Fine weather, perfect for a cross-Saturday country mountain biking!

There were storms spotted lately in some parts of the archipelago and one was cited near Surigao del Norte that causes some rain showers in Cagayan de Oro. It’s raining lately especially during late afternoon here but thank Heaven it was a very fine Saturday morning when we started out our Baungon-Kinawe mountain biking! That was my 3rd time to do biking in Baungon, a municipality located in the northern part of Bukidnon province. It has rough but usually wide trails that travel across 2 municipalities – Baungon and Libona. This ride usually takes 5 to 7 hours.  We took off from Cagayan de Oro around 8AM via SM-Lumbia route.

From our usual meeting place in CAP at Gaerlan St., we warmed up ourselves on ascending to Pryce Hotel then all the way up to Gran Europa. I started to heat up after passing Oro Gardens as Demzy and I were kidding around, competing, overtaking each other, knowing that we’re close to our first stop.  We regrouped ourselves at Lumbia Airport gate. I was still catching my breath as my heart’s beating hard and fast, murag kalaspagon likely a result after days without training. Hmm, not really training. I just skipped last time on the Haway ride and my 6km commute ride thrice a week isn’t just enough. Tinatamad akong bumangon sa umaga kase madalas puyat!

Cabula Bridge

Okay, nakarefresh na after eating some bought bananas. We rushed downhill in Cabula down to the Baungon-Mambuaya crossing. We took our breakfast there. At 10AM  we descend to the rough curve road leading to Cabula bridge. We passed Cagayan river which means, we’ve crossed the border of CDO and Bukidnon. This is usually the place where white water rafting ends. This bridge connects the province of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. It leads to some barangays in Baungon such as found on the southeast region- Liboran, Imbatug, Salimbalan, Mabungao, Balintad and San Vicente; and to southwest part – Lingating, Danatag, San Miguel, Kalilangan, Lacolac, Buenavista and Mabuhay.

Long hot stretch road to Baungon poblacion

After spinning for about 5 kilometers, you’ll see a 15-km long straight rough road that slowly ascends and ends in the main town of Baungon. It was around 11AM and the heat crawls beneath my jerseys and warmers. Mirage forms ahead and the road seems to be endless. Every side of it are wide farms planted with different crops from corns, sugarcane, and rice!

Kabalo ba mo? The water in the irrigations that supports ricefields in Baungon comes from the Cagayan river. Baungon is about 1,500 feet high and water climbs up without using pumping machines. I don’t know how it’s done. Baka ginamitan na ng physics or di kaya magic tricks?

Shot taken during my 1st ride in Baungon

We’ve reached Baungon Public Terminal at 11AM and had our early lunch there. Medyo busog pa ako ’cause I had early breakfast and brunch already. But I need to recharge myself with energy. ‘Di bale nang laspag, ‘di naman gutom. It’s also the last place where foods and water are available enough to sustain us in the remaining hours of biking to Kinawe, Libona. Unlike any markets, the whole place seems a bit quiet. There are just few people around. It was calm but the tinderas were goofy! We were kidding around while having our lunch in their carenderia. The water tastes different too! Is it because we think it’s natural or we’re just thirsty? We left the terminal at 12noon.

At some few kilometers ahead, we turned away from the main road and rushed down on this rough road with loose rocks then ended up in a very beautiful and enchanted scenery! We’ve reached the dam where two rivers meet. I am not sure if these waters come from the Kitanglad mountain range. I am so sure these waters are truly amazing and refreshing!

Looking down below..

‘Di na kami nagtagal and after some photo shoots, we grabbed our rigs and headed for the steepest ascent of this journey. The whole part has 4 turns, shaped like an S, probably looks like those in Mangima parang bituka! I wanted to finish that steep hill with my lightest gears and without dismounting but I don’t want to miss out taking photos of the views. It took me about half an hour before reaching the top. We rest in a waiting shed in Sitio Pantunan, Nangka, Libona, Bukidnon. Elevation? Around 1,750 feet.

We took a rest.. phew…..

Rocky steep downhill to Kinawe

After the steep ascent, about a kilometer ahead, we descend to a rocky road that seems to lead us into the forest. It’s as long as the Nangka ascent and ends in a wooden bridge that crosses a stream. That would be the 3rd time we’ve crossed a bridge. Then  we continued our journey, as the road went smaller until we stumbled upon a wooden gate and went through a cattle ranch, climb up to the last hill and we were caught in the rain at the last part of the ascent. Finally, we exit to Kinawe and spinned fast as we passed different farms. There were on-going construction that somehow got us in trouble and took us a lot of time to wait.

