11Oct14 - Visita Iglesia Bike Run - 22.73Km 7 Churches

For the last two weeks and for the for coming two weeks more my usual weekend ride with "Black Beauty" has been stymied as I have to be serve as driver confidant of my youngest son Dennis who is graduating from high school this school year and has to do his entrance examinations on various universities. 

This week I decided to squeeze in a ride no matter what. Schedule for today was at Mapua. I dropped off my son at Mapua at 7:45am then proceeded to Makati Triangle to park the car where I intend to begin my "Visita Iglesia Bike Run" to cover seven (7) churches and be back before 10:30 am expected time of my son to complete his entrance examination.

Church 1 - Ermita Shrine / Nuestra Senora De Guia

The last time I was in this church was exact on August 19, 1973. You might be wondering why I could exactly remember the date. Well, it was when I got married to Hermie (my wife) and it has been 41 years ago. I was only 22 years old then. Here is a photo of my wedding then;

 Church 2 - San Agustin Church

A very memorable and sentimental church for me of lately. It was only last May 3rd of this year 2014 when I and my family heard my birthday mass in this church. At that time my eldest son DAX was with us. On 11th May he died leaving me and the whole family in grief which up to today we are still doing our best cope with our misery and loss. Here is a picture taken then;

Church 3 - Manila Cathedral

This church has been has been more or less my educational trip church during my elementary days. Its great to see today that much restoration has been done and the cathedral is in great shape. I have more or less been a sponsor on weddings in this church for eight times. 

 Church 4 - Malate Shrine / Our Lady of Remedy

When I arrived at this church a wedding was just about to start. I took the opportunity to ask permission from the bride to take photo shots which she readily oblige. The church is undergoing restoration and certainly will be one of the tourist attraction in the area when it is completed. 

Church 5 - San Isidro Church

I have not known of this church up to today. It was only when I took Taft Avenue going to Buendia that I notice of this church which also serves as at catholic school. As they say first time visit, special grace to gain.

Church 6 - The Shrine of the Sacred Heart

This church is just around the Kamagong Street area in Makati. I have been to this church a couple of times primarily on a funeral wake as this church has funeral chapels on its sides.

Church 7 - Saint Andrew's Church

This is another memorable church for me. In 1990 when I was just beginning on my own company my office was just next door to this church at Bel Air-2 where we stayed for 5 years or so only to be asked by the Barangay then that the area was non-commercial, however, today its all commercial. Anyways, this church has a lot of memories for me.

From St. Andrew's I proceeded back to Ayala Triangle to complete my Visita Iglesia Bike Route. Seven Churches in 22.73 Km. Something to give meaning sand purpose for a Saturday bike run with my "Black Beauty".

Tomorrow 12Oct14 I will again have to drive my son, this it will be La Salle in Taft Avenue. I am just wondering now, where to take a bike spin. Any suggestion?

Typhoon Mario - The Weekend That Was and Sunday Ride 32Km

19Sep14 - Typhoon "Mario"

Friday was very wet day with "Mario" unleashing heavy rain for almost 24 hours causing evacuation of residents on low laying and flood prone areas. Even majority of my office staff were unable to report to office on a Friday. However, nothing much can be done as all government offices and even banks were closed for the day. As for my bike schedule for the next day,  even before noon Ruth A Rod already cancelled the Grotto Run which was could had been a nice route. "Mario" was a downer, there goes my usual Saturday Bike Run.

Edsa on Friday 19Sep14 7:50am

20Sep14 - The "Mario" Aftermath

With rain just about stopping but still with roads all wet and on certain area covered with water, it was not an ideal condition for a bike run. With ample of time at hand, I need to improvise on how to have a worthwhile morning.

Took the family for a breakfast at "Cafe Juanita" at Capitolyo Pasig;

 Breakfast at Cafe Juanita - 20Sep14 8am

After breakfast, I was craving to eat "ayungin" either pinangat or paksiw. From Cafe Juanita, I just dropped wifey at Paragon Plaza and proceeded to Farmer Market with my son DENNIS. I had difficulty to convince Dennis to join me, but, in the end he was my bodyguard. It was a trill just marketing as one of my joys in life in marketing on weekends which I have done so many times whenever opportunity arises. Farmer's Market in Cubao has been my usual venue for this exercise and I was glad to be back in my territory after a long absence.

