Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Christmas party at the house of Jess Verchez and family today, December 30, 2014

Wheels of Happiness



Rizal Philippines  |  December 30, 2014

We finally had the Christmas party today December 30, 2014 at the house of Jess Verchez. They  planned it before last December 22, 2014 but the group had to postpone it because VM would not be able to come because of previous corporate commitment

The event was to be potlach, and we had to bring P100 worth of gifts for exchange.  Those who were in attendance:


Some interesting items at the house of Jess Verchez

Wheels of Happiness

                      Tank filled with grown and small gold fish


                    Hydrophonic organic vegie garden

Rizal Philippines   |  December 30, 2014

Two of the Verchez brothers are Recyclists and we had the Christmas party for the group at their house.  There were interesting items that we saw:

1.  The goldfish pond
2.  The dwarf papaya with large fruit;
3.  Bonsai
4.  The hydrophonic, organic garden being experimented by the father of Jess.


                       Bonsai


                      Dwarf giant papaya



Monday, December 29, 2014

Another Llavac Real Location in Marcos Highway

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines   | December 29, 2014

Little Baguio blog

Last December 26, 2014, my neighbor showed me his property in Sitio Malapad  Llavac Real, Quezon.  The place is called Little Baguio.

This is frequented by MC riders and MTBs.  

I was not  interested in his invitation to join him before.  But when I visited the place and experienced the cold winds, the fog, the vegetation, and the cool temperature.  And sure the overlooking view of the Pacific Ocean and the Laguna Lake....Such great views.

All ready the speculators are trooping to the area especially the Chinese.

Km 89 in Lllavac via the Famy Real road has wild weather and challenging uphill climb (about 2 km of uphill climb). I would say that that is the most challenging part of the climb.  However the challenging part of the Marcos Llavac is on the way back.  

So two destinations at Km 89 in Real.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Too much traffic at NLEX exit to EDSA last night

Wheels of Happiness

After escaping several traffic jams in the entrance of NLEX in Angeles, and at exit in Bocaue, one encounters traffic jam at cloverleaf and guess what is the cause?  The trucks, jeeps, tricyles and vendors lining up EDSA at Balintawak from the  market up to Puregold.

It was not very late though and there were plenty of traffic enforcers.  (Blue boys) and yet they looked boneback and toothless to enforce orders.   Dahil magpapasko o napapaskuhan?

Hay saan napupunta taxes?  Bakit pa my pulis, traffic enforcer, barangay at gobyerno

Certainly traffic jams coming from this ineptness and lack of sensitivity from other kababayan (dahil naghahanapbuhay) borders on callousness, lack of respect

Friday, December 26, 2014

What, bike ride on Christmas day?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  December 26, 2014

There were plenty of bikers on the road yesterday.  We cant throw off what the body wants to keep fit.

I biked solo up to Pililla (Pisong Kape) where I met Master E.  I tried to reach Pisong Kape in one hour.  It is still the same:  one hour and ten minutes.    Later Tito Fabay arrived and we went up to OL.  There we had buko (only P20.00)  We were there up to 9:00 and then we biked down.  I had a bill changed to P5.00 coins and threw some children by the roadside  for the spirit of Christmas.  Katuwaan lang.

Then back at Pisong Kape.  We met VM there.  Had some talk.  Unfortunately it rained and so we had to wait it out.  There we learned that Julius Rivera, of Baytown met an accident at C6 and had serious head injuries at about 4 am when he went home yesterday from a party (he drunk too) much. He was an LBC driver mechanic at last Ronda.  We rode to Baguio together on my first ever Angono to Baguio ride with Val

I kept pace with VM when we rode until Morong and Cardona.  I lost him at ascent to LLDA (but not much).  I could now sustain his speed and TT with him and not be dropped.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

This guy Ed Valdez (Idol) is a great guy

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   | December 23, 2014

All I know about idol is that he and Jeff rode to Baguio last Holy Week and Jeff, one of our strongest rider, was no match for Idol.

I later learned that idol represents a software company, and has done a lot of research on radiant energy (the Tesla principles) as source of free energy.  We hear and see about these in the movies.   He says he has done 15 years of work on this.

