It was during the fad of phony Facebook events
such as “Suntukan sa Ace Hardware”, “Bardagulan sa National Bookstore” when I
received an invitation to cover a cycling competition called “Padyakan sa Bataan”.
I though it was too good to be true, but it turned out legit. Bataan has been
holding this cycling event annually for the past few years as an activity to
accompany the Araw ng Kagitingan celebration
every month of April.
As a biking enthusiast but way short
of being a competitive cyclist, I would have wished to have participated just
for fun. However, logistics of bringing my decade old mountain bike presented a
problem as we can barely fit inside our media service van.
So, instead of being
a part of it, I welcomed the idea of witnessing this year’s Padyakan sa Bataan
as a spectator. I figured I’ll have more opportunities to experience the
so-called “Killer Loop” biking route snaking around the mountains of Mariveles.
11th Pedaling to the Metal in Bataan
More than 300 participants ranging
from a 4-year-old kid to 70-year-old grandfather, signed up for the 11th
Padyakan Sa Bataan. There are three major categories; Men, Women and Kids. While
those joining the kids category will only bike through a short route, the
organizers designed a tough but picturesque course for the adult participants.
The race kicked off at a hilltop with a clear view of the Mountains of
Mariveles and circling into Mt. Samat before passing through Bagac and Orion. Aptly
described as “the Killer Loop”
because of its uneven terrain with sharp ravines on the side, it sounded to me
as something every biker would want to try.
Our host from Bataan Tourism
explained to us that they made sure the route is safe by putting warning signs
for the dangerous part of the trail. Knowing how this kind of competition is
staged, I am confident that the bikers will have a safe cycling experience even
in the difficult biking trail of Mariveles than pedaling on the streets of
Metro Manila.
The race lasted several hours
from 9am until early in the afternoon when we started witnessing the arrival of
the first wave of finishers. It is very inspiring seeing them cross the finish line
after bagging what could be a memorable experience.
Trophies, medals and cash
prizes were handed out to the top finishers–courtesy of Bataan Tourism and the
event's sponsors like Shimano, FOX, Max's, TOTAL and other outdoor companies.
Side Trip to Sisiman’s San Miguel Rock
As the Padyakan sa Bataan wrapped
up an hour and a half before darkness, we found time to go on a side-trip to
nearby San Miguel Rock in Brgy. Sisiman in Mariveles, Bataan. It is a coastal
town famous for its rock formation, quaint setting and the magnificent view of
the sunset.
Although sadly, the site is now
being besieged by quarrying activities, a towering rock formation–which I hope
will be spared from excavation–towers attractively and living up to the local’s
description of it as “susong dalaga” (breast of a lady). Well, that is one
pointed breast if you ask me. Let’s just chalk it up to the rich imagination of
the residents.
As we go back to our hotel and
the sky turned into a fiery red color, I picture myself cycling through the rough
terrain of the Killer Loop–regaling at the charming countryside views of Mariveles
and huffing and puffing in exhaustion. What a wonderful experience that would
been.
And yes, we capped the day with an ice-cold San Miguel Beer.
