Laguna Lake – Loop Ride (*NEW!)
The Wall, Timberland in San Mateo
200 Kilometers Around Taal Lake
Moalboal is a resort town north of Cebu City, popular for its scuba diving areas and white sand beaches. Moalboal is accessible via the town of Carcar and is a worthy destination for both sun worshippers and cyclists alike. I recently got a chance to ride there with a group of roadies from CebuCycling. Com.
Entering the Municipality of Carcar, Cebu. Its all uphill from here
The “Bibinka” (rice cakes) sold here in Mantalongon are worth a stop
Tour of Antique is an annual three-day multi stage mountain biking race in Antique, Panay Island. The event is organized by the Antique Tourism Officers Association and is arguably the first ever regular multi-stage mountain bike race in the Philippines. The Tour of Antique race course takes competitors across the length of Antique Province and into parts of the mountains of Iloilo in a very challenging competition which promises to grow into a national or even a regional event in the coming years.
Flying into Iloilo via Cebu
The brand new Iloilo airport terminal
Taking the airport shuttle to the Ceres bus terminal
Getting ready for the first leg of my land trip to Libertad, Antique
Wonder bus for the second leg from Kalibo at 5AM, this bus was packed!
Crossing the mountains to the Municipality of Pandan, Antique
The first of many bridges that I’ll cross on this particular trip
HIghway leading to the Municipality of Pandan, Antique
Squeezed into the backseat with my bike, sacks of onions, and fish!
Event banner at the entrance to Valderrama, finish line for Stage One
Picture perfect landscape on the way to a difficult finish in Valderrama
Injured cyclist riding in for the finish
This bridge took out quite a few riders
Yes, Weekend Warrior Magazine was there!
So near and yet so far
Entering the town of Valderrama
Support truck for the Negros Team
Dinner time at the Tour of Antique
Basic tools of survival at the Tour of Antique!
My mud encrusted bike after Stage Two (Valderrama – San Jose)
More mud!
Mud got into every imaginable nook and cranny of my bike!
Racer’s hotel in San Jose, Antique
The food was great at every stage of the race
Topping out over the mountains of Iloilo in Stage Three
Getting chased down was a regular challenge
So was getting caught and getting passed
Hanging with the main pack at the start of Stage Three
Peloton breaks apart as attacks begin
Start of the off-road section of Stage Three
riding around ruts and construction equipment in San Joaquin
Racers at the starting line in San Jose, Antique
Waiting for the flag-off for Stage Three in San Jose, Antique
Photo-Op for the racers in front of the Provincial Capitol of Antique
On another bus back to Iloilo after the race
Pancake breakfast in Iloilo, a day after the Tour of Antique
Early morning walk around Iloilo to stretch sore muscles
I’m sure they have better pancakes aboard
Walking towards the Iloilo port area
Port area watchdog
Derelict looking boats waiting for a job
Ahhm…which one is the captain?
Iloilo Customs House
JD Bakery Cafe at the Iloilo airport before flying back to Cebu
Good coffee and tasty pastries, and cheap too!
Flying back to Cebu for another adventure before heading to Manila
Aboard Cebu Pacific’s ATR aircraft, so much better than the Dash 8s
Back in Cebu City once more!
The Laguna Lake Loop is a little over 200 kilometers long and takes almost an entire day to complete for an average cyclist taking riders over the Sierra Madre mountains in Rizal and into the plains of Laguna passing through the historic towns of Morong in Rizal and Pagsanjan and Calamba in Laguna. I started my Laguna Loop at three in the morning in San Pedro, Laguna to meet up with other cyclists in Antipolo.
Tour of the Fireflies is an annual cycling event promoting clean air. The 2009 tour boasts of a sizable peloton that virtually took over the main thoroughfares of the cities of Pasig, Quezon City, and Makati, including EDSA Avenue which is the main artery of all vehicular traffic between all three cities. The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies started and ended up at the Tiendesitas in Pasig along C5, culminating in a very lively musical performance by known musical artists.
