This post is archived from my old website.
Last week plans were made with Tugel for a Cardiac Hill climb in Sta. Rosa today. The whole day Monday not a word was heard from him. I was looking forward to this ride as I haven’t been riding lately — not by choice. Weather’s been $#!t.
Monday night I sent out a text to Tugel and Allan C., both Team Prima teammates, confirming Tuesday’s Cardiac Hill ride.
Both gave out reasons of not being able to do the ride. Even after I promised I’ll take it easy so they won’t have a hard time (HAHA! I’m kidding!).
So I decided to ride solo…
Solo ride again…
6 A.M. Tuesday, my alarm went off. I began thinking with a groggy brain as I turn the alarm off; deciding whether I should go and ride, or sleep some more then ride later. After a very loooong time debating with myself (all of 5 seconds) I just had to give in and go back to sleep.
10:30 A.M. Tuesday, after a late breakfast, I decided to stick to the plan and attack Cardiac Hill. I hate riding solo, but if I have to, then so be it.
It being late and not wanting to still be out riding in the dark I sent out a text message to Doc Riz. I asked his opinion on how long it will take for a leisurely-paced ride to Cardiac Hill and back.
“6 hours,” he replied.
After a few more confirmatory text messages he asked who I’ll be riding with.
“Ako lang. Sama ka? Tara! (Just me. Wanna join? Let’s go!)” I said, knowing he won’t be available but still hoping he is.
“Sama ako! (I’ll join you!)” he said.
Cool, I thought. I won’t be riding solo. We agreed to meet at Gran Trail Cycles, Cavite, at 1 P.M.
Grand entrance
When Doc Riz finally arrives at Gran Trail we set out, but not before me asking him our route, and not before me noticing his new bike, a Cannondale Rush. Easiest would be to ply Paliparan Road up to the end, turn left (Governor’s Drive) towards GMA and follow the road down to Carmona. Too dangerous with the high volume of motorized vehicle traffic.
Fastest route was pedal along Daang Hari, turn right at the Petron station in the corner of Daang Hari and Daang Reyna, and pass through the Victoria Homes route to San Pedro. But this will have quite a few climbs before we reach Carmona. We chose this for safety and for suffering.
With my unintentional time off the saddle I felt the pressure of trying to keep up with Doc Riz. My body kept reminding me I’m so out of shape. I keep slapping myself mentally upside the head because of this.
Climbing the road to the San Pedro Cemetery we started feeling a very slight drizzle. I looked up, decided it won’t be much of a threat, and continued pedaling and trying to catch up to Doc. He was out of sight.
Finally reaching Davy’s canteen I signaled to Doc to go in as I wanted a drink and maybe a little bite to eat, not having lunch before leaving due to the late breakfast. He “convinced” me to order a sandwich, which I gratefully did, giving me more time to rest. 😛
Danger looms
We continued as the sky was clear of rain clouds, breathing a sigh of relief knowing the drizzle earlier, which have stopped at this point, won’t turn into strong rains.
As we exit the Biñan subdivision adjacent to Southwoods, Doc, the trail master, started asking me if we should still continue to Cardiac Hill in Sta. Rosa or turn right along ascending Governor’s Drive towards GMA. He was concerned about the dark clouds we were seeing in the general area of Sta. Rosa.
“Bahala na, dun na tayo mag-decide (We’ll see, let’s decide at the corner),” I said.
When we reached the corner the dark clouds look scarier. We had a clearer view, unobstructed by trees that canopied the road.
“O, bahala ka! (OK, your call!)” I tell Doc.
Chickening out of the rain
He turns right on Governor’s Drive towards the climb to GMA. To take advantage of this ride/opportunity he suggested we turn left at the top towards Maguyam and Sta. Rosa then turn back and head down and continue on to GMA. I told him it would depend on how I felt. The heart is willing, but the body might be too weak.
“Sinira mo plano ko! (You ruined my plans!)” I jokingly shout; which he didn’t hear clearly. Now you know, Doc.
With Doc’s new climbing technique (he told me he found his style; he’s a masher while I’m a spinner) he easily lengthened the gap and left me behind as we climbed. Oh well, I had my iPod with Metallica, Slapshock, Guns N’ Roses, etc., blasting out my earphones keeping me company as I slowly ascended the road.
At the corner we refueled with Gatorade before attacking the Maguyam climb (road). As we were pedaling I informed him I have never been to the Maguyam trail. So he showed me the exit when we reached it, still far away from Sta. Rosa. When he assured me we can ride it down and we’ll end at the Carmona-Governor’s Drive intersection near Southwoods I gladly agreed to just go this route instead of continuing the Maguyam road climb.
I will finally be able to ride this trail, and at the same time our ride won’t be restricted to the pavement. Oh happy days!