I missed the Mt. Maarat trails; and, I decided to experience them again.
Today, I left home in Novaliches at about 8:00 AM and passed by the Neopolitan Business Park to drink and eat coconut water and meat, respectively.
I arrived at Aling Tina's Eatery at about 9 AM. After drinking water and a few minutes rest, I proceeded and climbed up the Timberland Heights. Thence, I took the Roxas trails and on to Giant.
Two Saturdays ago (February 6) I finally reached Giant, all right. And, I made it pedaling from our place in Novaliches. That's about 25 kilometers one way or 50 kilometers back and forth.
While drinking a refreshing bottle of light beer at Giant Store, I wondered what lies beyond Giant. To satisfy my curiosity, I'd planned of another ride to Giant then beyond.
For two weeks, I was on the drawing board planning my ride, checking the routes, and the distances.
My route: Novaliches - Commonwealth Avenue - Batasan Road - Timberland - Giant - Cabading - Marcos Highway - Sumulong Highway - Soliven/Lilac Street -Gen. Ordonez Avenue - J. Rizal Avenue - Batasan Road - Commonwealth Avenue - Novaliches. The routes covered the four towns of Quezon City; San Mateo, Rizal; Antipolo City; and Marikina City.
The total distance is about 66 kilometers.
Yesterday, I left home at 1:00 PM after eating my lunch. I pedaled for 6 hours (an average of 11 kph).
After Giant, the roads are all paved but rolling. I enjoyed the downhill rush and the uphill climbs as well, albeit grueling. The mountain scenery are so beautiful.
My pitstop at the Wall (after the Siko) to catch my breath.
Another rest at the Giant Store and excited to go beyond Giant
Marcos Highway from Cabading
Marcos Highway towards Cogeo and Masinag
At the corner of Sumulong Highway and Hon. Soliven Avenue checking my map for directions
Checking my directions again along Gen. Ordonez Avenue
Giant is one of the favorite destinations or pit stops by mountain bikers from San Mateo or Antipolo, Rizal.
From our place in Novaliches, Quezon City, I pedaled all the way to San Mateo, Rizal. My first pit stop was at Aling Tina's Eatery along Kambal Road Extension, where I had my breakfast of dinuguan and rice. The dinuguan was one of the best that I've tasted.
Thence, I started the grueling ascent to Timberland Heights then to Maarat basic trail and all the way to Giant Store.
On my way back to Timberland Heights, I passed by the Pestano Farm (Philip Sanctuary) and peeked. It's another mountain bikers favorite trail.
On the way out from Maarat Trail to Timberland Heights.
Pit stop along The Wall.
Timberland Heights gate.
My lunch of sardines.
