“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.

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(L-R) Chris, Doc Riz, Borj, me

Our plan to pedal all the way to U.P. Los Baños, to watch the Big Daddy Downhill Cup, got canceled as soon as Doc Riz found out where the race was going to be held. Main reason is we will surely get caught in the dark on our way home.

We then decided on pedaling to Sta. Rosa (and back), for a change of scenery.

We were joined by Borj the Conqueror and my old friend Chris, a first-timer  who met us at Paseo de Sta. Rosa. My riding buddies on this specific ride are heavyweights. 200+ pounders of excellent attitude, friendship, and power! (Naks! Free breakfast c/o Chris and lunch c/o Doc Riz now paid )

Because of the scorching heat we were happy with the jokes, stories, discussions, and company of today’s ride. We just decided to do 1 lap around the Nuvali mountain bike tracks, and play a little on the 4X track.

With heavyweight riding buddies it’s just right (or wrong?) to have a heavyweight route (cyclocomp’s not working… AGAIN, so no distance reading!):

• Daang Hari Police Station
• Victoria Homes
• Sampaguita
• Binan
• Carmona
• Timbao
• Sta. Rosa
• Paseo
• Nuvali tracks
• Nuvali 4X tracks
• Balibago
• National Highway
• Pacita
• San Pedro (and quick stop at Bike Hub)
• Muntinlupa/Metropolis/Star Mall area
• Alabang
• Daang Hari
• home

Next time I want Chris to experience the real Sta. Rosa trails. We’ll do this again with him soon. He said he wanted to try to pedal all the way from Mandaluyong to Sta. Rosa to the Sta. Rosa trails and back home. I can see another MTB junkie in the making.

Videos to follow (when I get to it)…

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The day my wife finally rode with me on a loaned mountain bike (thanks Bong!) was the first time I’ve ridden the Nuvali mountain bike tracks, though I’m pretty sure we weren’t able to ride the complete tracks as we were adjusting to match my wife’s riding level.

But as we were done with the first part we decided to rest and play at the 4X track a little.

I felt my shocks (fork and rear) bottom out but I was assured by Ian it was a normal thing.

As I got the assurance I got envious seeing Ian do little jumps on the track, plus the huge berms were just calling for me to do wallrides on them.

These aren’t my regular things when riding. Unless I tag along with the South Cycle monsters then I get the rush to try and imitate them, even if I’m unsuccessful, hah!

To get in some hard riding, to compensate for the adjustment we were doing for my wife’s benefit, I decided to try to learn, practice, and play on the huge berms and jumps!

My newbie jump attempts were captured by my wife… please be kind… I’m noob.

Now for the berm shots. I need more speed…

Haha, that was fun; but I need more practice.

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This was on Valentine’s Day 2010, the first time my wife, Jam, tried mountain biking (on a loaned mountain bike; thanks Bong!). With us on this ride were Ian (fellow Backout Boys member) and his wife.

Ian knew we had to adjust to make this day’s ride enjoyable for my wife. Lei, his wife, was just too happy to be riding with another female as she’s not comfortable being the only girl in the group, that’s why she doesn’t join our rides.

So as not to shock my wife with the regular mountain bike track in Nuvali we first road the nearest residential area that’s being constructed. The roads are still dirt but easy and wide enough not to scare her.

After the residential area we rode back towards the 4X track, both to rest and for me to try it out (it was also my first time to ride what Nuvali had to offer). After playing tirelessly the others were felt rested enough and decided to continue the ride. My wife took the challenge of riding the real mountain bike tracks. She only had to walk once, when the track turned into a bump then rolls to a steep (for beginners), semi-rocky descent.

Aside from that she rode the whole single track, which turns into a wide double track, and exits near the administration building where ID’s and registrations were required.

First word to come out of my wife when we got back to the car was, “Sarap (loosely translated to: “It felt good!”)”

At home I showed her a photo from CreekDiver Chucky’s La Mesa Eco-trail album. Her reaction, “Wow! Where is that?”

When I told her it’s in the La Mesa Eco-trail, and asked her when we’ll ride there, she said next month.

And for lunch she had this:

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Both cars are in the repair shop. I thought one would be ready in time for the race. Guess not.

As soon as I found out about the car not being available for the race I sent a text message to Togs. I need a ride to the race.

His Mitsubishi Adventure can comfortably fit 3 persons, Togs included. We just decided to say fuck it & see what happens, though he guaranteed (kinda) we can fit all 4 bikes in his AUV.

Both wheels of the bikes need to be removed & we were able to fit all 4 inside. Problem is one person needs to sit in the rear, with the bikes, using a small cooler as a stool. Since I was the last to arrive I volunteered to be that person.

Though a little late as planned we arrived at the race proper at the Phuket Mansions Clubhouse with an ample amount of time to spare.

Start your engines!

This is my first time trial race. Racers would be released 2 by 2, in 1-minute intervals.

