Hello my fellow siclistas from the far east! While you guys are having fun at the siclista classic and giro de barkada (with cool weather and a lot of sunshine), i'm out here either sweating my butt off or taking a shower in the rain. but it doesn't dampen the pinoy siclista spirit. i hooked up with my paircargo cycling buddies and headed off to pagsanjan, laguna from pasig city (about 160km or a full century). it started out with about 20 riders.
After the first climb in bugarin (probably equal to palomares) our group dwindled down to 11 riders headed by, Mr. Tour of Luzon champ, Victor Espiritu. A quick stop at the foot for some pop cola and skyflakes, then it's on to the flats. About 20 miles with a pace of 24 mph, it wasn't that bad with a little teamwork and good rotation (like drafting behind JohnV, John S, Jack, Rolly, Gonzalo, and Cesar - ey sounds like a Time Trial Team). We got to Pagsanjan and that's where the magic happened. Lumpia, pancit, sinigang, rice and ice cream c/o el presidente. Ahhh... yum, yum... Victor (4th from left) was very happy. It was his birthday! But did i mention we had to go back?
I felt like taking the bus on the way back or riding with the 2 in the middle that rode their SAG and went back to the comforts of home. But it's never say die! We trecked on... same flat road and same friggin' mountain. It was every man for himself. 3 of us broke away up the mountain then the rain started pouring. California rain is nothing! These rain drops hurt like hell (Ouch!!!). All made it to shelter, had some hot bulalo (bone marrow) soup and Coke (this is probably the Gu of the Philippines), waited for the rain to die down a little and trekked again. One more climb in Teresa (what??? another palomares that switched back and forth like mt. hamilton). Oh, and there's the added difficulty of dodging jeeps, trucks, motorcyles and people. Then it's down the home stretch. Whew! What a day. I'm sure Rodge can relate. He's done this before and will be doing the same thing again in Feb '10 when he comes here. Anyone interested in joining him? Let's dawn our Siclista Jerseys in PI!!!
Peace!
After the first climb in bugarin (probably equal to palomares) our group dwindled down to 11 riders headed by, Mr. Tour of Luzon champ, Victor Espiritu. A quick stop at the foot for some pop cola and skyflakes, then it's on to the flats. About 20 miles with a pace of 24 mph, it wasn't that bad with a little teamwork and good rotation (like drafting behind JohnV, John S, Jack, Rolly, Gonzalo, and Cesar - ey sounds like a Time Trial Team). We got to Pagsanjan and that's where the magic happened. Lumpia, pancit, sinigang, rice and ice cream c/o el presidente. Ahhh... yum, yum... Victor (4th from left) was very happy. It was his birthday! But did i mention we had to go back?I felt like taking the bus on the way back or riding with the 2 in the middle that rode their SAG and went back to the comforts of home. But it's never say die! We trecked on... same flat road and same friggin' mountain. It was every man for himself. 3 of us broke away up the mountain then the rain started pouring. California rain is nothing! These rain drops hurt like hell (Ouch!!!). All made it to shelter, had some hot bulalo (bone marrow) soup and Coke (this is probably the Gu of the Philippines), waited for the rain to die down a little and trekked again. One more climb in Teresa (what??? another palomares that switched back and forth like mt. hamilton). Oh, and there's the added difficulty of dodging jeeps, trucks, motorcyles and people. Then it's down the home stretch. Whew! What a day. I'm sure Rodge can relate. He's done this before and will be doing the same thing again in Feb '10 when he comes here. Anyone interested in joining him? Let's dawn our Siclista Jerseys in PI!!!Peace!
13 comments:
wuuut wuuut...
WTG JohnM. Nice ride report. Nakaka inggit lalo na wala akong ride for almost 3 weeks now.
It sounds like my kind of ride that I missed in your Laguna tour. I use to ride in the rain too but the California sunshine had spoiled me I became a fair weather rider. Thanks for the Bugarin comparison, now I know what people are talking about when they say Bugarin.
JohnM, Pictures are too small, upload again choose a larger picture.We can't see you.
JohnM! Thanks for sharing! Its nice to hear about your riding exploits! I am sure all can agree we miss riding with you!
ahhh... my fair weathered siclista buddies... I miss riding with you guys too. i'm about 80% sure i'll be back there to renew my license and file taxes early next year. keep the roads warm for me...
oh and rodge... ako ba talaga gusto mo makita sa picture o yung naka blue (jk).
JohnM, mind reader ka na rin :D
Bravissimo, sir Johnm! Thanks for the picture enhancement!!
John M,
Thanks for the ride report. Masaya din ang riding diyan. We may have good weather here but sounds like you have better food there.
yeah blow up the pic so we can see more blue :). Good to hear from ya buddy and nice to see you're still enjoying riding!
JOHNM when this ride happen before or after the big storm its nice seeing you again on the bike and riding. be safe outthere
ey johnv. this was before the storm.I just didn't have time to post it. yesterday, i joined a 90K race in Batangas (right next to the beach. will post more pics next time. ride safe!
tailpipes forever!
"i joined a 90K race in Batangas"
JohnM, ano ang result? man.... binibitin mo naman kami. :) :) :)
2hrs 36min. had stomach pains at km 60. since this was my first time competing in a tour, i realized a few pointers:
1. never eat heavy (2 power bars) during the race. when it's hard enough to eat... it will be harder to digest.
2. always strive to stay in the front. you won't realize that there's no one behind you and... poof...
:))
Post a Comment