The Grand Eyeball - UFMBQ Season Opener 2018-2019

September 28, 2018 marks the UFMBQ's Grand Eyeball. An opening ceremony for the 2018-2019 riding season for the cycling community in the region. For about four years now, the Grand Eyeball has become an oral history under the United Filipino Mountain-bikers in Qatar (UFMBQ).

Photo credit: Jano Lindo

Fun and excitement filled the air, the laughter and chanting gulped the calmness of the surrounding mangroves lying peacefully across the shoreline in AL Thakira, located in the north side of Al Khor.

Photo credit: Jano Lindo

UFMBQ Board of Trustees - from left: Olga Robes, Ariel De Guzman, Almario Beltran, John Bonalos, Maricar Estacio and that's me at the back.
Other BOTs who were also present during the GEB: Andrew Tangonan and Eddie Padilla.
Standing beside me: Ricahrd Oliver of El Padyakeros - the lead host of the amazing venue.

Photo credit: Jano Lindo

Another photo of the UFMBQ BOTs. All men this time, from left: Ariel De Guzman, Me, Almario Beltran, John Bonalos and Marvin Herrera who also emceed almost all of our events and always bring humor every time he holds the microphone.

There were new faces, new groups, new friends, new jerseys and of course new bikes. Everything just seemed to be new for this brand new season except for the Board of Trustees who don't changed what they like and love to do. As long as the time permits, these fellows will continue to offer their precious time and effort for the sake of preserving sportsmanship and camaraderie within the band of this pedaling fraternity. The Board may not look new but this doesn't mean they're old, nobody can deny the fact that they are as young as one can imagine. Just look at the photos above and toss your judgement😱.

Photo credit: Jose Ramil Carillo

Here it goes, a fun ride along the coastline that everyone was waiting for. Riders are about to traverse the seaside that features an easy type of trail riding condition. Even those beginners who joined were happy to complete the loop and finish the ride. After all, it was the natural beauty of the place that counted the most.

Photo credit: Jose Ramil Carillo

The rest of the organizers and affiliated group members preparing the tents and foods to be served after the ride. Meanwhile, all the riders are seen rolling in the background.

Photo credit: Jano Lindo

We dubbed this cliff as the Lion King. Posing with pride and glamour are the Queens and Princesses of Doha Chiqlistas.

What a pleasant weather up above, stunning view in the background and of course the beautiful, pretty, gorgeous, alluring ladies on top of the ridge...what more adjectives could I say...these pedaling chiqs will surely make your day!

Photo credit: Reno Doctoler Yes indeed, please SHARE THE ROAD!

Photo credit: Reno Doctolero

Finally, the riders arrived...party time, Yeah!

The UFMBQ Grand Eyeball once again was a success. The door of the new season has now officially opened bringing new aspirations and excitement for the racing riders, a fresh adventure for explore-rides and a contemporary challenge for the whole cycling community to remain steadfast and unified.

On behalf of the UFMBQ President, Mr. John Bonalos and the Board of Trustees, we thank you!

Visit our website: #WeAreUFMBQ

 UFMBQ Affiliated groups/team logos in alphabetical order:

This blog will just be updated once the following affiliated groups and other new breeds have their logos ready:

• Ten-O-Mile
• Doha Chiqlistas
• Banayad MTB
• Braveheart
• BMX 80's
• Al Ahli Boyz n Gurlz
• Scalawags
• Pedal Pushers
• Team Tamad
• Team Fafa
• Team Balut
• Messaeeid Cockroach
• PRQ-MTB Riders
• Kyukem Bikers
• Bike To Work
• Foodyakers
• Team Bro

Should there be any team/group not listed or want to be affiliated, please leave your comments.

To all the bikes I've loved before...that traveled in and out my door

...I'm glad they came along...these are the bikes I've love before.

Inspired by the song, I realized that it's worth remembering all the bicycles that I've owned once in my life. They've been part of me and at least each one of them had peculiar characteristics and memorable tales.