I was quite surprised to find out upon starting the bikers would have to go down a short flight of stairs (4 steps). Some opted to walk it, some rode it.

My “partner” was Gerry, a fellow Backout Boy & Team Prima member. As the whistle was blown marking our start time Gerry shot out ahead of me — even after “respectfully” telling me I could be the first one off the line…!

I held his rear wheel but I can sense & feel him subtly trying to shake be off. All I can do is laugh. I didn’t want to exert too much effort into the race at the start. Main reason is this first part of the track came as a surprise as we have never ridden this part that leads to the more familiar Cardiac Hill.

Passing through the Phuket Mansions gate the track turns right onto the main road of The Mansions, but the street in the immediate area after turning was cordoned off forcing the riders to ride on the side of the road. Is this “off”-road?

The rough & grassy “off”-road section slightly ascends then, naturally, turns into a fast (non-technical) downhill section where Gerry finally decided to let me pass, then merges with the road. This must be taken advantage of & the start of gaining momentum should be done here for the approaching first climb.

The game plan

My game plan for these climbs is to stick to my pace & comfort zone. That game plan was teetering on the edge of the window sill I was feeling pressure of doing better than normal but also forcing myself to stick to the plan. The ascent prevented me from straying from the plan, but not by choice.

After a while Gerry was catching up to me. I was expecting it as he has been biking for years now & I’m still a rookie. I don’t mind him. I keep my spinning constant as I listen to the music blasting through my earphones.

Like I mentioned before this first batch of climbs came as a surprise. Just when I thought the first climb was about to end I took a peek further ahead & saw an ascending twisty turn. What the hell, I thought. So I put my head down & concentrate on spinning.

Stronger riders were overtaking me. I didn’t care, that was expected. I continued spinning. I then noticed the road flattening out. Recovery area! Yes! I still tried to control myself so I won’t give out a burst of speed. As soon as the road flattened it suddenly starts to descend. Cemented downhill. Steep.

I moved my weight back, tucked my elbows slightly in, leaned forward, & prayed that all my increased food intake will help me shave a few seconds off my total time. And I think it did. I went fast.

I noticed the gap between the riders in front of me & myself move closer & closer. Then a sudden uphill climb. Naturally they slow down. I urge my fats to work together with gravity, come on, come on, COME OWN!

I had good momentum to boost me a few meters up the climb, & it helped me overtake another racer & get closer to another one.

Breathe easy, I told myself. Don’t let the pressure get to you, I reminded myself.

Then another downhill section towards the foot of what is known as the Cardiac Hill, where the race took its name. On the downhill & flat section after this is where I noticed riders were starting to battle each other. This is familiar ground. I held my pace. I didn’t want to lose all my energy right before the familiar Cardiac climb. We still had a fairly long way to go.Along the climb were clusters of spectators & friends of racers. I found a group of the latter. It was the Bike Hub riders. I reached up to my GoPro Hero helmet cam & started recording. Then Gary suddenly shot out of the group & stood in my path, with arms waving.

“No! You can’t pass! You won’t finish the race,” he started shouting while laughing. We all laughed with him, & it didn’t help me in any way as I was still climbing. As I drew closer he naturally went back to his group to let me pass.

Suffering continues

So I said goodbye & I continued pedaling. The rest of the way was all familiar terrain sans the relaxing atmosphere. Spectators & non-participants were scattered along the side of the route, both resting & watching the racers ride by.

I felt relief when I noticed the first recovery section of the Cardiac climb. When the road started to flat out I shifted to a heavier gear & started pedaling relatively hard, but not hard enough to risk bonking. There were still 2 more road climbs & 1 gradual climb on rough terrain.

More recovery & a chance to gain some momentum was ahead of me as the road started descending right before the uphill climb marking the end of Cardiac Hill. There were more spectators here as this part is usually used by most as a resting area. Because of this this is also where a medical team set up their tent. Good work by the organizers to set one up here in the middle of the route.

Climbing the last part Cardiac Hill I noticed a familiar figure in front of me. A familiar jersey. A jersey exactly what I was wearing. A Team Prima jersey. It was Gerry. With my constant cadence & speed I noticed I was gaining ground on him. Will he let me pass? I laugh to myself.

I stuck to my game plan. I continued spinning in a comfortable gear. I kept to my pace. I noticed Gerry in a heavier gear combination… but I was gaining on him constantly. A few meters before the gate & guardhouse at the top of Cardiac Hill I pass him. I keep my head down, concentrate on pedaling, listening to music.

“Whew!” I breathed out loudly, a feeble attempt at some sort of conversation with Gerry. But, yet again, I got reminded how Gerry becomes more incomprehensible when tired. I also reminded myself how Gerry is already incomprehensible when sober, what more if he’s about to collapse from biking? Hahaha, kidding bro!

