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Country > Philippines > Cebu > Cebu City
Date > 2017 > May
Activity > Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Downhill Riding with Cebu MTB Adventure May 13, 2017

Downhill Riding with Cebu MTB Adventure

Location Google Map: Cebu City, Cebu (province), Philippines

Downhill Ride
It's been ages since I was on the saddle. With Cebu MTB Adventure tagging me to come along for a downhill riding tour, I was curious how it could be different from my experience as a cross-country rider. With my new hardtail, I wondered if I still had the juice.

Cebu MTB AdventureCebu MTB Adventure
This outfit was founded by famed motocrosser and downhill rider, Gene Faelnar. It's one of the very few mtb outfitters in the country. They provide everything - just show up with your riding clothes. They provide the bikes, there is a support vehicle to transport bikes and riders to the jump-off and patiently wait at the landing point where bikes and riders are loaded again to the next trailhead. The support crew have all the competence - as professional bike mechanics, they can fix mechanicals along the way (but there is always a spare bike to avoid delays). As riders, they are podium finishers, so even if you are an elite rider, you wouldn't see them eating your dust. Lunch is provided - boodle style!

Joiner
The scheduled ride was for a group of Accenture employees who were out to try something unusual - downhill riding. As expected, they were all new to it with the exception of about 2 riders. I was the odd joiner.

On the Way
The trip took quite a while as we left the hustle-and-bustle of the (city) and up into the mountain range of Busay - way beyond Tops. We stopped on an obscure section of the main road which served as the jump-off point. How Gene discovered that is beyond me. From the top end, we began our downhill run. From what Gene said, it's a continuous 5km run before we start to do some pedaling to where the support truck was waiting for us.

Downhill Riding with Cebu MTB Adventure
downhill riding with Cebu MTB Adventure

Newbies
But there was a snag - they were newbies. On the first 10m, on a non-technical section, someone already took a spill. On mild grades, the whole group would stop and everyone would take slow and very cautious manuevers, sometimes to another wipeout. This would go on practically on every 50m. The 5km run was essentially broken down into short segments as we all stopped to ensure the safe passage of the newbie riders. This would characterize the rest of the ride.

All Fun
It wasn't a game of patience for them. Since they were mostly at the same skill level, they we enjoying the moment - every bit of it as they took selfies after selfies. It was the greatest team-building activity for an office crew - fun, challenging and rewarding. Gene and his entire staff were consumate professionals guiding, instructing, assisting and taking videos and pictures, always smiling, not showing any trace of frustration or impatience.

Boodle Lunch
Unique in the Visayas is the boodle fight of laying down all the food on banana leaves on a table with people simply crowding around and eating with their bare hands - no individual plates, no spoon and fork. Such was the scene for our lunch as we devoured roasted native chicken, grilled pork and fish with lots of rice and bananas.

Waterfall
After the filling lunch and some much needed rest, we were off again for the second trail. It was more techinical with a long downhill run that ended up to our climactic finish, the waterfall. With weary legs and tired bodies, we soaked it in to our hearts' delight. It wasn't rushed. We just stayed there as long as we wanted afterwhich pedaled a few back to the support truck which took us back to the (city).

Time-Based
We covered 2 trail systems but the tour isn't about the number of trails. It's based on a full day of riding. If you are fast riders, then you cover more trails to ride on. One staff mentioned being with a fast group. There was no stopping or dismounting until at the end of the trail. On that day, they did 11 trail systems!

Ending Thoughts
The crucial lesson I learned was to join a group with the same skill level as me. I didn't see this situation coming. But again, the operative word is same skill level - you don't want to be the slowest either. I remember joining a winter ride back in the day when I was the weakest link amongst elite riders. It was pure trauma as I found myself immeasurably out of my depth.

Why go to the beach on a weekend? It's been done to death. For a weekend activity with the gang that's different from the usual, riders or not, given all the hand-holding the crew provides, a bike tour with Cebu MTB Adventure is highly recommended.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



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(Oct 11, 2017)I'd been commuting on a bike, but no hard riding...until Loboc. My landlord is a biker but a little out of shape. With the presence of a riding buddy (me!), he finds new vigor to be back on the saddle. One morning, he invites me to go riding with him to the summit where a giant cross looms over Loboc - Cruz Daku!....more »»

More on Cebu City:

About Cebu City
  • Cebu City is the 2nd biggest city in the Philippine (next to Manila) - and it continues to build and expand. Traffic is getting bad. Decentralization is being developed with the SM Super Mall in the SRP south and the suburban towns in the north.
  • Boat from the airport to the city center - even without traffic, it takes about 4 rides to reach the city. But with Cebu's increasing traffic congestion, it has become a nightmare. Instead of taking the land route, take the water route - no traffic, fresher air and cheaper. From the airport, take the yellow multi-cab straight to the river port and take the ferry (there's only one destination) to the city. Take the 02B jeep and get off at UC near Jones - you're now on the city's main artery.
  • given its size and increasing congestion, Cebu really needs a mass railway system - something that is conspicuously lacking, but no one seems to complain about
  • Cebu is bursting at the seams on the yoga scene. There are about 20 yoga centers in the city - from yoga studios to gyms offering yoga and hotels jumping on the bandwagon
  • a trendy and safe place in Cebu where you can chillout for coffee and enjoy good eats would be at the Ayala Mall
  • there are other pocket-areas for trendy hangouts - Banila Town Center, Crossroads, Escario Plaza, La Vie, etc.
  • the tourist area where most of the budget hotels and restaurants are, are located within the Mango area, although it has a seedy belly feel. Kids may swarm on you pretending to be begging, but they could be picking your pocket or your backpack pockets - be careful
  • many pick-pockets in the Colon area - be careful
Cebu City Google Map