Sad to say, the main purpose of buying 'ayungin" was a failure as none can be found anywhere at the market. Just decided to buy as much fruits as possible. Then all of of sudden, I decided to make a good deed for the wifey and bought her "atis" her favourite fruit and a dozen of pink roses also her favourite. As they always say "good deeds bear fruits" and are like chips that you can call for favour in the future.

Good Deed for the Wifey

With most of Saturday the weather has improved a lot which made me decide to my a Sunday Bike Run the following day. However, with Sunday Mass at 9am in our condominium, it was a must that I had to be back from the ride the latest 8am with enough time to shower and dress up.

The following bike route was mapped;

Planned/Mapped Route for Sunday Bike Run

21Sep14 - Sunday Bike Run 32km

Sunday Bike Run - 32.16Km

Woke up early at 4am as intentions was to ride out by 5am with target time to be back by 7-7:30am. All logistical tens were taken cared of the night before and made sure that "Black Beauty" in tip-top condition. After my usual early morning blood sugar and blood pressure readings, there were nothing else to do but await for time to ride out.

At 4:59 or just a minute before 5am, took off taking the intended mapped route. As it was still dark, I had to limit my speed as it was difficult to see the pot holes even with my shimano dynamo lights. When I reached "Tiendesitas" the Circle Monument was very prominent against the dawning sky that I decide to stop and took pictures. This picture was something I liked;

Daybreak at Tiendesitas

 "Black Beauty" at Daybreak

Nothing significant happened during the ride until I was at the corner of Wilson and Ortigas Avenue at Greenhills when I heard people shouting my name. It was the group of Ruth, Jesse and Party whom I assume to be meeting-up for a ride. I shouted back that I am trying to catch time which I hope they were able to understand. Later on the group overtook me at La Salle and it was only then that I found out that they are to attend the Retro Bike Event at Tiendesitas. Upon reaching ADB Avenue I have to bade good bye to all as proceeded to Tiendesitas and I turning left for home.

At about 6:58am or thereabouts I arrived Paragon Plaza having done 32.16Km in 01h56m27s with a 707kCal burned.

Plenty of time to prepare for a Sunday Mass.  Good bye "Mario"

Saturday BCP Friends 53.50Km Ride - Do Not Be Timid "Invite And They Shall Come"

Intended Route and Distance with Elevation

In the past, I have taken my rides on a Saturday or on a Sunday with extra rides on Holidays. These rides have been all solo except those that have been organised by Brompton Club of the Philippines (BCP) or by the Folding Bike Pilipinas (FBP).

As I do blog and or post my rides on the FB page of BCP and my friends,  I have received a number of comments why I have not been inviting anyone on these rides. The main reason was that I was feeling timid and shy as I do not know if anyone would like to join, more so that I normally start my ride at 5pm (normally too early for young people) so that I could be back home by 9am. I still remember Ariel Arias II of BCP posting a comment onetime "do not be timid we are all brothers and sisters here". It was a very encouraging words so much so that for my scheduled ride of today 13Sep14 I gathered courage and posted on the BCP FB page as an "Open Invitation" to all who might be interested to join the ride.

Secretly I was telling myself that should by any chance there be none to join, I then just go ahead as what I do every Saturday. However, even if only one will join it will be a 100% increase in number. Today 13Sep14, at 5:00am there were five of us or 400% more than last Saturday.

At 5:04am (still in darkness) the following composed the group BRYAN RIVERA + REX DORIA + BENJAMIN FRANCIS (BIBO) ANTONIO + MELVIN PASCUAL (joined the group at Meralco Avenue) and AMADO CASTRO. Our ride intentions was  to complete a 56.93km as mapped on a route above (first picture).

