Recyclist Long Ride to eme (Bitukang Manok) last February 25, 2022

Wheels of Happiness

This post joined the February 25 -26 2022 long ride of Recyclists.   It was well participated with 30 + joining the ride.   The group left Angono at 5:25.  While it was initially planned that there would be three groups, no one dared do that.   Most of the joiners were strong riders and trained hard since January  (except for a couple)

The first stop was in Pililla at the Euluch lomihan. This was about 7:00 am.    They served the lomi rather late because they were overwhelmed.     We left the Lomihan at about 7:30 and were in Bugarin by  8:00.   Was able to get close to some of the fast riders including VM

Next stop was at Pakil at Manay's and we simply feasted on the eggs, bananas and softdrinks brought by Bernie T at Defender.  Next stop was at Pagsanjan, where we had photo ops and more eggs and bananas.   We were at Luisiana by  12;00 but lunch stop was at Lucban.   We ate at the diversion.  This post caught with some of the riders at Cavinti. and Lusiana.  Some had to resort to Defender ride because of cramps.

We were at Pagbilao by 3:00 and at Atimonan by 4:00 pm.  Returned to Lucena by 4:30 and was at Lucena by 5:30 However this post crashed in Pagbilao and the wounds were promptly dressed by the Hotel staff at Doorz and by Bernie.   I had two major rashes at the left elbow and hips.  And aching left shoulder.  

The following day, the riders (me no longer included because I was disabled by the crash) left at 6:00 am after prayers.  We had breakfast at 7:00 am at Ranch resto along the diversion road.   Going up to Sariaya the troop coasted at about 30+ kph.  We were two casualty at the Defender because somebody else had cramps    

At San Pablo they turned right and passed via San Pablo Calauan road which was steep.  It rained at thet time until the troop reached Calamba

We had lunch at Calamba by 12:00 We lunched  at MacDonald.     We were at C6 by 2:30 and home by 4:00  So since I was injured I requested that I be delivered home first.   

The bike ride of the Magnificent Four to Tagaytay yesterday, February 28 2016

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
February 29, 2016

                                                I brought this veteran roadie for this ride

Gerry K planned the ride yesterday.  He invited me to join as a preparation he said to Baguio ride on Holy Week.   However, it has to be via Sta Rosa.  Last Friday, I saw this as an opportunity to view a project which was for sale.

I prevailed upon Gerry to go the usual route, Daang Hari to Paliparan, to Greenwoods, then Silang  It was shorter and probably less chance of failure (just to make sure I will able to fulfill my goal)

And so were 5 gathered together at INC:  Val, Gerry, Weng, Master and myself  Magnificent 4 or Quadro de Jack?.  Master was there but he begged off.  We passed Baytown, floodway, High Way 2000 and C6.   They wanted C5 since C6 was badly rutted. however I said that it is only for 2 km.  C5 would be much longer by 3 to 5 km and much less safe because of more high speed traffic.

We left at 6:20 trying to have Alan join us but we was on night duty before and may not be in the best condition to join us for the long ride.  We were at Camp Bagong Diwa at 7:00 am, at Daang Hari cor Alabang Zapote road by 7:30 and 8:00 am at Bacoor.  No stopping.  We had breakfast by 8:30 at Paliparan road about 5 km to GMA.  I spent only P60.00 with one rice, one viand, one coffee, and one Lemon l liter softdrink.  We were in GMA by 9:00 am.  We had fast pace. I tried to chase an MTB just after the breakfast who passed us right after the first bypass.   And we were in Silang by 10 am and in my destination at KM 47 (Emerald MP) by 10:10.  The meeting did not last long because of some breach in protocol and misunderstanding



We were in Tagaytay by 10:45.  We stayed at 7-11 (former place because it is now demolished) and biked some 5 km to the Sta Rosa Tagaytay road.  However, it rained as we arrived there and ate buko (which was P25.00 and paid for by Weng)  We warmed our bottoms sitting down on the bench in front of a store where there was shade. from 11:30 to 12:30  We conversed with 4 young riders on fixie.  Val enjoyed watching a Nelso Prince Albert Pagara fight which lasted for 12 rounds.   The rain stopped finally at 12:30.

  And we started a slow but probably slipper descent to Sta Rosa.  A lot of new businesses are here and especially at the industrial Greenfield Paseo, Arcadia,  Robinson, All Home area. If you were 5 years ago, you would not recognize this area.  We had lunch at 2:00 pm near the Coca Cola Plant, and we took off at 2:30. At that place, our distance covered was 100 km.  to go via the Provincial Road to Binan, San Pedro, Muntinglupa, Alabang service road, then Sucat, C6 and  Floodway and then to Baytown and home.

