Recyclists attendance at Simples Lugawan is high; all are active and riding.; Ride, GO GO GO

Wheels of Happiness

Some younger cyclists have remarked that Recyclists are gone and disbanded.    No group lasts forever.  I said maybe because about 3 have died:  Papa Rick, Ed 7 days, and lately Bigote Machete.

Also many did not ride because of the pandemic prohibitions.  May be not this time

But maybe some of the leaders are not showing up and the only long ride that was achieved was the reverse the  Laguna ride where I suffered.   Maybe because I lacked the training.  Not this time.

I should follow the examples of Insan Smith Unidad whose mileage and destinations are unbelievable.   

This is wake up call for other Recyclists who do not ride so often, nor do not join the group ride.

Recyclists GO GO GO GO

Expensive superbikes gathering at Simples Lugawan

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
January 18, 2018

I biked today up to Biak na Bato in Pililla as training ride for Paoay.  However I stopped at Maybancal Morong for breakfast.  There I met Pres. Luis on MTB, Papa Rom on his Cannondale, Lito Cruz,  Mr. Mateo from San Mateo and E. Villanueva.

 The bikes seen there were first class, supebikes:

              Franzia Colnago with Durace Kysirium  by Mr Mateo
              Bianchi Oltre with Red Sram and Zipp groupset by E. Villanueva
              Cannondale by Lito and Paps Rom

They must be worth millions:

                                              Bianchi Oltre x4  (I am getting one)

                                                 Colnago Franzia

                                                               Cannondale

                                                 Look for sale daw P110,000 with Easton carbon
                                                               wheelset

                                                            Costs as much as low end hatch car

Fulfilling my planned distance ride this week

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
December 31, 2017



Happy New Year 5 hours from now.

Today I biked 90 km up to km. 72.5 in Jalajala.  That makes it 90 km ride today

I have done the following rides:

        50 km Wednesday (I had two flats0

        30 km up and back Antipolo Saturday

        90 km today.

        Total    170 km.  Short pa rin sa targetted 200 km at least per week.  But that will do.

I had mechanical problems today:  two flats, and seat that kept on tilting back.  When I checked the parts that were holding back the seat had smoothed out.  I sand papered them to be rough, cleaned the  dirty parts,and we are back in business.

Earlier we had group pics near the Dambana ng Kabayo sa Simples Lugawan:

The tropa went to Angono for picture taking for ID.  I went ahead with my Jalajala ride.

                                   Photos by Jess Verches at Facebook, copied without permission

DAMBANA NG KABAYO

                                                     Mamahaling mga bikes

Nice expensive Bianchi Carbon bike seen today at Simples Lugawan

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
December 22, 2017


Bianchi Qaltre

Bianchi Philippines at Facebook

Celeste Cycles PH

This post biked today up to Pililla (KM 58). I stopped at Maybancal (near the horse with no name statue) and had sopas  and two kuntsitas.  As I prepared to leave, I saw a 40sh mayaman looking RB with a Bianchi and it was x4.   And that would be about P200,000+ for frame alone. (3,100 pounds  x 70 =  217,000  The write up on the bike and what  the gentleman claimed matched.

I have dropped all plans of  buying a new bike, and rid myself of upgraditis. I concentrated on riding on practicing the engine. There is no more possibility of riding faster.

But given the chance, I would like to own even an Oltre xr3.   (Mga  P163t, but P146 on sale)   Hehe di masamang magdream.  Or even full carbon intrepida.

The Oltre XR4 is available in various different builds. These are they:

Campagnolo

• Super Record EPS (£9,500)

• Super Record mechanical (£7,500)

• Chorus mechanical (£4,700)

Bike Ride today, July 2, 2017

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
July 2, 2017

I started out 6:00 am today to catch the start of the mass at Sacred Heart. and had a chance to kiss the hand of  the  Parish Priest. And then caught up with Min Zap and Pres Luis in Bilibiran, but they left me at Binangonan Convention Center.  I had my Mosso MTB with XT group set, and was riding at  42 x 13 just o keep up.  But I lose out to their higher gears. I bet, I would have arrived later on by not more than 2 minutes.