But you should admire how he practice.  He says a training ride for him is 100 km stop.  After we came from Real, he returned to Cubao via Sampaloc.  Great

We are supposed to meet today for a presentation, but he did not come.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Bike ride to Real Up to Cell Site yesterday (December 21, 2014)

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  | December 22, 2014

                             Happy birthday Gerry

This rider unexpectedly joined Idol (Ed Valdez) and Angel Balubar in a bike ride to Real Quezon (up to the cell site tower after about a mile long steep ascent after the quarry.

I started out with a plan to only ride to Morong and probably join the group up to Pisong Kape.   I joined Master after brief stop at Sacred Heart Parish in Tayuman.  He was on ride/spinning mode and was in no hurry.  We ended up in Morong at about 7+ am.  It was the birthday of Gerry Y and all the lugaw and mountain dew were on him.

Happy Birthday, Gerry (he said the age is a secret)


Monday, December 15, 2014

Finally I biked again yesterday December 14, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |  December 15, 2014

I was able to bike yesterday finally.  However I started out very late at 8:00 am because of previous 2 days conference in Calamba City. (I started out early about 7:40 Saturday evening from Calamba but I arrived at the house 11:15 because it was difficult to get a ride home -  it was Christmas shopping time and it even rained)

I arrived at Morong at about 9:00 am and there were no bikers in sight;  I had the usual lugaw with egg and the food server had all her eyes on me..

Monday, December 8, 2014

Unable to bike because of side injury

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  |  December 8, 2014

I was injured during the aborted bike to Real.  I fell in front Save More in Morong.  I was looking at a buildng and I lost my balance.

I tried to grab the steel median but missed it and my left knee hit one of the GI pipes that was part of the median and finally fell on a a 3  feet street sign.  I bruised my left side near the nipple.  It pained so hard especially when I cough, and there was projected pain at the lower back, and at the back opposite the injury.

I had to see a "hilot" yesterday who did a good job of correcting dislocation (there was because I heard snap when he massaged my injured parts.

Because of that I was able to bike till Cardona.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Our real ride that was cancelled by rain

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

We had a scheduled ride to Real yesterday.  But it was still raining until 4 am.  I texted Pres Luis and he said the ride was cancelled.  It stopped raining past 5 and then I rode out;  whatever ride will do.

I Tagpos I saw Gerry  and he stopped me.  He asked where were the rest.  And so we decided to continue riding up to Pisong Kape. We were there by 7 which was a pretty fast clip. He said we averaged 25 kph with top speed of of 33 kph.  By 730 I  informed by text Pres Luis that we were there at Pisong Kape, the rain having stopped.  He said "malapit na kami"  And soon enough came:  Chito, Weng, and Ed (idol)

We meet great people in biking (not vikings)

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines

We meet celebs as we bike like Andrew Arellano, Jen Mercado, John Sapayton.

Yesterday, I had conversation with Ed Valdez, (idol) and surprisingly he had great ideas:   on proposed solar farm project of his uncle in Tarlac, software company offering various solutions to businesses, and radiant energy tech (from Nikolai Tesla) which he has been working on for 15 years. This promises to revolutionize the way we look at energy.

Then we had  Jam Santiano who posted on YBN chains.  He used to work with Mit Motors but now at a universal bank marketing of auto loans as a senior manager. His mother he said is an SVP at the said bank.    i asked his help to connect me to solar panel financing, and trust funds for a company we are about to acquire.

Who says you cant do business with fellow bikers?

Saturday, November 29, 2014

#Kneepain after hard ride to #Pililla last Wednesday due to the #rain?

Wheels of Happiness

I had a hard a la TT ride to Pililla Pisong Kape last Wednesday. Unfortunately it rained hard when I reached Morong and it rained more when I reached Baras.


When I arrived later in the pm, I had knee pain  The whole day Thursday, I had a bandage and many balms wiped over the knee.  It could have been caused by strain or cold rain.

Fortunately yesterday pm, my right knee was mobile and there was no pain.  So I could join the Real Ride.  Thanks be to the Lord.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

#Windfarm at #Bugarin, Pililla

Wheels of Happiness

From Philstar on Pililla Windfarm Project

From Chinabank

Wind Farm in California



Rizal Philippines   | November 27, 2014

By this time you would have noticed the tarp signs announcing the soon to be inaugurated wind farm at Bugarin, Pililla.  There are 27 in all. The new roads being built lead to the Wind farm with 67.5 mW capacity

This is the first wind farm to be financed by FIT (Feed in Tariff) and aptly called #PilillaWindfarm Project.  It was financed locally with BDO as the lead underwriter for $130 million with a term of 12.5 years.   This reflects the local bank's confidence in renewable energy.  The project broke ground last June 2012 and expected to be operational late 2014.