Left San Pedro around 5:30 AM and was in Alabang by sunrise
Hurrying past the giant pylons of the Skyway Project in Bicutan
C5 Road is empty on an early Sunday morning
The buildings of new developments at “The Fort” in Taguig
Tiendesita’s at last after almost an hour and a half of effort
Barely made it, a large crowd of cyclists getting ready to start
Free and unlimited Pocari Sweat for everyone, no claim stubs required
With such a large number of cyclists on the road, this is the maximum
Father and son on a bike ride after the peloton at the start of the ride
Making the first turn-around just outside of Tiendesita’s
Straight into a crowd of Fireflies
Climbing the first uphill towards Ortigas Center
First glimpse of a “Bling Bike” on the tour
The attitude goes with the bike
Cyclists dwarfed by the buildings of Ortigas
Fireflies charging EDSA Avenue for the first time
Littlest firefly in attendance with big brother
Trying out her own wings amidst the big riders
The peloton hogs the road and gets the message across
Tireless marshals keeping things moving
Riding between the pink MMDA Barriers
As curious pedestrians look on in amazement
Riding into Cubao under the gaze of pedestrians
Padyak.Org’s dressed up UP bicycles
Tour riders riding past Nepa-Q Mart near Kamuning Road
Elvis on a bike riding on the Tour
A bit of a jam going into the first bottleneck near Kamuning Road
Past the bottleneck and almost at the East Avenue intersection
She’s obviously no firefly
Riding underneath the main station of the MRT in Quezon City
Right turn at the distinctive SM City North
Following the road towards Quezon Memorial Circle
Riding on the sidewalk in front of the Ayala-owned Trinoma
Quezon Memorial Circle within sight
Glowing pink angel makes an appearance on Quezon Avenue
Pixie breezes past on purple wings
Chased by an easy-riding cowboy
Another bottleneck on the corner of Quezon Avenue
Large crowd builds as the peloton slowly grinds to a halt
Prompting an impromptu hike-a-bike
Team X-Terra making their presence felt
Cyclists slowly making it out of the bottleneck
Just in time for a much needed water break
Even pixies need to drink every now and then
The most popular kind of fireflies in the peloton
Police escort for a miniature Discovery Team rider
Photographing the photogapher near Timog Avenue
Riding with the Bike Mafia all the way around EDSA Avenue
Camera pointed the other way near the corner of Timog Avenue
Taking it easy on the cruise down EDSA Avenue
A very young rider weaving through traffic
Negotiating unwieldy traffic on the Guadalupe bridge
BMX riders pushing pavement on the way up to Makati City
Finally riding into the Central Business District of Makati City
Cycling past “The Columns” on Buendia Avenue
Ayala Avenue closed to all motorized traffic for the Tour
Liesurely cycling down the country’s most prominent avenue
Riding between the towering buildings of Ayala Avenue
UP Mountaineers’ bicycles at the Ninoy Aquino statue in Ayala
Colorful Padyak.Org bicycles
Sliver of glass housing the Makati Stock Exchange
Cyclists massing for a short program in front of the Stock Exchange
The Tour of the Fireflies 2009, Makati City
Taking shade from the noonday sun
This almost never happens on regular days at the stock exchange
Flood of cyclists at the 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
Flood of cyclists at the 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
Chocolate colored bike
Virtual parking lot of bicycles at the Fireflies Show
The Enterprise building lording it over Ayala Avenue
Always a crowd-drawer, the Miss Earth beauties
More Miss Earth pictures…
Even more Miss Earth pictures…
Just one more Miss Earth picture…
Tour of the Fireflies founder taking a break
The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
The 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
Rock Racing jersey at the Tour of the Fireflies
Flower power for the firefly brigade
Biked today at the Tour of the Fireflies 2009
Firefly on a recumbent bike
A little strange to see Ayala Avenue without any traffic
The old Glorietta and the newly opened Glorietta 5
A better view of the glass facade of Glorietta 5
Traffic builds up as Tour riders prepare to leave Ayala Avenue
Team X-Terra looking good in the heat
Cyclists as far as the eye can see in Guadalupe
Trailing a UP Mountaineers rider
Back on the bridge in Guadalupe
Miss Earth on the road
Taking it free and easy on Shaw Boulevard
Fireflies dominating the road in front of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong
Mysterious hoodie on a BMX
Rounding the last corner back into Ortigas Center
Driving hard towards Tiendesitas via Meralco Avenue
The 2009 Firefly peloton makes it home
The Pasig City fire brigade pitches in with a cool-down shower
Nice shower at the finish courtesy of Tiendesitas
Chikoy Pura of “The Jerks”rocks the house
Chikoy Pura of “The Jerks”rocks the house
Backing up Chikoy Pura on Bass
Rock and roll drums
Folk singer from Denmark does his ditty
Before Noel Cabangon brings the house down
And up on its feet for an encore performance
Noel Cabangon feeling the vibe offstage
A reggae set closes off the 2009 Tour of the Fireflies
Back on the road for the ride home to San Pedro
Riding over the traffic and smog of Pasig City
A quick glimpse of the Pasig River
Back on the East Service Road in Bicutan
A fierce headwind picks up on the exposed roads of Sucat
I push back with what I have left all the way to Alabang
Back home in San Pedro, and the end of my Tour of the Fireflies experience
The Wall, as it is known among local cyclists, is officially listed as Circumferential Road number 6. It connects an upscale land development project called Timberland Heights to San Mateo, Rizal and beyond. The Wall got its fame from the steepness of its grade, providing a ready-made training ground for cyclists looking to enhance their climbing abilities. The Wall was also included in the first installment of the Sandugo Adventure Race, way back before it was completely paved. Competing teams took this route from Pintong Bocaue on the way to the finsih line in Marikina City.
