DAY 7: Bacolod to San Carlos

Statistics:

Distance covered: 90 km

Total Time Spent: 8.5 hours

Total Riding Time: 6 hours
# of Intentional Rest Stops: 3
# of Unintentional Rest Stops: differs according to rider
# of Core Riders: 6
# of Tatay Bikers: 3
# of Flat Tires: 2
# of Blown Exterior: 1
# of Broken Chains: 1
# of Broken Derailleur: 1
Start Time: 7:30 am
End Time: 4 pm

Highlights:

highest peak: 2680 ft.

The B4L team met up with the Bacolod bikers at 6:30 am at Jollibee East. We were again pleasantly surprised with the turnout of riders. There were around 50 of us composed of different Bacolod bike groups. I was again happy to see 3 female riders join the peloton. The MedTrek riders also gave their donation at the meeting point. After the briefing led by Dr. Joel Yap of Medtrek, the group pedaled of at 7:30 am towards the city of San Carlos, Negros Oriental.



There are actually 2 routes going to San Carlos. The first option is a 144-km coastal road ride. The other one is a 90-km road traversing mountain ranges. According to local riders, the second option is more picturesque and would definitely be more exciting compared to the first option. Second option it is then! We chose the second option since there was no forum scheduled for this day and we can easily spend the whole day biking.

We passed through sugar cane fields with Mt. Kanlaon on our right and the ranges of Mt. Mandalagan on our left. We also passed through water falls that’s even bigger and taller than the Ma. Cristina Falls of Iligan. There was also Negros’ very own version of the chocolate hills. It was indeed a picturesque route.

However, it was also the most difficult and the most challenging one since we started this project.
On one of the long and steep downhills, one young rider went over his bike and off to the gutter while he zigzagged downhill. He suffered from deep cuts and wounds. He was rushed immediately to the hospital to be treated right away. We just hoped and prayed that he didn’t suffer anything serious. On a lighter note, I suffered a seemingly minor accident as well. I was talking to and stopped for awhile only to realize that I haven’t taken off my clipless shoes from the pedals. Looking back, it was really funny to imagine falling sideways in slow motion. (Yikes!)

This ride has been the most grueling rides since we started. But then again, the views were breathtaking. We noticed the change in vegetation as we go through the course. We passed through areas with tropical trees. And then there were vast sugar cane fields. Later on, we passed through grasslands. And as we increase elevation, there were a lot of coniferous plants around. It was simply amazing.

As I write this blog entry, Boy Siojo and I can’t help but be impressed with how nice and hospitable the Bacolod riders have been. They have welcomed us warmly and supported the B4L team’s cause more than we could ever imagine. The MedTrek riders have been supportive since Day 1 and were the single-point-of-contact of the team to other local bike groups. Lily Sy brought boxes of asado rolls and napoleones. Those pastries were such great comfort food to boost the morale of the riders when tackling the uphills! Junjun Ponce and Jay Jalondoni sponsored the big group’s yummy meals and entertained the group untiringly as well!

We will forever be grateful to the warm people of Bacolod. Maraming maraming salamat po!

Boy Siojo... halfway down the route

The People who made this seventh leg a Success:

The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following:

• Albert Lozada
• Jay Jalandoni and family
• Mayor Lawrence Marxlen J. dela Cruz
• Dr. Joel Yap and the rest of MedTrek bikers
• Negros Occidental Cycling Federation
• Team Papa Bird
• Archie Trangko
• BJ Tulod
• Bacolod Biker Babes or B3
• Lily Sy

Thanks to Edsel Ramirez for the pictures!

Trivia:

# of Gatorade bottles consumed by Ricky Pineda: 8
# of water bottles consumed by Ricky Pineda: 6
# of Asado Rolls eaten by Ricky Pineda: 7
# of Tanduay shots drank by Ricky Pineda: 2
# of Gatorade bottles consumed by Boy Siojo: 6