It is a joint project of a company founded by Fmr Secy Vincent Perez and Kepco and Meralco PowerGen

The power output from the Pililla Windfarm project is priced at P8.53/kwh







#Closeshave with #accidents last Sunday ride, November 23, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |  November 27, 2014

I had close shave with accidents last Sunday.

1,  The first one was near km 63 marker, about 200 meters away.  I was focussed in making circles with my pedalling as I was riding up Bugarin that I failed to notice that the tricycle in front of me stalled. I was looking down.  I had barely 3 meters before I took evasive action.  It was close.  I nearly clipped the tricycle


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Practice #bikeride today

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  |  November 25, 2014

Pres Luis all ready posted at FB that we will have the Real Ride by November 30, 2014.  I suppose this is a one day ride, no overnight. So we have to practice hard and long.

This morning I biked to Hilltop Cabrera road.  There are 4 climbs:   one before the water tank, the other near Maharlika village beginning with Provincial jail,  next is after Sto Rosario, and the last one that jacknifes sharply to the left is before Don Enrique heights.  The last one is tough one because it is long.  There are two other hills after this one but they rise gently.

Then I rode to Teresa, Morong, and Binangonan.  It took me two hours and half to do this ride.

I think I saw VM at about 8;15 in Calumpang

Monday, November 24, 2014

Our #bikeride yesterday, November 23, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   | November 24, 2014

I rode early today to watch the fiesta procession and parade.  I decided that I will just bike elsewhere because everybody was drunk as early as 6 am;  I have seen these parades several dozen times.  They were unrowdy and uncontrolled groups.  They were shouting and laughing loud during the night.

So I rode straight to Pisong Kape and arrived there about 7:40.   It was a fast clip ride.  There I saw Master. He said he raced a couple of riders from Cardona to Morong which extended up to Pililla.


What is my experience in using the #Exustarcarbonfiberpedals.

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |  November 24, 2014

Well it is light and since it is expensive (P6,350) I can only praise the new pedals to high heavens.  It is easy to engage and disengage unlike the much cheaper ones (Shimano and Exustar).

Since it is light, it stays on a neutral position and therefore quite easy for the feet to find the position to engage and insert.  The heavy pedals have to kicked so that the correct surface can be engaged.  It does not happen with Exustar carbon fiber.

Furthermore, I notice that I can time trial (ride at constant high speed) without getting tired legs at once.

I would say it is an excellent pedal.  Engr June Francisco would not buy this pedal and dispose off his Look pedal.  So gaya gaya ako kay Engineer for making such a wise choice

Thursday, November 20, 2014

November 30 ride to Real - only for #RealMen

Wheels of Happiness

I was informed by Gerry K that we will have a long ride to Real Quezon on November 30, 2014.  I met Luis at Antipolo City Cathedral today.  He confirmed and said he has not posted this at Facebook.  Will it be overnight or balikan.  He said probably balikan because it is not holiday the following day.  According to Ariel who was with this am at the ride on the way to Taytay, it takes 4 hours to be at Real.  He did this with Bubuy:    leave at 6 am and  be at Real by 10 am.  Take a  bath, eat and ride back by 5 or 6.  We were able to do this before.

Thus:  leave 6 am arrive 7a am Pisong Kape;   8 at Mabitac;  8:30 at Famy.  You will be a Llavac by 9:30.   Then it is easy pedalling to Real.

Will you join the Real ride?

Only for #realmen

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Can electro muscle stimulation machine trim your flab?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  | November 18, 2014



From Livestrong

From compex

Contour Electro Stimulation Machine

I just watched a TV ad for home shopping that glorifies a electro stimulating machine to build six packs and remove flabs.  

So I googled the benefits and it turned out that such devices as used for physical therapy for those who had stroke.massage and pain relief  And its use and benefits are doubtful.  So what is your pick.  Will you buy the P3,500.00 machine?








Tuesday, November 18, 2014

#Jorgeusbiker in #KambalnaBato Mountain Resort in Baco Oriental Mindoro

Wheels of Happiness

                   #KambalnaBato Mountain Resort

Last Friday till Saturday, Jorgeusbiker went to Calapan City to inspect a business outlet.   On the following day, he and his staff decided to have an outing in  a mountain resort owned by the inlaw of the manager of the business outlet.