And the song goes on...

1. 1998 GT Zaskar (Custom-built)
Frame: raw aluminum alloy frame custom-painted in sunrise yellow
Fork: Marzoochi Z2 '98
Drivetrain/Components: Non-series Shimano Brake set; Acera front & rear derailleurs on 3 x 7 speed Shimano Gripshift with 21-speed Acera cranks coupled on non-series cassette
Can't remember the tires and wheel set brand but the rims were double-wall and aerodynamic

2. 2002 Schwinn Fastback Comp
Frame: Tig welded aluminum with Cane Creek Headset
Fork: Reynolds Ouzo Comp Carbon
Drivetrain/Components: Shimano 105 Dual Pivot brakes with Dual Control shift levers; Shimano 105 dual ring crankset coupled on 9-speed 12-23 teeth rear cogs; Kalloy SP248 seatpost, 3T Start handlebar; Selle Italia XO saddle
Wheels: Velomax Circuit Comp 24/28 holes rims on Velomax Circuit Comp hubs laced with stainless steel double-butted spokes fitted with 700 x 23c Michelin Axial Pro tyres

3. Giant SCR 2

Frame:ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum

Fork: ALUXX SL
Drivetrain/Components: Shimano Sora front and rear derailleurs; Shimano Sora shifters and brakeset with Tektro Performance Road R310 levers; Giant SCR ALUXX SL handlebar, stem and seatpost; Giant Performance Road saddle
Wheels: Giant 28H Double Wall rims on Giant Alloy 28H hubs laced with Stainless steel spokes fitted withKenda Kontender K-196 700 x 26C tyres

4. 2012 Merida Road Race

Frame: Race Comp-Single Aluminum with A-Head headset

Fork: Road Oval Straight Carbon
Drivetrain/Components: Shimano 2300 front and Shimano Sora SS rear derailleurs; Shimano Sora shifters with Shimano Road Dual-Pivot brake set and  levers: Shimano Sora crankset coupled on Sunrace CS-R6 cassette; Comp CEN OS Stem and  handlebar; Merida Sport saddle
Wheels: Merida Road Alexims White rims on Shimano 2200 hubs laced with silver stainless steel spokes fitted with Maxxis Detonator tyres

5. 2012 Trek 3700 Series
Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum with semi-integrated head tube, disc compatible dropouts & replaceable derailleur hanger     
Fork: Suntour XCT, 100mm Travel
Drivetrain/Components: 3 x 7-speed Shimano Altus Shifters and Rear Derailleur; Tektro Linear-pull brakes; Shimano Tourney front Derailleur, Crankset and Cassette; Bontrager SSR Stem, seatpost and handlebar; Bontrager Forged threadless headset
Wheels: Bontrager 550 36-hole rims on Formula FM21 front/FM31 rear hubs with machined sidewalls fitted with Bontrager LT3 26 x 2.0 tyres

6. 2013 Trek Wahoo Gary Fisher Collection 
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminum, butted & hydroformed tubing, G2 Geometry 
Fork: Rockshox Reba Dual Air with Remote LO (upgraded)
Drivetrain/Components: 3 x 10 speed full Shimano Deore XT groupset (upgraded); Control Tech cockpits (handlebar, stem & seatpost)
Wheels: Shimano XT M785 factory-build wheelset (upgraded) fitted with Bontrager 26 x 2.1 stock tyres

7. Jamis Dakar XCR Race Expert '09 (Custom-built)
Frame: Kinesium alloy main triangle, STW optimized 7005 seat and chainstays with Fox Float RP2 shock
Fork: Rockshox Reba Dual-air with remote LO, 100mm Travel
Drivetrain/Components: 3 x 10 speed full Shimano Deore XT groupset; Thompson Stem and seatpost; Truvativ handlebar
Wheels:  DT Swiss X1600 fitted with tyre combo Continental Race King at the rear and Michelin Wild Race R2 upfront