He ignored me, he didn’t make a sound. So I continued pedaling, approaching another recovery & downhill section. Rest & build up momentum, I told myself, for the next climb before reaching the end of the cemented road & the start of the dirt road towards bukohan, the usual rest stop of mountain bikers for some fresh buko (coconut) juice, Cloud 9 chocolates, & cold Gatorade!

Climbing the final cemented road climb I looked back to check on Gerry. He was still there. So I continue on. I felt tired but I didn’t dare stop. Finally I can see the local sari-sari store just at the start of the dirt road. Here we go, more exciting terrain. This gave me a boost of energy.

Finally, DIRT!

As I started to navigate the first few ruts & bumps on the dirt road I felt that energy suddenly get depleted. Damn, I thought, but I liked riding offroad better than on the road, even while climbing.

I tried not to look far ahead as the road was still on an incline but I just couldn’t resist. I had to find out how many people are in front of me that I can see, & how far they are from me, & if I will be able to catch up to them & maybe overtake them. I saw 2-3 riders. I concentrated on the one nearest me without having to pedal too hard lest I bonk out.

I continued my more-than-normal way of pedaling in an effort to stay in my own pace but at the same time catch up, & hopefully overtake, the racer in front of me. Eventually, I succeeded. I was also able to overtake the other 2. Whee!

Since this is the main road we had to share it with locals’ vehicles: assembled personal jeeps called owner jeeps, assembled trucks, & tricycles. Good thing we only shared it with 1 of each vehicle. I hate having to stop just to avoid crashing with them. During regular rides, sure, no problem. But not during a race.

My elation of passing a few riders helped boost my energy once more. I knew I was nearing the finish line but I also knew there was still quite a distance to go. Though with slight downhill portions most parts of this stretch is uphill, on rough terrain, without real shade from the sun. Good thing I enjoy riding offroad rather than road as I was able to still conserve my energy.

Again, looking ahead I finally caught a glimpse of bike tires hanging from the bukohan’s improvised bike rack. More people were resting & watching the racers from there. As I neared it a man was waving for me to continue. He was shouting the finish line wasn’t there, that I should continue pedaling. I understood his concern. The bukohan is a regular resting place for bikers riding in these areas. But I still wanted to shout, “I know! Shaddap dedemet!” but I just nodded my head & smiled in thanks. Polite, no?

Right after bukohan the dirt road ends & a cemented road starts once more. OK, at least the flat surface would help me catch my breath, but I still didn’t want to pedal too hard. I could feel myself giving up if I did that. So, as always, I pedaled in my comfort zone, feeling no pressure from riders behind me as I couldn’t hear anyone. Good.

Looking ahead I noticed more riders. Will I be able to catch up? I hoped, but didn’t really count on it.

After a few meters I noticed I was catching up to the guy in front of me. I started balancing the pressure plus temptation to pedal hard with my own pace & cadence. Damn this pressure!

I also noticed him to be more tired than I was. The gap was growing smaller. Yipee! Go, go, go, I silently told myself. When I was about to overtake him on his right side I called out, “Right side, sir,” then he swerved to the right. What the…?! Then he look back & saw me, so he swerved back to the left. I take it he misunderstood me. Maybe he thought I was telling him to move to the right. That or he couldn’t think straight anymore.

“Thanks,” I said as I passed him.

The final stretch

Up ahead I saw another rider & further another one was dismounted, checking something on his bike. I wished I could overtake him, then I noticed his jersey: Team Prima. Uh, oh. That’s when I noticed it was Ramil. Broken chain? Broken derailleur? I hope not. I hope he could still get on his bike & finish the race. Then he mounted & continued the race. Nice!

I knew we were nearing the end & I decided to go for it & pedal harder than normal. I knew I wouldn’t have a chance of overtaking Ramil, but I could take that. So I set my sights on the rider between him & myself.

I shifted to a heavier gear & pedaled hard. Good thing we were on a wide dirt road. Even with ruts & dips it was still easier to find good lines. Then I heard a vehicle behind me getting near. It sounded as if the driver was trying to race against me. Why the heck would he do that, I asked myself. To be safe I stayed on the right side of the road to give him room to pass.

Then he overtook me. When the vehicle was ahead of me it kept its speed the same as mine. Then the person on the passenger side stuck his head out, along with a camera. Damn! Fight. The. Urge. To. Stop. And. Pose. Then I noticed the decal on the side of the truck: Weekend Warrior, the magazine.

Fighting. The. Urge. Harder. To. Stop. And. Pose.

After they took the photo they sped up to the next rider. Nearing him they naturally slowed down, for safety reasons, but I saw I can successfully overtake him. Problem is the small truck. When they noticed what I was planning they slowed down some more to give me room to maneuver to the right side of the other rider. So I did & pedaled harder.

I could see all the other participants who’ve finished the race along with some spectators. A tent was set up on the left side of the road. A man from the tent brought up some binoculars aimed at my direction. As I got closer I could hear a few of them informing the others of the racers that are about to cross the finish line.

“127! 127 about to cross!”