The site is located at Dulangan 3 in Baco Oriental Mindoro at the foot of Mt. Halcon.  Mt Halcon is the tallest peak in Mindoro, and one of the adventure site of Mt. Climbers.  It is a very technical mountain to climb and many were reported to have perished trying to scale the mountain.

The resort is base camp of sort, jump off point to many mountaineers.  The mother in law is the Mangyan queen in that area, she said.  Her store in the resort is aptly called, #Mangyanan

See the pictures.

                   See and hear the whistling brook


               The brook river is diverted to this swimming pool


             The #Lantuyan bridge is visible the background








                          Crystal clear  swimming pool

                    The Mangyan village is atop the hill behind

Monday, November 17, 2014

Bike ride on November 16, 2014.

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines  | November 17, 2014


I rode yesterday, although I was tired from travel to the province.  I brought the Fuji bike and wore my new Spyder helmet, and eyewear. I joined gapped near Tagpos 2 young bikers from Taytay.  They wore black jerseys  and one of them was medical student from UST who is from Taytay.  He said he used to be an MTB and today was his first day to ride a roadie:   a Specialized Carbon bike with 105 group set.  Though his chain ring is 38 24.   and his sprocket is 11 speed (with 11 sprocket) with 31 large sprocket.

Near convention center, Alan and Jess dropped us and I tried to catch up.   We dropped the dr and Secx. Noe.   Alan and Jess dropped me although I was riding furiously.   These guys left me going up Montevideo with a distance of only 30 meters and I could not see them afterwards.

At Simples lugawan in Morong  we met:   Luis, Master E, Jess, Gerry and even Richard.  Richard was big and he gained muscle mass.  He said he has been doing gym work.

I left the guys and biked to Pililla. and then back because it was Higantes festival today in Angono.  On the way to Pililla, I dropped a large bodied roadie in light blue jersey.  I must be doing 30 to 35 from Km 52 to 57.  

On the way back I chased two MtBs :  one was in yellow jersey and the other was wearing gray.  They were doing 30+ which was quite remarkable.

I was happy with my bike ride because I was able to drop some riders despite being tired from the travel.  Was it due to the 88 gm Exustar carbon fiber pedal


#Bikerfriendly establishment

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines  | November 17, 2014

Biker friendly establishment for folding bikes

FB Pages Biker Friendly Establishment

Play Video
Bawal daw ang helmet mounted camera sa BGC?


There are a number of establishments that are biker friendly (few is a kind word)  Most are not.  Most will not allow your bikes to lean on their wall, or near service customer area (as in ff in MoA) and Daang Hari.

A fast food in Sumulong  Highway allows bikers to park their bikes inside their aircon establishment.  As I found out too in Marcos Highway near Sta Lucia


But others are not as the fast food in Angono where Smith had a spat with the security officer.  Security officer like Alan Astorga are duty bound to comply with the orders. Being customer friendly maybe not one of them.  Or avoiding quarrel  with customers.  They should be part of staff meeting.

Nakasakay ko si Insan Rommel and Hannah sa van last Saturday

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal, Philippines   |  November 17, 2014

              An old picture in 2012 that shows Smith and Alan together near the fast food.

This party traveled on a business trip to Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, November 14 to 15 2014.   He left Calapan 3 pm on a boat ride, arrived at Batangas port at by 5 pm and traveled by bus up to Crossing.

It was difficult to get ride at Edsa central and Starmall and I tried to get a ride at Megamall terminal.  Lo and behold, 5 minutes after a van arrived, and I found myself seated next to whom?   Rommel (Smith and daughter Hannah).

I asked if the post of Pres Luis about the Jalajala ride pushed through.  They said the ride did not push through because it was raining.  But Jess, Alan, and Master arrived.

He also had a spat with the security officer regarding the placement of bike so that it will not be stolen.

They came from WTTC bike exhibit wanting to buy something different.  I told them that I got an 88 gm pedal from all places, Marauder in Antipolo City, and Jagwire.

