My first 2015 ride

January 4, 2015

Climbed the D' Wall in San Mateo, Rizal.

Another SS attack to Pangarap - Macabud - San Mateo

As planned, my route today was Novaliches - Pangarap - Macabud - San Mateo.

As always, I rode solo with AlitePot (my KHS Alite 150).  At the Neopolitan Business Park, I noticed my water bottle wasn't in the cage. I left it again!  Darn!  Thus, before entering the trail head, I bought a bottle of mineral water.  It would sustain up to the next pit stop.

After negotiating the downhill from the La Mesa gate, I was surprised to see the newly constructed steel gate.  It wasn't there two weeks ago.  Are they going to block this route permanently even from bikers?  I hope not!  Luckily, there's still a space beside the gate post where pedestrians, bikes and motorcycles can still pass through.

The rain yesterday made some portions muddy and some with pool of waters.  Otherwise, the land's drying out.

Though I felt much stronger, it wasn't enough to conquer most of the steeper uphills of the trails that I wasn't able to climb the last time..

At Iko's store, another solo biker, Vinzon, arrived.  This was the second time that we met.  Thence, we biked together up to Odiongan junction and parted ways.  He to Licao-licao terminal and I towards San Mateo, Rizal.

Breaking in my rigid SS 29er

It's time to break in my rigid SS 29er.

Saturday, I pedaled all the way from Novaliches to San Mateo, Rizal.  The uphill climb to Timberland Heights was again grueling.  I made it to the gate in 3 stops only.  The bumpy ride along the Maarat basic trail was enjoyable.  But, on my way to Giant, I was hearing noises from the crank.

I decided to pedal back and have it checked.  The culprit was the worn chain; and, it was replaced by a new one. 

Sunday, my route was Novaliches - Tungko - Macabud - San Mateo - Novaliches.  The ride was okay except on steeper climbs - the chain was skipping and I had to push my bike up.

 I will have my bike checked again.

All Terra Eco Trails (Blue Zone)

This morning, I experienced the Blue Zone of All Terra Eco Trails in Mount Maarat in San Mateo, Rizal. Currently, there are two zones - the Blue and the Green. The blue zone is for the more experienced mountain bikers; while the green zone for newbies. These trails are newly built and have been opened for quite some time. I was planning to test the green zone first before trying the blue zone.

But, the Tour of Posers, which I joined this morning, had the blue zone in its itinerary. So, I had no choice but to go to the blue zone. True enough, the blue zone is really for the more experienced mountain / trail bikers.

At the entrance of the zone, I already felt scary. Fortunately, I was able to conquer my fear. The trails are really technical. I made some assessments in some downhill areas and decided to bike push.

Araw ng Kagitingan ride

Yesterday, I joined the PhilMoFo's bikers to the trails of Macabud, Rodriguez; San Jose Del Monte City and Norzagaray, Bulacan. We rendezvoused in San Mateo, Rizal and proceeded to our destinations at around 7:30 am.

It was my first time in these trails; hence, I encountered difficulties especially in downhills and uphills. Actually, this is the most difficult ride I've ever made.

Me, Ben, Milo, Lexter, Raf, and Chris.

Thursday night ride

On my way home from office last night, I passed by San Mateo, Rizal for a night ride. My other purpose was to simulate an SS (single speed) ride. I fixed my front ring in a mid-ring and the rear at number 5 gear with 17 teeth.

I started the ride along Kambal Road Extension from Aling Tina's up to the crossroad to Shotgun and Timberland. Then, I pedaled up towards Timberland up to Tulizan's place, back, then up again up to after Tulizan's, back, up again before the Columbary, back, then up to Columbary and back again.

I also pedaled back and forth the approach/entrance to Shotgun about 6 times.

And, that's all for the night for a SSimulated SS ride.

Before going home, I refreshed myself with 2 bottles of beer and a plate of sisig, while listening to the band at the nearby bar.

CPB - PMTB Adopt a Family Project

CPB is a group of bikers in PMTB. CPB means Certified Poser Bikers. The group does not ride for fun only but for cause as well. One of its projects is the "Adopt a Family".

Last Sunday, the group rode to Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal and visited its adopted family - the Doroteo family.

The group met up at Chow King, San Mateo, Rizal

In one of the pitstops

The group with the Doroteo family

Ely Santos handing money to Doroteo family to be used for business and/or house repair.

Nice job, CPB; and keep up the good works. God bless you!


Note: Pictures grabbed from CPB - PMTB Adopt a Family Project thread.

Ride with Team Adventureros

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.

One Wednesday afternoon ride to San Mateo

I was on leave yesterday (Wednesday) for some personal important matter. In the afternoon, I found time to bike and went to one of my favorite biking places - San Mateo, Rizal.

I left at around 2:00 pm and pedaled to San Mateo.