Short intense rides vs long slow rides

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
September 10, 2017

I have gone two long rides (Jariel's Peak, and Majayjay) doing only short rides:   10 to 15 km one way (20 to 30 km) but intense with interval and sprints up to 37 kmh.  I guess that enabled me to survive the ride without injuries nor distress.   But the minimum is 3x per week.  That would be between 60 to 90 km a day.

Whereas before I do week end ride up to Pisong Kape, 30 kms out (that would be sixty) but may be on slow ride.  Not too many sprints.

Which one is better?

Bike ride to Antipolo Church and Tanay on New Years day

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
January 1, 2017

My first activity for the year  was riding to Antipolo Church to listen to the mass, and get blessing for the new year.  I shook hands with about 8 bikers, mostly oldies and seniors like me who waited for the mass to finish.   We finished the mass by 8:30 and then biked down to Teresa, Morong, Baras and Tanay.  I was in Tanay by 9:30.  Oh I missed the free food at Pisong Kape which according to other kapadyak is done annually during New Year.

I looked for place to eat and there was none at Tanay and Morong.   In Morong  I guess it was group of Jeff, Val and Ed Valdez who overtook me between Lagundi and Maybancal  I did not catch up with them

I found my food:  crackers, coffee, and BJ (buko juice) at sari sari store right before the diversion.  There the group of Mambog riders arrived with Mr.  Aragon  very much ahead.  They all brought roadies with compact chain rings. (I had 53 39 chain ring and still rode via diversion road. Now I find it easier to ride home via diversion. Just short hard effort and no traffic hazards)

I did not realize that it could be that long and I will be home by 12:00.  Well any way I left by 7:30 am.

Our bike ride to #Famy today, October 9, 2016

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
October 9, 2016

In response to text message of Meong, I rode to Sacred Heart Church in  Tayuman this morning.   There I found waiting, Jess V, Richard, Pres Luis and Nolite.  Later Master E came  At about  6:20 since no one was coming any more we rode out to Pisong Kape.  Later Gerry K  and Weng joined us along the way.   I was ahead of the group until Callahan when hell broke loose and they overtook me.  However I did HID and overtook them on the way to Morong.   They regained the lead at Namay and never relinquished the same.  

Only I and Nolite were battling it out at Biak na Bato.   We arrived at Pisong Kape at 7:20 which was a furious pace.  We waited until 8:00 am for VM,

Joel, Master E, and Vec (the market master)

When they arrived, they had the following reasons for not joining:

#VM -   loose pedal
Vec - galing sa sakit (ako galing sa sakit din)
Master E - #bagong bunot
Joel - kulang sa ensayo
Nolite ??

We rode to Bugarin and were there by about 9:00 where we got some water from Manang and then proceeded to Famy.  The rest were way ahead:  Gerry, Jess, Pres Luis, Ed Valdez, Richard. etc.

Those who were at the tail end were:   Peter, Ed (7days) myself and Engr. Ariel  I guess most of them were at Manays Resto by 9:30.  We started eating at 9:45 and were done by 10.  We left by 10:30 and were in Pisong Kape by 11:30.  I and Weng were behind (he accompanied me out of pity)  I did not exert more effort in order to conserve my health and energy.   I even bought rambutan which was only P25.00 per kg.

I was with the troops from Biak na Bato until Tanay where I started seeing them leave me behind.   Cardona by pass junction I turned right, to pass at diversion;  however as I was buying BJ (buko juice) Meong called me and joined the group who took a pit stop and waited for the shower to stop.

However Alan said we would do the diversion and so he Richard and I did the diversion.  However I was not very fit for this ride and was left again.  I caught up with the group at Island gas and URS where I overtook them on a sprint.

It was raining hard and my bike and my jersey were all muddied up.

#GreatRide though

At Sacred Heart Church

                                   Nolite, Jess V and  Meong at Sacred Heart

                                          Richard checking VM and others whereabouts?  Where na u?

                                         Still waiting at Sacred Heart Church

At Pisong Kape, Pililla

                                        Richard and Meong

Great day to bike today, slightly overcast (neither hot nor raining) September 25, 2016

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
September 25, 2016

                Nolite, Alan, Pangskie, Master and Gerry resting at Maybancal Barangay Hall after
                                                        breakfast

My goal today is to ride 90 to 100 km.  It is a great day to ride today.  Despite the announcement that typhoon Helen is making a landfall today (in Batanes) it did not rain this morning (although it rained last night). The skies were dark at the West side but the rain did not fall.  I saw Jess, Meong, Luis, and rest of the guys at Jollibee at about 6:30.   I rode ahead of them to say a little prayer at Sacred Heart.  I saw them pass and leave me.   Then I gave chase but never caught up with  them. Saw them in Morong for the breakfast of lugaw and buchi.  Those who were there were Joel, Master, Meong,  Nolite, Gerry, Pangskie, Alan, Luis, Jess

Along the way to Morong I played with a group of MTB (about 8).  They were fast.  I passed them before Looc, and I left them but they gave chase downhill from  Callahan.  I raced with them again passing them before Morong market, then I overtook them at Namay (later in Tanay as we biked to Pisong Kape, I overtook them again)

They stopped at Pisong Kape to go to Jalajala so that I would reach my mileage.  I reached Jalajala in 30 minutes but stopped along the way to have buko and take coffee at Pisong Kape (where else)  I had conversation with Pablo and somebody, an MTB from Batingan Binangonan.