8. Dunlop Quadmax (Custom-built) 
Frame: OEM Aluminum frame
(all below parts & components are stripped off from Trek Wahoo Gary Fisher frame, item #6)
Fork: Suntour XCT, 100mm Travel
Drivetrain/Components: Shimano Altus 3 x 8 speed shifters, Front & rear derailleur; Shimano Acera M171 tripple Crankset coupled on Shimano HG31 Cassette; Bontrager Evoke 1 saddle; Bontrager SSR seatpost; Bontrager Low Riser Stem; Bontrager SSR threadless Headset; Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes w/Tektro adjustable-reach alloy levers
Wheels: Formula DC20/DC22 alloy front/rear hubs w/Bontrager AT-650 32-hole double-walled disc rims

9. 2012 Cube Aim CMPT Competition Line (Custom-built)

 


Frame: Kinesium alloy main triangle, STW optimized 7005 seat and chainstays with Fox Float RP2 shock
Fork: Suntour Epicon with remote LO, 100mm Travel
Drivetrain/Components: 3 x 10 speed full Shimano Deore XT groupset; Thompson Stem and seatpost; Truvativ handlebar
Wheels: DT Swiss X1600 factory-build Wheelset with Shimano XT hubs fitted with Continental Race King 26 x 2.25 tyres
  

10. Fuji SLM Carbon 4.0 (Custom-built)

Frame: C-7 High Modulus carbon with re-inforced I-beam and integrated T-T construction
Fork: Rockshox SID Dual-air with remote LO, 100mm Travel
Drivetrain/Components: 3 x 10 speed full Shimano Deore XT groupset; Thompson stem, seatpost and handlebar
Wheels: Shimano XT M785 factory-build wheelset fitted with Schwalbe Burt Evo Snakeskin 26 x 2.1 tyres

	11. 2011 Giant Reign 0 Frame: ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum, 6" Maestro System Fork: Fox 32 Talas FIT RL with 15QR Thru-axle and Tapered stereer, 120-150mm Travel Drivetrain/Components: Full 2 x 10 Shimano Deore XT drivetrain (crankset, cassette, front & rear derailleurs); Giant LTD edition Avid Elixir CR brake sets with 160mm rear rotor and 185mm upfront. Wheels: Giant LTD edition DT Swiss Tricon M1700, 15mm front axle laced with DT Swiss Tricon aero-spokes fitted with Kenda Nevegal, 26 x 2.35 tyres 12. 2011 Giant Anthem X Advanced (Custom-built)  Note: This Giant Anthem Advance is a 29er frame in 27.5 wheels Frame: Advance-grade composite with ALUXX SL rear traingle, 4" Maestro system Fork: Manitou Marvel Pro 15mm TA, 100mm Travel Drivetrain/Components: Full Shimano 1 x 11-speed XTR M900 Race drivetrain (crankset, cassette, shadow-plus rear mechanism; Formula R1 Disc brakeset with 160mm rear and 180mm upfront floating rotors Wheels: DT Swiss XR 1501 factory-build wheelset fitted with tubeless Schwalbe Racing Ralph Snakeskin Pace-Star front and Schwalbe Thuder Burt Evo Snakeskin Pace-Star in the rear 13. 2016 Cannondale Trail 4 Frame: Optimized 6061 Alloy Fork: Rockshox XC30 with Poploc remote, 100mm Travel Drivetrain/Components: 1 x 11 Shimano Deore XT drivetrain (upgraded); house brand cockpits; Tektro Auriga Hydraulic brakes with 160mm rear disc rotors and 180mm upfront Wheels: Alex DC 4.0 factory build wheelset fitted with WTB Bee Line 27.5 x 2.0 tyres 14. Merida XC Frame: Techno Forming System AL6061 Robot Welded Fork: Suntour Raidon, 100mm Travel Drivetrain/Components: Full 3 x 10 Shimano Deore XT drivetrain (crankset, cassette, front & rear derailleurs); LTD Edition Shimano XT Servo-wave brake set. Wheels: Mavic Crossride factory build fitted with Maxxiss Crossmark 26 x 2.1 tyres 15. Tropix Mig 17 T+ Frame: Full Carbon Fork: Magura TS4 DLO2 Air Control, 100mm Travel Drivetrain/Components: Full 2 x 10 Shimano Deore XT M8000 drivetrain (crankset, cassette, front & rear derailleurs); Magura MT2 Hydraulic Disc brakeset with disc rotors of 160mm rear and 180mm upfront; house brand seatpost, stem & handlebar Wheels: Mavic Crossmax SL Pro WTS factory build wheelset fitted with 27.5 x 2.1  Mavic Pulse tubeless tyres 16. My Fantasy... My dream bike for now...Nino Schurter's SCOTT Spark RC 900 World Cup Edition
	I love cycling, that's what I can say. ...for it brings inner peace deep in my soul.
	...and indeed, love for cycling is like a song that clings to the deepest chamber of my heart forever.