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crossing the last bridge in Kinawe

The whole ride was amazing! We’ve not just crossed rivers and streams, not  just countries nor bridges but paths that tested our minds and hearts. Paths that would seem to tear you apart but with support and camaraderie, you’ll regain strength that powers up your legs as together you spin all the way up and from there, you’ll be looking down those trails that you thought you might not be able to go through. The long traveled distance shortened by the relieving beauty of nature and friendship strengthened by rocks along the trail, these are just few of the gifts that could not be bought nor borrowed but are obtained from determination and courage to succeed!

The time that we arrived in Indahag, the last part of the trail, is the time when I realized how lucky I am to experience an amazing journey with amazing buddies.

From left to right: Mr M, Doods Yasay, Rusty Billedo, Goma, Matt Baluyos, Joel Haguisan at Baungon Dam

Stunning view from Mt. Dulang-Dulang peak

Mt. Dulang-Dulang, also called “D2″, is highest peak in the Kitanglad Mountain Range and the second highest mountain in the Philippines at 2,938 meters above sea level. This mountain serves as a sacred place and ancestral domain to the Talaandig tribe of Lantapan in Bukidnon. There are also sightings of rare species and endemic wildlife such as the monkey-eating eagle known as the Great Philippine Eagle.

How can a typical lowlander like me can withstand the cold and the stunning view from the top?

Day 1. June 12. It took us about 3 hours to travel from Agora Terminal in Cagayan de Oro  until we reached Binahon Agro-Forestry Farm and Lodging House in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon.  We met Cholo and Per as they shared us their “Linie Aquavit”. While waiting for dinner, some of us warmed up a bit with coffee, Tanduay, chicharon,  and mani, as everybody cheered “Skull!” At 8:50 PM, we had buffet dinner, served with organic lettuce salad, fresh native chicken soup, and dinuguan brought by our group.  After dinner, we had our final trek plan briefing. Lights went off at 11 and spent our first night in the cozy sleeping quarters of BAFF.

Day 2. June 13 at 8AM. Our trek starts with a send-off prayer in BAFF and walked a few blocks to the datu’s place. We had pictures with Datu Malunay and started our initial ascend to Mt. Dulang-Dulang.

Ascending to the foot of Mt Dulang. First part of the trek.

It was a fine morning when we started our trek on a rocky, muddy wide trail. We passed by some lettuce farms, polite local farmers, and caromata filled with harvested crops. There is also a long huge pipe installed in the ground that provides water to the local community below. While trekking, one could see another mountain range behind us and several farms are clearly visible along its slopes. After almost two hours of hiking, we came into a junction of an old concession road and had our first stop there.

Rest before entering the forest line.

1st stop. We were already at 5,750 feet and the sky started to gloom. We’re still not in the forest line as trees and tall grasses were still familiar and are common to see on lowlands. Conversations started like “how was the 1st hour trek? kapoy ba? (is it tiring?)” as we passed the trail foods to each other’s hands. A couple of minutes after, Cholo, Per, Henry Binahon’s team walked ahead of us while we continue chatting, resting, and crunched some trail bits. “See you at the top guys!”

Rain Forest. We’ve reached the forest line in Kitanglad mountain range and interesting sights started to appear. We walked over a long large fallen log as it seems to serve as bridge along the trail. There were logs lying across the trail and sometimes we need to climb over it carefully as some parts are mossy. Around 11AM, it started to rain. We grab our raincoats and continued our trek to the middle of the forest.

Lunch time. We stopped near a water source (50 meters estimate away from the water) and had our lunch with chili sisig. We were already 6,810 feet and temperature’s starting to cool down to 20 degrees. Some of us started to shiver as the rain’s pouring gently on our coats. Water containers, bottles, and hydration packs were refilled with a very cold spring water before we continued our journey.

Muds, waters, and colds. The rain continued to pour as waters started to erode some parts of the trail. Our shoes were covered with mud and some of us were soaked wet. We’re challenged by the large slippery logs that block the trail, loose soils, slippery roots, and the cold that slowly crawls within our arms and legs. It will still took us hours until we reached the camp site. We had our 3rd stop over under a fallen tree for a regroup and re-filled our water containers in a nearby water source.

