I like being humbled by the terrain before me, and the Lobo Loop in Batangas did just that. Unrelenting from the first climb.

Perfect.

Batangas is known to be an unforgivably hilly province, proving itself to be a challenge for cyclists, even for seasoned Audax randonneurs. I was up for something different, since my last out-of-town ride was in Mt. Makiling in April, so I signed up for Gabay Cycling’s Lobo Loop in Batangas and thought nothing of it until the day itself.

The ride was marketed to be 104km long with an elevation gain of more or less 1270m. The package included a support vehicle from start to finish, snacks and hydration, and an on-bike guide that served as both lead and sweep.

I felt it would be a good test ride for my Blocks Lo-Fi bike, but it kind of ended up testing my endurance more than anything else.

Preparing for the Ride

I prepared as if I were training for Audax: On the week of the ride, I drank my multivitamins and Magnesium + Vit D supplements, barely did any strenuous training, and rode my bike more often. I also rested up the last few days before September 20, did my usual carbo-loading diet and took frequent naps between work. What I didn’t do was pack my electrolyte powder and candies–rookie mistake.

My period also coincided with the ride, so I was clearly not at my best. I was moody and in pain. I thought about bowing out of the ride, but to hell with it. My body can take a beating. I’ll just take painkillers when I get home.

The bike, on the other hand, had some photo-finish installations. The folks from Rack en Roll finally installed my front rack at my place, while Leon Denim sent the rando bag I ordered nearly a month ago. Everything seemed to be in order, and all that was left was to sleep early and wake up at 1am to get ready for the ride to Batangas.

An Uphill Challenge from the Start

Our starting point was at the Golden Tamaraw Resort in Taysan, Batangas. After Pau of Gabay CC gave us a quick orientation, we headed out. It was an at-your-pace ride, so instead of trying to match the group’s speed, I just kept my own. I wasn’t far behind anyway, so I wasn’t too worried.

Until we hit the first major climb.

It was giving Audax Iloilo vibes all over again, but I was able to ride it halfway until I decided to just dismount from my bike and walk until I hit the top. I used to hate riding up inclines that were more than 4% steep, but they’re getting easier now, thanks to all those commutes to Kapitolyo.

So that was the “arrangement” on some climbs: ride until my calves started giving way, and walk until I hit the top.

Some of the descents with switchbacks and hairpins were a little scary for me, with the falls from Iloilo still fresh on my mind. I didn’t bother risking it and walked down on the rather steep and narrow ones, especially when I could hear trucks and vans going up. There was even a moment when I had to get off the road to make away for two ten-wheeler trucks going up as their lane was closed off for road work.

But when the road was open and clear, I stayed in the middle and zoomed through, reaching speeds between 27 and 30kph. I put on Driver’s High by L’Arc-en-Ciel on repeat to put myself in a better mood while spinning along, admiring the mountain views and stopping to take photos of my bike when I needed a quick breather. And unless there were heavy vehicles on the road, my mind was free, and in several occasions I kept telling myself, “Oh yeah, this is why I love cycling.”

We passed through the Lobo town proper to head to the Malabrigo Lighthouse. I was already having a mid-morning bonk since my last full meal was around 5:30am, so I didn’t bother going up some extra ten kilometers–on an incline–to see a lighthouse (I’m sure it was nice). I had a cramp on my calf just before reaching the road leading to the lighthouse and didn’t want to press further to avoid more serious injuries.

I ended up meeting my other companions in a roadside lomihan and ate a hearty bowl of lomi, filled to the brim with chicharon bits and other sahog.

After the much-needed break, we headed back to the town of Lobo to have another breather at Ungkot Cafe and Restaurant. Going there from our last stop was some 12km, and as it was getting hotter, I did appreciate the coffee break.

I wasn’t in the mood for caffeine though, and instead had a tall glass of some strawberry fizz juice. I got to know some of my new friends better, and exchanged IG handles. But when everyone had their fill, it was time to head back on the road.

We were thankful that the weather was pleasant for most of the afternoon. We eventually biked along the Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo Road where the land kissed the sea. The views of (what I believe is) Batangas Bay was just as relaxing as the views of the mountains of the province, and it made the ride even more energizing. With the sun still high and loads of time ahead of us, we decided to take a quick detour to the edge of a port and take photos.

Of Cramps and Mech Issues

Things were going smoothly for a while until my friend’s cramps returned with a vengeance. Errol, Jep, and I were riding together and the two went a bit ahead; I was hesitant to ride fast into a descent. When I reached the flats, I saw them on the side of the road. Jep had cramps along his quads earlier, before we arrived at Ungkot Cafe, and it looked like they got worse this time around.

Errol had issues on his Rune bike as well. Earlier, one of the spokes broke so he had it fixed at a nearby vulcanizing shop while we were at the cafe. We thought that was the end of it.

Of course not.

While we were waiting for the SAG to pick us up, we noticed that his rear derailleur hanger was bent inward.

The bike gave up before the rider.

The two agreed that Errol will continue riding using Jep’s G-Line Brompton while the latter will stay in the SAG for the rest of the trip.

And as for me, my period cramps were getting unbearable and so I decided to go in the SAG until we got to our next stop.

Bleed week be damned.

Our next stop was Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center just on the outskirts of Batangas City. Its main highlight is a 100m tower in the shape of Mary, Mother of Jesus, which I found underwhelming. I did appreciate the time for snacks though.

Since I was feeling better from the brief respite, I was able to bike to Batangas City and back to the resort. I trudged through hills with heavy congestion plus some light rain, endured cramps walking uphill when I couldn’t pedal anymore, and took quick breaks to catch my breath.

I caught up with another friend, Miguel, who got a flat on his front tire. I stayed with him until our SAG arrived, and then went on my way when they attended to him.

When I reached the Batangas City marker, I knew I was basically home free.

Our last stop was at Go Cafe in Batangas City, but I didn’t stay long as the rest had ridden back to the resort in Taysan. Leandro was waiting for me there, and we rode back together, with him a few meters ahead. Once I reached the resort myself, I took a nice long bath and scrubbed myself nearly clean; I was happy to wipe of the grime off my legs and arms.

With everyone accounted for, we got on our vans and had dinner at Butch Seafood Grill, then made our way back to Manila.

How Did Everything Fare?

The Lobo Loop in Batangas was, overall, a fun ride. It was a good test of endurance and grit. In fact, slow and steady wins the race here. I was more confident with my steering and braking and had a better strategy when encountering hills and steep gradients. While my average speed was slower, I was more intentional with the road. I was more connected with my bike just as I was with my surroundings.

I managed to ride nearly 78km despite enduring a period. Had I ridden that 10km to the Malabrigo Lighthouse and 16km to Monte Maria from Sitio Playa, I could have finished the full 104km, but never mind.

This is one of those rides that you’re happy to try, and equally happy that it’s done.

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Post Script:

The drivers of Gabay CC should take note of driving more carefully.

While the Lobo Loop in Batangas itself was great, the ride to and from Shellibee Buendia could have been safer. I love a good out-of-town trip, but I would rather arrive at my destination safely.

Even when I was half-asleep at the back of the van, both ways, I observed that the driver was unnecessarily speeding. My friend said that he was also tailgating and aggressively honking his horn. There’s no excuse for bad driving, and even at slower speeds, we’ll be able to get home in one piece.

I hope Gabay CC educates their drivers on road safety. A license does not mean they have the right and privilege to be behind the wheel.