Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 31, 2016.
It is the last day of the month. On Saturday, February 6, 2016, there is a scheduled return to San Felipe, and I heard about 10 riders are joining. I left at 7:00 to bike to Pililla, Pisong Kape or possibly to Bugarin. I brought my SARS bike (with MTB gears). On the way, a group of Taytay riders passed me by at Pag asa. I tried to keep up with them until Mambog where they dropped me. From Pag asa to Mambog however, I realized that they are not that Class A riders. Oca Chua, who won a criterium race in Technopark yesterday was with us.
Thereafter, I came across MTB riders from Pantok in Cardona and they overtook me at Callahan. I got in contact with them and passed them at the flats at the Morong Cardona boundary. Somebody gave chase at Km 51 but he disappeared at Km 52 because of too much rapid pedaling.. Passed again several MTBs along the way until Pililla. I towed somebody though until Halayhayin and cursed him for not doing his sharing of breaking air. There I saw a growing crowd of bikers assembling for the try outs.
About 10 roadies passed me near P y and I tried ot give chase and I passed an oldie whom I learned was Mang Cenon (72 yo) who knows VM.
I ate my Lugaw at Pisong Kape and it took 30 minutes for it to arrive. The food server who got the money forgot about it, and when I followed it up, she had wrapped up in plastic for take home.
The Recyclists arrived soon after: Master E, Edgar, Meong, Joel, Pres Luis, Papa Ric, Nolite, Alan and Erning Mariposa. He had his youngest with him, riding an MTB. They said Gerry and company rode to Cartimar in Pasay to buy parts
On the way going home, I was ahead until the uphill at Tanay Baras boundary. We again regrouped at the Cardona Morong boundary eatery
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Great bike events lately
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 31, 2016
There were 2 great bike events probably that I did not know very well: last week an MTB mass ride, and early today a Philippine team elimination/trial.
Last week , I met going home about a hundred MTB riders of different jersey colors and design near the Binangonan Convention Center. Early today at :Pililla, there was we heard, a trial/tryout for Philippine National Team for SEA games. It had full MC support from PNP and other parties. I wonder who were taken in
Rizal Philippines
January 31, 2016
There were 2 great bike events probably that I did not know very well: last week an MTB mass ride, and early today a Philippine team elimination/trial.
Last week , I met going home about a hundred MTB riders of different jersey colors and design near the Binangonan Convention Center. Early today at :Pililla, there was we heard, a trial/tryout for Philippine National Team for SEA games. It had full MC support from PNP and other parties. I wonder who were taken in
Angelique Kerber (7) German upsets Serena Williams (1) at Australian Open
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 31, 2016
From NY Times
I learned only a couple of days ago that Serena Williams reign as Australian Open Champ has ended. A certain unheard player A. Kerber defeated her in 3 sets.
I happened to watch the replay today at Fox TV and caught up the set, the second which S. Williams won. Williams showed her dominance with aces, and booming corner shots.Williams served 190 kph+ unstoppable, unreturnable serve. However S. Williams committed many errors: ball on the tape, outside and double faults
At the third set, Kerber threw in a couple of drop shots which upset the game/rhythm of Williams. At the 10th game of the third set, Williams was serving and she committed errors especially on the last point (an out) which gave Kerber the game.
It was a full packed event (maybe the whites wanting to see the dominance of black for six years) in tennis and they got what they wanted.
Rizal Philippines
January 31, 2016
From NY Times
I learned only a couple of days ago that Serena Williams reign as Australian Open Champ has ended. A certain unheard player A. Kerber defeated her in 3 sets.
I happened to watch the replay today at Fox TV and caught up the set, the second which S. Williams won. Williams showed her dominance with aces, and booming corner shots.Williams served 190 kph+ unstoppable, unreturnable serve. However S. Williams committed many errors: ball on the tape, outside and double faults
At the third set, Kerber threw in a couple of drop shots which upset the game/rhythm of Williams. At the 10th game of the third set, Williams was serving and she committed errors especially on the last point (an out) which gave Kerber the game.