Camp site. Finally, after hours of hiking with heavy, wet loads and clouded mind, I was relieved to see the camp site. I started to shiver as my hands started to numb while cutting and knotting strings for our tent. I was soaked wet that time (too bad I didn’t have enough thermal suits) but still managed to change dry clothes outside our tent. Cernan handed me a mug of hot coffee and took a sip as I passed it around the camp. Just when I started to shiver again, I hurriedly went inside our tent and felt unpleasant headache. Karl gave me a medicine and took a rest. Zzz…

““The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution” – Bertrand Russell

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Silent night, alcoholy night. Things started to heat up now. Laughter filled the cold ambience and cold spring waters were replaced with hard beverages. Though I passed the tagay, I joined the conversation and even laughed at some stories where starring ‘ko. There were jokes, serious topics.. hmm yeah, there were a lot of jokes! It was fun! We were playing with spotlights. I’m glad we made it to the top. We’re safe. That night, the comfort of the fleece covered me, with gloves and socks on my limbs, bonnet on my head, I slept very well.

Sunrise at Mt. Dulang-Dulang peak. Day 3. Woke up around 5AM, I hurriedly grab the cam and joined the guys to the summit. It’s just a few steps away from the camp site and from the bushes and mossy trees, a stunning overlooking scene was revealed. A reward that awaits to every mountaineer who surpasses all the challenges. Priceless. Stunning.

Sunrise. View from Mt. Dulang-Dulang summit.

You can view more Mt. Dulang-Dulang pictures here.

Pre-climb at Malasag

Big day tomorrow. It’s our country’s Independence Day. Freedom. Another adventure in Bukidnon, one of my favorite places in the country, for the Mt. Dulang-Dulang – Mt. Kitanglad traverse. Things are ready, ahh medyo ready. Even if things at the workplace were stressful, I should not wear out. Expect for the worst. Windy and cold rains on those mountains, I should be strong even in wet conditions. Still there are questions unanswered. There were mixed of feelings – excitement, nervous, worries, paranoias. It’s like having a first epic cross-country mountain biking. What it’s like to cross over unknown terrains? Am I prepared enough for such outdoor activity?

Conquering the peak of Mt Dulang-dulang(2nd) and Mt. Kitanglad(4th) is one of the quests a Pinoy mountaineer can have. Aside of being listed in the top 5 highest peak in the Philippines, these two giants serves as home to different wild species like uhm.. a wild man looking for his water bottle?

There’s nothing wrong with thinking too much about the risks and expecting the worst. Plan ahead. Easy to say, but not quite hard to do. Perhaps I should not forget about the reason behind all of these tiring outdoor activity. The pleasure of being alone with the nature, the calmness when you get at the peak, the green surroundings that gives you enough energy to enjoy life more and cleansed our tiring souls. But that’s when you reach a camp, after a long trekking, with forest rains expected, muds on faces and limbs, sweat and to these natural cuts from sharp grasses and leaves. Thought about getting rest for weekend, why it seem everybody’s wearing themselves out. It’s hard to explain. There are cases that I personally whine about how steep a hill or how far the destination is. The thought of being THERE maybe one of the reasons why I’m so in love with outdoors. It’ll gonna be awesome!

View from the highest point in Malasag, facing Bukidnon. Clouds covered Mt. Kitanglad.

mountaineer equipments

In preparation for the D2K (Mt. Dulang-dulang to Mt. Kitanglad) Traverse mountain climbing this coming June 12-15, ATTACK decided to organize an event for the benefits of the members – the BMC or basic mountaineering course. Though the group have been into mountaineering for the past years, it would be necessary to have this course where most of the mountaineers here in the country (or even in other countries) serves this as a prerequisite before a major climb.

Seagull Mountain Resort

Cross-country mountain biking from Davao to CDO – a ride that most people think it’s crazy! Travel to Davao just to mount the rigs on the starting point instead of taking a break to some famous nature park in the city. Why am I doing this?

To think of something we believe impossible is easy. When actually looking at impossible thing from a different perspective could somehow give us an idea on achieving at least closer to it. It’s a challenge with uncertain results. A challenge that tests ourselves. Who knows we could actually make it to the next level?

