Jun 09
23
I joined this year’s Men’s Health All-Terrain Race. I only confirmed my participation the afternoon before the race. Actually, my wife did. She said we can all (the family) celebrate Father’s Day at the race, and their Father’s Day gift to me is the entry fee, and all expenses for that day hahaha!
Honestly, I was taken aback. I wanted to join the race, but the week before race day I was resigned to the idea that I won’t be joining. That’s why on June 19, the Friday before the race, I went on a solo ride to Paseo de Sta. Rosa in Laguna. I clocked 68.20km total.
The next day I did a recovery ride. In a sudden change of plans Rommel and I accepted Marlo’s invitation to ride in the Chains on Terrains racetrack. The Chains on Terrains track was fun! There was a portion that’s really technical, and you know how it feels to ride a techy trail for the first time. It makes your heart beat fast due to excitement, happiness, fear of crashing, with a sprinkle of panic (due to the fear). It would also make you more alert to the terrain right in front of your tire, and not 5-10 meters ahead of you. I clocked 34.43km that day.
After registering for the race at Gran Trail Cycles in Alabang I was trying to imagine how I would do in the race. 2 relatively high-mileage rides in 2 days. Wouldn’t I be too tired to perform good in the race? But then I have already registered. So I just told myself to enjoy the race, enjoy the event, enjoy the day — with friends and family.
Right after leaving Gran Trail I sent a text message to Rommel, asking about his plans and letting him know I will be racing, and telling him I wanted to convoy going to Sta. Elena on race day.
Everything went smoothly. The track was fun and beginner-friendly. But the 15-kilometer track was cut to just around 8 kilometers. The reason, as per the organizers, was because a huge portion of the track was disturbed for the construction of fences. Concrete posts and holes on the ground made that section of the trail dangerous for bikers (the runners were able to use that section, though).
Shout-outs go to:
- my wife
- Dirtball
- Nema
- Spy Optic
- GoPro Camera
Now I’ll let the pics do the talking.
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nice one francis!! family bonding!!
paglaki ko, gagayahin kita, takot kay misis… joke lang!!
That’s awesome Francis! Sounds like a great time riding & spending time w/ family & friends!
@Charlie – Hahaha! I’m not scared of my wife. At home I’m the tiger… uhm, but she’s the trainer hahaha!
@JT – Yep, exactly! I only wish I brought the kids’ bikes so they could’ve also ridden around the area.
Galing!!!! Cool and relaxing way to celebrate fathers day….San ba ako nito?
Alam ko na. Nag migrate ako sa Marikina nung sunday. Padyakoldaway… Pansamantalang iiwan ang south trapik eh… Timberland tayo sa Saturday? Game ? Hahaha
May plan ako to go to Timberland on Saturday with my ninong, si Prof. Sino kasama mo to go there?
Eto plan namin: We’ll use my car, may kukunin kami sa Tondo (Coastal road, lampas ng pier ng konti), then go to Teacher’s Village to a friend’s talyer to leave the car then pedal all the way to Timberland. Pedal all the way pauwi din.
Ikaw, ano plano mo?
@Bornok – Ewan ko sayo hahaha! Sabi ko sayo punta tayo sa race but di ka naman nag-confirm. Saya ng event. Also after the race there were people who went inside the trails to try it out. Sana ikaw din na-try mo ang track.