Google Map Cebu City, Philippines

tourist attractions in Cebu City tourist attractions
  • Tops in Cebu City Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
  • Taoist Temple in Cebu City Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city
hotels in Cebu City hotel
  • Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
    Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
  • S Hotel Cebu S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
    827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.
cafes in Cebu City resto / cafe / bar
  • Fujinoya Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
    Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075
  • Bad Boys Wingz Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
    Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811
yoga in Cebu City yoga
  • Love Yoga World Love Yoga World - yoga studio
    11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
  • Yoga Now Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
    at The Yacht Club Mactan
mountain biking in Cebu City mountain biking
  • Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure - MTB tours, bike sales and repairs. Bed and Breakfast + Resto Cafe + wifi
    1298-b V.Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City | 0942.959.7451
Cebu City to Camotes Island

Cebu City to Camotes Islands

  1. via Poro - from Pier One in Cebu City, take the Ocean Jet for Poro, 2 hours, daily trip - 6am and 3pm (0936.823.8762 |0956.270.6610 | 0999.889.9999).
  2. via Consuelo - from Cebu City, take the northbound bus passing through Danao and get off at the Danao Port. At the Port, take a Jomalia Shipping boat for Consuelo (San Francisco, Camotes), P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only).

Camotes Islands to Cebu City

  1. Poro - Cebu City (fastest and most direct) - go to Poro and take the 8am or 5pm Ocean Jet to Pier One in Cebu City, P380/pax/aircon, 2 hours
  2. Consuelo - Danao - Cebu City - go to Consuelo (San Francisco) and take the Jomalia Shipping boat to Danao, P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only). From Danao, take the Ceres Bus to Cebu City
Cebu City to Dumaguete

Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat

  1. George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
  2. Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, dumticketing@oceanjet.net, 0918.898.2188
  3. Cokaliong - Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 12pm, 6 hours, (035)225.3599

Cebu City to Dumaguete via Liloan (bus, boat, jeep, tricycle)

  1. Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
  2. Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
  3. Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
  4. Public Market - at the market, you can take any tricycle to your hotel, P8 for short trips
Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

  1. Weesam Express - Pier 4, departs 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 2 hours
    one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
    round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
    round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200
  2. Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs 6-7-8-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-4:20-6:35PM, 2 hours
    Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
    +63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
  3. SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
    P 500.00
    +63 32 233 7000
  4. Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs daily 12:30pm, 10:00pm and 1:00pm (Mon, Wed, Sat)
    Standard (Lying) Php 150, Tourist (Lying Aircon) Php 340
    +63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
    info@liteferries.com.ph / www.liteferry.com
Cebu City to Siquijor by Boat, via Tagbilaran

Cebu City to Siquijor, via Tagbilaran

  1. Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs M/W/SAT at 1:00pm, 10 hours, economy Php 649 (through barkota.com), layover in Tagbilaran 5:45pm-8:00pm, arrives Larena Port, Siquijor at 11:00pm
    +63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
    info@liteferries.com / www.liteferry.com
  2. Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs daily at 1pm, 5 hours
    Open Air P1600
    +63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300


Cebu City to Siquijor by Bus, via Liloan (Santander) (as of Jan 2023)

Sugbo Urban
There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Leaves Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) at 8 pm (Sundays 1 am), heads south to Liloan (Santander), takes the ferry to Larena Port, Siquijor, docks around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City 10 pm.

Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because when it reaches Larena Port (Siquijor), it continues its trip around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena. It spares you the cost of hiring a tricycle or habal-habal which charges exhorbitant fares. Besides, it's a long trip to the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.


Sugbo Urban

Sugbo Urban


Blogs Cebu Blogs
Cebu City CEBU CITY

2024

  • Siddhi-Activation Workshop Feb 4 - Mar 22, 2024
  • Cebu City for the Siddhi Workshop Feb 2-5, 2024
  • 2022