We met the other Recyclists there:at Simples Lugawan    Netoy, Engr June, Joel, Peter A (who paid for my lomi) Master E, and Ed de los Reyes. (7 days)  He said he got better but it does not seem so.

Simples Lugawan looks like a garden setting and looks more charming to eat Lugaw there.   The owner said that the new smaller location (their former place was knocked out due to road widening) did not diminish the number of their customers

On the way back I rode up the diversion using 32 x 23.   So I get more confidence in climbing steep roadlike the Cardona diversion.

It seems that my Mosso fork Suntour lock is not working.  The seat too  is not properly set and I had trouble with my pedaling stroke.

Our bike ride to Jalajala yesterday May 29, 2016

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
May 30, 2016

Vhen Apran  and I rode together to Jalajala yesterday.  We got together in Morong Cardona boundary. He recognized me but I did not because he was wearing the new uniform.  We had breakfast at Simples Lugawan in Maybancal Morong.  There we saw the Recyclists:    Master, Meong, Jess, Pres. Luis, Gerry Etoy the BCC, and Taytay Cyclists.

After breakfast, we decided to bike to Pisong Kape in Pililla.   Just at the hill before Lagundi I shifted the MTB gear to 44 x 13 and overtook the peloton and never gave the lead until km 58 which was my target distance for the all out ride (doing 32 to 35)  Etoy and Pres Luis were on the lead and we did rubber band pacing in Tanay.

When we arrived in Pililla, I told Vhen we would go to Quisao so we did (that was Km 63)  I still went on until km 73 past the welcome arch to Jalajala.  We had buko (only P15) at Niyugan where we met former councilor Idol (a la Levy Celerio - he can play musical insturments at his mouth lips and nose.

I was pacing Vhen while trying hard gears   44 x 11 and 13.  I was trying what Iveler did on the race.  High gear, body close to the tube and rapid pedalling rate.  The method is hard on the thighs and back

Pit stop at pisong kape where we had drinks.  I had small gatorade and plenty of water.   We biked again and I still paced Vhen using hard gears.  I tried to climb Tanay hill with 44 x 17 and even standing to compensate for the high gear.  We stopped at Vista open air resto and garden for some drinks and Vhen for lugawa

Another stop at Cardona where we had water and biscuits  We were intervieweded by the store keeper on where we came from, why are you biking, the cost of the bike.

We arrived past 12.  It was hot and we had to make frequent stops

Bike ride today to Morong and Teresa - February 20, 2016

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
February 20, 2016

I rode to  Morong today, using my SARS Ultegra Bike at 7:15. The bike is equipped with 53 - 39 front chain ring and 12 to 28 cogs.  I was a little bit bothered by that since these are relative hard gears compared to MTB I rode.  I was in Morong at about 7:50.   On the way a group of 8 riders caught with me in Cardona. However, I chased them and actually overtook all of them at Callahan  3 passed me near the ice plant. and I was about 30 meters behind them as we approached the Morong town proper.

At Maybancal, Simples lugawan the faithful Recylists were there:   Jess, Armin, Luis, Meong, Edgar, Vhen, Vhal, and Smith were there.   Smith went somewhere else.  Edgar was left behind and we decided to go via Teresa.  The large 39 gear bothered me and the tight front headset bothered me.  I led the troop going up until the resort where the Halimaws overtook me.   I was at the rear end with Pres Luis and Vhen.  On the way up until the Ayala housing, I led Vhen until China bank.

We spent some time at the Antipolo church before going home at about  11:00 am.  It was great ride and great time to be with other bikers.  It was first time Armin rode a road bike again.  For 10 months he said he rode MTB all over the place for fun and adventure.  I could understand why.  For this ride he also had 39 front chain ring and was ahead.  I should not have been bothered by the thought that it is a large gear.

