I had my apprehensions when I began with the mere thought of riding around Laguna de Bay on my motorcycle. Just two weeks ago, my bike broke down in the middle of South Superhighway by the Magallanes flyover. Fortunately, I was on the downward slope, thus, had the momentum to push the bike on to the roadside.
Zhi was only two weeks old when my brother, who was taking a joyride inside the village, crashed her on to the curb–forever disabling her and permanently keeping him away from motorcycles.
Since then I felt that I would not be able to bring her on long rides out of town. Yet slowly, I gave her time to heal…and myself, some confidence on her. Four months later, during the summer of 2007, I took her to Bataan for her first long ride along with 12 other riders.
And I knew, deep in the recesses of my pseudo-biker instinct, that I would take that Laguna lake ride sooner or later. And on Monday, October 20th, I embarked on my latest motorcycle adventure.
Zhi and I left home at 3:10am for our ride around “Lake of Bay” via Rizal. This route would have me going northeast through the towns of Angono, Binangonan, Cardona, Morong and Tanay in Rizal and on to Laguna province. From the northeastern shore of the lake, the road would turn south through Pakil, Pangil, Paete, and on to Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz, Bay and Los Banos to the south of the lake, then northwards to Manila via Calamba, Carmona, Sta. Rosa and San Pedro.
I took a 15 minute break for that much needed coffee fix at a Shell gas station in Taytay. This would be my only break in this five-hour trip, with exception to the occasional stopover for photos.
An hour after leaving home, I found myself riding along the national highway through Rizal’s lake towns. This was before dawn and the sky drew no sign of sunlight possibly in to the next couple of hours. The heavens above displayed prominently. The wind brought a slight chill. The place handed wariness. The experience, so far, slid back and forth between excitement and uncertainty…and I liked it.
Little to my knowledge, the clear sky was hiding a band of rain clouds to the east, which would make the trip more eventful.
As dawn broke, I realized that it would soon rain over my dedicated route. But I kept my hopes high. Nothing, not even rain, would stop me from getting to the other side of Laguna de Bay and make a stop to Paete…except my inability to read signs.
Yes, I did get to the other side and was on the right course along the national highway, but I missed Paete by two towns. I didn’t know the ride would be so smooth that I did not even notice that I passed by my supposed halfway destination, one that I researched about–with the town’s colorful history of bakya manufacturing, lanzones, and its reputation as the woodcarving capital of the Philippines.
I was at Pagsanjan by the old church, thinking that I might have slipped in to some sort of portal. At this point the rain started to pour. First only as a drizzle, then on to become a huge deluge.
From Pagsanjan through Sta. Cruz, Bay, Los BanoS and Calamba, I rode the southern end of the lake under some heavy pelting.
Through the Laguna towns west of the lake was a beating on me and my bike. Traffic was heavy owing to the rush hour crowd, and it would be the news of the next couple of hours until I got home–after 194 kilometers in five hours and 43 minutes.
“Pure awesomeness,” as described by Jack Black in Kung Fu Panda, which I translate to this trip. And I owe it to my motorcycle, and the thrill that comes with riding.
Many have expressed apprehension, concern or fear about riding motorcycles. But I must say they are missing a lot. Then again, it’s a matter of choice. And I choose to brave the sun, the heat, the smoke, the potholes, the noise, the elements–all for the sake of riding. And riding is at its best outside the stresses of urbanity.
Riding a motorcycle for leisurely travel has its ups and downs. And here on, I highlight five highs of motorcycle touring.
1. It’s cheap - I left home with an empty gas tank for my Laguna de Bay trip. I filled up, totalling 650 pesos, at a gas station near our place. I rode for 194 kilometers around the lake, and got back home with more than half a tank of gas left. I reckon I spent less than 300 pesos on petrol for the whole trip.
2. It’s versatile - Found your self lost? Discovered a new road that you have not rode on before? Missed a turn and you want to go back? Easily done on a motorcycle. It’s very easy to maneuver (especially scooters). I missed the turn in Pagsanjan going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. As I rode along I realized that I was at Cavinti heading for Lake Caliraya. I turned around and got back on my route in no time.
3. It’s fast - Ok…I admit. My bike is big but slow. With its 200cc engine and a body as heavy as a helicopter, it is slower than your average 125cc underbone. And I think most of its power goes to carrying its own weight than actually carrying me. But let’s generalize. Motorcycles are smaller than four wheelers and therefore can easily weave through traffic. Getting from point A to point B is much faster on a motorcycle than a car. (Note: Getting all your gears on is time consuming, one setback in this statement.)
4. It’s spiritual - This one may be subjective but hear me out on it anyway. Being exposed to the elements brings you closer to your inner self. Not that because riding makes you want to pray for your safety all the time. It’s more about being one with your surroundings, and getting to internalize every moment. One of the reasons I go on solo rides is that I get to take in the experience more than riding with a group (but I also enjoy group rides).
5. It’s unique…everytime - There’s always something new when riding a motorcycle. Today is different from yesterday, and needless to say, I’m looking forward to the brand new riding experience tomorrow…even if it’s simply going to and from work on a daily basis.
Of course, there will always be the issue of danger when it comes to motorcycles. Every single day we grasp news or personally witness accidents involving these machines. And getting in to an accident in the middle of no where is undesirable. Mishaps are unavoidable. But these can be offset through safety and prevention. When riding, always wear complete gears–helmet, gloves, riding jacket (or spine protectors and elbow pads), knee and shin pads, and a pair of boots. Further, always do pre-ride check ups. You can visit MotorcyclePhilippines.com for more of this.
And this brings me to my concluding note, join me and the legions of more hard-core bikers out there, riding the roads and highways of this country in search of that momentary bliss and extant longing for more rides.
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