bike, a Cannondale Rush. Easiest would be to ply Paliparan Road up to the end, turn left (Governor’s Drive) towards GMA and follow the road down to Carmona. Too dangerous with the high volume of motorized vehicle traffic.

Fastest route was pedal along Daang Hari, turn right at the Petron station in the corner of Daang Hari and Daang Reyna, and pass through the Victoria Homes route to San Pedro. But this will have quite a few climbs before we reach Carmona. We chose this for safety and for suffering.

With my unintentional time off the saddle I felt the pressure of trying to keep up with Doc Riz. My body kept reminding me I’m so out of shape. I keep slapping myself mentally upside the head because of this.

Climbing the road to the San Pedro Cemetery we started feeling a very slight drizzle. I looked up, decided it won’t be much of a threat, and continued pedaling and trying to catch up to Doc. He was out of sight.

Finally reaching Davy’s canteen I signaled to Doc to go in as I wanted a drink and maybe a little bite to eat, not having lunch before leaving due to the late breakfast. He “convinced” me to order a sandwich, which I gratefully did, giving me more time to rest.

Danger looms

We continued as the sky was clear of rain clouds, breathing a sigh of relief  knowing the drizzle earlier, which have stopped at this point, won’t turn into strong rains.

As we exit the Biñan subdivision adjacent to Southwoods, Doc, the trail master, started asking me if we should still continue to Cardiac Hill in Sta. Rosa or turn right along ascending Governor’s Drive towards GMA. He was concerned about the dark clouds we were seeing in the general area of Sta. Rosa.

“Bahala na, dun na tayo mag-decide (We’ll see, let’s decide at the corner),” I said.

When we reached the corner the dark clouds look scarier. We had a clearer view, unobstructed by trees that canopied the road.

“O, bahala ka! (OK, your call!)” I tell Doc.

Chickening out of the rain

He turns right on Governor’s Drive towards the climb to GMA. To take advantage of this ride/opportunity he suggested we turn left at the top towards Maguyam and Sta. Rosa then turn back and head down and continue on to GMA. I told him it would depend on how I felt. The heart is willing, but the body might be too weak.

“Sinira mo plano ko! (You ruined my plans!)” I jokingly shout; which he didn’t hear clearly. Now you know, Doc.

With Doc’s new climbing technique (he told me he found his style; he’s a masher while I’m a spinner) he easily lengthened the gap and left me behind as we climbed. Oh well, I had my iPod with Metallica, Slapshock, Guns N’ Roses, etc., blasting out my earphones keeping me company as I slowly ascended the road.

At the corner we refueled with Gatorade before attacking the Maguyam climb (road). As we were pedaling I informed him I have never been to the Maguyam trail. So he showed me the exit when we reached it, still far away from Sta. Rosa. When he assured me we can ride it down and we’ll end at the Carmona-Governor’s Drive intersection near Southwoods I gladly agreed to just go this route instead of continuing the Maguyam road climb.

I will finally be able to ride this trail, and at the same time our ride won’t be restricted to the pavement. Oh happy days!

To be continued…

EDIT: Read Aimless, Part 2 here.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• Team Prima @ The SG National MTB Championships 2011
• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Another Crazy Akrigg Video!
• Is Riding a Bike Just Riding a Bike?

“Wanna do Tagaytay tomorrow?”

That’s the message I got from John. I verified if he was thinking of pedaling all the way to Tagaytay. He said yes. So I started wondering what the heck he has eaten.

I have my doubts as he has been saying how much he hates uphill climbs (as with any newcomer to biking), then this sudden invitation.

I asked for details like his chosen route, take-off time, other attendees, etc. Turns out it was just me and him.

After non-stop texting the night before until the morning of the ride we finally settled on an afternoon ride. We didn’t really have a choice. But the original plan of pedaling from Daang Hari to Tagaytay was scrapped. The macho bravado faded (haha, just kidding, John!) and he decided to just bring a car to Sta. Rosa and ride from there.

Lights were packed in pockets and bags as I knew we’d be riding in the dark later on.

Up until leaving the parking lot of Nuvali we were still undecided if we should just ride the Sta. Rosa trails or do the Reverse Palace route. Solution? A one-hit bato-bato-pick (Paper, Rock, Scissors) while pedaling to decide where we’ll ride.

“Kung ikaw manalo, saan tayo?” (“If you win, where are we riding?”) I asked John.

“EWAN KO!” (“I DON’T KNOW!”) John answered, exasperated but laughing.

“Kung ikaw, Sta. Rosa. Ako Reverse Palace,” (“If you win we’ll ride Sta. Rosa. If I win we’ll do Reverse Palace,”) I said.

“Game.”

My scissors beat the crap out of John’s paper.

Off we go, wondering what John’s reaction to the climbs will be. I found out before too long as we were starting the climb going to the Marcos Mansion.