Rommel and Hannah paid for my P45.00 van fare. Thanks po.  Nice meeting fellow bikers, after coming from  far away place.  It reminded me to bike tomorrow.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Exustar Keo Carbon Ti Pedals

Wheels of Happiness

From Merlin Cycles

From Bike Discount

Exustar Keo Carbon Ti Pedals (E-PR200CKTI)

Jun Francisco showed off his Exustar Keo Carbon Ti Pedals which set him back by P6,700.00 which he bought from a  bike shop in  Antipolo City.  It is available at Marauders, owned by Mike HInd, an American from Arizona.  He ride a  mountain bike.  It is located at ML Quezon Avenue at Mahabang Parang, after Maia Alta, before Mission Hills.   Their contact numbers are

    02 650 2930

    0905 666 5608

I bought the pedal today, November 10, 2014.  Mike and company biked to Boso boso Antipolo so I had to wait for a while, and he gave me a 3.5% discount for the pedal (which comes with the cleats) and 6 sets of SS cables and missing link.

The specs are impressive, although the pedals are limited to riders 85 kg in weight.  But each weigh 88 grams.  That is very light.

We must invest in parts that lessen fatigue on the drive train like shoes and cleats



Here are the specs:

EXUSTAR Pedals E-PR200CKTi Titan Carbon – Exustar

The 200 series has a larger surface/cleat contact area ensuring greater power and stability. The wider body also enables easier cleat engagement. The SR200 features a weather and dust resistant closed mechanism, a tension gauge and is available in a wide range of material configurations.
  • Extremely lightweight 
  • Injected carbon fiber body & binding, tension adjustable
  • Tension gauge Body Injected carbon fiber
  • Axle CNC-machined titanium axle, DLC coated (cartridge)
  • Bearings LSL bushing & sealed
  • Cleats E-ARC11 
  • Size: 86 x 89 mm 
  • Weight: 176 gr / pair
  • Max. rider weight: 85 Kg

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

GAA Recylists soloed to Tagaytay City last Sunday and they were quick/fast

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines November 5, 2014


Gerry informed me last night that 3 of them (and I should have been part of the group) biked to Tagaytay City last Sunday.  They were him Gerry, Angel, and Alan (thus GAA)

They were at GMA cor Dasma (near Greenwoods) by 7 am (they left at 6 am) because they did  not stop and were at Tagaytay City at a little over 9 am.  Then they biked to Silang where Alan went to the place where his mother is interred.   And they stayed there until 10.

They were home by  1 pm.  Boy they were fast.

They did not invite me to bike with them, knowing that I and like VM involved in memorial business, would be very busy.

Next time GAA.  It would be JAAG next time.  We were together before in several Tagaytay rides (about 5) and we called our selves.  REAL MEN.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Several bike rides this Holiday (#Undas)

Wheels of Happiness

I did 3 bike rides this weekend:  last October 31, November 1 and November 2, 2014 (yesterday) - for Undas

For October 31, 2014, I biked to Morong.  It was a dual purpose - bike ride and checking preparation for November 1 (for Undas)  I left at 4:20 and I was in Morong by 5:20.  By 5:40, I was on my way back because it was getting dark.   I was home by 7:00 (because the traffic at Pantok slowed me down)  It was good I had my LED lamp at the bike...

On November 1, I went up to Marian Hills for some inquiry with the owner/caretaker. I went up at around 10 am.  It was as usual a rough ride.  I rode up to where the concrete road ended.  It is really dangerous to ride up with a road bike.  Falls or losing control can be inevitable.  (Bad news for other riders -  DPWH guys were allegedly measuring the road again - will they construct this time)


Thursday, October 30, 2014

A faulty gear changer/loose chain can be dangerous

Wheels of Happiness

VM told me and he was able to talk to Ado that the reason for the crash in Antipolo, somewhere in one way lanes,when we were in Caliraya was a faulty derailleur that caused his chain to wrap around the rear wheel that caused a sudden stop that caused him to crash.

I think this happened to me at km 52 near the Baras Tanay boundary. The reason here was chain breakage that pulled the rear pulley away and oh yes, I too stopped suddenly.  The good thing was the place where the accident happened was going uphill so the speed was not great.

But I was nearly rear ended by bikers from Binangonan.

So guys watch for those chains  -  check if they are loose, check the nuts, cables of your derailleur, if some of them are coming off...

Maintain your bike well....Ingat....

Bike ride a day keeps the doctor away

Wheels of Happiness

I had my recovery run today (after the Laguna loop/Victoria Laguna ride) to Morong Rizal  I met about a dozen riders today on the road and 3 of them are Recyclists:  Abet, Edgar, Rommel Unidad, and Tito Fabay.

