Russ Roca is a name familiar to many in the cycling community. Known for his YouTube channel Path Less Pedaled, Russ publishes videos promoting the “party pace” lifestyle, and supporting the non-competitive side of cycling–bikepacking and bike touring. A Filipino by ethnicity, Russ, with his wife, Laura Crawford, made his return to the Philippines last week to visit family and visit several bike shops.

One of his goals, though, was to connect and engage with the local cycling community. Through our favorite Solar Commuter, Aneka Crisostomo, Russ led a critical mass ride from Tambay Cycling Hub in Kapitolyo, Pasig, to car-free Ayala last February 8, 2026.

The route was the Sunday usual: Kapitolyo – BGC – McKinley Road – Ayala Ave. However, Russ had a taste of the weird and warped world of security personnel when a Premium Security officer stopped a critical mass ride with almost 150 cyclists present at the beginning of Ayala Avenue, saying that the Army Navy Fun Run hadn’t concluded yet, even though we had arrived well after 8 am. After meeting the ire of some of the cycling community’s most easily iritated (I included), the security officer left, and we were able to enter car-free Ayala.

We made our way to the Sultan Kudarat statue at the Makati Avenue – Paseo de Roxas intersection, where our cycling artists, along with Russ, took a break to do their sketches, while others socialized or headed off to their next destination.

We’re glad that Path Less Pedaled spent some time in the Philippines and saw the cycling scene! I hope he and Laura return soon for more rides and more fun!

Were You at the Path Less Pedaled Ride?

Check out the photos below (click to enlarge) to see if you’re there!