The 2007 Journey from Manila to Davao: DAY 13: Cagayan De Oro to Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Statistics:

Distance covered: 93 km

Total Time Spent: 6.25 hours

Total Riding Time: 6 hours and 55 mins

#of Intentional Rest Stops: 2
# of Unintentional Rest Stops: differs according to each individual

# of Core Riders: 6

# of Tatay Bikers: 3

Start Time: 6:15 am

End Time: 1:10 pm

Highlights:

The B4L team was up at around 4:30 am to get ready for the most gruelling and last three legs of the tour. We met up with local triathletes Pong Miñoza, Al Manaloto and some other local riders. The bike ride started with some minor rain showers. I was praying for good weather the night before and kept my hopes up until the end of today's ride.

True enough, we were blessed with perfect weather for cycling. At noon, it wasn't as hot as we expected. We were able to enjoy the scenic views. We passed by Atugan Bridge, one of the highest bridges in Asia at 215 feet. We were lucky enough to see a portion of Mt. Kitanglad. We were able to enjoy the picturesque mountainous terrain and the lush countryside.

Enjoying the downhill...

It was noted that the highest point we reached today was 3000 ft. above sea level and that today's route was 70% uphill (Yikes!). Everytime we tackle a difficult hill, I can't help but be grateful that we can still put a smile on our faces. Smile and fight pa rin ang team!

UP Mountaineers Oldies Boy and Chichi

In all the bike legs we have gone through so far, the CDO-Malaybalay leg is the most "helpful". Helpful in a sense that most of our powerful riders helped push the ones who get left behind the pack. It was amazing to watch them do this effortlessly. Ganyan pala ang training nila dito...

No wonder Pong is the #1 Ironman in Cagayan De Oro

It was such a relief for everyone when we saw the first intentional stop of today's ride. We were all to regroup at the Halfway House in Bukidnon, replenish our hydration packs, have some snacks and prepare for the other half of the route.

Jan, Ricky, Me and Pong

1472 km from Manila

Weeehhhh!!!

When we were around 20 km fro Malaybalay, around 15 Bukidnon-based cyclists met up with us and accompanied us as we entered the city. We met young cyclists who were as strong as horses! When we reached Malaybalay, Bukidnon, it started to rain and we were drenched by the time we reached our late-lunch venue. Nonetheless, we all had a great time today. It was one of the most difficult legs to date but it was nice knowing that we all tackled it in the company of good friends. =)

The 2pm forum was held at the San Isidro College multi-purpose gymnasium. Despite the heavy rains, it was jampacked by students from gradeschool, highschool and college. What stood out in the forum is the game organized by Bants and Jaja Reyes. It was nice to see the active participation of students which showed how attentive they were during the talks.