All rides in this area begin and end at the famous Tina’s Eatery
Cyclists’ cars clog the parking lot even on an early Tuesday morning
The road leading up from Tina’s to the start of the climb
Stunning roadside view at the first turn in the road
The start of the climbing is a fitting warm-up for what lies ahead
Negotiating the first wide curve
A good view of what the road has in store
Its just the start of the climb but it already sets the tone
It is a steep road that requires some endurance
A relentless climb with no flat areas to speak of
It’s a scenic road if you can remember to take a look around
The climbing ends here at the Timberland gates
A nice view of the exclusive Timberland Clubhouse
Another cyclist pedals to the top of the climb
A row of bicycles outside a store that sells hot noodles and cold soda
Riderless helmet at rest and enjoying the view
Descending back towards the dusty roads of San Mateo
Back to where we began the ride at Tina’s Eatery
A closer look at Tina’s place
The place does seem inviting
Smells like something good is cooking on the stove
This is lunch in San Mateo, Tina’s style
More cyclists arrive from The Wall and from various rides around Rizal
Tina’s stable of mountain bikers wait outside for table space
That banner on the left has a familiar ring to it
Cross-country basketball is the sport to watch
A cross-country racecourse just across the way
A last look at the hills of San Mateo
Paete is a town popular for its woodcarvers and paper mache craftsmen, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre and sandwiched between the mountain and the storied waters of Laguna Lake. Paete is a long road ride along the Old National Highway that passes through the towns of San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Calamba, Los Banos, and many others all the way to Pagsanjan and Lumban in Laguna. The route is mostly flat roads but pitches up a bit in the town of Kalayaan, a place just below another popular tourist area called Lake Caliraya.
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Rainy start of a long day, sunrise barely peeking through thick rain clouds
A bike commuter sets the pace all the way to Calamba
Slippery asphalt under the welcome archway of Los Banos, Laguna
Riding along the tree-lined highway around Mount Makiling in Los Banos
Locked in traffic near the intersection going to UP Los Banos
Shaking off the rain just past the traffic-clogged streets of Los Banos
Rain-soaked fields on the road to Calauan, Laguna
Out of the rain and under the sun in Santa Cruz, Laguna
Burning fields hide the mountains of Quezon in the distance
The long stretch of road leading out of Santa Cruz
Fruit seller on the roadside selling fresh green mangos and bananas
The new archway of Pagsanjan, Laguna
Wide open spaces surrounded by the ridges of the Sierra Madre
The historical marker of the old town boundary of Pagsanjan
A female sculpture keeps watch on the streets of Pagsanjan
The old church in the middle of Pagsanjan town
The famously picturesqe houses of old Pagsanjan
Crossing a wide river towards the shade of the Sierra Madre
Riding across the bridge towards Lumban, Laguna
Modern irrigation ditches demarcate the periphery of rice fields in Lumban
Verdant fields of Lumban just before the climb to Kalayaan
The road to Kalayaan on the left, Caliraya on the right
Rounding a nice bend just outside of Lumban
Start of the climb towards the hydroelectric plant
Taking it too seriously on the climb
All smiles at the top of the hill
It wasn’t that hard at all
Our first real view of Laguna Lake
Its a long way down to those refreshing waters
Laguna Lake with a partial view of the Hydro Electric Plant
High fence to keepexhausted cyclists from riding off the cliff
A nice long downhill after the climb
Riding into Paete after a long day of roadwork
Finally under the shade in the town of Paete
Woodcarving store selling the work of local artisans
An especially flamboyant paper mache store and exhibit
An ancient looking Paete Church against the Sierra Madre
The same church seen from a closer angle
Paete church belfry scraping the summer sky
Locally carved biblical scene for a church procession
Locally carved biblical scene for a church procession