It was a full packed event (maybe the whites wanting to see the dominance of black for six years) in tennis and they got what they wanted.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Upgrading the MTB so soon?
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 30, 2016
I saw Boyeth Flores, the star mechanic of Haooh bikeshop in Taytay. He showed me an MTB for which the owner he said, spent over P120,000 and which is being sold for only P60,000 now. It is loaded with a Fox roadshock, (he said worth P20,000 - I looked up the prices in $ and was around $400.00) with Eaton aluminum wheelset worth P40,000. (about 1.6 kg) with conti 2 " tires. It had carbon fiber bar and seatpost. It comes with XT group set (equivalent of Ultegra - about P25,000?) with 11 to 36 cogs. It could easily weigh 10 kg only. It is mouth watering in terms of what high tech and expensive items are in the bike. It could easily improve the road handling and ride ability of the bike being lighter.
However how do i finance the upgrade. Boyeth suggested that I sell my Sava (only 12 kg for P25,000) and my Ultegra loaded road bike for another P25,000; and I fork over P10,000 So I have two great bikes...
What do you think?
Is upgraditis good for me?
Rizal Philippines
January 30, 2016
I saw Boyeth Flores, the star mechanic of Haooh bikeshop in Taytay. He showed me an MTB for which the owner he said, spent over P120,000 and which is being sold for only P60,000 now. It is loaded with a Fox roadshock, (he said worth P20,000 - I looked up the prices in $ and was around $400.00) with Eaton aluminum wheelset worth P40,000. (about 1.6 kg) with conti 2 " tires. It had carbon fiber bar and seatpost. It comes with XT group set (equivalent of Ultegra - about P25,000?) with 11 to 36 cogs. It could easily weigh 10 kg only. It is mouth watering in terms of what high tech and expensive items are in the bike. It could easily improve the road handling and ride ability of the bike being lighter.
However how do i finance the upgrade. Boyeth suggested that I sell my Sava (only 12 kg for P25,000) and my Ultegra loaded road bike for another P25,000; and I fork over P10,000 So I have two great bikes...
What do you think?
Is upgraditis good for me?
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Case of overtraining?
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 26, 2016
My butt, the back of my thighs (the quads and glutes) and my trunk ached so much last night that I could not sleep. The only strenuous activity I can recall were : 1. lifting two sacks of rice of 25kg each Sunday evening, and 2. biking hard with the MTB on the way up Antipolo. I raced with some MTB going up Beverly Hills, and with a Cannondale rider up to Avida. In Morong, from Holy Gardens to Sagbat, I raced with an elderly (like me) riding a road bike. And then I returned via diversion.
This is not to mention periodic sprints
I must have punished my body doing the above rigorous exercise. And I paid the price last night
Rizal Philippines
January 26, 2016
My butt, the back of my thighs (the quads and glutes) and my trunk ached so much last night that I could not sleep. The only strenuous activity I can recall were : 1. lifting two sacks of rice of 25kg each Sunday evening, and 2. biking hard with the MTB on the way up Antipolo. I raced with some MTB going up Beverly Hills, and with a Cannondale rider up to Avida. In Morong, from Holy Gardens to Sagbat, I raced with an elderly (like me) riding a road bike. And then I returned via diversion.
This is not to mention periodic sprints
I must have punished my body doing the above rigorous exercise. And I paid the price last night
Sunday, January 24, 2016
My MTB ride today January 24, 2016
Wheels of Happiness
Angono, Rizal Philippines
January 24, 2016
I rode the SAVA MTB today, no shoes only tsinelas. Idol si Pablong Tsinelas I first went up to Antipolo Church and tried to line up for the blessing of articles. But the line was long for cars, religious articles (does this include bike). The archdiocese is well organized for the blessing business. The seminarians are in a booth, and there are two booths with long lines of devotees who line up to pay, and who line up to get blessing
Going to Taytay Palengke, I raced with two commuting MTBs (ayaw padaig) Going up Antipolo, I overtook all except one road rider (23 pa biggest cog) A Villamayor mechanic Veto said he met me at Beverly and said I was walking with my bike. Jejeje. Poor eyesight.
