Click on this link to watch the videos: 

Dirt Is Good 2011: Super D track from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

Dirt Is Good 2011: Super D track, part 2 from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Philmofo XCM-MIM 2011
• 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

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

After quite a long time of not riding in Malipay (quite, as I usually ride there at least 3 times a week), I rode there again last Tuesday. It was partly work, but I’m not complaining.

The ride required us to do the whole Malipay loop. This excited me as this will be my first time to go back to the violated Hagdan (Stairs) of Malipay where the descending section was dug out by freeriders to make the steps more difficult to go through by us lowly XC riders.

I wrote about it as soon as I experienced this, which I called the trail traps.

Continuing with the ride the 2 other friends I’m with were quite happy with the sections I brought them to as some sections were new to them.

Approaching the first Hagdan, where the trail violation took place, I told them I’d need to check it out first. I had to make sure the information passed on to me about the trail trap having been fixed is accurate.

I dismounted near the downhill section. I put my bike down. Then I started walking towards the first descending step. As the view of the downhill section becomes clearer I was quite surprised to see what I was starting to see. It was both good news and bad news.

The good news is the trail traps were fixed.

The bad news? The stair-like indentation on the downhill slope is gone. It has been flattened. Now it looks more like a slide than a set of stairs. Too much fixing? Maybe they felt the heat about the traps they created. Oh well. Time to get the fcuk out and ride.

Possibly Related Posts:

• FOR SALE: BMC Trailfox ’08
• Kid gives greatest inspirational speech after riding a bike for first time
• Human-Powered Health
• Back-to-School 2011 Mission for Malipay Students
• Spy+West Coast Customs!

Diego (taken before the March 14, 2010 ride)

Late this morning Diego G. and I did a quick heatstroke ride in the Malipay trails. As I couldn’t ride early we were able to start at around 10 A.M. (now you know why I call it a heatstroke ride; damn weather!)

Since I have a full day (ride, Makati errands, banks, and be home mid-afternoon to bring my kid to his appointment) I decided to do the usual Backout Boys ride: non-stop pedaling from start to finish.

Heatstroke!

I was confident he can do it, to just pedal light and easy if and when he gets tired since I was making sure he won’t get lost. But the weather took its toll on him. During our first quick stop (should’ve only waited for him) I couldn’t understand what he was saying, his heavy breathing was more audible as opposed to the words he wanted to say.

After the first few fairly technical sections (specifically the Otso-otso) Diego became the boy who cried wolf, “I’m gonna get a heatstroke because of this!” was his way of asking to take a rest midway. So we stopped for a few minutes.

Then we continued on. Everything was going smoothly. Then we reached the wide section where Ian broke his wife’s Kinesis, the same section Jerich played in during out exploride (in the video it was the 2nd and 3rd segments).

The trail traps

Entering the right side of this “black hole” used to be smooth. Now, exactly where the (XC) line is to enter this hole the smooth transition going inside has been ruined to form one long (cornered) step. As I was too late into it I couldn’t stop and dismount. Doing so would surely make me crash. So I rode it in. It was still rideable. Diego did a good job of entering it, too, as I heard him behind me riding the whole way.

Before the climb Diego was able to gain momentum and did the climb easily. Reaching the top he was a foot ahead of me, so I told him to turn left and ride ahead of me leading to the first Stairs.

If only I knew about the next trail trap I would have made sure he was behind me. We were both surprised as we were going downhill. Right under the 2 huge steps (where we got the name) were man-made horizontal ruts crossing the trail.

Click image for a larger view. Photo by Chucky Marcelo.

From the side, instead of the steps looking like letter L’s they now look like letter J’s because of the traps.

In my shock I almost did an endo and crashed, good thing I was able to shift my body weight further back and push my handlebar for more momentum to get the front tire to roll over the steps AND the new ruts. We were both safe, having successfully ridden the downhill traps and the still-normal climbs. But we were both shocked.

I got pissed. I was wondering why there were these traps. One wouldn’t be able to see it until it’s too late. I started to wonder if maybe the locals didn’t want us riding there anymore.

After the climb I made sure I was ahead of Diego. The next set of Stairs were normal and as natural as can be, along with the small uphill rut. Nothing was disturbed by man-made weapons.

Intelligence

During one of my morning errands after the ride I got a call from Chucky. He was informing me of the traps. I told him I knew about it and even rode it earlier in the day. It seems Togs, Jojo, and a friend (not sure if I heard right, but I think he said it was Brandom) also got surprised by the J-traps. Jojo has fallen victim. He endo’d and crashed.

The thing is the J-traps are right before the middle of the downhill section. He had a long way down before landing on the ground. I’m still not sure how he is, Chucky’s reception wasn’t good and his call was full of static.

Anyway, after the crash a few locals saw/heard what happened and told them 2 other mountain bikers were the ones who dug up the traps. They had a shovel with them. Now it makes me wonder more what they could be thinking.

According to the locals the guys who did (most of?) the digging was tall, had long curly hair, and a black bike. Know anyone who fit that description? Please let us know.