Locally carved biblical scene for a church procession
Locally carved biblical scene for a church procession
Tagaytay is a popular destination for tourists because of its sights and sounds, it is also an important meeting place for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy making the climb to this city perched on the ridge of Taal Lake. Often, cyclists make a brief rest stop at the rotunda for a breather before riding back down, but some also make Tagaytay a waypoint for destinations farther afield. From Tagaytay, cyclists craving for mileage have the option to ride down to Nasugbu or Calatagan in Batangas province, as well as any number of smaller towns that are directly connected to Tagaytay via an intricate network of well-paved asphalt roads. Our sunday ride took us a little farther this time, all the way, in fact, around the historic Taal Lake riding down via Payapa all the way to Lemery, Cuenca, Lipa, and back to Laguna via Calamba in a day-long 200 kilometer epic under the summer sun.
Starting the ride early inSan Pedro, riding up to a place called Maguyam
Stopping for water at the Tagaytay rotunda
The junction in the road leading up to Payapa
A short climb leads up to the ridge line along the Payapa road
The first of many turns on the route
Every turn has its own unique attractions
Some parts of the road are flanked by ravines on both sides
Sweeping turns just after the start of the descent
The road’s blind corners demand constant attention
Local residents take advantage of abundant building materials
A scenic but highly exposed section of the Payapa route
The shifting sky proves to be an intriguing backdrop to the road
Clouds roll by lazily with the slightest hint of rain
A distant mountain top peeks out from surrounding hills
Magnificent cloud cover but not enough to provide shade
Perfect sweep of the road with a view of Taal Lake
Coconut trees on an especially scenic part of the route
Antennas are a constant reminder of the encroaching development
A local farmer’s roadside handiwork
The long sun-bleached road to Lemery
At the Lemery marker but the town is still a long way off
Fantasy World theme park, a place far, far away
Near the end of the long descent
Back on the main highway on the road to Lemery
Almost there but not quite, still a long way to go
At last, the town is in sight after a long hot ride down the highway
following motorized traffic headed into town
Signs of summer have taken over the Lemery market
Riding out of Lemery and into the historic streets of the town of Taal
The house that time forgot
Postcard picture of Taal town street
The impressive facade of the Taal parish church
Riding fast towards the edge of town
Taal’s stylishly renovated welcome arch
Lady holding a big knife usually means no trespassing!
Fine example of Taal’s collection of colonial mansions
Well-preserved slice of the past just by the roadside
Just past the halfway mark under the scorching heat of a noonday sun
And the road stretches on and on…
Just following the signs to Lipa in Batangas province
Thankful for the momentary shade
A local hall blocking an otherwise perfect view
A better view of Mount Maculot farther down the road
Closing the gap on the town of Cuenca in Batangas
The town of Cuenca at the foot of Mount Maculot
The bridge leading out of town
Starting the ascent of the zig-zag road
A perfect ribbon of asphalt snakes its way towards Lipa
Up and down on the narrow roads of Cuenca
A few rough patches makes the going more interesting
A washed out bridge just before the highway to Lipa
End of the road for motorized vehicles
View the complete photo album here.
View the video in three parts here.
Nasugbu is a popular tourist haven in Batangas, Philippines known for its beaches. Easily accessible from Manila by way of another popular tourist haunt, the scenic mountain city of Tagaytay. The ride featured here begins in San Pedro, Laguna winding its way through the small towns of Cavite, passing through places like Maguyam and Silang before climbing up to Tagaytay and then onward to Batangas in a long and fast descent through the winding asphalt roads that lead all the way to the coastline of Batangas province.
