I joined the Team Adventureros ride yesterday (October 16). It was spearheaded by JesterEdquilag.
The route was supposedly Marikina to Cabading, Antipolo to Mt. Maarat to Timberland, San Mateo. But, at Cabading the group agreed to deviate - from Cabading, we passed by Boso-boso and Binayoyo before proceeding to Mt. Maarat. It made the ride longer by about 6 kilometers. The new route has some stretch of trails.
From our place in Novaliches, I pedaled all the way to the meeting place in McDo - Sumulong Highway; then pedaled all the way back home.
The bikers: JesterEdquilag, Jepoy, Kakaiba, EpoyRufinoJr, CaloyPalaboy, Kaniboy, FlyPhotoGuy, MikeOk, and me.
Pictures of the ride on the trails from Boso-boso to Binayoyo: At the Timberland Heights
Unfortunately, on my way out from Maarat basic trails to Timberland Height, I lost control of my bike and crashed. Thanks to the good Samaritans who helped me back on my feet.
I'm on leave today. And, I decided to bike, shop for a bike, and do a midday climb to the Wall. I was shopping for a 29er – possibly a Marin Alpine Trail.
I started pedaling at about 9:00 am towards Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Pitstop at UP Diliman
I passed by Knobbies along White Plains St. It has the Marin Alpine Trail but no 19” frame size.
I resumed pedaling to Bikezilla in Ortigas Center. It has the 19”. Okay and fine. I’d return in a couple of days and buy it.
Thence, I proceeded towards San Mateo, Rizal to conquer Timberland on a midday.
Marikina River crossing
On the way, however, I sensed my phone was ringing. I didn’t mind it. I stopped for lunch (somewhere in Concepcion, Marikina) and checked my phone. Oh my gosh! It’s the office calling. I was going to eat first! While eating, it kept on ringing. I ignored it until I finished my lunch.
Then I called up the office. There’s a problem that needed my assistance. What a timing? I was on leave and biking and, now, I was working.
I made several calls then pedaled away. While pedaling, my phone rang from time to time. So, I had to stop and made calls. Before approaching Puregold San Mateo, I decided to cancel my midday climb to Timberland and go home instead. Istorbo talaga ang trabaho sa pag-bike. He he he . . .
These were two of my instant offices along the way, where I worked:
A hut somewhere in Marikina City
Total Gas Station - North Fairview. Working while re-hydrating.
There's a fun ride this morning to Licao-licao. But, it's too early; and, I woke up late again. I just thought of following them despite the more than an hour lead time. I was sure I could catch them; but, I hesitated. So, I asked myself, "Where would I bike?"
At 8:15 am, with no specific destination yet in mind, I started kicking the pedal. At the corner of Zabarte Road and Quirino Highway, the traffic light to left turn towards Pangarap Village, where the Licao trail head is, was red. So, I turned right towards Nova proper. I continued pedaling and ended up in UP Diliman (via Gen. Luis Ave. SB Diversion Road, Mindanao Ave., & Tandang Sora St.).
After making a few rounds, I exited and crossed to Balara and did some uphill climb at the zigzag portion going to Tumana. Thence, I proceeded towards Marikina City. I pedaled along J. Rizal St. Sumulong Highway and Fernando Ave.
It's lunch time; and, I saw the Tapsihan ni Vivian. I ordered a cup of rice and shrimp ala king.
While eating, I was contemplating where to proceed - Antipolo via Sumulong or Mt. Maarat via Cabading. At the Masinag junction, I decided the latter.
Resting somewhere along the Marcos Highway.
After an hour of pedaling the rolling highway, I reached the hottest part of Antipolo - Bgy. Inarawan. I was wondering where is Bgy. Inulanan.
And, I smiled upon seeing these signs.
While the City of Antipolo remind youth to shun from illegal drugs, it founded a school to teach them to drink. He he he . . .
At this juncture, I decided to turn back and looked for a re-hydration place. And, I found one with videoke.
Thence, I proceeded to San Mateo to climb Timberland Heights before going home.
Resting somewhere in Modesta Subdivision, San Mateo
While resting at Aling Tina's Eatery, my sanity came back and decided not to climb Timberland anymore but to go home. It's about 4:00 pm
It's a good and exciting 9-hour solo escapade of more than 80 kilometers.
Marikina City is known not only for the shoes but for its bike friendly streets for having bike lanes. So, I explored the city and tried the bike lanes. I felt safer biking inside the lanes. However, the lanes are being abused by motorized vehicles. Motorcyles, public and private cars are using them for overtaking, loading and unloading, and parking.
From our home in Novaliches, I left at about 2:00 PM and pedaled all the way to Marikina City entering via San Mateo, Rizal.
My routes:
J. P. Rizal Street
Fernando Avenue from the A. Bonifacio Bridge up to Marcos Highway Bridge
Crossed the river to River Bank Malls
A. Bonifacio Avenue
Loyola Memorial Park (pedaled inside for about 30 minutes)
Lopez Jaena Street up to Marikina river
Crossed the river again
J. P. Rizal Street up to Marcos Highway
Shoe Avenue
Guerilla Street
Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue
Goodfriend Bridge
6th Street
First Avenue / Romans Street
J. Molina Street
Katipunan Street
General Ordonez Avenue
F. Balagtas Street
Gen. Molina Street
J. P. Rizal Avenue and exited from where I entered - via San Mateo, Rizal
Barangay Kalumpang
Marikina River along Fernando Avenue
With the carabaos going down the river
River Bank Malls
SM City Marikina
At the Loyola Memorial Park
Goto for my snacks in the Marikina market
Along F. Balagtas Street after turning right from Gen. Ordonez Avenue
Water, water, water! A refilling station along Gen. Molina Street. A liter of cold water costs P9.00 only.
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
Yesterday morning, I left at around 6:30 AM. I again braved Commonwealth Avenue. This time, it's the stretch from Mindanao Avenue up to Tandang Sora Avenue, where I turned left.
My first pit stop was at UP Diliman. While resting, I was surprised when a totally stranger biker approached me and called my name. He's Momoy - my blog visitor. And, he recognized my bike. Nice meeting you personally, Momoy!
UP Diliman Sunken Garden
After a 10-minute rest, I proceeded via Katipunan Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Marcos Highway, and entered Evangelista Street - the way to Barangay Santolan.
Entering Barangay Santolan
Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church
After visiting my relatives, I traversed and explored Marikina City going to San Mateo, Rizal.
Marikina City Bike Lane
Marikina City Hall
Entering Sto. Nino, San Mateo, Rizal
Fried vegetable lumpia to satisty my hunger
Kambal Extension Road, San Mateo, Rizal A bottle of beer at Froys Plaze
From San Mateo, I went home via Batasan Road and Commonwealth Avenue.