Bike Ride Yesterday to the South: Bicutan, Daang Hari Paliparan

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
September 21, 2015

                                    Baytown has plenty of shade trees now

Its 43rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.  (They said it was done much earlier)

I rode yesterday to the south going to C6 (it looked better compared to when I passed through it last Tuesday via a motor vehicle, the    west service road, Daang Hari, Paliparan.  I tried doing this ride using 32 front chain ring x 11, 13 and 15 for easy ride.

It was uneventful ride although I arrived home 2:00 pm.  It was more of a sight seeing tour rather than a ride.

                                       Napindan channel being filled with water lilies from Laguna Lake

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?

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

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...

How did I do in the Ride to Tagaytay yesterday?

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal  |  Philippines  | January 20 2014

                                       Vic, Master and Edgar arriving in Gen Trias

I was totally exhausted yesterday from the ride.   My knees were weak, as if there was cotton inserted  in the joints and I had difficulty in walking when I arrived in Angono.  I had to sleep and take a rest as soon as I changed from the Recyclists jersey to the dry clothes. The strong head wind as I biked alone (without the group) got me.

I believe that I did well in this ride.

1. At C6, I managed to be near the head of the peloton;

2.  At the service road, I was in the top 10 of the peloton.   Cataps was at the lead.

3.  At Daang Hari from Alabang to Bacoor, and from Bacoor to Emilio Aguinaldo, I managed to stay ahead.

4.  Going up Crisanto de los Santos Highway to Amadeo, I was left behind when I took some pictures.  However, 5 km after, I caught up with some of the stragglers:  Gerry, Jericho, Ado, Ben.  I even overtook them

5.  Going down the same highway, I took over the peloton leadership from Alan from Amadeo town proper up to Gen Trias.  Maybe that sapped my energy too.   I was behind at Daang Hari;  they left me at Gen Trias early on when we were going down the irrigation road.   I caught up with Ado, Gerry, Ven, and Edgar when Ado got flat in Daang Hari.   I just went with Ado from thereon to Petron.

I would judge this ride for me as good, because I really strained to keep up.  However the group is really fast.  If you blink, and do not keep up fast, you will be left behind far far away

                                      L to R:  Vic, Master,  Edgar, and Gerry in his Ridley

                                   That is Edgar's back, right after we took off from Lyceum in Gen Trias

                               Those are Edgar and Jeff (with the grey back pack

                        The Recyclists going down hill from Lyceum going to Hormel Purefoods

                          Going uphill about 200 meters away from Hormel before turning left

I missed my ride this weekend with the Recyclists yesterday January 12 2013

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal, Philippines January 13 2013

                                  I was seated near the wing, winglet over there and blue skies

I was unable to join the ride yesterday January 12, 2013 because of teaching chore in Iloilo.  I would just like to share the view from the plane when I took for the said city last January 12 2013.  That is the best thing I could - to share.  Come and enjoy the pictures.

Always ride safe; ride conservatively at C6; pedestrians and vehicles can dart out from intersections

Wheels of Happiness

                                    Richard moments after the accident receiving first aid

Angono,  Rizal PHL  |  December 2, 2013
Our ride yesterday would have been a happy occasion were it not marred by a crash at C6 that saw our Richard Ang badly injured.  He had scratches on his right leg, cuts above right eyebrow and bleeding mouth.  A group of three children crossed from the Taguig side to the Lakeside and to avoid crashing into them, he had to brake very hard.  He somersaulted and crashed.

They were doing 40 kph.  They were in the second group that overtook me.  I stopped because I had to take pictures.

The advice is ride safely in areas where pedestrians and vehicles would be careless:  C6, service road, and even Alabang Zapote road.  Give all you have got at Daang Hari, and between Naic and Gen Trias.

We do not have to stop biking.  This is part of biking.  All endeavors have risk.

If we talk about death and injury, they are going to happen everyone what ever they are doing.

We are going  is going to meet accident and death, everyone will meet his creator, but there is time and place for that, but today, we are going to stay healthy and strong through biking.  Today, we will ride to Ternate and Kaybiang tunnel, and no one is going to stop us from this goal.

                         Richard is going home as he was fetched by his wife; she was not pleased

                                   I hope he is not OK now

                                        Inside the J Sabili Gen Hospital

                               The Recyclists waiting for news about the condition of Richard

                                        Many met accidents and their creator here at C6

                    Nice Christmas decor at C6, they should install more lights near Napindan bridge up to Highway 2000 which is dark at night;

How did I do in the Tagaytay ride?

Real Cyclists

Angono, Rizal  PHL  |  July 30, 2013

I am not ashamed to tell that the rest of the Recyclists wait for me.  But before they had to wait for 10 minutes or so, now, it takes 2 to 3 minutes for me to arrive (that is according to Joel)

At the C6 portion I was in the middle of the pack and even was at the front of the paceline for a while.  They overtook me at 3/4 portion of the road.

