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!