Was restless on a Friday afternoon, went to the mall to check out what's being shown in the movies which didn't satisfy my itch for contentment. So I decided to go on a solo journey to Mayon Volcano in Albay Legazpi Bicol. Left at 7PM without a clue how to get there, just grabbed my riding gear, a flashlight, and brought my pocket tool. The weather was great and all was well until I reached the bicol diversion, turned right which was Naga/Legazpi bound and the road was terrible. Uneven cement roads, filled with cracks, unpaved portion, potholes, Giant pot holes big enough to engulf my size 14 tire. HID as usual served me well, but it has to be on High beam to catch a glimpse of what obstacles the terrible roads I would encounter. Cruising at 70-90kph in pitch black darkness, I was forced to do a bunny hop with my scoot as I almost ran into a giant pot hole on the road. This made me realize that it was time to slow down and be safe. There was also a part in the mountains where fog engulfed everything...this gave me the creeps as there was no one else on the road but me and my trusty scooter. Upon passing the mountains, I reached Polangui exactly at day break with Mayon Volcano in sight, this gave me extra energy and motivation from suffering from fatigue and sleep deprivation. Cagsawa ruins, my target destination was approximately 1-2 hours ahead. Pictures to follow...
Wow, Carloscyclecare, you have shared an impressive ride with your first post to ADVRider! Where did your ride start from? It's definitely in the Adventure Rider spirit to ride solo but leaving at night for a long solo ride with riding gear, flashlight and multi-tool pushes the boundaries of minimalism for mere mortals like me! I'm looking forward to pics and more details of your ride!
Welcome to the Philippine Adventure Rides thread Carlos. I am glad you found your way here. Reading the above post, you show the attitude of a ADVrider! Looking forward to your pix and RR bro. HERC
Thanks Rackemcrackem. Starting point is from Sucat Paranaque, this would have been more interesting with pictures but it seems that I'm just not allowed to do that yet due to account limitations at the moment. I have a lot more to share but it just makes no sense without pictures I'll be posting some more of my rides in the country as soon as I have time or I'm permitted to post pictures. Destinations such as Sagada, Mindoro, Daet Bicol, Naga Bicol, and the list goes on.
Thanks Herc, finally found time to post here. Just tried to post my Sagada ride a while ago with some pics from photobucket but, says it's still subject to approval before being viewed. Wish I could post pics and share the beauty of the Philippines
By the way, I always enjoy reading your ride adventures and get a lot of inspiration from it. Keep on sharing
Upon arrival at Cagsawa ruins. Early in the morning cellphone cam couldn't capture the light and bring mayon to show up After waiting a few more minutes Thank you for blessing me with a fun, exciting and safe ride to my destination
Cagsawa ruins, what used to be a convent A sad thing the bell isn't there anymore Probably a volcanic boulder 2nd attempt photoshoot with the scooter
After taking a few pics, I was dead tired and wanted let my back rest for a while. And then there were rooms available Situated just a few steps from the viewing field is a small resort type of lodging. Fan room is at Php450.00 est. U$D 10.00, Aircon room with single bed and a private restroom Php 500.00 est. U$D 12 (of course this is what I opted for), and a family room at Php 700-750 est. U$D16.00 View from my room
After lying down for a couple of minutes or so, I went to a restaurant within the property and ate breakfast. Breakfast meals cost about Php75.00 above. Not much to do after this so, I decided to get off the road and explore what's beyond.
After punishing the scooter on terrain it wasn't designed for. I went on and checked out what Legazpi has to offer. Here I am leaving Cagsawa ruins entrance. If I only had more time, I'd go straight to Sorsogon and swim with the whale sharks. Saw a sign somewhere stating that it's just about 118kms ahead Checked out Lignon Hill. Entrance is Php 20.00, you can see the entire Legazpi from the Hill top viewpoint. Other activities Lignon Hill offers are, Zip line, Paint Ball, 4x4 off roading, trekking, ATV rentals as far as I remember. It's a fun steep climb. Parked just before the entrance is one of the 4x4 machines for off road.
Upon reaching the hilltop The shy Mayon Volcano. Taken about noontime, when she doesn't feel like showing up herself. Souvenir shop Where a fastfood chain is and the souvenir shops are. I wish I had a better camera Legaspi airport's airstrip
Time to go down, I'm hungry Steep as steep can be Can you say, hairpin turn? Back to the gate entrance
I always look forward to eat at Biggs whenever I'm in the Bicol region, I just love their Burger and fries, fried chicken and their original blend of Iced tea. Although I'm quite confused with their concept as to the viands they offer, They're one of the best for me, aside from the food choices, It's home grown Filipino fast food. Yes that's "Brick oven Pizza, Rock and Roll Iced Tea, and...Goto" You'd be more fascinated when you check out their menu inside. As usual, I ordered... All Biggs has this 60's 70's look
Going back to Cagsawa ruins, I decided to play some more and amuse myself...time to punish the scooter once again Thought you guys might be bored with photos of the scoot so now I'd include myself One of the locals herding his goats and cows
More photo ops The "before of my luggage bracket" still upright Taking advantage while Mayon is in view. Taken in the afternoon I enjoyed it more taking photos of the majestic Mayon in the outskirts rather than in the cagsawa ruins itself avoiding the common post card image.
