⌛ 9th National Sandurot Mountain Bike Race

nice catch baguio guy, missed that.

so it looks like we have a challenge between the bush league pilot and the

Rhoodmaster. I'l make odds that one, Rhoody wins, and tinklehopper is a no show.

 

Tinklehopper AKA Tinker Juarez

 

Thats right Man, ya never know who you're messin' with.

On 2 wheels in the mountains, Melvin would smoke ya like a cheap cigar.

 

Safety

 

Hi Cyndi,

By the way, are you male of female?

Also, are you are roadie? Looks like because you mentioned about a 150 miler run.

Anyway, I'm not the usual highway rider myself, so mountain biking is my priority, not road biking because I think it is dangerous to ride on the highway here in the Phil. But once in awhile I have to sacrifice because my current bike buddy is a roadie.

I'm based in Cebu (bigger and more polluted than Dumaguete) so traffic is even much worse, not to mention jeepney drivers. Usually the first thing that you need to do is wear something very visible. Red jerseys or even orange are a must. I also usually wear gloves with yellow patches so it would easily be noticed when you do hand signals. On city roads, jeepneys just swerve to the right without any care just to drop or pick up passengers, so be vigilant it you are trailing a jeepney. They just do not respect any two wheeled rider on the road (cycle, motorbike, etc). Always give around 1 to 2 meters gap from the rightmost white line in the highway (or sidewalk) so you will almost be at the center of the road. It is safer to be almost in the middle of the road than making the effort of trailing the white lines. Jeepneys and vehicles will notice you so they will overtake you and make their way via the other lane (opposite lane). Don't worry if they sound their beeps or horns. In the Philippines, it is not a gesture of disgust from the drivers but more of a warning that they are presently on your back or wanting to overtake you so that you will be aware (well, at least they are kind enough not to make a "courtesy warning").

Hope this helps. Also if you look like anything foreign, motorists are usually more subtle. :-)

now. if you are a mountain biker.. then its a different story.... we'll be talking about mountain trails, no pollution, no stupid drivers to worry about and beautiful views from the top...

 

Hi Paul,

I am female and NOT a roadie but had to for the MS150 race. I have always preferred mountain biking. Thanks for the info. I will really need to get involved the next time I am there. I can't imagine biking anywhere more beautiful than the PHL.

Cyndi

 

I am quite into mountain biking as well Cyndi, and I only wish there are more roads ( even just dirt tracks) inland and with clear map available at any shop disposal outlets ,so it's easier to plan your route and not going back the same track as started .It scares me cycling on normal roads of heavy traffic and obviously looking like a death trap .The road going to the twin lakes seem interesting but it is of a constant climb,which is very challenging . But there's this nice route for cycling ,and more picturesque .Either you start from San Carlos or Canlaon crossing the mountains going down to Murcia.In both ends there are places to stay.Murcia has the Mambucal hot springs.This route is cemented almost all the way ,and less in traffic and looks safer.There are some farmlands converted to rice terraces carved on hillsides and just pretty in itself.I might post photos of them when have the chance later on .

There was also a diff route suggested to us ,just dirt tracks ,alternative going to Mambucal hot spring and was said to be even more picturesque ,a car can run this route but since it was almost about 4 pm that time we reached the junction ,we didn't dare it ,just in case we might encounter problems with the car .

 

Thanks Pickled_Newt. I will certainly check out those routes when I am there. I would so love to do that.