I started at 6:30 am and was in the office by 8:30 am

Not riding but on the way to Binangonan  Convention Center was Peter Anonuevo.  I think I heard him greet me and he was a blur at 40 kmh.  And then I biked back to talk to him

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

How to remove flabs fast and get six pack abs

Wheels of Happiness

Try this for two weeks and see how you can be stronger, leaner and more attractive you.  From You Tube









To bathe and not to bathe after a long ride under the heat of the sun, that is the question?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal, Philippines  | October 28, 2014


Pasma - from Stuart Exchange

Is Pasma real from Phil Urban Legend


Nearing the end of our Laguna Lake loop ride, at the end of C6 we discussed the grime and dirt on our legs and the sand in our hair (from the water splash of tires on wet road). Shall we take a bath or shower when we reach home.

Peter says he did, but his vision becomes blurred.   Master said he did too but he gets numb fingers and limbs.  So they both stopped.

Peter A suggested a sponge bath:   face towel dipped in warm water and alcohol.

According to him, there is no pasma among Westerners or doctor.   But what happens if you fire a rock and drench it with water - it cracks doesnt it?  Or a glass that is heated and then doused with water?

Will it not affect your body?

What do you think?


Monday, October 27, 2014

C6 is now passable but for bikers....

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  October 27, 2014

Contrary to our fears, C6 is passable and they must have patched up the holes.  There is however a continuous length of about a meter wide excavation (at the Bicutan side there are numerous portion of cave ins)

It is still dust filled at the portion (about 500 meters) approaching the Napindan bridge that is pock marked.  It can cause your teeth to fall off or can liquify your brain due to strong vibrations.  (This is where I lost my nose pad?)

That is good news for many motorists fearing C6 and our past posts....

They need to complete the repairs though

Some brilliant moments of Jorgeusbiker in ride to Victoria

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  October 27, 2014

Am happy with my ride yesterday:

1.  Was just one of the 12 who had the courage to join and complete the ride. I did not have any mechanical trouble flat, missing shift with my SARS cum ultegra group set.   My Fuji's shift mechanism were not up to par.

2. I did the Sacred Heart to Pisong Kape ride in under one hour.  First time ever.  It usually took me 1:10 on a tt mode to do this.

3.  I overtook the peloton from Famy to Pakil.  I was ahead of them to take their pictures.

4.  From Sta Cruz to up to Pila, I was in tune with the peloton.  I had to give up because they were doing 40 kph;  I could only do better than 30.

5.  From Victoria to Los Banos, I kept pace with Master and Val.

Victoria's (Laguna) Secret

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  October 27, 2014

The poblacion of Victoria is not visible located near the highway;   its market and munisipyo is located near the lakeshore.  It is quite odd for a municipality

Access to the municipality is from the barrio near the highway at Barangay Balite where hundreds of tricycle wait for commuters to be brought to the town proper some 4 km away.   One of its road network leads to Pila.

The ducks in the farm we visited are still fed with "suso" shells from Laguna Lake (there are none in Rizal now due to silting and pollution. Thus the yolk of the duck eggs at Victoria are golden yellow -  because it is organic.  Our hostess told us that somebody who had terminal cancer recovered by eating 6 organic duck eggs daily.

Thus her farm which has fish tanks, native chicken layers, and which grows vegetables and dragon fruit can be source of branded organic products?


Victoria ride yesterday - October 26, 2014 with an added bonus - round Laguna

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  October 27, 2014

Sorry guys; no pics for this post.  I lost the camera and the pics of our ride today.  The loss could have happened at the store where we "istambayed" or from there up to home.  The camera could have dropped from my jersey pocket.

Huhu.

Who joined the ride:

Albert Amora

Alan

Angel

Jess

Jeff

Jorgeusbiker

Luis

Nolite

Master E

Pres Luis

VM

Val


Thursday, October 23, 2014

Preparing for Victoria ride this Sunday

Wheels of Happiness

I have contacted Ms. Linda Chua of Victoria Laguna, one of the owners of large duck farming in Victoria that we will going there this coming Sunday. She asked what preparation she would have?

I relayed nothing.

Ms Linda Chua is a long time customer and friend.