Start of the ride in Carmona, Cavite. Unidentified cyclist buzzing my lens
The newly widened and resurfaced Governor’s Drive in Carmona
Roadside silhouettes in the early morning sun
Governor’s Drive links Carmona to a place called GMA Cavite
Giant tree looking down on the undulating hills of Cavite
Early morning view of the Cavite landscape
Entering the town of Silang in Cavite as the sun climbs higher
Maguyam, Cavite is popular among area cyclists for its climbs
Popular mode of bread delivery in the Philippines
The open roads of Maguyam is a favorite among area cyclists
A tricky dip in the road near the end of the Maguyam route
A quick descent followed by a sudden vault into the sky
A right turn midway leads out into another nasty surprise
And the climbs keep coming up the very end of the route
Before breaking out into the relatively gentle grade of the Silang Highway
First clue that youre headed in the right direction
The ever-present Starbucks outlet, second one in Tagaytay
With a not so pretty condominium (or hotel?) right beside it
A supermarket on the other side for good measure
The road leads through the pine-scented Tagaytay Ridge
Looking out across the road towards Taal Volcano in the distance
The “fruity” arch over the roadway leading out of Tagaytay City
Descending fast towards Nasugbu on sweeping roads and corners
Perfect ribbon of asphalt headed for Nasugbu
Solid yellow lines on narrow provincial highway
Passing through the Nasugbu Arch into Batangas Province
Coconut trees brushing the sky just inside of Nasugbu
With mountains on the right…
And more mountains on the left as the ride continues
Occasional respite from the blistering noonday sun
Exposed roads like this is the norm on the ride to Nasugbu
There’s no escaping the heat
Old truck waiting by the roadside for its sugarcane load
The old bridge before the turnaround gets a facelift
Approaching the Nasugbu junction rotunda for the turnaround
Just a friendly reminder of how far you’ll have to ride on the way back
The Nasugbu Junction and its unpromising rotunda
Good thing the new bakery there serves the best-tasting bread!
Talisay is a town which is ground zero for most of the mainstream tourism activities bound for Taal Volcano. The town itself boasts of a spectacular view of the caldera of Taal right from its coastline. Talisay -Tagaytay ride is a 65 Kilometer climb from Alabang (estimated), passing through the towns of Santo Tomas and Tanauan. The Talisay ride also includes a full 9 Kilometer ascent up to the Tagaytay Ridge towering above the town.
The offerings of a Sunday market in Sto. Tomas town
More odds and ends from the Sunday market in Sto. Tomas
Navigating Tanauan, Batangas
Dodging traffic in Tanauan Town
Passing over the Star Tollway on the way to Talisay
Flower lined road just before entering Talisay Town proper
Taking cover from the noonday sun
Temporary respite from the ascent and the heat
Motorcycle rounds a steep bend
Steep road snakes towards the Tagaytay ridge
Back breaking turns are a staple on the way up
Tree lined agony all the way to the top
Its this steep nearly all the way to the top
The same angle for the next nine kilometers
Giving it everything at the halfway mark
Coconut stand with a million dollar view
Its steep and its far, a nasty combination
Another exclusive village hogging the real estate
Perfect bend to sightsee
Its a small house with a big view
Sweeping curves just below the Tagaytay Ridge
So near yet so far away
Almost there
An extremely large billboard welcoming visitors to Tagaytay
The Tagaytay rotunda serves as a turn around for most cyclists
VISIT THE COMPLETE PICTURE ALBUM HERE!
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Portofino is an exclusive village which has opened its gates to cyclists, allowing the use of its well-paved entrance drive with turn-around rotundas at both ends. Blessed with undulating roads, Portofino is the perfect place for time trial practice or just riding around in circles for fitness, its also perfect to get a glimpse of the latest catalogue bikes from Cervelo, Trek, Se7en, and other name-brand bicycles as they parade for show from nearby Ayala Alabang Village. Portofino is also a haven for pro and amateur riders in training as it has ready access to the steep hills of San Pedro as well as the long distance rides of Daang-Hari and Cavite.
