June 4, 2003, a sunny afternoon, I was on my way home, riding my bike along Commonwealth Avenue, the busiest road in Metro Manila. It was one of rare occasions that there were no traffic so the vehicles were all at high speed. I was tailing an elf delivery trailer truck with the speed of around 50-60 kph. I was approaching the Batasan area when suddenly out of nowhere, 3 women ran across the street. It was very much unexpected since there was a pedestrian pass directly above them. The truck without any warning hit its breaks to avoid the jaywalkers, but it was too late for me. I hit the tail end of the truck. I flew a few meters away, but instinctively stood up and run to my bike before I get hit by incoming vehicles. The truck was not aware of what happened and was starting to move away. Thanks to the bystanders who saw what happened, they shouted and manage to get the attention of the driver to stop. The driver and its companion helped me and offered to bring me to the hospital. May be because I was still shocked that time, I refused to be brought to the hospital. I didn’t want to bother them knowing that the accident was not their fault but the 3 irresponsible pedestrian. I was very glad that I was wearing a helmet. My body was really numbed and I didn’t even know that I was bleeding. After checking my bike (and very pleased that it was not damaged), I realized that I can not move my right arm. The pain was too much to handle. I took my cellphone to call my wife, but it was dead (d bale na ang cellphone wag lang ako…hehehe). I then asked the driver their destination, and if I can ride with them up to the area nearest to my house. They obliged and even offered to bring me home. But maybe due to too much confusion, I refused again (yes, I know its stupidity). It was really weird refusing their offer since my concern that time was to be in the safety of my home. (more…)

My body is aching all over. My arms and legs are really sore. It is because of an unforgettable weekend adventure. I was out mountain biking along a steep trail on the highest mountain in a certain province. It is very tiring but very exciting as well except from my terrible headache that tortured me all afternoon until evening of Friday. Although I carry my bike most of the time because of the deadly terrain, I enjoyed the experience.

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I borrowed my sis-in-law’s 8-year-old mountain bike which has a cross country type of aluminum frame and shimano alivio group set. It has the smooth and narrow type of tires unfit for dirt and rocky trails. It is fitted with such tires because it is often used on well-paved road as a service bike. Compared to the carbon, state of the art mountain bikes used by some members of the team, my bike was awfully ragged and old. Given my bike’s limitations, I did not encounter any problems, not even a flat tire as a rode it fast down the trail. It is such a dependable bike that made my first mountain biking experience fun and memorable. An experience that made me considered acquiring a mountain bike in the near future.

            Buknoy is my 4-year-old kid look alike! Hehehe…. Parang pinagbiyak d ba? But unlike daddy, he has a very strong personality for his age (mahiyain kasi talaga ako hindi lang halata….hehehe). He is a stubborn boy that will drain every ounce of patience you have. At bumait pa sya since he went to school. He started to attend school at age 3, and I clearly remember how relieved his mommy was when the owner of the school answered her query positively about non-expulsion of students with extreme naughtiness. My wife gained some confidence, when she learned that the teachers, the consultant, and even the owner were from the same college as hers. It is good to know that we can leave our son to a school run by people we can really trust. At hindi mapipikon sa kakulitan ng anak ko.  Papasok na si Buk sa school. (more…)

• total distance – 200 km uphill 
• endurance ride Z-3 – 70-80% maximum heart rate on climbs and 60-70% maximum heart rate on flats 

Last Saturday, March 10, upon the invitation of Ramon Valdez, I and Lloyd Reynante joined the Sustagen- QCCC executives training ride. We met at the Burger King along Marcos Hi-way at 0615, too early for me….hehehe…. since I live quite far from the place but I manage to be on time. The team was supposed to have their motor-paced ride with their trainer, but changed their mind and decided to do swapping instead. It’s ok, Lloyd and I knew that they will feel like they were motor-paced after the long afternoon ahead……hehehe……grogehan na to! 

      Lloyd and I set the pace almost throughout the ride. We went up to antipolo, down to Theresa, passing through Morong and Pililia before going up towards Bugarin, down to Mabitac, passing through Famy, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, and finally Pagsanjan, in the province of Laguna. On the way back, we finally decided to have a break in Bugarin to take our lunch kay manang. The break was well deserved after the climb. Lloyd was kidding Ramon that he will love his bed more after this ride. I added that he will definitely have a long afternoon sleep and it will already be dark when he wakes up.

After 30-45 min break, we decided to have an easy ride all the way home. I arrived at the house at around 1430. Took a rest, cleaned up, ate a little, and around 1700 rode my motorcycle to attend a very important commitment. Finally back at the house around midnight, fully exhausted. What a long day! But well worth it with nice people.

Sir Eduard Francisco, hope to meet you next time I ride with your team.