My first real off-road bicycle ride!

Wow! What an experience! 

I was hoping to have started in La Mesa dam or some other Metro Manila based park. (read: more flat). But when I was invited to join a few friends to Sta. Rosa I readily agreed not knowing what I was in for. I had heard about the trails and the downhill racers who "train" there but had never had a chance to visit or see them riding.

Now I know why they call the magazine "Mountain Bike ACTION" !!! 

Overcoming those first two hills was  a major challenge. Perhaps it was my previous bout with stomach flu that had left me a bit dehydrated or I was just plain out of shape! But the initial 2km easy-going cemented road was just all bluff. Nice n' easy WestGrove Heights and South Forbes then wham! Surprise, surprise! the next 20 mins were just killers. The steepness of the hill and the soft, powdery top soil did not help my aching knees and shortness of breath. I was ready to give up and hike all the way back to the car. Fantastic views and landscape be damned.

But, when i was told they weren't returning the same route - I decided I had to push myself. And boy am glad I did.

After another 20-25 mins of rough graded soil, we hit a provincial (dirt) road, a few houses and lo and behold a pit stop. (pix above) We gathered from the manong selling Fresh Buko juice  (called the Bukohan on maps) at 10 pesos each (the preferred choice between a soda or lukewarm Gatarode. ) that many riders had come thru the day before. Including senatorial bet - GOMA. Hey, if he can do this, so can I ! After resting for a few minutes we continued on and the road would change between cement, graded topsoil, rough dirt roads with sharp stones and steep banks. But eventually leading to another barrio (Tabing?) where Boying Remulla's election posters were still evident. We were now in Silang, Cavite's 3rd district. As I knew that was where Boying was running for re-election.

The road then began to rise and fall and all I remember were  those last 15-20 minutes were just exhilarating! 

It was really fast downhill and pointing the front wheel to avoid large rocks and still maintain the speed was a challenge. After making a wrong turn and backtracking we eventually found the bridge that was to lead us to the Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay highway and back again to the Paseo  Sta Rosa complex. Despite it being my first ride, I managed to stay on the saddle - most of the way. There were a few close calls where I had to skid to a stop and step off the pedals OR fall into a ditch or a canal.  But wow! what a thrilling ride.

Can't wait till the next one!