Start of the long climb to Portofino from upper San Pedro
Back-breaking climb to South Peak in San Pedro
Near the switchback of the first climb section
Another sustained climb after the first turn
Near the end of the climb to the Sisters of Mary Immaculate convent
Southpeak Village at the summit of the first ascent
View of San Pedro and Laguna Bay at the top
Start of the descent towards the Laguna-Cavite Boundary
More downhill pleasure right before the hard work
Good things never last, the climbing begins again
A quick zip around a fast bend at the laguna-Cavite Boundary
the climbing never stops, its hill climbing all the way to Cavite
Don’t stop to pick the flowers here, keep climbing!
Portofino at last!
The water bottle in front of me looks extremely inviting after the climb
Portofino is packed with cyclists of all levels almost everyday
Look at all that open road!
There’s an impromptu cycling bazaar every weekend
The very exclusive Portofino Clubhouse and environs just across the way
After the ride, Ayala Town Center looks inviting!
The palms of the Madrigal Business Park in Alabang
Quick stop at the Sabak Store in Alabang for some cycling goodies
Wine in your water bottle, anyone?
The Ayala Alabang Church for the weary soul
Cuenca is a small town at the foot of a 1,500 foot mountain in Batangas, Philippines. “Maculot,” as the small mountain is called locally, is an easy climb with a rewarding view of Taal Lake and the volcano within it from the peak’s popular saddle campsite. Riding a bike to Cuenca is actually a more interesting alternative to driving there, as it affords cyclists a tour of the small towns that line the old national highway, passing through places like Calamba, Santo Tomas, and Lipa. The roads are first class asphalt throughout,although since “it is a highway,” it is best to be careful riding there as large trucks and buses will be a constant companion. Lipa is the best place for a stop-over on the way to Cuenca, there is a McDonald’s and a 7/11 along the way just in front of a large Robinson’s Mall. Continue the ride from Lipa following the highway, turn right at the sign pointing towards Lemery past an Air Force Base. Take caution when descending the steep zigzag road just before Cuenca as Buses will be zipping up from Lemery on the other side, often eating up more than its fair share of the two lane road. make your way towards a place called “Mang Manuel’s Store” or “Mountaineer’s Store” as it is now called, and look for, well, “Mang manuel” himself. He should be able to point you in the right direction if you intend to climb Mt. Maculot which is just behind his house.
Mt. Makiling, the godess mountain in Calamba, Laguna
The road into Lipa, Batangas after a long ride from Calamba
Just a little bit more, although Lipa proper is still a few kilometers ahead
Past the zigzag roads of Cuenca and straight into town
Cloud covered Maculot just beyond the town of Cuenca
Starting the ascent towards the summit of Mt. Maculot
Recording my first step into the wet jungle
Wet and muddy trails up the slope
Taking a breather to admire the view behind me on the ascent
Taal lake peeking through the grass near the saddle campsite
One final rise and finally the campsite comes into view
Trekking towards the edge of camp to visit the “Rockies”
Taal lake looks peaceful looking down from 1,500 feet
The “Rockies” is a rocky promontory jutting out from one side of Maculot
Grand view of Taal lake and Taal Volcano in the distance
Mactan Island is the historic place where the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan met his untimely demise at the hands of Cebu’s most famous hero Lapu-Lapu. Today, the island boasts of a modern international airport and is home to countless international companies who’ve decided to make Cebu there base of operations. Most notable of these are of couorse Timex, Tamiya, Bigfoot Productions, and FTV, among many others. Mactan is of course also blessed with a pristine loop of asphalt that goes around the island including the municipality of Cordova. The roads are perfect for training, although some sections of it in Cordova are a little rough, but nothing serious. There aren’t as many vehicles here as in Cebu and the best thing is that there aren’t any buses and large trucks, making it easier to concentrate on the ride without worrying too much about traffic.
The road going to the new bridge connecting Cebu to Mactan Island
Climbing it is a lot harder than it looks, good thing it’s a short climb
Almost at the top and almost out of breath
Look at all that blue water, what am I doing up here?
