Reminiscing one of my unforgettable ride four years ago...I just can't resist to revisit that moment in this short blog.
It was a calm day but the summer heat silently brought humidity that morning of March in 2014. There were seven of us who planned to do an epic ride and decided to hit the target point, Al Kharara.
We've been to the place 2 years back before this planned pursuit but on car convoy. The trails of Al Kharara have left us good memories and due to the spectacular scenery, it bewildered our bicycle-filled minds. Tormented by fascination and our fervent desire, we were fanatical and determined to return back. This time, pedal all the way on our mountain-bikes.
Starting point: Skate Shack, Salwa Road
Target destination: Al Kharara
Riders: Rowell Feliciano, GlennGuevarra, Andrew Tangonan, Francis Atienza; Eric Jarder; Ferdie Bermejo
Support Crew: John Bonalos (on Nissan Tiida); Mr. Shaju (on Nissan Pathfinder); Mrs. Feliciano (Medic on board)
Photos by John Bonalos
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| From left: Eric Jarder, Glenn Guevarra, Francis Atienza, Andrew Tangonan, Roel Johnvid Moses, Me, Saju and John Bonalos (behind the camera) |
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| Along Wholesale Market Road |
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| Old Road somewhere in Wukair |
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| The sun had risen ahead of us |
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| An old abandoned road heading to where our GPS was leading |
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| Our first climb encounter with the dunes |
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| Seemed exhausted but we need to keep moving..we're still far from our destination |
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| Come on Pathy, follow us up! |
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| After the climb, there was a descent of course. Gliding...that's how you'll play your MTB on down-flowing sands. |
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| Bananas, anyone? |
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| Obtaining some breathing space for our weary lungs. |
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| Can't go on without this compulsory tradition and fashionable trend for Mountain Bikers |
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| Solo pose of my rig during this journey |
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| The journey continues...a road gulped by a ferocious rolling dunes. |
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| The other side of the road gobbled by the fiery sands behind us. |
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| Left his camera behind, John was able to jump in front and said...cheese! |
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| Another good spot to strike a pose. |
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| Leave us alone, we want by ourselves this time! |
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| What? A sedan was able to hold the tail of the 4 x 4? That's my Tiida piloted by John all the way. |
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| When the road ends... |
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| ...the real adventure begins. |
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| Getting near to our target destination. |
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| End of the old road...just a few meters away, there lies the Al Kharrara village |
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| What a relief! Eric had his shower...that was refreshing! |
Due to the rising temperature, we were not able to go and ride inside the trail. Besides, I needed to catch up with the Friday prayer and the group will still be riding all the way back to the start point. Me and John rode our way back by car and left our tough five buddies who endured to complete the epic ride. I really was guilt-ridden that time but the call to my religious obligation was inviolable.
My respect is always with these guys whom I rode half the epic ride four years ago and still looking forward to do this unforgettable journey with them again...but perhaps...with you out there pondering to do the same.
Distance Riders: 150+ kilometers (Rowell Feliciano, GlennGuevarra,
Andrew Tangonan, Francis Atienza & Eric Jarder); 75+ kilometers
(Ferdie Bermejo)
Total time: 11+ hours (Rowell Feliciano, GlennGuevarra, Andrew Tangonan,
Francis Atienza & Eric Jarder); 7+ hours (Ferdie Bermejo)
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