A long overdue weekend break! Where else?….

It has been a while since the major and I have had a vacation out of the city.  So when a friend offered a free stay at the mother of all country clubs in the country, the infamous Baguio Country Club - I grabbed the opportunity. Was also able to borrow my dad's Toyota Innova (ostensibly to verify the claimed fuel consumption) to use for the rather long road trip. Armed with a stack of CDs (and backup iPod), golf clubs and a last minute review of blogs from the city of pines, off we went.  Initially due to some schedule problems I was trying to beg off from using the coupons, but on hindsight. glad we decided to push through.

The drive through the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) was fantastic and disappointingly short-lived. The asphalt was smooth, lanes were lit and despite the light rain I managed to get the sluggish Innova to release some of that turbo-charged horsepower and cruised at almost 180+ kph. Too fast as per my navigator! Now, this is how ALL highways in the country should be benchmarked.

We were in SLEX by 3PM and 6 hours later at the top of Kennon Road. (am sure we could have made it faster but the stop at the bank in Manila and a few pee stops, made 6 hours quite reasonable!) I always love taking Kennon whether during the day or otherwise. I find it actually safer to use than Marcos Highway. And certainly much faster. I guess its a matter of preference and what one is used to. In fact that night, we were a convoy of around 7-8 cars, and it was just me that continued on towards Kennon from the Rosario junction. After a few minutes of self-doubt and only when a jeepney came down that I knew it was passable. Somehow, I missed the sign at the Shell gas station that provides the alerts for motorists taking this route. I do find it easier to drive up to Baguio using this route.  Soon I saw the old Jade Garden hotel on my left, (and that monstrosity of progress, they're building in front of the Baguio Gen. Hospital) looking for the turn-off towards Camp John Hay. Which is my landmark to BCC.

Despite the late arrival, check-in at BCC's front desk was smooth and event free. Bumped into a classmate who was also checking in with her husband. I did notice though that the guards were extra judicious in their check at the gate. Being guests, we had to show our letter (from the member) before being allowed through. Since the dinner buffet was to close in a few minutes, we decided to eat out. The regular eating haunts that we use after our Pulag treks were all closing and we ended up at a steak place near Dencio's. Driving back into the city was too much, although perhaps we should have. As Doreen Fernandez used to say when reviewing restos for her column,  " don't say anything, if you have nothing good to say." So that ends my review of THAT steak place.

The days were just gloriously sunny and the view from our floor was fantastic. (see top photo). But immediately after lunch the clouds seem to let loose with their moisture and it poured till early evening. We were able to drive around as the major wanted to "see" the old places she used to visit. Mansion House, Mines view, Wright Park, Teacher's camp, Good Shepherd store and a few other spots. The drive to the market through Session Road was horribly similar to Manila. Traffic was bad and the local drivers seemed to have lost the "courtesy" that Manila drivers had lost centuries ago! It was nice to note that some old places were still around. Rumors, Star cafe and Henrico's.    

 Aside from the scrumptious breakfast and dinner buffet's at BCC, we ate at two other restos' as recommended by some bloggers. Chocolate de Batirol inside Camp John Hay (near the mini golf) and lunch before we left for Manila at Cafe by the Ruins. Here are some pictures. And No, we did not try the datura on this trip.

The ride down was uneventful. It took us only 5 hours to make Manila. The view of the falls on the way down along Kennon was scenic as usual.

Oh, and the Innova's fuel consumption? One full tank for 625kms! That's pretty cool. between 12 and 14 km/liter!

And we discovered that Tarlac had the cheapest diesel prices from here to Baguio! 31.90 per liter.

Forest Hills (Cogeo) to Sierra Madre hotel in Tanay.

Last Saturday was a great cloudless day for a road ride.

Met up with JED around 5:30 am, loaded the van and passed for Isaias who was waiting for us on EDSA,  We got to Forest Hills (passed Cogeo and Masinag market) on Marcos highway around  6:15, setup the bikes, warmed up and hydrated - we were off at a little past 6:30 am. The early morning jeeps and trucks were out in full force but once we were past Cogeo, traffic thinned out quite a bit.  Now it was just you, your lungs and the road.

With the occasional errant pedestrian or dog crossing that stymied your cadence.  I was quite impressed with the maintenance of the roadway. It was nicely asphalted, painted and all the curves were properly marked. Perfect for a road ride!

It was the first time for me to take the old yellow racer for a ride since it was restored 3 weeks ago and almost immediately the 20+ year old bike started complaining. First I had to raise the tire pressure, then the alignment of the rear wheel got a bit skewed hampering the roll (almost felt like the brakes were on) and after the first 30 mins. of hard pedalling, the 20+ yr old leather strip on the left toe-clip finally gave!  But continued pushing till I noticed that my shoe had started to rub on the crank and was starting to peel rubber. So no choice but to remove the whole clip.    

It was a good thing that Jed had instructed his driver to follow at a discreet distance behind the last rider.  (a support vehicle ala Tour de France!) I decided to swap the bike with a spare mtb that he had brought "just in case" something like this would happen. But after an hour and half of almost 100% uphill climbs, my lungs and legs just gave up on me! Despite being hydrated - this ride showed how unprepared I was, physically, for such a climb. This road certainly beats " The wall " at Maarat anytime. The continuous uphill climb with very few recovery slopes was just too demanding. I had to rest. (read: stop) So once again, loaded the bike and now myself, into the van. My body didn't stop perspiring even as I reclined and stretched out. Was surprised that I had actually consumed all the water and gatorade that I had brought, in 2 hours!  Around the 53 km marker, we needed to rest as Jed had a bad case of muscle cramps.   After an hour in the van, I had fully recovered and was able to join the punishing pace set by Isaias. After a 15-20 min respite we continued to the Sierra Madre Hotel. Wow! Glad I decided to finish the ride with them, what a spectacular view this place had!  Both sides had amazing scenery of the Sierra Madre mountain range on the North East and  Laguna de Bay area on the West.  There were a few residential developments and the ones around had spectacular views as well. One sales office even provided a roadside view deck , ala " Banawe rice terraces."