Going to Teresa, I also passed other riders (MTB) including one who was riding a Giant MTB and with Giant jersey. However, going downhill at Teresa, he passe me. He overtook on a curve (zigzag ang Teresa) because I would collide head on with a trailer. So I just allowed him.
I finished my ride with a huffing and puffing at Cardona diversion. You really get stronger and more adventuresome (no fear) when you ride a mt. bike. You do not fear the ruts, and bumps, and places that do not have roads.
Angono, Rizal Philippines
January 24, 2016
I rode the SAVA MTB today, no shoes only tsinelas. Idol si Pablong Tsinelas I first went up to Antipolo Church and tried to line up for the blessing of articles. But the line was long for cars, religious articles (does this include bike). The archdiocese is well organized for the blessing business. The seminarians are in a booth, and there are two booths with long lines of devotees who line up to pay, and who line up to get blessing
Going to Taytay Palengke, I raced with two commuting MTBs (ayaw padaig) Going up Antipolo, I overtook all except one road rider (23 pa biggest cog) A Villamayor mechanic Veto said he met me at Beverly and said I was walking with my bike. Jejeje. Poor eyesight.
Going to Teresa, I also passed other riders (MTB) including one who was riding a Giant MTB and with Giant jersey. However, going downhill at Teresa, he passe me. He overtook on a curve (zigzag ang Teresa) because I would collide head on with a trailer. So I just allowed him.
I finished my ride with a huffing and puffing at Cardona diversion. You really get stronger and more adventuresome (no fear) when you ride a mt. bike. You do not fear the ruts, and bumps, and places that do not have roads.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Practice ride for return ride to San Felipe on Feb 6, 7, 8
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 21, 2016
There is a plan to ride again to San Felipe Zambales at Jeff place this coming Feb 6,7, and 8. Many are joining like Pres Luis, Jess, Meong, and even Edgar. They asked me if I will join. Maybe.
So I practiced today, 50 km out to Jala jala and back for total of 100 km. It took me 3 hours out and 3 hours back. I brought my SARS bike with me. I would not last with the MTB for this ride.
I found out that I could ride bigger gears this time. without hurting my legs. But the gears were relative easy like 44 x 15. I could do it without standing.
One of the very pleasant experience I had (although I was dropped by an MTB rider in Cardona, because I missed a shift, and the chain dropped out of the chain ring ) was passing a Baytown young rider at Namay. He passed me near the church but he slowed at the first ascent and looked back. But then I sprinted spinning and caught up with him just after the cemetery. He did not give a chase
I met some Binangonan riders at Pisong Kape, Ed (7 days) and Ed Naval (walang praktis) I was wearing the Liquigaz uniform just like Boy Navals.
I arrived 1:30 pm and as Meong saw me that I rode late, I told him that we need that kind of riding, at noon up to 3 pm (I did not know that temperature went up to 35 degrees Celsius today - quite hot)
Rizal Philippines
January 21, 2016
There is a plan to ride again to San Felipe Zambales at Jeff place this coming Feb 6,7, and 8. Many are joining like Pres Luis, Jess, Meong, and even Edgar. They asked me if I will join. Maybe.
So I practiced today, 50 km out to Jala jala and back for total of 100 km. It took me 3 hours out and 3 hours back. I brought my SARS bike with me. I would not last with the MTB for this ride.
I found out that I could ride bigger gears this time. without hurting my legs. But the gears were relative easy like 44 x 15. I could do it without standing.