As I passed them they told me I’m finished with the race. Whew!

Enough? Not nearly…

With racers still climbing to the finish line we have to choices to get back to the assembly area (starting point): Wait for the race to finish & follow the reverse route (shorter) or go through other Sta. Rosa trails (longer). From what I heard a lot of other racers went with friends & chose the longer route. Same with us.

As the racers from Team Prima started the reverse route down, & I got a surprise when I saw Rodel, a fellow Backout Boy watching the race (he has since moved to Malabon; he pedaled all the way to Sta. Rosa to watch & was planning on pedaling all the way back) we came upon the other team members who didn’t join climbing up the track, telling us to turn back & we’ll do the longer route back to the race assembly area.

I was taking up the rear along with Rodel. When I saw them approaching me I gave them a puzzled look. Togs said we’ll be taking the longer route & go down Upak Road (the long downhill road which used to be pure rocky & slightly technical dirt road but is now almost fully cemented).

As I don’t memorize the route I stuck to the rear & followed the whole group. We passed through an easy trail, descended into a stream, dismounted, & carried our bikes across the footbridge.

After crossing the trail didn’t give us a chance to mount yet as we needed to ascend a man-made set of stairs sculpted out of the soil. Once we were on more level ground we mounted, continued pedaling, & came out to a small cemented road — and no one knew for sure which was to go. It was a Team Prima tradition: getting lost in the trails.

Eventually we found our way to Upak, but not before our group was split in two. Gerry decided to be the trail master & led the others away from Upak, quite convinced he was in the correct path. They were too far out to chase after so we decided to just send them a text message that we’ll see them back in The Mansions.

Going, going, gone!

Going down Upak I really wanted to enter the Duck Trail to get down but Togs was in a hurry — he didn’t want the raffle to start without us. So down Upak we went, quite fast, exiting into the road that connect Sta. Rosa with Tagaytay.

Rodel & I being left to take up the rear along with another rider we didn’t know. As we passed through Paseo de Sta. Rosa the other rider disappeared. We assumed he had his car parked there & after waiting for 5 minutes we decided to go on without him & went after the other guys.

When we reached The Mansions the raffle hasn’t started yet, but the others have started eating. I went to get my free meal courtesy of Yellow Cab Pizza (2 huge pizza slices, 1 serving of carbonara, & 1 can of Sprite Zero) while waiting for the raffle & awarding to start.

Gerry & Togs were called for the raffle, but they weren’t available. Gerry still hasn’t arrived with Chucky, Borj, etc., & Togs was in the restroom. Their numbers were put back in the bowl. Ryan’s number was called & he won a Mongoose shirt.

In our category (Men’s 24-30), & in others, there were discrepancies in the ranking & time-keeping. After hearing the announced winners’ times we found out Ryan’s time & rank wasn’t included correctly. Bottom line, he should have been 2nd.

I’m not sure if the issue has already been resolved but I’m pretty sure Chucky, as team captain, & Ryan won’t leave it in error (pressure for you, Chuck, haha!).

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Road trip. Most of the single track trails were still wet so we decided on staying on pavement (mostly) for this ride.

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Waiting for take off

It was my first time to do the Palace in the Sky climb last Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. What should have been a very looong and leisurely ride turned out to be a day of a few personal landmarks all done in 1 day, namely my first time to use my GoPro helmet cam, my first time to climb the Reverse Palace route, my successful attempts of not stopping or dismounting in between semi-established rest stops along the route, and my first time ever to experience the start of muscle cramps.

The popping of cherries is caused by the sudden attendance of a couple of veteran Backout Boys members: Togs and Ramil Without them the ride would have been done in a leisurely pace… and maybe I’d have gotten home around 9PM (as with the original group we were planning on tagging along with). But because of them I was able to get home at 4:30PM

This also marked my second 100km+ ride.

Last August 21, 2009, was a holiday. Needless to say plans to go out riding were set, to Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay.

This is also the first time I’ll be using my GoPro Helmet Hero Wide cam so I’m excited with both the ride the opportunity to use the GoPro.

My post/comments are already embedded in the videos I took. So please watch them all. I’ve cut it into 5 parts for easier viewing and loading.

But first the few photos I took with the GoPro cam:

Now for the videos:

As to one of my tweets asking which climb won: Shotgun or Reverse Palace. Well, I have mixed answers from different people who have tried both. Problem is I couldn’t really depend on the answers since those who chose Shotgun have only tried it last Sunday during the Philmofo Anniversary Ride, and those who chose Reverse Palace have only tried it 2 days before the Philmofo event.

I need more time to conduct a more thorough research. Good excuse to go do both climbs again! And again! And again!

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Lolo Zaldy waiting for breakfast: binalot na lechon kawali

5:00 A.M., time to get up, I can’t miss this ride. One reason is I haven’t been to the Sta. Rosa trails in a while. Another reason is I haven’t really ridden the Sta. Rosa trails, I have only been to a few. But the main reason is this is the birthday ride of one of the Backout Boys.