The Group

2 kilometres into the ride we met with MELVIN at Meralco Avenue who bears bad news that a Meralco post has been downed by a wayward truck causing a traffic to both north and south bound of Meralco Avenue. The group decided immediately to detour on St. Paul Street and proceed to Lanuza Avenue and return on track at Ortigas Avenue.

In was during this stage of the ride that I made a big rookie mistake that I will pay heavily on  latter stage of the ride. I was leading the pack and instead of keeping on my usual pace mode, I was feeling young as my BCP buddies who were only a third or a half of my age. The pace from thereon until crossing the Katipunan Road was beyond my normal.

However, let me first backtrack, after traversing Felix Avenue, daybreak was already at hand, however, a sudden heavy downpour of rain required the group to take shelter on a gas station for about 10-15 minutes before finally deciding to just continue with the ride despite of the rain.

The first test of a hill climb was at Marcos Highway just after passing SM Marikina and joining Aurora Boulevard to Katipunan Road. The young ones were really powerful and had no problem in ascending the stretch which was a lung buster for an old man like me. I still remember in the past when I first joined the BCP ride that it was BRYAN RIVERA and JO KANLAPAN who baby sat me on our ride from BGC to UP pushing me on hilling stretches (which was a great help).

As expected when we reached the stretch of Cubao area it was a battle for the share of the road wherein the jeepneys and other vehicles were congesting the road. Taking the right side of the road is a dangerous side as the jeepneeys when they stop suddenly swerves to the right and the passenger they just alight with out looking. However, should you choose the left side of the road you could easily be side swept. Anyways, you just use you wise judgement as the need arises.

Reaching Lacson Avenue we were supposed to head towards Nagtahan Bridge but the container truck traffic was terrible that again the group decided to instead take the Legarda flyover then to Ayala Bridge before turning to Jones bridge and crossing the centre lane by foot to proceed to the Aduana Monument opposite the Customs House ruins.

The group stayed 15 minutes for rest and picture taking at the Aduana Monument.

It was here that we invited a "guest of honour" to grace our group picture..... "Heneral"

The Group with "Heneral"

It was after this rest that I started to feel the mistakes of my earlier pacing ...... payback time. Along the stretch of Roxas Boulevard I could feel the fatigue although same was bearable. Airport Road to Lawton Avenue it was already like my normal speed was down to 11kph and then the long lung busting stretch of Lawton all the way to BGC which was like crawling.  I think the group could already see the agony in my face that we decided to have a drink and banana at BGC.

15 minutes after we were back on the road to 8th Avenue and down to JP Rizal Extension. Just after entering JP Rizal along the Bliss Homes in the area muscles on both my right and left tights froze, I was having cramps on both tights that I could not pedal and was afraid to stop as I might not be able to hold myself upright. Luckily the group were immediately in my assistance to guide me on the side of the road.

It did take a brainer to decide to terminate the ride as with still the uphill grind at Guadalupe flyover and the Edsa stretch to Pioneer street it was an impossible task.  The group waved a taxi and REX joined me for the taxi ride to ensure that I reach Paragon safely. Goodbyes were said to the three others who have to complete the ride and proceed to their respective homes.

Anyways the total distance logged was 53.50km with the following route recorded;

The Final Route taken and Distance Logged

It took us only 3 minutes to reach Paragon from where we alighted the taxi. REX proceed on bike to SOGO where he is residing and I have to straighten my walk when I enter my home as if nothing happened nor matter and with a big smile and loud voice of "Good Morning" to my loving wife.

Thank you BRYAN, MELVIN, BIBO and REX I hope you all enjoyed the ride. As what MELVIN texted me after I reached home maybe next time we just limit the ride to 30-40 kilometres with breakfast in between for carbo-loading and fellowship.

Pictures can be seen at;
https://plus.google.com/photos/100678127252451474640/albums/6058402016051638577?banner=pwa

Happy weekend to all.

