Novaliches to Baguio City

I've planned to pedal all the way from our home in Novaliches up to Baguio City on June 9 to 10, 2015.

I'll use my KHS Alite 150, SS (32 x 17), rigid 69er with 2.1 Maxxis Crossmark tires.  I preferred this over my SS (32 x 18) rigid 29er; as, it has lower gear inches of 49.941 and slimmer tire of 2,1 against 51.556 and 2.2, respectively, of the latter.   Besides, I already used my 29er on my first 2 climbs from Rosario, LU to Baguio in 2011 and 2012.  It's still geared then.

My intended itinerary / routes:

1st day - Leave home by 5:00 am
Novaliches - Quirino Highway - San Rafael, Bulacan - Maharlika Highway - Sta. Rosa, N. E. - La Paz, Tarlac - Manila North Road - Rosales, Pangasinan

2nd day - Leave Rosales by 6:00 am
Rosales, Pangasinan - Rosario, L. U. - Kennon Road - Baguio City.

This morning, I started my training by climbing the Walls in Timberland and to the Blue Zone Trails.  And, I was surprised that I climbed Wall 1 up to Timberland gate with 2 stops only.  I used to do it in 3 stops.

I welcome those who wanted to ride with me all the way or along the way.  Just leave a message.  Thanks.

Upgrading my crankset to Deore XT

We went to Baguio City by car to celebrate daughter's birthday. But, at Rosario, La Union, I alighted and dismounted TweetyPot (my 29er bike) from the car. Thence, I pedaled about 30 kms. all the way up to Mines View Hotel via Kennon Road. While the bike's parked at the hotel, wifey noticed the change of the color of the crank arms from black to silver. I thought she wouldn't notice. He he he . . .

The crankset was recently upgraded from Deore to Deore XT, which I bought second hand from a fellow biker through PMTB.

 

With the upgrade, I shaved 0.15 kilograms from the bike's weight but spent P5,800.

I conquer Kennon Road

It's a dream fulfilled; and, I was exhilirated with this achievement. I planned it once but didn't push through.

Biking buddies from Team Adventureros, who are Baguio veterans, dared me to go up to Baguio pedaling. I jokingly agreed. Then, the invitation came. It was set January 16 to 17.

My original plan was to pedal all the way from Novaliches up to Baguio City and meet the Manila group in Marilao, Bulacan. My plan B was to chase and meet them at Tarlac City and plan C at Rosario, La Union. It's the plan C that materialized.

January 17 at 1:00 am, I drove from Novaliches to Rosario, La Union. I arrived there at around 5:00 am. I was met by AllanFB and Kaniboy. AllanFB is our host from Rosario; while, Kaniboy just arrived from Manila by bus. I learned that the 10 bikers from Manila stayed overnight at Villasis, Pangasinan. Inciong, our Baguio host, pedaled down from Baguio to meet us.

From Rosario, La Union, 16 brave souls started the climb to Baquio City via Kennon Road. The distance from Rosario to Baguio City is about 35 kilometers.

I'm going to Baguio City

One of my dreams in biking is to climb Baguio City pedaling. Early last year, we'd scheduled a Baguio ride with a biking buddy; but, it didn't push through.

This may become a reality now. Together with some members of Team Adventureros, we set the Baguio ride on January 15 - 16, 2011. From our place in Novaliches, Quezon City, Baguio is 245 kilometers away.

Here's the itinerary:

Day 1 - 210 kilometers
4:30 am - leave Bonifacio Monument
7:00 pm - arrival Rosario, Pangasinan

Day 2 - 35 kilometers of uphills
5:00 am - leave Rosario, Pangasinan
12:00 nn - arrival Baguio City

The group would ride a passenger bus in coming back to Manila in the afternoon.

I postpone my ride to Baguio City

My mother, who lives in Sydney, Australia, arrived last Monday for her annual vacation here. And, we'd planned of spending this weekend in Baguio City.

An idea crossed my mind. I'd leave a day ahead of them by pedaling all the way to Baguio City. It would be a part of my training for my planned Novaliches to Tuguegarao City ride. I'd leave Thursday and arrive Baguio Friday afternoon. They'd leave Friday: and, we'd rendezvous in Burnham Park.

However, the trip was postponed; and, I also postponed my ride.