I send Frank an SMS asking if the ride will push through as it has been raining almost the whole day yesterday. He replied back with, “Tuloy (We’re go), rain or shine,” so I force myself to move and start preparing for the ride.

After cooking a small and quick breakfast, lubing my chain, making sure I have relatively everything I might possibly need, I kiss my wife and youngest (he was sleeping with us) before I head out the door. I set my cyclocomp to 0 (zero) after closing the gate and before I mount my bike.

As with the usual Backout Boys riding tradition I started pedaling towards the meeting place. Though the destination is quite far we pedal all the way, back and forth, as much as possible. This is one of those rides.

I get to the corner of Daang Hari and Molino road, the meeting place, first. No one from the group was there yet. After 10 minutes of waiting and feeling the drizzle start to get stronger I see 2 riders from across the street going towards me. Chris and Enet. I watch them cross and wait for them to come. But they didn’t. With the rain starting to get stronger they opted to park by the police tent. Same corner, but along Molino road. I was in the small waiting shed on the Daang Hari part of the corner. With early commuters crowding the shed they both didn’t see me. So I got my bike and start moving towards them.

Good morning’s and macho bravado’s were exchanged about riding even if it’s raining. This might just be a road trip, as the trails are all wet, we all thought. “Better than not riding at all!” we all agreed.

As we wait 2 riders pass. It was Ashkel and his friend Joy. Enet recognized them, greeted, and invited them to join us on our ride. Then the rain started to get stronger.

Chris & I started receiving text messages about the ride not pushing through, about other options of having lunch either at Tagaytay or Binondo — by car. Both Enet & I started saying we would ride whatever happens, even if we’ll be forced to stay on pavement due to the rains and the trails might be unrideable.

Frank has been sending text messages, too. He’s having second thoughts due to the rains… what happened to his first message about “rain or shine”, I thought. I reply back saying to just ignore the rain and join us. He then sends this message (unedited):

About to crank up, right foot on the pedal, pero my 2 hands keeps pressing on the brake lever.

I cracked up. I just thought I’ll let him decide for himself. So we continue to wait… wait for the others to finally decide if they’ll join the rainy day ride or not… then Chris’s phone rings. After a short conversation he tells us the birthday ride will push through! So we wait for a while, and one by one the others start arriving.

I get another text message from Frank saying he’s going to do a U-turn, go back to the house, and change into his biking clothes again. I just didn’t mention it earlier but he was already en route to the meeting place in his car to just hand out the Livestrong wristbands he ordered to be given away to everyone in the group. With the mass text message saying we’ll push through he decided to go back home and get his bike.

The excitement was mounting again. We’ll settle for a long-distance road ride on a rainy day than not have the planned trip continue. We were out of the house anyway.

After the others arrive and stories and jokes were said I felt it was getting late. The usual “Let’s GO!” battle cry already was shouted out… and the usual storytelling after the call to roll out came… damnit…

So I clipped in, got ready to push, and told Migs we should be going. So off he went with me following right behind him, and another call-out was made by me, “LET’S GO!!!” So off we go along Daang Hari… we even saw a lone rider going the opposite direction a couple of minutes after leaving the Daang Hari/Molino road corner, carrying 2 tires tied together on his shoulder, then I recognized the rider… “RODEL!” I shouted, and signaled for him to follow us. Migs then asked me, “Why does he have 2 spare tires? Is he joining the Dakar Rallye?” I had to laugh.

When we reach the adjacent corner of the Daang Hari Police Outpost we all stop to wait for Ramil. At this time the group’s count is now up to 12, excluding Ramil. A few seconds before he arrived we saw another friend pedaling his way towards us: Ronald. Now we’re 14. A good number for a ride.

So off we go, through Victoria Homes, to San Pedro passing by the Sisters of Mary Immaculate College, then to Biñan, Southwoods, Carmona, then going towards the Laguna Techno-Park the leaders of the pack suddenly entered a gate and parked their bikes. As I follow I noticed it to be a house with the front area/garage turned into an eatery. Then I heard the others say you get “the best” (my friends’ words) binalot na lechon kawali here. Hmmm… we’ll see.

We had to wait for 20-30 minutes for our food to arrive, though. Telling us there will be a 15-minute wait would be fair on their part — not short enough that we’ll complain of the lie but not long enough for us to have second thoughts on waiting.

Backout Boys CHOW TIME!

When the food arrived I was actually surprised to see the meat. I was expecting it to be well-done. Maybe they were cooking in a hurry. From a business (this kind) standpoint losing 14 hungry bikers would be a big blow, and maybe they thought serving the food like this would prevent them from dealing with 14 mouths complaining… and they were right. We just said fuck it and ate. Silence came upon the eatery, and one by one the banana leaves used to wrap the food unfolded. The reality of food in front of us stopped any other sounds from being uttered. It’s chow time!

