So… just recently I got into the one sport I never really thought I will get myself involved with… CYCLING/BIKING. I remember those days when I was driving along Daang Hari road and I see packs of bikers riding along the uphill/downhill slopes of the long winding road, and I always tell how I cannot understand the thrill of riding back and forth under the scorching heat of the merciless sun… I cannot even fathom the idea of waking up early just to sweat it out… sleeping out was just too scared for me to give up… THOSE WERE THE DAYS!
Now, ever since I got into biking…. I JUST CAN’T STOP. Now… I know what’s totally addicting with it. The thrill, the challenge and just the overall feeling of getting stronger each day you go for a ride. I started by just riding a few meters around our subdivision and a short trip to the nearby community mall. But now, I wake up at 6:30AM just to get a 30minutes ride and really sweat it out.
Wow… who would have thought I would love the feeling of getting down and dirty under the early sun just before doing everything that I need to do for the day… biking became my wake up call… You can say it has become my own form of meditation (luckily, I live on the outskirts of the metro and our subdivision is still surrounded by rice fields). I love the feeling of riding along the road and enjoying the view of the carabaos and goats, eating fresh grasses and seeing farmers tendering their beloved crops. Yes, it is the FARMVILLE life in the flesh. And I couldn’t help but smile and be thankful I live here.
Anyways, just a few days ago, my girlfriend and I decided to level it up a bit. We wanted to try going the distance and check if we can really go for a trail ride or even a trip to Tagaytay. But even though 30 to 40 kms is a short distance ride for most bikers, it didn’t felt that way for us.
Our point of origin was home, but we decided to drop by at the nearest 7-11 for breakfast (about 1 km away from home). After that, we decided to ride to The District Cavite (it’s located at the opening of Daang Hari about 7 to 8 kms from 7-11). We went there for a coffee break and for a short stroll since we were still undecided if we really are ready for the big step (for us, anyway).
At around 11:30AM (when the sun is at its finest), we finally decided to give it a go. So with our gears and all, we went on for our longest and hardest ride to date.
Our goal was to reach the Mcdonald’s at Evia City in Las Pinas. Whoa, we didn’t expect it to be that hard, and to think that riders think this is an easy and short ride. The heat did not made it any easier, we were challenged by the grilling sun and the humid wind, in short, and it was one hell of a moment for us. Yet, we chose to continue our journey, making the Mcdo, our ultimate reward.
So off we went, going up and down the “slopey” road… we came across some expert riders along the way and couldn’t even figure out how they make it look so easy. We saw that as a way to motivate us, if they can do it so can we… but then again, they are fit for it and has done it thousands of times… while us… well… you be the judge.
After an hour or so… we finally saw the huge “M” logo… and I couldn’t help but grin so big and think about all the fatty and oily things I can grab. We were beyond exhausted and hungry by the time we got there… but somehow the logo gave us a few extra energy (it’s probably an adrenaline rush). In a few quick pedals, we were right at its parking lot.
From the moment we got our orders, it was a blur. We ate and ate and ATE! It was literally gone in just a few minutes, taking one huge bite after another. As soon as we were done, that’s the moment when it finally thought about what just happened: WE DID IT! I know for expert bikers, it was nothing but if you can just imagine how sedentary our lives are and from that lifestyle to this…. It was an accomplishment!
We waited till the sun tamed for a bit to get home. Going home, we just tried to enjoy the view along the road. It isn’t something to be taken for granted. The view was really nice and since the road mostly lead downwards, the ride back going home was easier. I loved how the wind gently hits me as I increase my speed. And that was something that made me realize how great this newfound hobby is.
I know from that day onwards, I would be listing down the places I would want to ride to. And that started quick, right now, I was able to fit in my schedule a ride to Kawit and Dasmarinas, Cavite. Both were actually easier that the Daang Hari challenge, but I enjoyed it.
Next challenge: Tagaytay! Now, for that, I am sure how a bowl of steaming Bulalo can do wonders as a reward… I have to free off a day for that!
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