To prepare for this, I did a ride to Pililla yesterday. Today I rode to Antipolo City.  i met Armin there in Antipolo church.  He said he is not ready for the Victoria ride.

I will fly to Iloilo tomorrow and be back Saturday evening.  i hope I am properly rested for the Victoria ride.

Will many join the Victoria ride?  I hope so....

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

My practice bike ride to Pililla today October 22, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines   | October 22, 2014

I had a practice ride today to Pililla.  I left the Sacred Heart Parish at 6:30 am and arrived at KM 58, a distance of 30 km at 7:35.  I missed the one hour time by 5 minutes (the standard of Gerry and Armin)  I was back at Angono by 9:30.  It would have been 9:00 had I not stopped at Morong.  I think however that I have been  improving with this ride.

There must have been 30 riders (mostly roadies) whom I met today having practice rides.  One of them is Tito Fabay whom I met at Pililla.

The other was Tristan, a balikbayan who lives in Bilibiran now, (used to live at San Mateo, California, USA)  He says he is running a printing press business

Tips on removing body flabs - reduce your waistline and improve your bike speed and endurance

Wheels of Happiness

FOODS

Natural health on You tube - burning body fats


Monday, October 20, 2014

I want to be a better rider despite my advancing age; did I yesterday?

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal  Philippines   |  October 20, 2014

I think and I hope I am right that yesterday was one of my best bike ride ever, considering that I was tired from my commute ride visit to San Fernando La Union before, and ride home today from San Fernando, to Dagupan via San Carlos City. I had complete night rest, had plenty of water and right mindset.

From Angono to Morong

We spun from Angono to Morong.  I rode up to the head of the peloton, and when the group of Argonauts overtook us I gave a chase which I was able to do up to convention center.  The peloton took the cue and they took over the chase chore.  I was able to catch up with VM, Luis and Gerry at Morong (Namay)

Our schedule yesterday was to ride to Victoria and then downgraded to Jalajala cemetery

Wheels of Happiness

Angono,  Rizal Philippines   |  October 20, 2014

               Alan, Armin and Pres Luis

We read an FB post that we would ride to Victoria yesterday.  As we waited long for other riders, Armin and Luis watered down the ride to Jalajala cemetery.  There was also this Donaire fight.

We assembled at about 6 am... And left some 15 minutes later

                       Armin, Alan and Val

Thus we left late and we rode to Morong. and had our lugaw fare at Simples Lugawan.  There was just  one food server and it took us long to have our fare.

 VM Val, Gerry K, Jess at the left,   Armin and Alan at the right
                          Engr June presiding

These argonauts pushed us to our limits

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines   |  October 20, 2014

        They say that after I took their picture, they are marked men.  Hahaha.  That is a sign of admiration sirs....

These very young riders caught up with us in Darangan Binangonan Rizal while we were spinning towards Morong.  I tried to give a chase, which was a mistake.  The swarm, the peloton caught up with me at Convention Center and I was left behind.

They say they are from Taytay, they are their 20s (1/3 my age) and their bikes are all Argon. (Hence the title of this post is Argonauts.)

However I caught up with VM, Luis and Val at Morong Rizal... Trying to catch up with strong riders raises our lactate levels, limits of our speed and endurance.

                   Ang kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan"

         According to them their Argon bikes are cheap

Some new ideas for your bike - from Engr June Francisco

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal  Philippines  | October 20, 2014

                       The Exustar carbon fiber pedal (I have an Exustar in my Fuji CF but only the alloy one)

                          VMs Durace pedal

Eng June is a manager at a famous car aircon company in Canlubang Laguna. He is very well versed in TPS, Kaizen and innovation in all things mechanical (he is a mechanical engineer)

And his bike bear stamps of innovativeness and his engineering background.



He has installed an Exustar carbon fiber pedal (which he claims is superior to his current Look pedal which he sold for only P1t to Secx Noe - I should have known last week) which he bought from Marauders (a new bike shop in town, near his place in Antipolo. The new pedal he said,

     1.  weighs only 85 grams
     2.  has titanium shaft (that means it is very strong even in crashes it wont bend)

     Wow, and costs only P6t+




 He also had SS PVC coated shift cable which cost P150 each.  That means to say no more broke shift cable from rusting.

Maybe you should install one in your bike....

