Hard climbs/yesterday and Wednesday

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
June 4, 2017

I was not able to ride today because probably of the hard rides I did for the last two days.  Yesterday, I rode up East ridge, trying to climb it at 32 front chain rings.  However before and after Unamonte I had to shift down to 24 and return to 32 before the former SG outpost.   After resting for a while, I rode up to the new guard house and  passing by the MTB riders from Taguig. who had to stop and rest some 20 meters before the summit.  In a conversation, the young riders said they admire me, the senior rider for not stopping.

Last Wednesday, I climbed San Carlos Heights Antenna via the Gate 2 (the more difficult climb, the easy climb is via Tolentino) I also used 32 chain ring.  There were lot of riders last Wednesday.   I did it non stop.    There I met Glen Diestro and Supremo Armin.  Great guys and riders

On those two occasions, I was with new recruits/trainees at the office.  Part of developing sound mind in a sound body

Riding the Bianchi road bike again after two months of MTB rides

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
September 11, 2016

We commemorate two events today:   99th birthday of late Ferdinand Marcos and the crashing of 4 passenger jetliners piloted by suicide pilots at NYC Trade Center, Pentagon and  Pennsylvania where 3,000 Americans perished.

Yesterday I rode solo to Pililla on my Bianchi roadie After saying little prayer at Sacred Heart Parish in Tayuman (which we usually do for to praise, thank the Lord and guide us in our biking so that we arrive home safely) I tried to chase some MTB which I did so successfully.  There was one in blue jersey who also chased me again.  The last time he did that was at Island Gas and then never saw him again.   Then I chased somebody at Callahan, but I never got past him when he overtook a long truck going down from Callahan.  I was able to pass him and another MTB who was in pink and black jersey.   He passed me at Morong market, but I retook the lead at Namay.   I was solo again up to km 55 where a large thighed rider on a roadie with back pack passed me.  I chased him and road by him side by side until km 58 which I planned as the limit of my ride.

On the way back after seeing that there was no food in Tanay Gardens, I gave chase to two riders one tall and one short and caught up with them on the way up the hill at the Baras Tanay boundary and overtook them.  They caught up with me again and chased them until past the PNP station and towed them until Maybancal where I peeled off to look for lugaw.

In Angono, I saw the group of MTB riders (group of Armin).  They said they toured from Antipolo Teresa., Morong, Cardona, Binangonan and home. They recognized me on my roadie and said hello

The heat was overbearing yesterday

P20 t for two bikes on a proposed swap deal?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
February 20, 2016

In my eagerness to get a high end MTB with XT parts and Rockshox, I proposed a swap deal:  a BN  SAVA carbon fiber bike whose SRP is P140,000  which was sold for 80% discount for me by a relative, and a SARS aluminum bike with Ultegra components, and FSA carbon fiber 172.5 crank.   I expected to give say additional P10t cash to complete the deal.  The counter offer was the two bikes plus 40t.  It was definitely  a deal destined to be completed. I backed out and just decided to wait for the right buyer for the SAVA bike, and just ride the SARS to the ground.  So I cleaned it and rode it again today.

I told this about to be misdeal to Armin Z and said that is normal in a swap deal where the the other side lowball  your items and highball theirs.   So much for swap deals.  Better pay them in cash and lowball them.

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....

I have a kumpare pala who can "hilot" ("finger" is his term) aches and pains from sprains and strains

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal   |  Philippines

Last Sunday, August 24, 2014, Armin Z and I rode back together home from Morong.  He had an appointment, and I was not fit for the Sierra Madre ride. I had to accept my limitation.

However right after the Callahan ascent, at the Cardona town proper, Armin complained of pain at the left leg rear of knee. He said he must have "ipit" of veins at the left leg (strain)  So we had to bike ascent to LLDA near Montevideo slowly. I suggested one leg pedalling (right only)  In short we manage to ride home and I accompanied Armin to a kumpare, Robert who took care of my sprained big toe which immobilized me.

Unfortunately he was not there.   I understand Armin came back, they had a "hilot"session.   Ruben said in a naughty term "fingering" I suppose Armin's condition was cured?

I was not able to join the Sierra Madre ride

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines   I   August 25, 2014

I was not able to join the Sierra Madre ride.  No excuses.   I was not physically fit -  I lacked the endurance rides to tough it up, I had injured toe and I was coughing (the fuel injection aspiration system was blocked and not working properly)

I biked yesterday to Morong at  6:15 am.  And I arrived there about 7:15. And the rest of Recyslists were there for the ride:

Pres Luis
Master E
Alan
Angel Balubar

We had lunch at Armin's Place After the Bisikleta Iglesia

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines.  April 17, 2014

                       The host, Armin at the head of the table sharing lnch with Master, Gerry, Angel, Luis VM, Weng, Joel and  and Chito F who is about to join them

A blessed Maundy Thursday to all !