Look at all that beautiful asphalt, just waiting for a ride
Bigfoot and Fashion TV, too bad there weren’t any models by the roadside
It’s a church, not space command, looks good though
This is where they will take me if I pass out from the heat
Cordova finally, but the actual town is still a way off
Road just past the town of Cordova
Yes, there is such a thing as a “Barbecue Station”
Just waiting for the traffic light… still waiting… still…
I could feel the air conditioned air spilling out
Under the new Mactan Bridge, looking out towards mainland Cebu
Looking up at the grand span of the bridge
Houses on stilts on the shores of Mactan Island
I completely missed this park on my first ride to Mactan
Under the shade of a coconut tree
Empty benches looking out towards the Mactan Channel
Tagaytay is a popular Sunday destination for cyclists based in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. The ride is a sustained but gradual climb with four major approaches. Cyclists can ride from Manila passing through the coastal road to Cavite, alternately there is another way passing through Alabang and up through a new road called Daang-hari, riding towards Silang, Cavite. The third way is through San Pedro, riding up a steep avenue called Governor’s Drive towards Cavite. Last, and most scenic route is from Santa Rosa in Laguna, riding up a well-paved road on a steep ridge through pineapple plantations directly towards the ridge of Tagaytay. From Tagaytay, some cyclists ride also ride down to Nasugbu, Lemery, and Matabungkay in Batangas.
View of Taal Volcano from the Tagaytay Ridge
Clearer view of Taal Volcano on a clear day
Looking out across Tagaytay Ridge
Starbucks on the right, Pancake House on the left
Tagaytay tricycles carry up to five passengers up and down the ridge
Cyclists taking a break from the sun in Silang, Cavite
Resting my bike on a log while sipping coconuts in Cavite
Danao is a city just north of the Cebu city center where I ride to from Consolacion on regular days. The road from where I live in Consolacion runs along the coastline all the way to Danao, passing through the towns of Liloan and Compostela providing an unbroken view of the sea on one side throughout. Its a good ride complete with rolling hills and well-paved asphalt, perfect for endurance rides, especially on sunny days when the heat provides an extra challenge.
Public park along the boulevard in Danao, just north of Cebu City
Empty outrigger under a bridge in Danao, northern Cebu
Tricycle on the curb, waiting for a fare in Danao
Santo Tomas College building, Danao, Cebu
An empty bakeshop in the outskirts of Danao
Parish church of Danao looking out towards the sea
Fishponds just outside the city limits of Danao
Brand new Danao fishport, inaugurated just recently
Busay is a hilltop community far above the City of Cebu, overlooking the city sprawl below it and Mactan Island (where the international airport is) in the distance. Cyclists, especially mountain bikers, climb up the ridiculously steep roads leading up to a junction in the road in Busay known as “Buak.” It is the highest point of the road climb (excluding the 1 kilometer stretch leading to a popular tourist park called “Tops”). Busay is a good place to train those climbing legs, just don’t expect to have any control over your heart rate, if you climb to Buak, don’t bother checking, you’ll be in the “red zone” for sure!
Empty tables at the end of the climb in Upper Busay
Perfect view of the city by the roadside
Road to the other side of the ridge
Siegen’s Platz, have no idea what it means
Even my bike needed to rest against something
Roadside rockface along the way
There’s a “welcome sign” somewhere there behind all the graffiti
There’s a familiar face there somewhere
Cebu City is a modern seaside city that has everything that you might expect from one. Dubbed as the “Queen City” of the Philippines’ southern provinces, and largely recognized as next only in importance to the capital city of Manila. Cebu has its own international airport serviced by international carriers offering routes to the Asian mainland, Europe, and the US. Cebu City has recently seen a boom in its real estate businesses and in the call center industry, growing side to side with investments in other fields including furniture manufacturing and even ship building. Most recently, a large film production company opened a full scale soundstage and production facility on the Island of Mactan.
The Terraces at the Ayala Center Cebu
The Terraces at the Ayala Center Cebu
Marriott Hotel as seen from the Ayala Center
Starbucks and Powerbooks in Ayala Center, Cebu
This is the building where they have the rooftop ride
Old YMCA Building in Cebu City
Osmena Boulevard early in the morning
View of the city from the Terraces Park
Sogod is a municipality roughly 60 kilometers north of Cebu City. Sogod can be reached via a well-paved coastal road that stretches out from the city passing through Danao and Carmen in the north. Cyclists can expect rolling hills and slight uphill sections riding towards Sogod, which is also the gateway to real hill climbing once you go past the town towards a place called Logo on the way to the northernmost city of Bogo a little more than a hundred kilometers away. There are food outlests and drugstores in every town riding up north, although it might be alittle harder to find a bicycle shop and a photolab, so its best to supply yourself accordingly.