Saturday Ride - 6Sep14 56.39 Km

Given only the chance to ride during weekends, I was already feeling excited the night before. I was sitting by myself and  contemplating on which route to take. Using the MapMyRide software, I executed my ride in my computer tracing the streets to take and turns to make. In the end my planned route looks more or less like this;

I tried to have an early evening sleep so as to have the necessary power for the ride, however, I just could not sleep,  probably the adrenaline of the thought of the bike ride (excitement). Furthermore, my scalp was really itchy as I just had my hair dyed earlier during the day.

Woke up at 4:15am and did my early morning medical routine checking my blood sugar (100 mg/dL) and blood pressure (124/80) were the registered readings and then after  took my preventive medicines all 8 tablets in one single gulp. Looking at my watch it was only 4:40 then and still too dark outside that I did not want to risk the ride under darkness but rather prefer to ride out just about daybreak for safety reasons. This gave me ample of time to check emails and even take a look at my FB account.

At exactly 5:18 still under darkness, I started pedalling heading to the general direction of Meralco Avenue then to Ortigas extension bound for Rosario Junction. Barely a 100 meters after starting, I noticed that my middle gear would not engage and that only the 1st and 3rd would engage on either high or low gears thus giving me only 4 speed on both ends without the middle gear. I contemplated if I would continue my ride or just return. However, the devil in me just keep no prodding to go go go. (I need to have my gears tuned and I do not know how to do it myself).

 By the time I reached Rosario Junction it was already daylight. I have used this route so many time times so there is nothing much to write about. I took the opportunity to try to shift to 2nd gear without releasing my thumb so that it would not snap to either 1st or 3rd which I noticed I can do so but need to exert pressure on the thumb levers which was painful but on emergency purpose could do so just to have the middle gear engaged. Then the rise from SM Marikina all the way to Katipunan, I have never managed this stretch without dismounting my ride but I was hoping to do it today. I started talking to myself and thinking of so many thing just so that my mind will be pre-occupied of other matters and forgot the lung bursting pedal.  One, two, three, etc., and finally I crossed Katipunan without dis-mounting. I could not belief it but was very jubilant inside me of the feat accomplished.

After just turning heading for Nagtahan Bridge I had to gather momentum to reach the summit of the bridge with ample gear speed. Managed to do so without any problem and just as I was about to relax a motorcycle crossed my heading and greeted me a good morning. Of course, I greeted as well with loudness the person a "Good Morning". He said "I am Jak Bausa". I have been exchanging chats and comments at the FB with Jak and readily know him by name. He complemented me of my ride "Black Beauty" and thank him graciously. All these conversion while both of us were in motion at Nagtahan Bridge. He invited me for a coffee, but, have to begged off as I promised my wife that I would be back home by 9am. With pleasantries we bade each other goodbye and I turned right after Nagtahan Bridge to headed to UN Avenue.

Its nice to meet and greet with you Jak Bausa. I hope to have that coffee in the very near future.

Did not took long and I was already approaching Jones Bridge. I crossed the lane and headed to the old Aduana Building (Customs House/Ruins) and it was here that I decided to stop, have a drink and do my photo ops;

 After the photo ops I have to double up pedalling as I might not reach home by 9am. Just after NAIA3 I could already feel fatigue and was afraid that I might have not paced myself properly. I knew I had only one obstacle to handle and that is the stretch going up the cover leaf at Guadalupe to EDSA and then on to Paragon Plaza which is stiff and long ride and with my middle gear mal-functioning I was not happy of the situation to come.

When the time came to actually pedal my apprehensions were but only of the mind as I was able to hurdle the ride without alighting the bike although it was really a lung buster.

I arrived Paragon Plaza at 9:05am (missed my target time by 5 minutes) having accomplished 56.39Km in 03h29m20s and burned 1736Kcal. Another great ride for myself and looking forward to my next ride. Meantime, I have to make time and visit a bike mechanic and have my gears tuned up.

Have a greet weekend guys!

The Day After / Road Test - Upgrade Report, Prognosis and Critique

31Aug2014 - The Day After / Road Test - Upgrade Report, Prognosis and Critique

Feeling excited today to do my road test of "Black Beauty" after her upgrade last 28-29Aug2014. I was up early preparing for my ride at 4am doing my early morning routine of blood sugar test and blood pressure recording. At 5:04am I was on the saddle and hitting the road.

