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PHOTOS
TRICIA CHIONGBIAN-CONCEPCION, ERIK LACSON
Bacolod
Aside from the MassKara, Bacolod
has something else that puts it on a
recreational rider’s radar: trails. One
must-ride trail system is what’s locally
known as the “Tube”. Carved over
the years by carabao-drawn sleds as
they snaked their way up two hills,
the Tube is just a 20-minute spin
from Bacolod City. Highlights of the
Tube include breathtaking views of
Mt Kanlaon and the Patag mountain
range. The Tube serves as a main
artery that links up to other trails.
Everything from dirt roads to technical
descents can be ridden. With such a
selection of tracks, local MTB pioneer
Dan Ramirez recommends a 4–5-inch
travel full-suspension bike so you can
have as much fun as the terrain allows.
The riding in Bacolod is year-round,
as some trails do remain rideable
despite the rainy season.
Contact: Dan
Ramirez, dan@dansbikeshop-inc.com
Cebu Pacific flies to Bacolod from
Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
Davao
The beloved “Bustling City” has more
than enough options to keep the most
adventurous traveler occupied. One
must-ride trail, according to local
MTB rider and bike shop owner Ed
Leuenberger, is the 25km Shrine-
Langub-Magtuod Trail. The ride starts
and ends in downtown Davao. Riders
head up Shrine Hill, where they are
treated to a 360° view of the city,
nearby Samal Island and Mt Apo.
Other worthy sights on this route are
the Shrine of The Holy Infant Jesus
of Prague, zip line adventures and
a cave that leads to a World War II
tunnel dug out by Japanese soldiers.
Leuenberger likens the route to a menu,
where you can enter different branches
of the trail, depending on your fitness
and skill level. Most trail systems are
within 10km of the city, and can vary
from smooth singletrack, technical
all-mountain routes and downhill runs
for the daredevil in you. After your
ride, try the fried catfish at Pantatan,
Tugbok and the steaks at Carlins along
Ma-a Rd.
Contact: Ed Leuenberger,
Cebu Pacific flies to Davao from across
the network.
O F F - R O A D A D V E N T U R E S
Injuries, like
dirt, are
part of riding
