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O F F - R O A D A D V E N T U R E S
Opposite page: Mountain biking will take you
through deep puddles, climbs and descents
on different kinds of terrain; (this page) riders
explore the trails at the La Mesa Watershed
IN THE EARLY ’90S,
mountain biking
as a sport zoomed into the spotlight in
many parts of North America. Thrill-
seekers took their cycles off the streets
and way up high, just to turn around
and zip down the sloping terrain. It was
only a matter of time before the craze
hit Philippine shores, an after-effect of
the continuing American influence on
the country. With the easier gearing,
an upright riding position and sturdier
components, mountain bikes have
appealed to everyone from the first-
time cyclists to seasoned rollers.
The craze was sped up by other
factors: the internet has made it
simple to spread information to loyal
bikers and increased globalization has
translated into more bike parts being
manufactured throughout Asia, making
them more accessible to Pinoy bikers.
Lucky for us, Filipino terrain lends
itself well to the sport. Numerous vast
tracks of rural landscape, perfect for
two-wheeled adventures, are just a
bike, car, ferry or plane ride away. The
trails can be as varied as they come:
from dirt and gravel roads, to footpaths
used to transport goods and livestock
(
known as singletracks in bike lingo),
to purpose-built trails that deliver the
maximum fun factor.
As a result, more and more people
are hitting the trails, leading to new
ones being discovered on every ride.
Often they are found after a small chat
with locals or come as the result of
bushwhacking into the underbrush.
There are even times when new prime
paths are built by the riders themselves.
Want in on the action? Here are some
trails you must ride.