The last 4 to 6 kms from the sign to the hotel site was a gruelling uphill ride. But the fresh air and views were worth the pain. Don't mind the 2 dogs that bark and try to nip your heels. After cresting the ridge, inspite of the noon day sun, the temperature dropped and the ride downhill to the   Pranjetto Hills Resort and Conference Center 

was refreshingly cool and at one point I think I went more than 50 kmph! The thought of my earlier road rash experience kept my fingers long on the brakes. The wind rushing against you and the slight rumble of the knobbies on the cemented road was just a great feeling. Despite the fact that my racer had become a single speed!

We were able to fully recover after a nice swim in the center's pool and a quick lunch prepared by Lily, the center's cook. Here, it would be good to call in advance for meals you would like to have. The center's lack of regular customers prevents them from stocking up on too much food. So call ahead and make reservations. More for their services rather than a table. It seems the place is used for team building seminars and they cook specifically for the number of pax attending.  Jed decided to have desert at " The Coffee Stop" around 30-35 mins.   further down the road. Another scenic drive. Lots of zigzags ala Kennon road, leading to Pililia, Laguna. Again road conditions were perfect and lots of bikers. Both pedalling and scooteristas. They serve sandwiches and ala carte orders. Their  coffee beans are from Gourmet Cafe and cakes from Cake Avenue.  Noticed that some deserts they offered - I have'nt even seen in Manila. Have to call Liza A!  All in all, a nice road ride. Maybe next time we do this, I will be better prepared. I read in the PMTB forum that there were 40+ riders that made it that same day! Congrats to all.

New pictures from our last 4th of July trail ride!

Hey

Finally got some pix from Ricky. He took some great pictures from our Sta. Rosa ride last week.

Some of the spectacular views and sceneries were captured. These were taken on the way back to Paseo. First we passed a whole lot (siguro half a hectare) of kamoteng kahoy - cassava. Then a larger plot of corn. The greenery was just stunning. In the background, you can just see Mt. Makiling through the haze of the SLEX. 

My 2nd Sta. Rosa trail ride… and yet another fall!

Angel calls me at 10 in the evening to advise me of the Sta Rosa ride.

Hmmm, why so late? Anyway, despite my excitement of getting the yellow roadie back earlier that evening - I prepared for the trail ride. Was hoping to take out the racer for a spin to flex its old gears, but that will have to wait another day. Perhaps when its not so wet.  

So out with the hydration bag that Raul lent me and put all the remaining bottles of Gatorade in the freezer. Prepared the bike for the ride. (Checked the air and tools etc). Got to Paseo Sta Rosa around 7:30 and started out with sina Boy, Sidney, Udolp and Ricky at 8 am. Having been to the trail a month earlier, I was dreading the thought of hitting 4 hills consecutively. As the photos will show, its now " JUST " one big, kahuna of a hill! Still terrifyingly steep and again - had to walk up most of the way. Surprisingly it wasn't as bad as the first time. I  managed to make it to the Bukuhan without having to get off my saddle. That was the 1st 8 kms done.

Someone suggests that having goto might be a good idea. Where was this nice gotohan, I asked? Oh, just nearby… Tagaytay! Oops - didn't like the sound of that. It was going to be a 40-50km round-trip! Good thing the trail master decided to just hit the "piñahan" and "circus" trails. It started off really picturesque and cool. Then when we hit those "rats" - the single trail ruts that had formed from someone's 4-wheel adventure, it became more difficult and not so kewl. Must have fallen 6 or 7 times. Worst was when you put your foot down thinking there's something to put it on, then realising too late its at the edge of a pilapil like structure. So that foot just keeps sinking, way past the point where one can keep the bike standing.  There were a few times my head was covered by the cogon and I completely disappeared from the trail!  Now that wimpy "upak" trail started to sound good.

Somewhere along the way, Ricky has a problem with his seat and Udolp is called to the rescue. Angel helps out and we're back in business. The ride goes through one of the most scenic routes we've taken so far on bikes. A whole area full of camoteng kahoy, then rice fields. Then a coconut grove. All that fresh air sort of congested my lungs! 

Learned quickly that you can't do two things at the same time. Specially, when one is rushing downhill on a bike where the trail conditions vary every second and attempting to put something in your pocket. uh- uh! Next thing I knew …. new bruises!!!  I think Migs had a good laugh as he saw the whole scenario unfolding in front of him!

By 12 am we were nearing the end of the trail and reached the same bridge Cyril, Joel & I had seen the previous trip. Can't believe that was just 24 kms! On our way back to the van, the rains started and it was just good timing. If we had been caught out in the trail, the tracks would have been more muddy and slippery. But would have been more fun? perhaps?

Being Sid's birthday, he treated us to lunch at Kanin Club and the chef even came out and chatted with us. Turns out Anthony too, is a biker and he shared a few more trail tips for us to use the next time we hit the Sta Rosa trails. 

Looks like I can't wait for the next ride to that part of town…. When will it be guys?