I passed at Cardona bypass going home

Going back, I passed other bikers going home but I chased somebody in road bike. He was wearing red jersey.  From Binangonan, I chased somebody who was on MTB but had thin tires.  I let him go near Tayuiman elem school.

It was a great day for a ride.  I think I pushed myself to the limit to be stronger.  I am distressed anymore by riding MTB for 100 km distance.  Just spin it

                                           Ginigiba na barangay hall; naiinis na sa bikers?

                                  Pangskie, Master, Gerry and Meong showing his boobs and tatoo

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

Starting practice rides for Baguio climb on Holy Week

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
February 24, 2016

I started my preparation for Baguio climb this morning.  I rode the SARS bike with Ultegra group set however with big gears at the back (up to 36) and Deore triplet in front.  On the way, I acquired a biking companion in Tayuman.  He has a Cannondale road bike with Ultegra group set and an P18t SIDI shoes.   We did rubber band riding.   He overtook me and caught up with him in Island gas and then we were together.  He overtook me at Convention center, however I pulled up going up Mambog and until  Callahan.  I leave him on the uphill.   Then he overtook me downhill and then I tt up to munisipyo and I left him again.  I waited for him at the market and overtook me.

I chased him and overtook him up Namay.  He signaled to me to continue and left him again ;until Baras hill and we were together again at KM 55.   I left him again at KM 56 and up until Pisong Kape.  I again remembered he is a painting contractor in Taytay and we talked about business while having lugaw and egg;   he had coffee and two eggs.  I had to leave him because he was waiting for a companion who went up Bugarin.

I tried to speed up on the way back using only heavy gears even at Biak na Bato 44 x 13 and even at Baras hills.  Somebody overtook me downhill and I chased him and we nearly bumped a Fortunner swag vehicle of  some bikers (not the one who overtook me.  I chased him and caught up with him until KM 50.  He rode a Titanium bikee and he hails from Cubao and they have a pick up at Phoenix station in Morong.  Then his companions arrived and caught up with us.  One has a Pinarello Dogma.  However, I proved that it is not about bikes because I overtook the Pinarello guy.

What a way to prepare for Baguio ride

Recovery ride part 2 today November 5, 2015 up to Pililla Pisong Kape

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
November 5, 2015

I rode out late today at 7:30 intending to bike only up to Morong Rizal.

I saw a large legged rider with a Pinarello bike whom I learned later was Papa Rom and he overtook me downhill from Montevideo,   I passe him going up the hill near the school (near Papa Rics place)  I did not see him for a while even as I slowed down at Callahan.

I saw that at about 8:20, Simples lugawan was closed all ready so I moved on but then near the DPWH DE2 office, a green jersey young biker from Baytown overtook me on a sprint, however at the hill crest he seemed to slow down, and there I sprinted and passed him.  No one was behind me up to km 55 and then the hell broke loose at km 57 and the troop consisting of Papa Rom and the young rider, probably having speed of 45 kph overtook me.

We had breakfast at Hacienda Pisong Kape and there I got to talk to Papa Rom who is from Cainta.  Later Smith and Pres Luis, and Edgar 7 days came too. We ate and rode back.  Well they allowed me to lead the pack until Morong where they took charge up to bukuhan just past the boundary of Morong.  He had some white puto (they prefer the white but with an a) and then tinusok ng tinidor.  Smith paid for the puto.

Then he decided we would ride up the Cardona diversion.   I was ahead for a while and then Smith and Luis took over;   Edgar was following me. Smith had 34 x 28.  On the last ascent before the Crystal Subd they took shelter and slowed down and then I sprinted up the hill. where I was ahead the  until main highway.   Smith and Luis overtook me.

I chased Smith and passed me and nearly caught up with Luis until the last bend..  I caught up with Luis down hill until the Y in Binangonan, and then they took over.  We sprinted up Island gas probably doing nearly 45 kph.

We were home at almost twelve

Bike Ride Yesterday, October 22, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines, October 23, 2015

I had not biked well for the last 3 weeks because of:  typhoon Lando, and my teaching assignment which required me to stay in Makati.