A big gathering today September 27, of Recyclists at Simples Lugawan

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
September 27, 2015

Recyclists gathered today in a big way at Simples Lugawan.  There were 13 of us this morning. Please see the rest of the pictures.  After Simples, we proceeded to Pisong Kape in Pililla.  However I peeled off to Tanay.  Thereafter they will proceed to Pangskie Gils post wedding reception  Dona Aurora Angono, Rizal. Congratulations

The tropa was led by Ado and Meong from Morong to Baras.  I tried to chase them up to the hill climb in Baras Tanay boundary but I was the one overtaken (although I overtook a fast riding duo). Riding down to Tanay, though they were never far away (I was not completely) dropped and they were only 5 car lengths away.  However there were too much traffic from opposite (direction) that I was not able to completely get close to the peloton

Our bike ride today, August 2, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines
August 2, 2015

We had earlier planned to do a Jala jala ride this morning.  We met at Sacred Heart but only very few arrived:   Joel, Master E, Meong, Pres Luis, Jess and myself.  We left at 6:30 so that we could escape the warm temp.  

And so we rode out and I tried my new hill climber project.  I rode at 44 x 11 or  44 x13 spinning only.   I noticed though that I left most of them.  And Jess caught up with me at convention center and all I did was to keep on spinning.  But I noticed that going up to Montevideo he was standing;  I was only using the gears at 44 x 15 which were rather light. Then I continued doing that until Callahan and until Morong. He said "kargado kayo"  - I was not.  I had only two days bike ride:   Antipolo and Teresa Thursday, and Medalva Friday am.  And I was tired from the teaching stint and bus travel from Clark Air Base in Angeles City.

Joel and Master arrived later because it rained when they were in Cardona.

We had our Lugaw at Simples in Maybancal.  Other riders arrived:  Ven and VM.  We could not continue to Pisong Kape because the riders were coming back:    it was raining in Tanay and Pililla..  We had no choice except to go home.  The rains ruined our ride.

                                 Pres Luis, Master E, Joel, and Meong wait for other fellow Recyclists

                                     Pres Luis and Jess having breakfast at Simples

It was fiesta in Morong yesterday; we had free breakfast at Simples February 8, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

                    Enjoying free food at Simples

If you did not bike yesterday, you missed the fiesta celebration of Morong, and missed the free breakfast at Simples Lugawan.

Maybe a hundred bikers swarmed Simple's and wiped the entire profits for that early am arrival.  I never saw such great number of cyclists.

                            Lining up for their turn

                   We had chopsuey, Shanghai rolls, adobo, beans and gelatin for dessert

                      Others dined at the kitchen

                    So many bikers came in droves; these kapadyaks were finished eating

                    More bikers outside the house

                     So many bikers and bikes

                        Archie and Secx

                          Taytay bikers

I had a wild and fast steed - Fuji SL-1 for the Sierra Madre Ride last January 17, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

                    My Fuji rests at km 68 after a hard climb

                    VM leads the 3rd pack at Sampaloc

Rizal Philippines    |   January 19, 2015

His Holiness, Pope Francis leaves today for Rome, and leaves behind lessons and emotions that will not be forgotten for long

Last Saturday, as His Holiness flew to Leyte to sympathize with the Yolanda victims, we rode to Sierra Madre, via Sampaloc.

I was a hesitant starter, because I arrived late after trying to see the Pope at the Family Encounter in MoA.  I felt I was not physically up to par, and I had an appointment at 2 pm that day.

Nevertheless, I was at the appointed place, Sacred Heart Parish.   Pres Luis and I nearly collided with one another at MLQuezon in Angono, at about 5:40

Bike ride on November 16, 2014.

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal  Philippines  | November 17, 2014

I rode yesterday, although I was tired from travel to the province.  I brought the Fuji bike and wore my new Spyder helmet, and eyewear. I joined gapped near Tagpos 2 young bikers from Taytay.  They wore black jerseys  and one of them was medical student from UST who is from Taytay.  He said he used to be an MTB and today was his first day to ride a roadie:   a Specialized Carbon bike with 105 group set.  Though his chain ring is 38 24.   and his sprocket is 11 speed (with 11 sprocket) with 31 large sprocket.