At the Bicutan to Alabang portion, I was near the front, and reliquished the advantage near the Alabang Zapote road (they were ahead by just 200 meters)

At Daang Hari, up to about 4/5ths of Daang Hari, I stayed with the lead pack.

I and master were behind at Paliparan and Greenwoods up to Silang

At Silang to Tagaytay, we (Master and I were behind) but overtook Ado at around km 48.  Ado though overtook me at km 52.  (That was near the rotonda all ready)

What did I do as we climbed?  I tried spinning which I watched at You Tube as an Alberto Contador strategy.  The climbing was much much easier and I did not feel tired.  I was able to stay close to the leaders.

Our bike ride yesterday to Tagaytay City July 28, 2013

Real Cyclists

Rizal PHL   July 29, 2013

 Just entered C6, that is Master e to the left and Joel to the right

We rode to Tagaytay City yesterday.  We left early, we rode fast and reached Tagaytay City earlier than usual:

I was at assembly site in front of INC by 5:10  Pres. Luis, asked us Gerry.and I to go to Taytay;   Master E joined us at CME.  We were there by 5:30.  First to arrive was Ado and then Joel.  The bulk of the riders arrived by 5:45 and we had to wait for Gerry Y.

We left Taytay at 6:00 am and we were in Bicutan before 7:00; were in Daang Hari by 7:30 and were in Bacoor by 8:00 am. Our snacks/breakfast was at Aling Bert. We were in GMA by 9am.  about 10 am, we had lunch at 11 am at Paliparan near GMA (near Wilcon) at 11 am at RJ and even enjoyed some Videoke singing there, and we were at Daang Hari by 12.  However, from Daang Hari, Master E had flat and I assisted him  We were in Alabang by  1 pm however it rained so hard and we were marooned until about 230.  At Alabang master had flat again.

I was with Master and assisted him in flat at Daang Hari (the 2nd flat) and at Alabang (at Belluvue hotel)

We left the hotel by about 2:30 despite the rain.  The wind though had subsided

We caught up with the group near Jollibee in Bicutan just before C6 by 2:45  They said Nolite had left for Angono.  We took off at 3:00 pm.  I caught up with Nolite at  the Highway 2000 bridge.He said he had to bike slowly because of the splatter.

I stopped to take picture of the leachate at the Taytay dumpsite.

We were in Angono by 3:45.  I dropped by Puregold to buy some drink.  I was tired and and thirsty

Without the rain and the flats, my ETA was 2 pm.

Those who joined the ride: (17 in all)

Pres Luis, Master E, Joel J, Choco2, Nolite, Gerry K, Alan, Angel Balubar, Jericho, Albert and Jess Verchez, Alan, Ado, Gerry Y, Jeff, Jorgeusbiker, and Richard

                               Was at CME by 5:33

                                Master e climbs up to his place of work

                                   The facade of the Taytay municipal hall

                                     Gerry with his new look

                                    The bulk of the riders came at 5:45

                                      Gerry Y arrived at 5:53; the last rider to join

                                    Gerry Y signs the waiver presented by Pres Luis

                           Albert V riding his Argon carbon fiber bike ready to take off for Tagaytay

                           
  Emerging from gates of CME to highway 2000; there was motor event and they had to close the gates

                                  Fast and furious pace at C6;  Albert had a flat at end of C6

                             Riding up from Camp Bagong Diwa;  note the time; we waited for Albert pa

                                  All ready at Daang Hari by 7:00; we were fast and early

                                  Gerry K and Tito rest in front of Metrobank

                                      Jorgeusbiker pose with handsome Joel

                                    Jorgeus biker;  shot courtesy of Gerry Y

                                    At corner of Daang Hari and Bacoor

                                   Bikes rest after a hard ride at Daang Hari

                          Fresh vegies on a cart in front of Aling Bert gotohan near Wilcon at GMA

                                  Richard at Aling Bert's Gotohan, prices were OK

                                   Taking breakfast (!) with the bikes

                                 Filling the fuel tanks after 50 km of riding

                                 Aling Bert is a she;  they are from Bicol

                                      Richard and Choco2

                                    They waited for me because I had a command conference

                                They waited again for us:   Master E and me

                                    Note the time;  by l0:10, we were in Tagaytay city rotonda

                               Gerry and Master E relaxing;  they rode up together to Tagaytay

                                    Tito and Angel

                                    Tagaytay city signages

                                Who opened the door for the gorgeus lady?

                                Which road to take:   Aguinaldo or the old route

                                I advised to take the old route because guys may get lost

                                      Gerry Y requested for Cavite and got Laguna instead

                                  Jeff in front of the RJ eatery

                                         Our breakfast was over there at Aling Bert