Yesterday, I biked to recover.  I started slowly using 32 front chain ring.   using 13 and 15 cogs.  However, somebody caught up with me at Cardona -  Tito.  He was saying he too had:   difficulty in doing his rides (he recovered from an illness) and he gives up when the group keeps its pace strong.  I was ahead of him from Cardona, to Morong and until Baras Morong boundary.  At Tanay, I heard Smith was with us.  I kept pedalling, fast pedal rate until Pililla municipal hall. About 200 meters from the Biak na Bato he and Smith overtook me and maybe they were riding over 25, and me at 20 kph and I was left by some 20 meters.  Well however, we still saw each other at Halayhayin.  I had Lugaw at Pisong Kape, they at Carmens resto.  It was about 8:10

Then Recyclist Edgar arrived from Bugarin. He remarked that I have not been making post here at this blog.  I made the last post and he remembered last October 3.  He was right. He too ate at Pisong Kape, then we joined Smith and Tito at Carmens.   There I met Pandoy an MTB, only 20 yo but a podium finisher.  He used to be a Mega rider (those weighing 240 lbs and above)  He now weighs at 160, the son of the owner of the motorcycle shop near AES.



At 9 am we left;  Edgar and Smith went back at Bugarin, me and Tito rode back to Morong.  He would go back to his shop because many things are to be done.  We conversed as we rode and he again continued his apprehension on his ride that were being more challenging - sign of old age, of sickness or what.  Well I said we accept the fact of aging.  How am I dong? He said he admired my passion and dedication to ride.

We parted ways at Sagbat.  I dropped by to talk to the staff of Holy Angels. I stayed there for 30 minutes and then rode home via Teresa.  Riding Teresa is not so hard anymore because of the low gears of my "cyclocross" bike.  I rode at 32 x 21 and 23 and even at 26 if needed.

I was at home by 11:00

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

Riding with tough but old riders today May 30, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal     May 30, 2015

This writer set early for Bugarin today.  By 6:30 today, he was past Morong and by 7:00 am was at Pililla. On the way up Pililla, I saw Abet Mateo who would buy beef from Bugarin.

On the way from Morong, he rode with Black Eye Rosario, He said he was close to guys from Angono, especially Julius Rivera (the driver of Jorge Araneta, who perished from a MC accident last Christmas) about 59 y.o and said he was part of the  Angono, Taytay, Cainta team.  He knew VM.  I tried to be ahead of him, but he stuck close even with MTB.  When we reached Pisong Kape, he told me we were doing 30 to 40 kph.  Wow. I could not believe that.

Preparing for the Sagada Ride

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  May 17, 2015

My rides, I hope would prepare me for the 370+ km ride to Sagada.  So I left yesterday at 6:30 and arrived at 7:40 in Pililla.  The tropa who were at Maybancal (Simples Kape) chased me down and caught up with me at Km 57. Meong caught up with me in uphill between Baras and Tanay however  I overtook him at km 53 and he was with the peloton several km later.  They were ahead of me by seconds at Halayhayin.   All in all, I would have passed two dozen cyclists, mostly MTB

It was big chain ring ride.  I stayed at 53 and went down to as low as 25 even when climbing hills. (It is to develop strength)

I proceeded to KM 74 in Jala jala (Halayhayin or Pisong Kape is KM 60)  It was light pedalling and easy ride.  I was at km 74 at 8:30 and back to Pisong Kape by 9:30.  I was in Morong, Maybancal by 10:00 and caught up with the troop.  There was free tea and lugaw at the Barangay to celebrate the win of the youth there.

My bike ride this week

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal   March 7, 2015

Last March 5, 2015, I biked to Antipolo Church.  I met Jose there who said it was his first time to bike.  Ever since there was a new mayor in Cainta, he was not so free to bike and arrive late work.   That is good discipline.

Sir VM arrived with the 2014 uniform and the Dogma bike.  We talked for a while and then I had to leave to report at 8:30 for work.

Today, March 7, 2015,  I biked to Malaya.  It is Saturday, and we have work, but I lacked the mileage.  I did not stop at Pisong Kape nor at Pisong Kape, having taken my breakfast at Wawa.

Yesterday, triple 1, January 11, 2015 was a fine day to bike; Recylists biked to Jalajala

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  January 12, 2015

                     I used the Fujiko, and I took picture of it with the lorry that transported the blades of wind turbine to the windmills project site

I missed the tropas bike ride to Jalajala yesterday.  I think they just left as I was arriving at Pisong Kape. I had to fill up my tank as it was   empty; I did not have my breakfast. However I was happy with my ride.  I did the Angono to Pililla ride in 1:05 (it used to be 1:10 or more )

After going back to Arnie Barker's book Smart Biking,  there are certain activities I incorporate in my ride:

I biked to Sampaloc solo yesterday December 31, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines    | January 1, 2015

                               The only proof that I biked to Sampaloc.

