The PE of our office mates took us to Medalva Hills at Botong Francisco Highway. It is a challenging uphill climb. However I had my SAVA Ti bike 3 x 10 XT group set. There were 3 sections of climb: one after highway, next is the 500 meter long climb to the crest, and another two steep climb at the subdivision
I had to use 32 x 36 gears to make it easy on myself...
I have my usual 3x ride for the week: one on November 30, one yesterday and one today. Ti to Morong on November 30 Sava carbon yesterday to Mahabang Parang, and today's ride.
Our PE yesterday was jogging to Medalva (Botong Francisco highway) I took the opportunity to test the Sava Ti bike with XT group set, WTB wheel set and Manitou fork. I did 3 x ride up the hill. I used 32 chain ring and max of only 36 for the steepest part. For the hill, I used 32 x 32 and it was easy riding. I did not have to catch my breath, nor be in distress.
I rode it 1x before the ladies climbed; then I climbed it again as they were walking at the climb; Then as they were descending, I descended and climbed again the hill (that is the 3x time)
The weight and the gears of Sava Ti were perfect for the hill climb. There were others whom I saw negotiating on an MTB with platito gears (24 chain ring) walking. The others used 24 chain ring for the climb.
I had two challenging rides: yesterday and today. Yesterday, I did the Botong Francisco hill climbs at Medalva. I must have done the climb 4x and a distance nearly as long as Taytay. I joined our staff on a PE. And as they climbed, I climbed up, down and climbed again. As they descended, I rode slowly, rode up again and descended with them. I came out of the ride, perspiring one and a half hour after the event.
Today I happened to be towed by Meong on the way to Morong. I still was wearing my slippers but Recyclists tops. We were together until the convention center when he left me. (He rode a road bike) He lost me but I caught up with him after Callahan where he got a flat tire. Then came Weng, Papa Ric and then Ado Gonzaga. I learned that Ado has not biked for the last 1 1/2 months because of kidney stones. He said he got cured by eating apples. Please take note of that cheap cure
On the way back I rode up the diversion and I was able to do the first part of the climb before the bend using 42 x 28 and then completed the climb with 42 x 36 for easier (that was the biggest chain ring. And then I practiced riding with my elbows bent and and forearm straight for speed.
1. Aerodynamics
2. Clothing
3. Posture during rides
1. Clean your bike;
2. Remove other accessories
3. Brakes correctly installed
4. Bearings
I had a practice ride at Botong Francisco Highway (going up Medalva and formerly Monark). yesterday, February 25, 2016 That is where Heraldville is located. It is about 9 hill climbs in all: 3 x 2 on the Botong Francisco, 4 inside Monark, and 2 at Twin Hills. The Botong Francisco uphill are long and steep (about 15%). Those inside Monark could be about 20% and also long. You have to be patient pedalling.
It was lung and thigh strengthening going up Kennon road especially the Lions Head
I had to walk up a short portion of the Botong Francisco when the chain derailed. As you can see, it is difficult to restart the bike when you are going up. You have to find a spot where you can bike sideways and then ride up again. It has to be near Medalva all ready.
The SAVA mtb which I brought is efficient and trustworthy. The chain jumped because I turned the cable for the RD too tight. Once I loosened it a bit....
