My rashes from the Jalajala crash have healed; I biked to Antipolo this morning

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
January 13, 2017

My rashes (deep scratches from the crash) have healed.  They are now dry and thanks to the advice of Gerry to apply sili on the wounds (owwwwww how painful) they healed without pus and watery discharge.

The pain was gone and hence I biked to Antipolo using a MTB though I used low gearing.  32 was the the chain ring I used through out spinning from 17 to 28.  I was a little bit off by about 5 mins in the ascend.  But on time for the descent.  I descended until Angono in 30 minutes.

I might be able to fully recover by Sunday and join the Sierra Madre climb this Sunday..  I may use an MTB though to be sure.

Saw Long Henson at San Jose Bakery at M. Diaz, first street with his new passion, a Roadie Look with Durace group set.   (Is he leaving the MTB route?)

Famous personality of MMS

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
May 16, 2016

I talked to some members of MMS and learned of the following:

1. Leigh Latayan did a 10,000 km tour of the Philippines in 100 days.  She had a sponsor.  She averaged 100 km per day.  It was on MTB.  She used to be professor for Enterpreneurship in La Sallle Lipa..   She retired to start her own businsess (she started it but she had partners messing up things with her.)  Whe also works as consultant for World Alliance Philippines and consultant for a Danish based in Lipa City involved in candle manufacturing and philanthropy

2.  Alrey Mark Jamarang. an expert in mountaineering.

3.   Sir Mark - did Baguio and back ride in 26 hours.  Wow

4.  Sir Long Henson - founder of Metro Manila Mountaineering Society.

Was I physically fit for the Ambuklao ride with MMS riders?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
May 16, 2016

                                  My bike mates at Ambuklao ride:  Dino, Long and Al

                                            Long and me descending; but taking 5 at this point

I MADE RECYCLISTS PROUD WITH THIS RIDE


I had my doubts about me finishing the Ambuklao loop night of May 13 2016 the moment we arrived at the house of Dindo.  After hearing that Dindo and Long practiced at Sierra Madre and averaged 20kph at Sierra Madre and that Al Jamarang is young and strong.  Having just gone to Mt Data a year ago with Recyclists and knowing the challenge we had, I can only conclude that the challenge ahead was as hard or harder. (Now I know that quitting at Bayanan after Mt Data was very correct decision)

Well I finished the loop and came in 2nd to Al and there were no injuries of extreme pain with plenty to spare/ Gong up Trinidad and Halsema, I made ahead of everybody and even took pictures (sayang nabura).  Ebong made fun of that scene of taking pictures Saturday evening as we were refreshing with SML  However, my rear brakes gave up due to downhill, (the pads were dirty and needed some squirts of water

What helped me conquer the loop:

1.  Core exercises:

    Crunches  40 daily
    Push ups    20 daukt
    Lifting the bike 20 reps

2.  Frequent rides:

    3x a week at least 200 km
    several loops at Cardona diversion
    occasional speed play and sprints up to 40 kph using MTB
    riding hard gears at hill using only 44 x 32.
    ride to Sampaloc and windmill, and Antipolo with Gelo and Reymond

O boy was I ready and fit for this ride.  Thanks God, my physical preparedness met the invitation of Sir Long Henson, the founder of MMS

Happy birthday tomorrow

More picture of the Ambuklao ride from Al's FB post

Wheels of Happiness

May 16, 2016

                                We had lunch here at 11;00

                 Our host and downhill idol - Dindo Narciso

                The Ambuklao dam spillway (is it operational? or                        water level is critical?)

Al posing with his bike with Ambuklao lake as background.

                    Sir Dindo Narciso.  I had one like this taken.All                         my pictures at the SD were erased

Ambuklao Loop ride with Long Henson, Al, and Dindo Narciso last May 14, 2016

Wheels of Happiness

                      Jorgeus Biker at the Provincial Road between
                     Halsema and Ambuklao Dam.  17 km long.

                      The roads at Halsema some ten years back
                     were like this.  Perfect for MTB rides.

                           Dindo Narciso with his full susp
                           MTB, king of downhill

                   The Ambuklao dam seen from atop a hill
             

        

Long Henson an MTB rider neighbor at 2nd St showed me his magnificent MTB

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
December 23, 2015

My neighbor, Long Henson, an MTB rider whom I did not recognize at a Jalajala ride, and whom I met at Villamayor parts in Pag asa and I finally met today.   Since it was start of Christmas vacation, I finally met him after watching for the chance to talk to him re island ride.

That is the reason why I wanted to have a MTB bike because of that invitation.  He said he texted me for the Marinduque ride. I was not able to recognize his text.

He showed me his two MTB that were modified and lightened.  One was Merida Carbon hardtail with 36 largest cog at the rear, 10 speed, and 2 chain wheel (32 and 22?) with Maxxis tires and wheel set that set him back by 20t each.  The bike weighs 10 kg or less (from the crank wheel set, tires) and grears (XTR -equivalent of Durace)

The other one is a trail bike full suspension,(front and rear) with lightened wheels.  With single chain (36) and 42 largest cog (Shimano - although SRAM would also have  the same configuration)

The 3rd bike which he did not show anymore was the ordinary bike which he uses for island tour.  It is not very light but will take you anywhere he said.

Great bike