We had lunch at Armin Z's place in Bloomingdale Homes after biking to the 7th church in Angono;  the 6 other churches we visited were that of Quisao, Pililla, main church of Pililla, Tanay, Baras, Morong and Cardona

Nolite and Vic did not join us at lunch.  Those who joined the traditional ride were:  VM, Pres Luis, Gerry  K, Gerry Y, Weng and Angel Balubar, Jess Verchez, Armin and Archie Zapanta, Master E, Ado Gonzaga, (mangkin pala siya ni Tita Lita) Jorgeusbiker, Vic, Richard, Val, Chito F,  Nolite, Ven, Secx, Alan, Joel

Armin, Pres Luis and I biked this morning; long ride to Caliraya this Sunday?

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal   |  February 27, 2014


I biked this morning after attending the 6:00 mass in Sacred Heart Parish.  On the way I saw a mountain biker near Tagpos whom I chased.  All the while, I thought he was behind me.  I found out at Darangan, that Pres Luis was the one who was actually following me.  Then at Calumpang highway,  I saw Armin join us.   I stopped at Montevideo because I have job.  But I tried to bike hard and join their pace.

I learned that they will go as far as Bugarin.  There will be long ride according to Caliraya, according to  Pres Luis. I dare say that I lack mileage and endurance

Happy Birthday Armin

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines  |  December 8 2013

                                 HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMIN; still baby face

Today is the feast of Immaculate Concepcion.

Today is the birthday handa of Armin in house in Bloomingdale Homes.   After coming from Pisong kape the group goes to the house of Armin in the said subdivision.  I foolishly climbed to Bugarin, and missed the handaan.

Happy Birthday Armin

                                        Armin with Joel Tsalap2

                                Assembly at Pisong Kape before going to Armin's place

A very durable and strong bike - Trek Domane

Real Cyclists

Angono, Rizal   PHL   |  October 7, 2013

        Carbon fiber bikes are really strong;  but dont you think that its structure is now weak?Trek should include this in their history books!

We saw an accident involving a car and a bike at Binangonan yesterday just before 7 am (near the Pajara heavy equipment depot) and it was sort of freak;  the car front was ripped off and was over the bike a very expensive latest Trek Domane (the one used by Cancellara)  The bike was still standing tall after being run over by the car.  (See photo)  Trek should be proud of the result of this accident

The bike owner was inconsolable;  he said the bike cost him P300,000 and he wants the whole bike replaced.  The car driver owner was not speaking.

And I told the crowd, maybe the vehicle drivers - jeepney, tricycles, truck think that we ride cheap stuff.  They would be surprised how expensive they could be.  It is a fair warning to drivers and can owners who think bikers are lowlife.

      See how the bike ripped off the fender and the bumper (Hahaha the car bumped the bike -  you!!)

                      The Tarmac bike saying hello to the injured Domain;  that is Armin with Tarmac

                              Other bikers sympathizing, or simply UZI - Richard and Armin

                               Richard's jersey colors and that of Domane are the same

                                Armin and Richard feared that they smiled for this shot;  they did! (no empathy for the Trek Domane and its owner...)

                  The accident created a huge traffic mess; many are wondering how come the bike was still standing tall?!  It looked as if the bike ripped the front of the car....

My bike ride today September 28, 2013

Real Cyclists

Angono, Rizal  PHL  |  September 28, 2013

                                Alan, Luis, Jess, Choco2, Richard, Jorgeusbiker, Papa Ric and Abet


It is great day to bike today.  The sun shone brightly today.  I left at 6:20 and I brought out my Fuji SL - 1 with Campy Group set.  It was gathering mold in my room.  I passed by Sacred Heart Parish and was off by 6:40.   Richard caught up with me near Montevideo while I was sprinting up the hill. We were together up at Callahan but then again I got a flat tire.  He did not hear me and left me behind.   It took me some 20 minutes to repair the flat because I failed to notice that I was not able to seal off the bead completely.  I inflated at 80 psi and the interior was bulging.

Thus I was in Maybancal, Simples Lugawan by 7:40 and all the stalwarts of Recylists were there:  Jeff, Jess V, Abet V, Luis, Joel, Armin, Edgar, Alan, Papa Ric, VM, Master, Richard, Peter and of course me.

VM, the whistle blower, blew his whistle at about 8:15.  I biked ahead of the rest and they caught up with me at KM 54 and never looked back. They rested at Pisong Kape but I went up to km 69.  I was there by 9:15 and I bought some fruits.

I went down by 9:30 and was in Morong by 10:30.  On the way, I rode with some Fuji bike owners.  I left them on the climb up to Tanay cemetery, and passed me at the road widening portion of the Manila East Road in Lagundi.  I took picture of the road widened which became a solar palay drier.