“Put***ina ka! Kala ko ba sabi mo wala masyadong ahon?!” (“Son of a b**ch! I thought you said there won’t be much climbs?!”) I heard John shouting as I keep my pace steady during the very first (and one of two) steep climbs. I smile at the irony — HE wanted to pedal all the way UP to Tagaytay, then he doesn’t want to encounter uphill climbs? I just had to laugh.

Midway John started experiencing back pains. This slowed him down, and the fact it was his first time to climb this route. All that plus the late afternoon start nighttime has fallen before reaching the final and second steep climb (landslides covered the road but sections were already cleared for a one-vehicle track).

At a recovery point just before starting the final climb I stopped to wait for John and to start installing my lights. As I was waiting in front of a makeshift house the owner offered me the langka (jackfruit) he was eating. Not taking no for an answer I accepted and started eating a few bits. When John finally caught up I offered the langka but he declined. When we were ready to continue I returned the rest of the langka and we turned on our lights.

We reached the small store at the top around 7:00 P.M.

We started discussing and debating on our route going down as we rested. Will we pass via the route to Aling Pina’s or back track and go down the Reverse Palace route? The latter will be faster and safer for us.

John’s original plan of meeting up with his girlfriend Karla in Tagaytay for dinner was taken out of our options as it was too far to ride at that time.

Naturally, we opted for the safest and quickest route: go back down where we climbed.

Not much of a rush but going down this route at night was fun. Just stay alert for dogs, humans loitering, parked vehicles, and motorcycles. Speed control is necessary, too, so as not to startle the locals too much. If they get too annoyed it might not be safe for future bikers to ply this route at night.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Another Crazy Akrigg Video!
• Aimless, Part 2
• Aimless

It started out with a tweet. Me expressing a thought, saying I wanted to try downhill riding, but at the same time hesitant to do so.

With Ian’s assurance it will be safe I finally agreed. He assured me we’ll be riding the most newbie-friendly downhill tracks. Plus, he promised to lend me complete safety gear: a full-face helmet, body suit, knee and shin guards.

We also borrowed a DH bike for me to use. A Kona Stab Supreme.

I arrived at the meeting place on time. My riding buddies, Ian and Edwin, weren’t there when I arrived. Are they backing out? Hah! Yeah, right.

The travel was a time suck. Because of both the distance and the hellish traffic on SLEX (South Luzon Expressway — EXPRESS my ass) approaching the toll gates. The distance is bearable. The traffic I’m sure something can be done about, but dare I say making money off of motorists is more important than easing the highway users’ inconvenience. OK, I’m ranting, but seriously. 1 hour and 30 minutes of SLOOOW moving traffic towards the toll gate early in the morning, and the same thing in the afternoon going home (on the same lane/direction), on a Saturday? Common sense dictates something should be done about it! OK, I’m still ranting. I’ll stop this now.

Finally, I started seeing signs reminding people to keep Mt. Makiling clean. In no time we arrived at the UP Los Baños Sunken Garden.

From the very beginning I was experiencing a whole new way of riding: the bike’s setup and body geometry, the cumbersome safety gear strapped on the top tube and hanging from my back, the nice and plush suspension system of the Kona Stab Supreme, the pair of cycling rubber shoes I was wearing and the platform pedals (naturally, I’m not clipped in), and the weight of the downhill bike.

Starting from the parked cars I tried to pedal as far as I could go but it was impossible to pedal it all the way up the Mud Spring tracks. I didn’t take note of the time but if I remember correctly the ascent of pushing the bike up where we started took a little over an hour, including the pit stop at Station 5.

First things first, upon reaching the stores that mark our starting line: fresh buko (coconut)! Natural energy drink. And a much-needed rest. I’m not made for hiking… yet? We’ll see.

I was still wheezing from the uphill push when I noticed my guides and mentors were starting to prepare for the downhill ride. With much effort to push myself up from the bench I was sitting on I started getting my gear ready.

2010 05 01 DH Day – Prepping from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

Now we’re ready to go. Being a first-timer on this trail and on this bike I was fairly cautious. As long as I can see way way ahead of me I wasn’t scared to let go of the brakes. But as we were riding down a (wide) mountain trail the tracks have non-stop winding curves — and these scared the shit out of me. I still have a way to go in learning to ride turns with speed so I apply the brakes as I approached and slowed myself down to a unimpressive speed.

I’d rather be unimpressive than overshoot the damn cliffs. So I ignore the voice of my self-conscious mocking me about my form. SHUT UP, I thought, shouting at it. I kept alternating between sitting down on the low saddle and standing up on the pedals to be able to use my legs as additional shock absorbers. I felt my feet and legs shaking uncontrollably from the stress of standing too long and from the vibrations from the rough terrain. I’m more used to doing descents much slower than this.