One of the very pleasant experience I had (although I was dropped by an MTB rider in Cardona, because I missed a shift, and the chain dropped out of the chain ring ) was passing a Baytown young rider at Namay. He passed me near the church but he slowed at the first ascent and looked back. But then I sprinted spinning and caught up with him just after the cemetery. He did not give a chase
I met some Binangonan riders at Pisong Kape, Ed (7 days) and Ed Naval (walang praktis) I was wearing the Liquigaz uniform just like Boy Navals.
I arrived 1:30 pm and as Meong saw me that I rode late, I told him that we need that kind of riding, at noon up to 3 pm (I did not know that temperature went up to 35 degrees Celsius today - quite hot)
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Talo ng 64 ang mga 30s na MTB going up Botong Francisco Avenue in Angono, Rizal
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 17, 2016
I biked to Botong Francisco Highway in Angono Rizal (from Shell up to Medalva and Twin Hills Terraces) I practiced 3x on the first hill using 32 x 17 and 19, then climbing up the first hump using 32 x 28.
Then on the fourth ascent, I went up beyond Medalva nd Twin Hills using 32 x 32. It was tough even at that light gear. Kiulang ng practice.
On the way up though, I passed two MTB riders whom I found out later were from Mandaluyong walking with their bikes. They stopped finding the hill climb stiff. They remarked na "daig tayo ni Lolo" Haha (They did not know I was struggling too)
Constant practice... Practice so that it willl not be tough I had to make this ride short because I will attend the mass for Sto Nino and the procession
HAPPY FEAST OF STO NINO.
Images of Sto Nino for blessing
The priest blessing the children and Sto. Nino
The procession
Rizal Philippines
January 17, 2016
I biked to Botong Francisco Highway in Angono Rizal (from Shell up to Medalva and Twin Hills Terraces) I practiced 3x on the first hill using 32 x 17 and 19, then climbing up the first hump using 32 x 28.
Then on the fourth ascent, I went up beyond Medalva nd Twin Hills using 32 x 32. It was tough even at that light gear. Kiulang ng practice.
On the way up though, I passed two MTB riders whom I found out later were from Mandaluyong walking with their bikes. They stopped finding the hill climb stiff. They remarked na "daig tayo ni Lolo" Haha (They did not know I was struggling too)
Constant practice... Practice so that it willl not be tough I had to make this ride short because I will attend the mass for Sto Nino and the procession
HAPPY FEAST OF STO NINO.
The procession
Friday, January 15, 2016
Why so many riders are getting hooked to MTB?
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 15, 2016
I am wondering why of the 30 or so riders of Recyclists (all road bikers) the number has dwindled down to less than 20. One (Willy quit) while others I understand shifted to Mt. Biking I know one who is selling his road bike to go full time mt biking.
I have gone out less than 10 times on the Mt. Bike. Now I understand the joy and discovery of nature and adventure on a mt bike.
One time, at the diversion, I tried the road less travelled at Sunshine fiesta. I found a dirt road to the meadows (former rice field) and ended up on a road going to Mambog. The roads there are rather steep but it was no problem to the SAVA mt bike.
Today, I biked to La Farge Republic (Mahabang Parang) 2x and on the way home biked the dirt trail to Sapang Dulangan. Time to revisit where my mother washed our clothes and drove her on an old Datsun 200C (limousine ni Nida Blanca before as the drivers story went) Then at Wawa, I also rode to the trail going right at the edge of the river and the Laguna Lake.
The book on Mt Biking say that there a thousand and one destination, endless adventures to be had when one goes out on a mt. bike. There are always new place to visit. At the road bike, it is always the road that you see, and only destinations that differ. It is the speed the length of the ride that differ.
Now I see and understand why many bikers shift to MTB, or why there are more MTB riders
Rizal Philippines
January 15, 2016
I am wondering why of the 30 or so riders of Recyclists (all road bikers) the number has dwindled down to less than 20. One (Willy quit) while others I understand shifted to Mt. Biking I know one who is selling his road bike to go full time mt biking.