                              It looks steep; doesnt it?

Happy New Year to one and all.

I ended the year with a very hard ride to Sampaloc Tanay and it was solo ride.

This rider started at about 6:40 and met Romeo Bautista somewhere in Tayuman after leaving the Sacred Heart Church.  Meong as he is called was wearing the green and black jersey and was on 39 x 17 but was riding furiously.  I lead him for a while until the Convention center but he dropped me in the first curve;  he waited for me at Cardona;  he dropped me again at Callahan, I was 25 meters away at Morong Church and because of traffic the gap widened to about 50 meters and I was very very behind at Namay.  He stayed at Morong, and I rode straight to Pililla.  My goal was and is now to ride the 30 km from Angono in one hour.  I still do not.

According to Meong, his goal in his ride to ride hard (which is what some coach recommend) in order to be stronger.  In fairness, I tried to do intervals as I rode with him.

At km 51+ two riders in TT bikes overtook me but I stayed close behind with a gap of say 20 meters.  Near km 52 they slowed down and I attacked till the crest and I in turn passed them on the way down. (descending)  The other guy in green in white TT caught up with me at km 54 and had some conversation: from where I am, where am I going, how old I am.  I let him pass me again at km 55 and so with his companions.  But I still biked furiously as if on TT.   I learned that the equipment of the other biker should not intimidate us.

At km 59, right after the Pilillla municipal hall, two bikers:  one in 711 uniform, another a chubby biker in blue and black jersey passed me at the slight uphill (the one turning right before descending to pisong kape).  I changed to lower gear and pedalled hard.  Lo and I am proud to be Recyclist, I dropped them.

                        Even at my senior age, I still could give chase and drop some of these guys

Then I had breakfast at Pisong Kape and learned that the sibling of the owner of the Pisong Kape did not have to und an open heart surgery this Christmas.  Today, they have their fiesta and she invited me.  I said I am not sure if I can make it.   By 8:30 I started my ride back to Tanay and I was at the intersection by 9:00.   I was not sure if I could make it solo.  It must have been a year or more that I have not ridden up Tanay.

Our #bikeride yesterday, November 23, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines   | November 24, 2014

I rode early today to watch the fiesta procession and parade.  I decided that I will just bike elsewhere because everybody was drunk as early as 6 am;  I have seen these parades several dozen times.  They were unrowdy and uncontrolled groups.  They were shouting and laughing loud during the night.

So I rode straight to Pisong Kape and arrived there about 7:40.   It was a fast clip ride.  There I saw Master. He said he raced a couple of riders from Cardona to Morong which extended up to Pililla.

Victoria ride yesterday - October 26, 2014 with an added bonus - round Laguna

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  October 27, 2014

Sorry guys; no pics for this post.  I lost the camera and the pics of our ride today.  The loss could have happened at the store where we "istambayed" or from there up to home.  The camera could have dropped from my jersey pocket.

Huhu.

Who joined the ride:

Albert Amora

Alan

Angel

Jess

Jeff

Jorgeusbiker

Luis

Nolite

Master E

Pres Luis

VM

Val

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

Bike ride today to Bugarin September 17, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines    |  September  17 2014

I biked today to Bugarin (well I planned earlier to just be at Pisong Kape  -  Gerry and Jess were there pala.  I only saw Tito)  I met Rommel (Smith) my cousin) as I was leaving.  He was RIT with his daughter on the way to school.  Hannah, his daughter, can ride MTB very well up to Pisong Kape and up Teresa. He asked if I was riding solo and I said yes

I left at 6:20 this morning and was at Sacred Heart by 6:30.  I was at Morong, Simple's Lugaw by 7:20.   I met two bikers there:  one roadie and another MTB.  One was from Taguig and the other was from Pinagbuhatan Pasig City.  They were going back to Pasig and Taguig because they have job.

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

I met two seniors at the bike ride today September 7, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Happy Mama Mary's day

Rizal  Philippines  |  September 7, 2014

                         Oldie but goodie

I met two seniors today in the bike ride.  One was Gabby Sta Ana who was with a nephew.  He is from Rosario, and used to be a supervisor at Concrete Aggregates.  He rides hard and better than his nephew.  He wants me to say hello to a certain Mr. Capistrano, whom I suspect is  a neighbor.  I got his phone number at Morong and i promised to give him a ring.  They went straight to Pisong Kape.

The other one was 71 yo, Mr. Gabby Genato from Dalig.  I met him while riding at about 30 kmh nearing Maybancal.

I am beginning to believe in the "Secret"  Law of Attraction.

SENIORS FLOCK TOGETHER.  SENIORS ATTRACT OTHER SENIORS