Planning for a long ride? Know how much water is enough to keep you going

UFMBQ facebook page photo

In order for a human body to function properly, it requires an adequate hydration. More essentially needed for Cyclists during training workouts or in a race. It is similarly important even for those riders opting for long rides on weekends. Drinking on a regular intervals during a ride maintains enough blood volume keeping the muscles work and boost to produce sustained sweat to stay cool. It is significant to note that loosing too much body fluids without replenishing  will lead to blood thickening that causes dehydration and lay a rider to slow down and probably finish a hard ride.

Muscle cramping in the lower leg is a common symptom of dehydration for Cyclist which is typically accompanied by fatigue. More often than not, many believe that drinking electrolytes can avoid cramps. It is however considered to be a myth and won't ease the pain and discomfort. New research suggests that cramping is less likely because of dehydration and more likely due to fatigue and as a consequence of overexerting the fitness level of intensity.

Now for the main point, here are some tips to keep you stay long on the saddle:

1. Have an adequate hydration pack or water bottle/s (depends on how far and how long is the ride).
2. Must consume 500ml of water each hour.
3. Drink a mouthful of water every 15 minutes during ride (don't wait for your thirst).
4. Don't think too much about what you will mix with the water, the water is what's most important. If you choose to add boosting agents, I suggest to go with natural add-ons such as honey, lemon or lime. You may want to try paragis, it's just a blend of water and a kind of wild grass that will surely do endurance wonders!
5. Do not rely too much on commercial sports and energy drinks (may contain blend of sugars like glucose, fructose and sucrose which quickly release the energy).

It is worthy to note that the recommended amount of water is relevant not only on hot season but also during cold months. Dehydration during winter can also be dangerous since the body doesn't immediately sense thirst. Breathing in cold dry air becomes heavy and deep which causes notable fluid loss. Sweating also is not noticeable because it vaporizes quickly in the cold.

Maintaining the optimal hydration level during ride will help speed the body's recovery process. It will lift the rider's spirit and remarkably improves performance.

The next time you plan for a long ride, always consider to bring with you enough water that will last to enjoy and finish the ride.

freecoloringarts.net

The road to Bitbit River of Norzagaray in the realms of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range

Early Sunday morning and I was set to pursue with my plan to ride and explore the way going to Bitbit River in Norzagaray. It's only about 16 kilometers away from where I live, just quite a short distance...I thought.

Showing the direction from Google Map

But before I left, I filled my tummy tank with some carbs to initially sustain my energy. I started with "Ibus" (steamed rice cake) and "Balisongsong" (steamed milled glutinous rice with shredded young coconut meat and sugar). 

I devoured one each of those "kakanin" and having felt just enough, I was ready to go! I reminded myself not to ride on full stomach.

This was a bike excursion for me since I haven't gone riding here in the Philippines since I started working abroad. Not during my previous vacations either.