I have gone out less than 10 times on the Mt. Bike. Now I understand the joy and discovery of nature and adventure on a mt bike.
One time, at the diversion, I tried the road less travelled at Sunshine fiesta. I found a dirt road to the meadows (former rice field) and ended up on a road going to Mambog. The roads there are rather steep but it was no problem to the SAVA mt bike.
Today, I biked to La Farge Republic (Mahabang Parang) 2x and on the way home biked the dirt trail to Sapang Dulangan. Time to revisit where my mother washed our clothes and drove her on an old Datsun 200C (limousine ni Nida Blanca before as the drivers story went) Then at Wawa, I also rode to the trail going right at the edge of the river and the Laguna Lake.
The book on Mt Biking say that there a thousand and one destination, endless adventures to be had when one goes out on a mt. bike. There are always new place to visit. At the road bike, it is always the road that you see, and only destinations that differ. It is the speed the length of the ride that differ.
Now I see and understand why many bikers shift to MTB, or why there are more MTB riders
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Exploring a whole new world/new trails/road less taken at MTB
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 3, 2016
With a MTB 1. you lose fear of climbing like that of Cardona diversion; 2. you are encouraged to explore trails and new destination unreachable by roadie.
I did such a ride a while ago. Coming from Morong, I passed at Cardona diversion. After passing the Crystal East subdivision and Sunshine Fiesta community I remember there was a trail contest done several years back. So I tried entering that trail that led into an abandoned rice field. For me not used to such a road, I had to pick my lines carefully. The dirt trail lead to a paved road which later I learned led to Mambog. For a long long time, I knew Mambog barrio in Binangonan but never knew its interior. There are steep portions of the road (2) which were easy to negotiate using 32 x 30 or 32. Just slow patient pedalling and soon you are over the hill/hump.
It was a nice experience to take the road less taken.
Rizal Philippines
January 3, 2016
With a MTB 1. you lose fear of climbing like that of Cardona diversion; 2. you are encouraged to explore trails and new destination unreachable by roadie.
I did such a ride a while ago. Coming from Morong, I passed at Cardona diversion. After passing the Crystal East subdivision and Sunshine Fiesta community I remember there was a trail contest done several years back. So I tried entering that trail that led into an abandoned rice field. For me not used to such a road, I had to pick my lines carefully. The dirt trail lead to a paved road which later I learned led to Mambog. For a long long time, I knew Mambog barrio in Binangonan but never knew its interior. There are steep portions of the road (2) which were easy to negotiate using 32 x 30 or 32. Just slow patient pedalling and soon you are over the hill/hump.
It was a nice experience to take the road less taken.
The SAVA MTB is faster at the downhill
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 3, 2016
If you are a roadie, riding MTB can really improve your riding in many ways:
1. you develop faster cadence in pedalling and nabibilog ang pagpedal rather than padyak
2. you tend to finish your climb sitting
3. since the bike is heavier to pedal, you tend to develop stronger legs and thighs to power your road bike ride; and thus you can pedal harder at the sprints or climb;
4. you tend to be more consistent and patient as you pedal up long climbs.
One of the greatest advantage is think is going downhill. As I descended Antipolo yesterday, from the first downhill right hand curve at the one way portion, 3 roadies overtook me. Approaching last Brisa I gave a chase and decreased the gap by about 30 meters. I passed the 3 near Palmera and I must be doing about 50+ kph. Another successful MTB performance. I hope you do not mind the bragging.
Rizal Philippines
January 3, 2016
If you are a roadie, riding MTB can really improve your riding in many ways:
1. you develop faster cadence in pedalling and nabibilog ang pagpedal rather than padyak
2. you tend to finish your climb sitting
3. since the bike is heavier to pedal, you tend to develop stronger legs and thighs to power your road bike ride; and thus you can pedal harder at the sprints or climb;
4. you tend to be more consistent and patient as you pedal up long climbs.