Meantime, let me back track on what were upgrades about in particular and who were tasked to do the job.

There were two shops that I was considering, BPM in Makati and Coolstuff1608ph at La Loma Quezon City. With the former, the plus factor was that the location was near my residence and that the bike mechanic JR and shop manager Maryann are known to me and of which I have a great rapport with. However, the con side is that I do not know the shop owner.  For the latter, main consideration was Philip Tan although not personally known to me is an active chat buddy with Brompton Club Philippines (BCP) and by me on FB and they have done a number of upgrades for me. The con side is that their shop is very far from my residence and that the mechanics are unknown to me. I guess the main tipping factor on the decision was Philip Tan.

Having decided on Coolstuff168ph, I made firm contact with Philip Tan and agreed basically over the phone over the project, As requested by Philip, I wrote a Job Order so as not to forget anything. Listed hereunder was the INITIAL Job Order;

(1)  Upgrade installation work from 3 speed to 6 speed BWR. Complete wheel kit part 19449 inclusive retro-fitting manual (owner supplied)

(2)  DR gear cable set complete M type LW B Part 9012053 (owner supplied) required for upgrade installation item (1) above.

(3)  Two (2) pieces Schwalbe Marathon Plus (owner supplied)  to be installed on front existing wheel and on the wheel set of upgrade 6 speed BWR.

(4)  Installation of RIDEA Head Set (owner supplied) purchased with Coolstuff on 27Aug14.

(5)  Coolstuff to supply and install RIDEA brake levers (GOLD).

(6)  Coolstuff to supply and install BikeFun Chain Tensioner and pulleys (GOLD/Coppery) instead of what is included on upgrade kit as per item (1) above.

(7)  Install Bike48 Handle Bar Catcher Bolt Gold (owner supplied)

(8)  After completion of the above, test bike for functional gearing and folding mechanism.

During the course of repair additional work/upgrade were decided as follows;

(1) Supply and install RIDEA Oval Power Chain 48t

(2) Supply and install Gold Bell

(3) Upgrade to Ti Bolt for handle Post

      During the course of the upgrade Philip was constantly communicating with me via messenger as if I was physically present at Coolstuff168ph shop. He provides updates and pictures on how things are moving and any problem encountered is discussed immediately for shift decision. This part of the service is highly commendable of which personal touch was provided to the job at hand. On Friday 29Aug14 at around 4pm I already had Black Beauty in my possession.

     On Saturday 30Aug14, Teddy Trajano, the buyer of my replaced Schwalbe Marathon Tyre coordinated with me to pick-up the item at my residence at 10:30am. When time came that Teddy was announced by our reception lobby and proceeding to my unit, it was only then I have the tyres taken from storage and brought out. To my surprise I noticed that the tyres were marked "Schwalbe Marathon Plus" I am pretty sure that my old tyres are not PLUS but the regular ones. I looked at the bike and saw that my old tyre were still the ones installed. I could not believe it because Philip sent me a picture (pictured above) of the PLUS fitted. Although, we have had issues to resolve during the period of the correct snag fitting as pictured below, we both assume that the tyres fitted when I collected the bike were the Marathon Plus. Being a Saturday Coolstuff were closed. However, I messaged Philip of the situation and requested him to call me of which I would like to know why and how things happened. Meantime, Teddy arrived in my unit and had to explain with embarrassment to him that item sold to him were still fitted on the bike and sorry for him but lucky for me I did not turnover the Marathon Plus to him.

      After ten minutes so, Philip called and he himself cannot believe why the Marathon Plus was not fitted. Without too much ado, these were the words of assurance from Philip;

"Sorry sir. I am thinking nagkalituhan kasi we kept trying to mount and dismount the tires. Sorry talaga sa hassle"

"But i will take this as a challenge to improve our service"

"Yes sir thats what i will do first thing if i have to do it myself i will"

      How I wish things trend out perfect, however, short of the same, I am very much comfortable of the words and assurance from Philip.