Another disappointment for me was the taste of their lechon sauce. I was fully expecting it to be Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce, but then I was setting the standard too high, maybe. It tasted nothing like Mang Tomas. Oh well… We got a bonus, though. The owner gave us a free mixed vegetable dish and soup, after finding out this is a birthday ride. Thanks, Manang!

Migs taking a fast bite

When everyone was done we rested for 5 minutes then got ready for takeoff. It was getting late. Another tradition by the Backout Boys is we always arrive and start the Cardiac Hill climb around noontime — not on purpose, that’s just how it always goes…

So we all crank up and start the journey to the start of Cardiac Hill. We regroup at Wedge Woods.

This marks the start of Cardiac Hill, just before the downhill descent. But don’t be fooled. You won’t be able to use the momentum you develop on this downhill stretch for the climb as the road curves left quite sharply and at the bottom part is a small bridge. Use the momentum and you risk overshooting. Hugging the curve/apex also isn’t an option as motorized vehicles use this road, too.

As we pass the curve we all try to use the momentum from the downhill stretch. Some have set their gears correctly, some have not. The latter paid for it, but were able to correct it immediately.

The climb continues. The stronger ones keep their pace constant… the rest get dropped one by one… curses and laughter can be heard.

We then pedal through the main road exit on the left side. From here on the road becomes less busy. Only the occasional golf kart, motorcycle scooter, and whatever vehicle pass, going up and down Cardiac Hill.

All my previous Cardiac climbs I always had to stop and walk while pushing my bike to go on forward. But now I was more confident. If I was able to conquer the Shotgun Hill without stopping I was sure I can conquer Cardiac Hill all the way. I only shifted to the granny gears on the first climb section. As soon as I got to the first recovery area (flat, slight downhill) I shifted to my middle chainring and resumed my spinning while shifting to the smaller cogs on the rear, but lightly pedaling to conserve my energy but at the same time use this gearing to develop some speed/momentum for the next uphill climb.

As I enter the climb I shift to the bigger cogs as needed. I’m more of a spinner than a masher, so the lighter the pedals are, the more chances I have of not stopping.

I continue my spinning, looking ahead from time to time but not feeling the hardship I felt during my last Shotgun climb. I take this as an indication of Cardiac now being easier than my first climbs. Oooooohh This ride also marked my first time of NOT being the last one up Cardiac Hill. Ha ha!

After a quick rest, and Enet fighting someone over the phone, we all decided to continue and rest at the bukohan (makeshift rest stop and store that sells water, Gatorade, Cloud 9 chocolate candy bars, and fresh coconuts).

While resting payment/donation was collected from those given Livestrong wristbands by Frank. What was originally planned to be given away we just all decided and agreed that a P50 (1.07294 US Dollar) minimum donation be given in exchange for the wristbands. All this will go to the collected funds for the family of a friend’s sister who is battling ovarian cancer.

Once everyone’s rested we gear up and continue with the ride. As the trail master was about to enter a trail some of the riders in front informed/warned him the trail will be real wet and muddy, so Mr. Trail Master opted not to enter and continued on the fireroad.

Then he enters a different trail. So much for it being a road ride… We have just entered the Website trail.

At this time the trail boasts of single tracks, tight double tracks but should be ridden as single tracks, mainly because 4×4′s of locals pass through this route during the harvest season (or for whatever reason they need) and the vehicle tracks are as deep as the bike wheel hubs, threatening to stop your pedal motion when the cranks hit ground.

Only option is to stay on the middle part of the tracks. But with the slippery and wet conditions you’d need to constantly apply “body language” while riding to compensate for the slipping and sliding of the bike on the track. The fear of either the front or rear tire sliding down to the ruts kept haunting us newbies, as unpreparedness to correct these sudden changes can spell disaster… and cake you in dark brown, gooey mud.

As the saying goes, “When in doubt — WALK!” so that’s what a lot of us did. But all-in-all I think we did good. The stronger and more familiar ones were able to ride almost 100% of the trail. Us mere mortals had to walk. But it was all good…

After the trail the leaders of the pack started discussing the route we’ll be taking. I only heard bits and pieces, and explanations to us proved to be futile as only a handful were familiar with the area. So the “followers” went back to the original plan: just follow the person in front of you.

We were told to just move forward while someone stays behind on a fork in the trail, to make sure eveyone takes the correct path. We reach a T-section in the local community, this time we’re pedaling on cemented roads. Going straight would take us to the Upak road. Left would lead us to Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

Upon reaching this T-section Frank and Rodel, who were ahead of me, went straight. So I followed suit. I asked Frank if we were going the right way. A quick peek behind and he tells me we probably were, as the rest of the guys, along with one of the trail masters — or so I thought, were all behind us.

As we pummel through a fairly rocky and muddy section in the middle of this fireroad we were plying on the so-called trail master suddenly started calling to Frank and Rodel. When I think back to it I think he suddenly realized we were going the wrong way and he was calling us all back. We should have taken the left at the T-section.