Catching up to some cyclists from Minglanilla
KM 60 marker along the road in Sogod town proper
Parish church of Sogod perched on a small hill
Closer look of the Sogod church
View from the front lawn of the Sogod municipal building
Portion of the Sogod public market near the wharf
Thing-a-majiggy where they tie-in the fishing boats
Resting my bike after the long ride
The road home
December 1, 2008 at 5:58 am
Sarap naman!
Solo ka lang?
December 10, 2008 at 8:59 am
WOW WHAT A NICE PLACE TO RIDE AND EXPLORE IN NATURE:)…THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE BRO…HAVE A SAFE RIDE…
December 10, 2008 at 9:11 am
BEAUTIFUL PIX, BAI!!! Your pix composition is awesomely PRO-LIKE and beautiful!!! GOOD JOB!
December 10, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Very educational and entertaining. My kids wouldn’t believe what thay saw. Keep it up.
December 11, 2008 at 1:20 am
sama naman kmi…wala bang trail? Road rides lahat ng pix eh…tnx 4 sharing
December 11, 2008 at 3:18 am
Hi Bro,
I saw your Adventures. Very Nice. Katulad mo ako before Bike and shoot to everywhere. kaya lang I stop biking na, lakad and shoot na lang or sometimes tulog na lang, good for you that you have blog like this. That you can share for everyone. Napa-isip ako ano kaya balik ako sa dating mundo. hehe.
Take care and Continue to inspired us.
Rodel
http://www.odedahay.com
December 12, 2008 at 3:15 pm
sarap ng trip nyo ka myles, gusto ko sanang sumama kahit pa akyat yan o pababa man, basta ba rides ako sa motor ko
February 23, 2009 at 1:10 am
hi sir , ganda ng mga pics nyu xchange blogroll po tyu.:) http://philwebsupport.blogspot.com/
March 3, 2009 at 10:42 am
Nice pictures. Do more on the artistic side. Yung pang contest… strong lighting parang sa Slumdog Millionaire style ng cinematography. Good luck sa more adventures!
March 23, 2009 at 4:54 am
Nice! Nice! are you in photography? great shots!
March 23, 2009 at 5:52 am
I used to work full time as a photographer as well as a travel writer, these days though I only bring a small Canon point and click because its easier to bring along on bike rides and it does the job just as well! Thanks for visiting Ronald!
March 31, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Ciao kuya Miles. Ganda ng mga kuha mo ah. Talaga namang mahilig ka pa rin sa mga outdoor sports. Asteeg yung mga kuha mo sa taas ng mga bundok. Gusto ko rin sana mg mountain climbing kaso afraid of heights ako hehehe. Keep it coming. I enjoy reading your blog. Musta sa family mo especially to Tita, Len and Bryan.
April 1, 2009 at 12:14 am
nice ride…
http://travel-advisory.blogspot.com/
April 11, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I have been here in PI for three years and got into mountainbiking here. Live in Mamplasan and regularly ride trails in the Santa Rosa/Silang Cavite/Tagaytay area. Saw some familiar sights in your good pics. Thanks.
April 12, 2009 at 10:46 am
Hello Bill, Thanks for dropping by, I’m glad you found the pictures interesting! I plan to post a lot more later on including some epic trail rides in Romblon Island and many other places. I just have to finish my bike ride around the island of Cebu and then I can really sit down and organize things. Thanks again and drop by again soon!
April 21, 2009 at 9:44 am
Thanks for posting these great pics. A couple of visits to this page and this may finally get me back on the saddle again. Great job you got there sir Miles.
April 25, 2009 at 1:32 am
Ey Miles!! sarap naman ng mga adventures nyo! too bad i wasn’t able to wake up early for the tour of the fireflies! sayang tuloy! great stuff sa site mo!
May 20, 2009 at 6:36 am
Galing pare! I like ur idea of sight seeing on two wheels. if u have a group, can i join someday? i wanna try my 2 month old road bike.here’s my contact no. 09273858946. ride on dude!
June 13, 2009 at 12:48 am
looking at the road although i’ve ridden more rough roads before, it gives me the chill i’m planning to ride from San Pedro laguna to Tanuan city via tagaytay trails et all courtesy of buds website(padyakbud.com) and google maps.
Thanks to this pixes at least it gives me a glimpse of my enemy.