      Meantime, maybe just as an unsolicited advise to Coolstuff, it would be a best operational practise to designate a staff as "Quality Auditor" wherein he/she is not directly involve in the mechanical work or project and whose task will be only to do the final check on any work order and making sure that things were done as per JO. As they say any good thing can still be improve, you need only an open mind.

On the matter of the test run and the upgrades, I would like to site the following;

1) The upgrade from 3 speed to 6 speed BWR Hub was worth the effort and the money. However, for those buying their next B the best advice is always go for the 6 speed the price different from the 3 speed is only about a $100 but you know you have more rather than less gears when needed. 

2) RIDEA Oval Power Chain - I am really happy that I decided to have this upgraded. I felt during my test ride the power it gave me. There was no dead spot as you tackle the hills. Definitely worth the money and would recommend to others.

3) RIDEA Head Set - I would not be an authority as to the mechanical advantage, but, aesthetically this looks great i my bike and or the small cost a define yes.

4) BikeFun Titanium Tensioner and Pulley - This item is very expensive unless you are very extravagant, it is not a essential one. Looks great but cost great as well.

5) The Schwalbe Marathon Plus - they say that the most important part of the bike is the one that touches the ground as it gets the major beating. I still have to see how this tyre functions, but, reading from the net, I feel happy to pay for P3,500 per piece.

6) The RIDEA Brake Levers - again not necessary and essential as the Brompton brake levers are good, but, because of the Gold colour again only for cosmetic purposes.

7) Others - Bell, bolt, etc. purely for cosmetic purposes.

       My test ride took 35.37 Kilometers in 2h 14m 45s. 

       Monday's schedule bring back bike to Coolstuff168ph and have the old tyres delivered to Teddy Trajano. 

Folding Bike Philippines (FBP) - MUP MAh Ride

August 25, 2014

Folding Bike Philippines (FBP) organised for 25Aug14 the MUH MAh Ride of MOA-UP-Makati ride. Riders were given options on where to start their ride either at Makati with meet-up at Tryon Bike Shop at 6am and ride out at 6:15am or at Aing Tonya sat the Jetti MOA meet-up at 6:45am and ride out at 7:15am. I opted for the Makati start.

As I was coming from Paragon Plaza at Reliance EDSA in Mandaluyong I left my place at 5:40am to give ample time for the Makati meet-up at Tryon Bike Shop.

True enough I arrived Tryon with plenty of time to spare although most of the group where already there. At exactly 6:15am with 20 or so plus riders the group proceeded to MOA to join the main group for the UP leg of run. At a moderate and relax speed the group arrived at the Jetty MOA at around 6:50am.

The main peloton had its ride briefing conducted by Carol STiamzon 7:05 and proceeded to ride out destined to UP at 7:15am. Mustering of riders was undertaken in which 48 riders were accounted for.

The group was originally destined to have its breakfast at BULALO REPUBLIC after UP, however, as the ride was behind schedule and that the restaurant is only open to serve buffet breakfast till 10am, it was decided that breakfast was to be taken first before UP.

Upon reaching Tomas Morato all riders stopped at BULALO REPUBLIC for breakfast. I was surprised that this restaurant serves buffet breakfast for P100.00 per head with a good variety of food. I guess the owners are banking on the volume of patrons to earn. As they are still open and serving I just assume that business is good although I have my doubts.

After breakfast the group proceeded to UP with a small number already opting to say their goodbyes due to work or appointment commitments. At around 10am the group arrived at the UP Oblation for picture taking and horse playing.

The group will still be riding back to Makati and end their ride at Tryon Bike Shop. However, I bade farewell to the group so that I could reach home before 11am .

Riding solo fromUP to Paragon, I mustered enough strength and  took Kalayaan Flyover to shorten the ride.As expected it was a lung buster but I manage the height of the flyover with strength to spare. From Valle Verde 6 took a right turn to Ortigas Avenue and again it was a lung bursting uphill climb all the way to Meralco Avenue. Thereafter, it was easy ride to Paragon Plaza.

At exactly 11am I arrived home.