One of the greatest advantage is think is going downhill. As I descended Antipolo yesterday, from the first downhill right hand curve at the one way portion, 3 roadies overtook me. Approaching last Brisa I gave a chase and decreased the gap by about 30 meters. I passed the 3 near Palmera and I must be doing about 50+ kph. Another successful MTB performance. I hope you do not mind the bragging.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
The price paid for the SAVA MTB is just the price of the carbon frame; and other comments on the SAVA bike
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 2, 2016
I had as my first bike ride for the year the ride to Antipolo Church to listen to the 8+ mass. I rode the SAVA MTB using the hard gear 44 and did not shift to lower gear. I had the 28 to 32 cogs employed at Beverly and the final bend.
While at the Antipolo church I had the following kuwento:
Pictures of the SAVA 580 MTB bike
1. The MTB pundits immediately judged that the MTB bike I rode on is a carbon fiber bike! Why because there are no joints nor welds. (True enough I reviewed the bike sticker and it said 'INTEGRATED SYNTHESIS) meaning to say the bike was formed using a single mold, unlike other carbon fiber whose members (even the Italian brands) are merely glued together to the head post and bottom bracket from individually formed carbon fiber parts/tubes.
How much did I pay?. About P26,000
Rizal Philippines
January 2, 2016
I had as my first bike ride for the year the ride to Antipolo Church to listen to the 8+ mass. I rode the SAVA MTB using the hard gear 44 and did not shift to lower gear. I had the 28 to 32 cogs employed at Beverly and the final bend.
While at the Antipolo church I had the following kuwento:
Pictures of the SAVA 580 MTB bike
1. The MTB pundits immediately judged that the MTB bike I rode on is a carbon fiber bike! Why because there are no joints nor welds. (True enough I reviewed the bike sticker and it said 'INTEGRATED SYNTHESIS) meaning to say the bike was formed using a single mold, unlike other carbon fiber whose members (even the Italian brands) are merely glued together to the head post and bottom bracket from individually formed carbon fiber parts/tubes.
How much did I pay?. About P26,000
Friday, January 1, 2016
No bike ride today, January 1, 2016; it is raining
Wheels of Happiness
Rizal Philippines
January 1, 2016
I can not bike today. There is a light drizzle. It is going to be cold and dirty ride if I do so now, if not dangerous because of slick road. It was raining at 12:00 midnight. This failed to dampen the massive fireworks display last night. Wow they had money to burn, which I find rather odd if they worked hard for the money. (It must have been several hundreds of thousands of pesos worth of fireworks.
Yesterday though, to prepare for the coming new year, I did the following to my three bikes (2 roadies and 1 MTB)
1. washed them thoroughly with soap and water and wiped them dry;
2. replaced the bike pads of the SARS bike. It was tricky, since I had to readjust the centring, the cable tightness, the alignment of the pads with the rim, etc. It was a work for a mechanic.
3. replaced the cable for the FD of SARS bike.
Now they are ready for the 2016 rides
Happy and prosperous new year every one.
Rizal Philippines
January 1, 2016
I can not bike today. There is a light drizzle. It is going to be cold and dirty ride if I do so now, if not dangerous because of slick road. It was raining at 12:00 midnight. This failed to dampen the massive fireworks display last night. Wow they had money to burn, which I find rather odd if they worked hard for the money. (It must have been several hundreds of thousands of pesos worth of fireworks.
Yesterday though, to prepare for the coming new year, I did the following to my three bikes (2 roadies and 1 MTB)
1. washed them thoroughly with soap and water and wiped them dry;
2. replaced the bike pads of the SARS bike. It was tricky, since I had to readjust the centring, the cable tightness, the alignment of the pads with the rim, etc. It was a work for a mechanic.
3. replaced the cable for the FD of SARS bike.
Now they are ready for the 2016 rides
Happy and prosperous new year every one.
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