Near convention center, Alan and Jess dropped us and I tried to catch up.   We dropped the dr and Secx. Noe.   Alan and Jess dropped me although I was riding furiously.   These guys left me going up Montevideo with a distance of only 30 meters and I could not see them afterwards.

At Simples lugawan in Morong  we met:   Luis, Master E, Jess, Gerry and even Richard.  Richard was big and he gained muscle mass.  He said he has been doing gym work.

I left the guys and biked to Pililla. and then back because it was Higantes festival today in Angono.  On the way to Pililla, I dropped a large bodied roadie in light blue jersey.  I must be doing 30 to 35 from Km 52 to 57.  

On the way back I chased two MtBs :  one was in yellow jersey and the other was wearing gray.  They were doing 30+ which was quite remarkable.

I was happy with my bike ride because I was able to drop some riders despite being tired from the travel.  Was it due to the 88 gm Exustar carbon fiber pedal

Posing with VMs latest Colnago bike

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  |   October 20, 2014

                    Peter A and VMs Colnago C59

We had fun yesterday posing with the C59 Colnago of VM.  It was rumored to have cost over 400 big K. You cant see a great expensive bike everyday....  So  a lot of guys (me included) posed a number of shots with Col

My practice endurance ride yesterday - long ride to Pililla via Antipolo

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   |October 13, 2014

            Secx Noe and Engr June (just trimmed haircut)

My practice endurance ride yesterday, October 2 took me up to Antipolo Church and then to Simples Lugawan in Morong in Pililla.

I met a cyclists at Antipolo Church who hails from San Carlos City, where one of our businesses were located.  He plans to put up with a partner from Angono, a motorcycles parts store in Baytown.  More power Sir


I met Gerry, Secx Noe, and Engr June at Simples Lugawan.

I saw the landslide along the road going up to Beverly Hills as result of heavy rains last Saturday.  It is interesting to note that I now pass MTBs and other road bikers going up Antipolo.  There was one who passed me but I caught up with him past Beverly Hills.

My bike ride today, September 7, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Happy Marian Day September 7, 2014

6:30  Left house

6:40   Arrived at Sacred Heart Parish said a little prayer for safe riding.   It was all ready consecration

7:20 Met Mr. Sta Ana of CAC at Cardona.  He passed me at Callahan, and could not catch with him downhill and then I caught up with him at Km 44

7:35 -  arrived at Simples Lugawan and had breakfast

Those who joined:   Choco2, Val, VM, Pres Luis, Tito, Gerry Y, Gerry K, Master E,  Angel,  Jayjay, Alan, Jess Verchez

My bike ride today May 18, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

I left at 6:00 am  early today. But I watched the fun run project of the Angono municipality.  I should have joined it but the P200.00 entrance fee prevented me from joining

I met Danny an MTB.  It was his first ride today after so many decades and he must have gained weight

I arrived at Maybancal by 7:00 am.  Who were present?  Choco2, Val, VM, Joel, Jericho, Jorgeusbiker, Jimmy, Alan, Jeff, Gerry K (Master and Gerry Y joined us later at Pisong Kape).

Our bike ride today, December 22, 2013

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal  Philippines   |  December 22, 2013

 

                                      Papasko po Kuya  at KM  63

Merry Christmas to all cyclists and health loving people all over.!

I left at about 6:30 this morning.  It was still dark by then.  I went to the Sacred Heart Church, said my prayers and left.  There was no mass.

I was joined by Ado in Bilibiran, and we just rode and spun  And we told stories about Kay Biyang Tunnel (the Ternate ride)  The other cyclists from Taytay were amazed at what we did.  He stood up and raced by Mambog and I kept up until the downhill to Cardona.  I showed the way at Callahan.  And maybe I was 30 secs ahead by the time we hit the Morong Cardona boundary.  I took pics of the pollution.  And let Ado passed by.  We were in Simples Lugawan by 7:20 and a handful were there:  VM,  Joel, Gerry Cataps, Vic, and later came Master.  Many did not bike.  Jun Francisco was the topic of discussion.  We had our usual lugaw and buchi.