I was in Cardona by 11 and was home by 11:30.  The sun was hot and shining brightly like I said earlier

                                  Together again -  Recyclists

                                  JJ (his wife is still here and is therefore very weak) and Armin Z

                                      Jess V, Abet V, and Peter A-  chicboys?

                               Stolen shot group picture;  where was I?

                                   What is is his name?

                                  Another whistle blower?

Recyclists Bike Ride June 8, 2013

Real Cyclists

Angono, Rizal, PHL   |  June 8, 2013

                                   Luis, Nolite, Choco2 and Armin

Pres Luis FB ed us and told us that we will bike to Mangga in Antipolo then go to Wilkies (a bike shop) to which I inquired -  why (did something happen to any of the members of the family?  No we will just go there and have the bikes of Armin tuned.   Luis Master and Armin answered the FB.

On the way to the rendezvous point, which is the INC church, I met Richard, but he elected to go Morong instead.  We waited until 7 for VM but he did not come.  So we left at 7 and went up to Antipolo.  Those who were with us were Pres Luis, Armin, Choco2, Jesse, Nolite and  I. (our numbers are dwindling lately)

We were at Mangga at about 7:30 and we ate 27 php lugaw with egg.  Master arrived later but he did not join us going down to Marikina because he might again break a spoke.    Then we left at about 8+ and were at Wilkies by 8:45.  But Wilkies would not open until 9:30.  We left by 9: 15 and would go home via Ligaya and Manggahan.  We saw a bike race in Calumpang.  We passed by floodway and were home by l0:00

                                Jorgeusbiker joins the pix

Bike race in Calumpang

                                 This must be a criterium for MTB's

 x

 x

 x                           Choco2, Armin and Luis (texting) watching the Calumpang race

At Mangga

                        Master, Luis, Choco2, Armin, Nolite and Jorgeusbiker

                                   That is Jess at extreme right

                                 We were about to leave for Marikina, Master wants to go back

                                   A lady biker amongst us

                                 At the Y;  going this way goes to Mangga, the other to the church


At the assembly at INC

                                     Jess, Armin, Choco2, Nolite, Luis (partly hidden)

                              Jess and Armin talking about what else? (b.....)

                                  Interesting back view of Armin and Jess (still talking about b....)

Joel and Armin kidded me I broke the speed limit

Real Cyclists

Rizal   PHL  March 28, 2013

Joel and Armin kidded me at the Pisong Kape that I broke the speed limit rule for this ride imposed by the Pres of 20-22 kmh.  I remember, I tried to race ahead of everybody at Callahan, but was left by the group when we reached Morong because of the trip.  I tried to catch up from km 49 to km 50.  I finally caught up with them at km 52 (the hill between Baras and Tanay).   I was able to keep in touch with the group, caught up with lead of Armin near km 55, stuck up with him and even sped up.  Joel said it precipitated everybody to speed up. Armin said, I did 30+ kph  a clear violation  Thus I was the culprit.

Would you believe a senior starting  race hahaha!

Mechanical problems along the way.

Biking and health

Angono to Baguio, Luzon PHL.   January 25 and 26, 2013

A number of mechanical problems were encountered by some Recyclists during this journey/ride.

A.  Flat tire:

l.   Wesluk  -  At Tarlac province just before Moncada January 25, 2013

2.  Armin -   630 Am near Ayala Hts Gate

3.  Archie had two flats:

     one near Camp 6 and

     some meters away from Lion's head.

3.  Secx Noe -  in the evening of January 25, 2013 at the 5 star apartelle

     and on January 26, 2013 at the Pines Breeze hotel

B.  Broken chain  -  Jaybee at Rosario La  Union in front of Pepsi Cola gate.  Because there was a missing link repair kit, Wesluk repaired the same in less than 1 minute.

C.  Broken fork -   Jess discovered in Angeles City that his fork was broken.  No replacement could be found;   so he rode on the team vehicle took pictures instead and rode the spare bike brought for this situation for the Baguio ascent.

D.  Broken derailleur cable  -  also happenned to Jaybee.  He had a spare cable with him and thanks to Jeff ,  the cable was replaced in a jiffy.  This occurred at the same time Armin had a flat in front of Ayala Hts in QC.

Timo who is the pilot of the team truck:   got two flat tires - one yesterday and one today.  He got a ticket last January 25, 2013 from MMDA friends allegedly for violating the permanent truck ban on the street where he passed.


But these were few and manageable and we were all prepared for this because we had spares and tools

Armin, they told me is a Superb Hill Climber

Bike and Save the Earth They told me that Armin climbs very well. In the Jalajala ride, he leads in the hill climb. Well he is young and strong. In their climb to Sampaloc last Sunday, they told me, Luis and Gerry, Armin disappeared. That means he really took off hard on the way up. Wow. Keep it up Armin