Then I hear the noise, the rattles than can only be associated with bicycles barreling fast down rough terrain. A split second after, as I go slow around the bend, a blurred vision of the downhill rider appears in my peripheral vision. With the streak of yellow on his shorts I recognized him to be Ian. Seeing him pedaling around the curves made me want to slap my hand on my forehead, as I thought to myself how the hell he did that.

I turned my attention back to the trail. With the moss-covered baby heads (rocks embedded into the ground) I had to make sure I’m following a good line and stay alert. Even though I’m not going as fast as I want to I know crashing in this terrain will hurt.

I entered and passed through another right-turning curve. I started to notice the rocks up ahead are slightly bigger than what I’ve just passed. I gripped the handlebar tighter. Then I saw a huge rock in my path. Huge enough to form a small drop. The drop isn’t really a problem, I know I can manage that. What I didn’t know was the interior tube couldn’t. As soon as I passed it I heard a different kind of sound as the fork absorbs everything the trails gives it.

I thought it was a normal thing as I’m only getting acquainted with this bike on this ride. It’s the sound of some kind of metal hitting a hard object, like a rock. I kept riding.

Then my front tire wiggles, which in turn passes it on to the handlebars, then to my hands, then to my arms. I almost lost control. My heart skipped a beat. Then I regained control back.

The trail up ahead curves left. Then I hear a shout. It was Edwin, behind my. Checking me, guiding me.

“What?!” I shouted back.

“Flat!” he said.

I applied the brakes. No wonder I almost lost control, shit, I thought. I thank God and Edwin for staying behind me.

We slowed down and proceeded to fix the flat. More than 1 snakebite pinch flats were found. We even almost ran out of patches!

And finally we’re done. Off we go again to continue the ride!

Knowing Edwin will be staying behind me as a guide Ian went ahead to have his fill of his downhill rush. 5 seconds after taking off I didn’t have any idea where he was. I couldn’t see him anymore.

I focus my concentration back on the trail, looking ahead a few feet in front of me to see what’s coming and to anticipate if I should/could roll over is, jump over it (heh!), or swerve to avoid it.

Finding me too slow Edwin alternated between staying behind me and slowing down to let me pass. Then I saw it again. Similar terrain characteristics of where I think I got the front tire flat. I was too chicken to swerve and, at the same time, too confident with the patch job we just did. I could pull the bike up a little to lessen the impact, I thought.

As I neared the small rock-formed step I pulled on the handlebar. A split second after I did a slight jump on the pedals.

Then I land back down. BLAG! I felt and heard the rear tire touch down on the trail hard. Too hard for it to be a smooth landing. I felt a slight wiggle, this time on the rear. Shit, I thought.

Edwin passed me a few meters back. But on the next curve I saw him riding slow, waiting for me. As soon as I was within earshot I shouted, “Am I flat?”

“Huh?”

“Is my rear tire flat?” I asked again.

“Yes!”

Double shit, I thought, again.

We stopped. I flipped the bike. He got his tools and we started working on the flat. One last patch left. Gulp!

Done. We inflated the tube and got ready to put it in the tire. Edwin pumps while I squeeze the tube checking if it’s inflating.

It wasn’t. Hrmm…

I don’t know why but I checked the front tire. I squeezed it. The tire folded. No air.

No patch. We ran out of.

We looked at each other. We were both disappointed with me not being able to finish the whole downhill ride.

After putting the tube back in the tire I flipped the bike back up, checked our stuff to make sure nothing was left behind, and I started the hike down. Edwin opted to walk down with me. More “mountain bike hiking…” Descending this time.

Watch out for the post about the next Mt. Makiling trip we did which had way way better results than this trip. Stay tuned!

Ride safe, ride hard!

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• Another Crazy Akrigg Video!
• Strike Ride for a Cause
• Aimless, Part 2
• Aimless

Excerpt: “We’ll be riding in La Mesa this Sunday. Find me a bike.”

My wife suddenly blurted that out last week. I had to make sure I was awake. I had to make sure she was awake.

***

Read The Newbie-Killer, the “novel” here

Finally, I was able to upload the short video of this ride. Watch it inside:

2010 02 28 Newbie-Killer, La Mesa Nature Reserve from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• Another Crazy Akrigg Video!
• Strike Ride for a Cause
• Aimless, Part 2
• Aimless

I kind of messed up with the first video I posted of Theo’s first-hand review of the 2nd Tagaytay Highlands Cross-Country MTB Adventure race which was held last April 24, 2010.

So here now is the extended version of the first video. Enjoy!

2010 04 24 EXTENDED First-hand Tagaytay Highlands race experience by Theo from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• Prima riders bag two golds in 2011 Singapore Open
• Team Prima @ The SG National MTB Championships 2011
• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Another Crazy Akrigg Video!