It’s the weekend again. Those nearby who won’t be joining this weekend’s race at Tagaytay would be riding the Malipay trails. I hope this post will serve as a warning for them to be careful when riding this section.

The J-traps can only be seen when your front tire is rolling off the step right above it. Hesitation caused by surprise/shock will surely make you crash.

Like I always say: ride safe! (So you can) ride hard.

PS – I’ll try to post more photos and videos of this section, maybe later or tomorrow. Still got errands to run.

Possibly Related Posts:

• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Aimless, Part 2
• Aimless
• Bato-bato-pick
• Trail Traps no more

Thursday, a group of friends and I explored some trails that branch out from the main Malipay trail network. It was a good break for us all as we are regulars of the Malipay trails. As I said in one of my tweets that day when I got home, “Great ride early this A.M., w/ good company. Thumbs up!”

(More photos and first installments of the videos inside)

Here are some of the weapons of choice:

A short rest after crossing the creek before continuing on to the trails…

After the great trail we had no choice but to ride on the road, and everyone eventually started ignoring the others as we pedal our way to the eatery for breakfast.

Happy stomachs, happy thoughts:

And Jerich playing as we head home, now riding on more familiar terrain (video):

ExploPlay from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

2010 04 15 ExploPlay, video 01 from Francis Arellano on Vimeo.

Possibly Related Posts:

• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Aimless, Part 2
• Aimless
• Bato-bato-pick
• Trail Traps no more

Thanks to Hatch who showed me the eroded part on the right side of the track is now rideable. After the ride when he showed us I tried it out during one of the weekday rides Borj and I do.

This section of the Malipay trail network is the part that leads from the main Malipay road which passes by Tita’s Hardin de Malipay. Right after passing Hardin, and right before reaching the community basketball court, you turn right. The terrain slopes down then suddenly climbs up (one of the main characteristics of this trail network) to a T-intersection.

Turning right at the T will lead you to a small church in the middle of the Otso-otso (or Ocho-ocho; otso is the number eight). Turning left at the T will bring you to the first Hagdan (Stairs).

After successfully doing it the first time after Hatch showed us it has been a staple route for me, and I always encourage my friends to also try it out, as opposed to the too easy, too flat section on the left. This left side was established as a bypass to the original right side section, then became the main track after Ondoy (Typhoon Ketsana).

Riding along the regular direction to the Otso-otso I noticed 2 riders heading our way. It was Ian and Dino. 2 of the Backout Boys. Practicing for the 1st MTG Big Daddy’s DH CUP.

They decided to join us. They’ll train while we watch them fly down the DH sections.

Knowing they’ll love the “new” section I told them about it. Going towards Hardin for some refreshments for the beginners Doc Riz was able to convince to ride with us we had the opportunity to ride past this section, and I showed them where to enter.

Ian's wife on the trail in question.

I stopped right before the huge “hole”/drop and pointed at the entry point. Before I can warn them about the other drop midway and tell them to shift back to the left side before the transition I was stopped mid-sentence by a flying biker entering the hole and riding down fast. It was Ian. Oh shit, I thought. But I know he has quick reflexes. He’s an experienced downhiller.

Then I lost sight of him quick. He was going fast, and the section was fairly “deep”, then I heard someone shout in the general direction of where Ian was supposed to be. Not seeing him climb up I knew something was wrong. He must have crashed.

I moved to a better spot to get a look at him, and I see him on the ground getting up. He didn’t shift back to the left side of the track. He went straight to a 4-foot gap on the right side.

When he got the bike up I can’t help but shout, “Oh shit!” I said, for the benefit of Dino, who decided to be cautious and wanted to study the section first before attacking (unlike Ian).

When I saw Ian lift the bike I knew there was something wrong. It looked like his bike shrunk. When I stared at it while walking down towards him I noticed the front wheel was hitting the crank. Another curse, brought about by the situation… then Dino started laughing. An infectious laugh. Crazy!

Like I said in one of my tweets yesterday, “A friend broke something in the trails today…” Photos below:

How’s Ian? Only a small scratch on his knee, nothing a Band-aid can’t fix.

Lessons learned:

1. ALWAYS have the GoPro ready to shoot, even if you’re expecting an easy and uneventful ride.
2. Listen (fully) to people who have ridden a section you’ll be attacking for the first time.
3. Related to #2, let those people finish talking.
4. Use the proper bike for the riding you’ll be doing. In a scale of 1-10, Ian was using a bike for level 2 riding but his skills are at level 9-10 — and riding it at level 9!

Hahaha! Good to know Ian and Lei (Ian’s wife, she owns the bike) were still cool about it. At least they can’t put upgrading the frame on hold now

Check out Ian’s blog: The Philippine Outdoors

Added on April 14, 2010

Doc Riz has finally uploaded the photos he took of the bike. Check them out:

Possibly Related Posts:

• [VIDEOS] Dirt is Good 2011 – Super D track
• Aimless, Part 2
• Aimless
• Bato-bato-pick
• Trail Traps no more