So we go back and we called Jun on his cell to find out the route they took. He informs us they went straight to Upak and was at the trailhead of the Duck trail. They didn’t turn left. So we go back and pedal through the route going to the Upak road.

As we were leaving a new group of mountain bikers exit the T-section where we came out earlier. As I was about to take off I heard someone shout, “Craw!” so I look back, didn’t recognize anyone and I thought they were calling someone from their group (“Bro!”) so I just did a friendly wave and followed my friends.

As I reach a border arch I noticed 3 friends (George, Rodel, and Zaldy) who’ve stopped. Zaldy was trying to remove something from his eye. Once done George and Zaldy start pedaling, and as I was about to push off someone from the other group arrived and suddenly stopped beside me.

“Craw?”

“Yep?”

“I’m a friend of Allan (QR Trailer),” he says, “He was the one who called out to you,”

We do a little small talk, with me asking him where they are headed (he answers he doesn’t know), how many they are in the group, etc. But after a while I knew I’ll be lagging behind, so I say a quick goodbye and tell them my group might leave me behind and I might get lost in the trails. I look back and the others in his group were quickly descending the track, so I pedal off and catch up with Rodel.

We reach the rest of the group waiting by the entrance to the Duck trail. Before we were able to set off the other group arrived. This group also frequents the Daang Hari trails so we kind of know each other. Jokes were passed on between the two groups, small talk, questions, quickie stories of what’s been happening on this specific ride.

As it was getting late our group’s trail leaders called out and started with the Duck trail. This other group decided to bypass the trail, don’t ask me why, so we say our goodbye’s and tell them we’ll see them at the bottom.

The Duck trail is a short but sweet single track trail going through fields of… uhm… I didn’t really notice the crops as I was looking at the track, making sure I don’t slip and checking out for natural land mines… then SQUISH!

“SHIT!” I shout. Behind me I think Frank also ran over it, so another shout from me, “SHIT!” He agrees…

Then the trail ends in a fireroad. “Left?” I ask Frank. He says to go right, as he saw the first ones of the group by the bridge, so I turn. As we approach I realized it was the other group. They missed a good, short trail, especially being informed this was their first time in the Sta. Rosa mountain bike trails. To each his own…

More small talk, and I confirm if our trail leaders passed through the bridge, so our group continued on, and stopped at the corner of the fireroad and highway, where the others were waiting for us laggers.

There were then a debate going on as to where the best route will be from this point on. I didn’t know who “won” but as the group started gearing up (others were already pedaling) I followed suit. The warning came that this route will now all be either cemented or asphalted but almost all uphill. OK, I thought, I didn’t really have a choice, anyway.

We pass by the Philippine National Police Academy, but I continue pedaling. Another new challenge I make to myself was borne here: since this road is a damn long one and climbs at a slight angle I tell myself to pedal this without stopping, only to stop where the leaders stop — since this is my first time here.

I concentrate, I look in front of my leading tire, I barely look up to see the highest point of the road, just enough to check for dangers in front of me and to scan for any signs of my friends. Nothing. Safe. So I pedal on.

During this time Joy & I alternately overtake each other. Not as a challenge, but to spin continuously and keeping the pace overtaking is essential.

As I continue on I catch sight of the leaders resting by the side of the road where locals sell handmade furniture. So I stop. Then I feel my butt go numb, the numbness creeps to my jewels, but not before I blurt out, “MANHID NA PWET KO!” (“MY ASS FEELS NUMB!”) To this one of them say, “My balls are numb.”

So we wait. We rest. We hydrate. As the others arrive we check on each other. Everyone’s good. Frank and Chris took a pit stop at one of the may fruit stands we just passed — banana break! And they didn’t bring us some!

We decide to do a proper pit stop at the next gas station, so off we go again, not waiting for the others. We see a Shell station on the left after a few hundred meters, and we head for it. The others start rehydrating with sports drinks, eating snacks, and some opted to use the toilets.

I even inquired at the Collete’s store which sells buko pie, mango pie, cassava cake, etc., as I wanted to bring home some cassava cake but I didn’t bring my hydropack with me. I only had 1 water bottle in my Deuter Nordic Lite water bottle hip pack. Next time…

We call out to others who have reached the Shell but didn’t know we did a pit stop. Mud-cleaning of pedals and cleats were done here, and I saw the salesclerk sweeping dried, dropped mud from the store. Oops.

More debate as to where we should have turned. Some say the right turn was missed, some say it wasn’t, some say there was never a right turn (tricycles mark the corner). While others were saying instead of picking the quickest route we were taking the longer one! I just had to smile as we were already here and I was thinking going back wasn’t really an option. We’d have to continue on forward.

Once we felt everyone has been properly rested to continue we all saddle up and start the departure. Another few hundred kilometers we saw a road sign. Straight to Tagaytay, right to Silang. We needed to head for Silang.