Nearby bridge in one of San Jose River course. See how I made my horse ready for the ride? She was just so fresh like the morning breeze (this is how we make "landi" with our bikes... todo linis just to end up dirty at the end of the day 😍😎😓).

Road traffic along my way wasn't that worse but still I needed to be careful and maintain road courtesy at all times. The Del Monte-Norzagaray Road is a long stretch that is always a busy traffic but as I go farther from Bigte wet and dry market, the road is getting quiet. Not as much motorist can now be seen except for some vehicles and motorbikes once in a while. I didn't even noticed that I was continuously climbing uphill until I felt much pressure on my knees. The elevation was just getting higher as I hardly pushed but I just couldn't resist to break off and stop. I was enchanted with the beautiful nature side by side and due to my enthusiasm and confident perception of greater extent of fascinations ahead,  I made myself set to move on.

Natural rock formation along the road of Minuyan, Norzagaray. So downhearted to see a quarry works in progression below this unrefined natural wonder.

Up ahead I came across the gateway to the Pinagrealan cave. The signboard can be spotted easily from the main road with the arrow pointing the direction. The road towards the cave is unsurfaced, it's a rough and unpaved track.

Not in my itinerary though, but I was curious to check and just have a look. And besides, I needed something to eat...oh yeah, wait a minute...there's another arrow pointing to a restaurant in just 300 meters!

Off-road but seemed to be accessible by cars and even tricycles.

I didn't go nearer to the entrance of the cave since I had no intention of going inside, anyway. However, I consider it in my bucket list already...next vacation perhaps.

For as much as I have no story yet to tell about this cave, you may read this blog by San sa Pinas? to learn more.

Translation for non-Tagalog readers:

The Pinagrealan cave  which was first called Cave of Minuyan located at the foot of the mountains of the Sierra Madre part of Norzagaray. This was made a camp by the revolutionary Filipinos led by General Sinforoso Dela Cruz. It was the main hideout and fortress of the revolutionaries from 1896-1897.

In this cave lived the revolutionary army of General Emilio Aguinaldo and General Pio Del Pilar. There were diverse battles outside and around the cave. Inside the cave lies the house of General Aguinaldo built at the back of many standing door-shaped real marbles. Built in front of the cave were the barracks and nursing homes where wounded soldiers are treated.

This sign is made and subject to the resolution of Norzagaray's culture, history, arts and tourism council and the town's head of Norzagaray, Kgg. Feliciano P. Legaspi M.D. in the year 2012

Just a bit ahead of me, I spotted a single track. I was tempted to pedal through but reluctant to proceed farther. The place was not familiar to me at all, I had no idea where it will lead me so I decided to turn back and ride my way out to the main road.

Possibilities of ride exploration is one thing that I thought to consider for this place in the future. When that time comes, I will persuade some riding buddies to come along. Hopefully with those who are more familiar with the site's whereabouts. The scenery was just amazing and I was so optimistic, there's a great promise of adventures that may lay ahead.

Single Track!

There I went to proceed pedaling again in the main road. I was only about few kilometers away from the Bitbit river bridge according to my navigation tool. The elevation still kept on going up but the shade of the trees both sides along the road was a reward of comfort.

Relief has taken place before me when I felt there was a change as I went on, the clear roadway was slanting down...the best part of riding a bicycle where your pedaling is at rest. Holding control on my handlebars and brakes, I positioned my upper body aerodynamically and glided down the road.

I was mesmerized once again by the nature around so I decided to stop and cool down. The spell of the wind and the captivating beauty of the hills were just irresistible.

One spot that overlooks the mountains. The Bitbit river is lying down the fold.

Extensive cordon of  hills and mountains.

Downward-sloping road that narrows down to the Bitbit River Bridge.

Here is one worth to read blog about the Bitbit River in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

As I've thought, it was just quite a short distance but at no time anticipated the challenging climbs, nevertheless, nature has rewarded my ride with unfathomable admiration and lot of surprises!