Then we rode out to Pisong Kape by 8:15 and we were there by a little under 9.  I was with VM at peloton until KM 53 where I stopped for pictures.   I then allowed the 7 11 guys and Choco overtake me at km 57.   I went past Pisong Kape and went up to Bugarin to buy buko.

How I rode yesterday December 8, 2013

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal, Philippines  December 9, 2013

                                Fine view at KM 51, a great day to bike

I left at about 6:45 and passed by as usual at Sacred Heart Parish in Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal to pray and get blessings from Fr. Willy.  It was the feast of Immaculate Concepcion.  After the blessing, "Ite missa est"  I started my ride.  A group of Taytay riders was passed by the moment I stepped out of church yard and I gave a chase.  They were not doing so fast, maybe 29 to 31 and I caught up with them near Tagpos and even went up ahead of their peloton in Bilibiran.  There I overtook Ben.  I guessed Ben did not recognize me.  Then I waited for Ben in Darangan, and he recognized me this time.  We rode slowly until Mambog.  I surged until the top.

In Cardona, Choco2 and VM caught up with us.  They were again with a group of hard riding Taytay riders and they were sweating profusely.   At Callahan, I tried to attack VM who was ahead.  I was on 50 x 19 and spun.  I was ahead until the Queen Mary hospital, Choco attacked and I tried to chase him.  Downhill, VM passed me.  Immediately after descending, at the last curve, I attacked the two and passed Choco2 who was ahead.  Near Bagombon, the duo passed me and I waited for Ben to arrive.  I was able to take his picture pa.

Then lugaw at Simples.  That was about 8:00 am .  At about 8: 15, we left for Pisong kape.    I was at the rear of the first group.  I again chased the group, and Vic was in front of him.  Past Lagundi, I overtook the first peloton, and I stopped their picture at KM 50 in Baras.  I gave a chase again, and I saw that Ernie Mariposa (the father of Choco2) and Vic lost steam and were left behind.   I did not  catch the rest.  But at km 59, I stopped, waited to take pictures of others.  I was surprised that I was ahead of VM, Master E, Edgar, Sigmond Ado.  I took their pictures.  It was unusual for me to be ahead and take pictures.

I left the group at at Pisong Kape at about 9+ to ride up to Bugarin.  I employed the large chain ring.  I pedaled at 50 x 23, or 50x25.  That made my legs and thighs cry in pain again.  But I compensated by riding slowly.

On the way back, I came across a group of 3:   one lady and 2 Caucasians all on  TT or tribikes.  I gave chase and even passed them uphill at Maybancal (from DPWH up to barangay hall).  This time I can give a chase.  I can surge and even attack.  (Yabang po)

Unfortunately, the Bugarin ride made me come late for Armin's birthday celebration.

Happy birthday again Armin, maski di umabot ng kainan.

I was able to stop and take their pictures in time:

                                       Ben at KM 44 in Morong Rizal

                                          Choco2, Chieboy and Pareng Luis at KM 50 in Baras

                                       Vic, Joseph, Gerry and Alan at KM 50

                            Edgar adn Sigmond at the last Hill Crest, KM 59 in Halayhayin Pililla

                              VM and Master E, at the last hill crest, just before Pisong Kape

Pictures of other cyclists today December 8, 2013 at Simples Lugawan and Pisong Kape

Wheels of Happiness

It is the feast of Immaculate Concepcion today December 8 2013

 There is a slight overcast, and the weather was cool and many biked today.  You just have to see the crowd at the Simple Lugawan in Morong and the multitude that crowded the street today.

                                    They passed me in Darangan

                                    Relaxing after a hard ride

                                   Mountain dew and lugaw

                                        Mike Francisco and the CME riders

                                     Vic and Bubuy

                               Archie enjoying the conversation

                                  Recyclists in front of Pisong Kape