Road terrain in Silang is rolling. Cemented downhill with sudden uphill climbs. If you have fun on the downhill parts and forget to prepare your gears for the upcoming climbs you will quickly lose your momentum and, depending on what kind of a climber you are, your cranks will suddenly become impossible to  turn.

In one of the steeper climbs I witnessed 2 friends suddenly get attacked by leg cramps. Ronald was in front of me. Nearing the top he made a sudden stop and dismount, I then saw him almost drop his bike to the ground and scamper to the side of the road to sit and rest. I knew it was cramps. So as I overtake him to get to more level ground, then I dismount. I hurriedly get to him and get his bike to move it over to the side, for fear of it being run over by vehicles using this road. As I check on him I hear Enet utter something. He was still on the sloping section of the road but he was straddling his bike with a pained look on his face. Another victim of leg cramps.

He calls out to Chris who helps him walk up while George gets his bike to safety.

After letting the 2 rest (and apply Omega Painkiller c/o Chris) we continue with the trip, the 2 pedaling cautiously. We reach the group and they ask how the 2 were doing, and reassures them the restaurant where we’ll be having lunch is nearby. It was 3:30 P.M., by 4 P.M. we would be having lunch.

We continue on after Enet devours a pack of energy gel from Migs, and after a few turns and questions asked to a local policeman we reach LZM, the restaurant near The Riviera along Aguinaldo Highway.

Migs put in our order while the others made use of the washroom to clean up.

Food was great! We had chicharon bulaklak (deep-fried pork intestines) as appetizers. Then the main course arrived! Humongous fried bangus (milkfish) and bulalo (boiled beef bone marrow; but I only get the soup, veggies, and banana)! But in the middle of all the chaos (of eating, by a hungry horde of mountain bikers) there arrived a few more viands to be devoured: pinakbet (mixed vegetables cooked in shrimp paste) and calamares (fried breaded squid)! Pushed down by 7-Up and Mountain “Juice” (Enet’s version of Mountain Dew).

Once done some went out to smoke, to stretch, to rest, to watch over the parked bikes, and Ashkel noticed his rear tire to be flat. Good thing he noticed it just now as he now had the energy to change the flat.

Around 5:20 P.M., when the flat has been fixed (changed the tube, courtesy of George), we all start to pedal slowly. As we were riding down Aguinaldo Highway we all fell into a single file line, not daring to tempt fate and bus drivers plying this route.

Someone felt the group was riding too slow. I wouldn’t blame them. After eating a very late and hearty lunch after going through the route we just went through who would be all too excited to pedal hard and fast? “Someone should just break away and let all the others follow,” I heard. I chuckle, then as I was starting to get warmed up I then notice how slow we were going.

Looking back to check for oncoming vehicles, seeing the lane clear, I break away and call to Enet to pedal faster as he was at the lead position. I then felt the others following me, letting me tow them, good thing we were going downhill.

Leaders changed, with Migs holding it the longest. Jun encouraged me to keep Migs’s wheel, so I try to do as told, with Jun holding my rear. With the unpredictable (and stupid) stops of jeepney drivers Jun then overtook me and we switched places. I also notice someone at my rear. Frank. We keep the line and distance steady as much as possible. We were going 38-40kmh along Aguinaldo Highway. Unsaid we just decided to pedal fast to get home as soon as we can.

I don’t condone it, and I don’t think it’s good practice, but on the areas where traffic was congested, or where the public utility vehicles aggressively stop to take in passengers, we were almost all over the place, finding areas where we can squeeze through to minimize delays. Normally we wouldn’t do this, but it was starting to get dark and not all of us had lights. Some didn’t even have rear blinkers.

As we reach the corner of Pasong Buwaya & the route going to Pasong Buwaya, along Daang Hari it was getting real dark. We let the others continue on as they were taking a different route from this point on. Jun, Ronald, and myself wait for the others as we were all going the same route up. It took them quite a while. We started to worry.

Then I see silhouettes of bikes from the oncoming vehicle headlights. There they are. It seemed Zaldy had a flat tire… in the dark! But was only a few meters away so he walked to us. Good thing there was a vulcanizing shop just in the corner. Though, he’s fully capable of fixing a flat Zaldy welcomed the help from the vulcanizing shop.

Once everything was fine we went on our way. Between the 5 of us (Frank, Zaldy, Ronald, Jun, and I) only I had blinkers on. So I took up the rear. We enter Camella Homes along Molino road, very near where we rendesvouzed at the start of the day. Along the way this is where we said our take care’s and goodbye’s as we had to split up.

I got home around 7:10 P.M. With my family looking at me funny because of the time I was able to come home and how I looked: muddy, tired, satisfied. It was a fun and fullfilling weekday ride!

Again? Let me recover first. Ha ha! Then I checked my cyclocomp to find out how many kilometers I pedaled: 104.39KM

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