It’s not about how far you’ve traveled on a mountain bike in a day. It’s not just reaching the destination. It’s the experience on the road. The camaraderie, different people bond together on the highway, with amazing sceneries and challenges on both steep ascends and descends!

A couple of months ago, our klub thinks of something to do on the 4 non-working days in Holy Week. We’ve decided to cross-country, from Davao to Cagayan de Oro. I thought about – “am I ready?” Everybody seems so excited about it. I am excited! I am ready! My mind and heart are ready! But my legs aren’t. Mindset won’t work if I’m not physically set to such ride.

Butuan, epic training for Davao.

Epic rides training. There were still 4 remaining Saturdays for epic rides before the Davao trip. An epic ride is a long ride that sums up to more than a hundred kilometers. We have 4 epic rides lined up before Holy Week – Iligan, Butuan, Salay, and Talakag. Iligan has a total of about 160kms, Iligan-CDO-Iligan. We left CDO at 7AM and returned home around 7PM. There are cases that it’s impossible to complete a circuit in a day especially when riding in groups. Unlike Talakag (60kms+) and Salay(140kms+), from CDO going to Butuan City sums up to approximately 190kms already!

Butuan ride was tagged as “unfinished business”. We actually did not push to Butuan when we could still descend our way down to the city after a steep ascend in Magsaysay, a border between Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao. We got injured comrades and decided to halt in Carmen. We wanted to finished the course. I could still make it to Butuan aside from experiencing joint pain in my right knee that started in the mid-part of the ride. But we can’t leave men behind and we can have it next time. To me, Butuan ride was one of the most painful experience I had in mountain biking but it was priceless.

Testing out the walls

Side trips at Quezon, Bukidnon. We left CDO around 5AM. After 3 hours, we stopped at our klubmate’s place and went to our side trips – climbed on the white rock walls of Quezon and took a plunge on its cold spring from caves beneath. Then, we head back to the our klubmate’s place and took our lunch then rest for an hour. We left Quezon around 2PM and continued our trip to Davao City.

DAVAO CITY. We arrived in Davao around 5PM. We had our early dinner with these deep-fried fresh tilapias and then checked in a dormitory at Davao City. There we unhook our bikes from our sag vehicles, put on the tires and brakes for tomorrow’s epic ride. That night, we had a couple of beers just to cool down our gears.

My sleep that night restored me up to 100% health power – a good start for the epic cross-country mountain bike ride tomorrow.

Bike Ride in Baungon Bukidnon

Tonight, I will be preparing for our 3-day epic ride from Davao to Cagayan de Oro. Just got the klub decals, bought extra long valve CST interior, and got my salary! Deposited some cash then checking emails, updating some of my online events here in an internet cafe here in Divisoria before getting busy. I will be bringing some shirts, jerseys, bike gears, sleeping bag and keep ‘em all in my awesome black Nike bag bought from divisoria night market a year ago.

Tomorrow, we will be leaving before sunrise to Quezon, Bukidnon where Cocoy Neri, a klub comrade, will be expecting us and show us this place where we could do some wall climbing and swimming in a spring. We will be having lunch there too! Sheep yeah! *hopefully if buhi pa ang karnero or we’ll end up karne sa iro*

By night, we will be arriving Davao and spend our night there.

Friday, our bike journey begins.. Setting up some light reflectors for an early morning take off from Davao then at some point, I am thinking of the ascends before reaching the Overview. It’ll be awesome! We won’t be riding at night so we will have to stop at Cocoy’s place again for an overnight.

Saturday, bike ride to Cagayan de Oro. A route with more descends compare to Davao-Quezon. I’ve been to Malaybalay twice and biking from the city to Kisolon Terminal was actually no-sweat probably because of the cold wind from a 60kph bike speed. Thinking of the ascend in Mangima at noon would be one of the challenges in this epic ride. Traffic, buses, cars, smokes are expected.

Bukidnon as it’s one of my favorite biking/tripping/visiting place in the planet, have been a magical place and even before when I was a kid, I have been visiting these places with my late mom as she enjoys collecting some orchids from Bukidnon.

As a cross-country mountain biker who have been travelling for 9 months now with my Rina the Rincon Giant hard tail bike, this epic ride surely be something that I’ll be proud of. A story that I am gonna share to the whole world. A ride that will unveil paths and crossing different adventures in my life.

God speed!