We had a great time at Punta Jalajala; Victoria Laguna ride called off for next week

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal  Philippines  | October 20, 2014



Because we left late, and there was this Donaire fight (which the former lost) Pres Luis decided to call off the Victoria Laguna ride.  Instead he said, we should just ride to Jalajala cemetery   And then when we were there, he said we should instead do a round Jalajala ride, to which I said is estafa.  Many would not have gone with the ride, if they knew it was a round Jalajala ride (it is a tough ride).

So as a compromise, we just said, just 10 km ride to Punta.  We had been before and we a had minalot lunch there.
But there is a fantastic view there.

The Recyclists enjoyed the sight and stayed there for sometime for picture taking

Who joined the ride today?

Armin

Abet V

Aspog

Choco

Gerry K

Pres Luis

Edgar

Eddie Green Lantern

Ernie

Nolite

Pangskie

Jorgeusbiker

Engineer June

VM

Vhen

Val

These bikes are worth million

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines   | October 20, 2014

I realized that some bikes that we park at Barangay Hall near Simples Lugawan are worth millions.  Take a look:

             Tarmac  -  P200t, Look 200t Argon 200t Colnago  -  P400t  = total P1 million



Posing with VMs latest Colnago bike

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  |   October 20, 2014


                    Peter A and VMs Colnago C59

We had fun yesterday posing with the C59 Colnago of VM.  It was rumored to have cost over 400 big K. You cant see a great expensive bike everyday....  So  a lot of guys (me included) posed a number of shots with Col


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Now I know the meaning of being edgy, after having ridden side by side with 20 wheeler trucks

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   | October 16, 2014



This morning I brought my Fuji bike again to the fiberglass shop to have the front derailleur repaired.  The initial repair did not last and had to be repaired.  However on the way, there were two very long 20 wheelers (hauling gravel and sand from LaFarge quarry in Angono to Megawide)  The truck drivers were rather competitive and had a lot of hustle.  As he drove he was driving towards the edge of the road and I had to ride carefully because I might fall and run over by the long truck.

On the way back I passed 5 long trucks. Of course we do not want to be frightened by these behemoths lest we lose control and crash.

I had to ride close to right side of the road, at the edgy.  Now I know what i means to be edgy.

Everyday when we ride we are at risk:   MC on counterflow;   jeepneys riding, buzzing close by, pedestrians suddenly crossing the street;  cars speeding by as we speed with only inches to spare.   And now these huge long trucks, driving fast on narrow roads in Muzon.

 God bless our ride always.



Ride to Victoria Laguna this week end?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |  October 16, 2014

Gerry Catapang told me that there will be a ride to Victoria Laguna by this week end.  However, we will return via Bugarin.  I suggested that we ride towards Calamba and do a round Laguna instead.  He said that others are objecting because of the bad condition of C6.  We could ride carefully C6 or if not we ride C5.

Are you joining?

 I am not sure because I am going to Pangasinan on Saturday.  I hope I can return on the same day...

Monday, October 13, 2014

My practice endurance ride yesterday - long ride to Pililla via Antipolo

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |October 13, 2014

            Secx Noe and Engr June (just trimmed haircut)

My practice endurance ride yesterday, October 2 took me up to Antipolo Church and then to Simples Lugawan in Morong in Pililla.

I met a cyclists at Antipolo Church who hails from San Carlos City, where one of our businesses were located.  He plans to put up with a partner from Angono, a motorcycles parts store in Baytown.  More power Sir


I met Gerry, Secx Noe, and Engr June at Simples Lugawan.

I saw the landslide along the road going up to Beverly Hills as result of heavy rains last Saturday.  It is interesting to note that I now pass MTBs and other road bikers going up Antipolo.  There was one who passed me but I caught up with him past Beverly Hills.


Ven - "we will no longer join long rides"

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |  October 13, 2014

                    Ven at extreme right, Gerry at the center

I visited Ven this morning and inquired how they did after the collapse from Pagsanjan last Sunday, October 5, 2014.  They (Gerry, Joel and Chito - the Mit boys) and him rode from Pagsanjan to Bugarin at Navarra, apparently tired.

According to Ven, he had 1.  huge cramps, 2. it was indeed a punishing ride and said that he and the guys who rode with him would not join the long rides again.  3.  It was dyahe because I did not collapse.

I said no such nonsense as the #2 because maybe they lacked the endurance ride.  More endurance ride will solve the cramping.

We hope to see you again in long ride.

We plan to bike to Sorsogon in December right?