Great ride 48.09 km. Thank you to all riders and am looking forward to join the group next time.

Here is a collage of the pictures taken during the ride. As they are too small to view those who are interested my view the complete picture folders at this link;

 https://plus.google.com/photos/100678127252451474640/albums/6051349158844126913?banner=pwa

Saturday Bike Ride - 23Aug14 32.07km

August 23, 2014 - 6:00am

Considering I already had my once a week ride last Thursday being a holiday, I was contemplating on having a short and easy ride today as I have plans to join the FBP MOA-UP-Makati ride on Monday (holiday- National Heroes Day) as organised by Xander Chua.

Going through my usual pre-ride routine check-up, I switched on my Polar V800 and waited for GPS lock-in, however, for whatever reason I have been standing still to lock on a satellite feed for almost 10 minutes, but, could not get the right signal. This normally takes only less than a minute. After a while I finally obtained and locked on the signal, however, barely a kilometer away,  the signal was lost. I had to stop and lock to GPS. Again, after some time the signal was back and proceeded to bike.  Again, barely 4 kilometres or so,  the signal was again lost. I got annoyed and just switched off the GPS. I do not know what was really wrong hopefully its not the gadget, but, I times the satellites are having signal problem.

I told myself that I just make use of the MapMyRide Software and trace the route I have taken to obtain the mileage for the whole ride.

Today was the first time I passed Aurora Boulevard from Anonas all the way to after crossing EDSA. I thought that traffic in Novotas Sagandaan was terrible when I last joined the firefly brigade ride, but, this sector of Aurora Boulevard is worst. Too many jeepneys and no sense of traffic rules that they just stop any where along the road either to load or unload passengers. Given a choice, I do not think I will again pass this route.

After Cubao things were back to normal and the remainder on the ride was uneventful.

The ride was 32.07 kilometres. Not bad for a Saturday Ride.

Ninoy Aquino Day Bike Ride - 38.72 Km

Today 28Aug14 is Ninoy Aquino Day and is an official holiday in the Philippines. Being able to ride "Black Beauty only on a Saturday or a Sunday, a holiday is an added opportunity as it is as well a bike ride day for me, a very welcome respite from daily grind.

The night before I was not able to make any plan as to the destination and distance, so,  I had to on the spot make a decision. The following was my complete route taken;

Started at Paragon Plaza in EDSA to
Meralco Avenue Pasig all the way to Meralco Ortigas
Ortigas Avenue passing Galleria, La Salle, Greenhills and all the way to Gilmore
Gilmore/Aurora Blvd to SM Sta Mesa all the way Nagtahan
Crossed Natahan Bridge to UN Avenue and right to SM Manila and City Hall
City Hall to Intramuros then to Anda Circle
Roxas Boulevard all the way to Baclaran then to NAIA 3
NAIA 3 to BGC passing 8th Avenue to JP Rizal Extension
JP Rizal to Guadalupe the EDSA until Reliance at Paragon Plaza ..... 38.72km

The ride was pleasant and enjoyable. Aurora Boulevard was being asphalt over laid so that a certain portion of westbound lane from Gilmore to UE was closed. Thinking I need not follow the rerouted route, I passed the newly overlaid asphalt and my front tyre just dug-in and got embedded. Wow, the workers did not know how to react, but, before they could get angry,  I had so many sorry and apology expressed that they instead just let it slide. Bad of me, will not do it again.

Just after Intramuros, what I normally just hear over the news I was able to witness first hand, the long queue of trucks carrying containers, wow, I have no words to express the traffic it creates although they only occupy the left most lane. I think the problem is that the container port cannot be situated in the heart of the city itself. The only solution is relocate the container port of Manila either in Batangas or Subic. The early they do it the better. There is no magical solution at hand.

Lastly, although my 3 speed was just enough, I was hoping I have more speed in my gears so that I could have an easier climb on areas needed. I cannot wait for my 6 speed BWR upgrade which I have already ordered from SJScycles in UK. Hopefully it arrives next week.

Enjoy the rest of the day and here is a collage of photos taken during the ride.