  • 2022: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2022
  • Dec Snapshots Dec 31, 2022
  • UP-Ateneo-La Salle Talk Dec 30, 2022
  • Smart Politics Dec 29, 2022
  • Dawata Yoga Studio Celebrates 1st Anniversary Dec 28, 2022
  • Icebath 2 at Hostel 7 Cebu Dec 17, 2022
  • Snorkeling in Mactan with Mikko's Merry Band Dec 11, 2022
  • Life-Hacking Using Yogic Principles at Dawata Yoga Studio Dec 9, 2022
  • Cebu City Peoplescape Dec 4, 2022
  • Fitness in Cebu Oct 3 - Dec 4, 2022
  • Food in Cebu Dec 4, 2022
  • Nov Snapshots Nov 30, 2022
  • Pranayama for Mikko's Marathon Nov 27, 2022
  • Moderating the Theosophical Society Meeting with Yoga of Emotions Nov 26, 2022
  • Yoga with Jason Nov 23, 2022
  • Yoga Classes in Cebu Nov 23, 2022
  • Life-Hacking Using Yogic Principles at Hostel 7 Cebu Nov 19, 2022
  • Icebath at Hostel 7 Cebu Nov 12, 2022
  • Underwear Talk Nov 9, 2022
  • October Snapshots Oct 31, 2022
  • TOPS Farewell Party Oct 21, 2022
  • Cebu City Base: Hostel 7 Cebu Oct 13 - Dec 4, 2022
  • Manila - Cebu City: from Touch-down to my Hotel Oct 13, 2022
  • 2017

  • 5 Nights in Cebu City at Hostel Seven Cebu Sep 2-7, 2017
  • Karma Yoga at S Hotel, Cebu Jul 5-7, 2017
  • Life Coaching for a Competition Dancer Jul 5, 2017
  • Back to Cebu: Life Coaching and Jeanne Jul 3-10, 2017
  • Thank You Cebu Jun 12, 2017
  • Lazarus Jun 12, 2017
  • Palm Grass Hotel Food Tasting Jun 10, 2017
  • Qube Gallery's Ako Si Sabel / Balay-Balay Art Exhibit Jun 8, 2017
  • Ambushed By SM Seaside Jun 1, 2017
  • Cebu Living May 4-31, 2017
  • Conducting Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation Classes in Cebu May 26, 2017
  • Rangoli Workshop with Yasha Dabas May 26, 2017
  • Rosti with Fish Fillet on Tomato Puree May 17, 2017
  • Downhill Riding with Cebu MTB Adventure May 13, 2017
  • Healing Yoga by Nonie Fernando at The Detox Bar May 12, 2017
  • Be-In Gathering at Jeanne's May 9, 2017
  • Detox Bar Lunch May 9, 2017
  • Barakki May 7, 2017
  • Ashtanga Primary Series Yoga in Cebu May 5, 2017
  • 3-Night Cebu Stopover Apr 6-9, 2017
  • Coming Back to Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017
  • Celebrating Friendship in Cebu City Jan 27-Feb 6, 2017
  • 2015

  • Goodbye Cebu...Daghang Salamat! Dec 20, 2015
  • Into the Realm of Jiu-jitsu Dec 5, 2015
  • Vegetarian Food at Cherry's the SPICE Nov 21, 2015
  • Shadow Fragments by Leopoldo Aguilar at Qube Gallery Nov 17, 2015
  • Yoga Adjustment and Alignment Nov 11, 2015
  • Smoked Salmon-Belly Pizza on BBQ Sauce Nov 8, 2015
  • Meditation Basics Nov 7, 2015
  • Pilipino Time Oct 30, 2015
  • The Benevolent Cebu City Oct 28, 2015
  • Vegetarian Cooking Demo with Chef Sharon at Studio 108 Oct 24, 2015
  • Yogathering 2 Oct 3-4, 2015
  • Lalique and the Lily's Peanut Butter Glass Jar Sep 12, 2015
  • Re-purposing a Broken Umbrella Aug 27, 2015
  • Body Combat Aerobic Workout Sequence Aug 24, 2015
  • Handstand Clinic at Surya Nanda Yoga Studio Aug 23, 2015
  • Stopping Time Aug 5, 2015
  • Peoplescape and Synergy Jul 19, 2015
  • Abaca Baking Company Jul 17, 2015
  • Getting Deeper into Yoga Jul 12, 2015
  • Cebu Yoga at Studio 108 Jun 30, 2015
  • Back to Surya Nanda Yoga, Cebu Jun 18-28, 2015
  • 2014

  • Thank You Cebu, til the Next Time Oct 21, 2013 - May 15, 2014
  • Teaching Yoga May 9, 2014
  • Yoga Dance with Jaya Indra at Dragonfly Yoga Studio May 9, 2014
  • Aqua Yoga with Jeanne Torrefranca at Dragonfly Pool May 4, 2014
  • i-Yoga with Ayee Domingo at Dragonfly Yoga Studio Apr 27, 2014
  • Burning Man on PechaKucha Night at GILT, Cebu Apr 22, 2014
  • Leveling Up: Veer-Yoga with the YogiVeers Apr 11, 2014
  • Kundalini Yoga with Rebecca Youngdahl Lombardi Mar 28, 2014
  • SUP Yoga with Jeanne Torrefranca at Plantation Bay Mar 23, 2014
  • Kitchie Nadal Rocks Cebu City Mar 20-21, 2014
  • U Trade Hosts Online Trading Forum with Tony Herbosa and Roy Reyes Mar 6, 2014
  • Test Driving the 420D BMW Coupe Mar 6, 2014
  • Yoga Immersion with Veer (Vaibhav Rana) Mar 5, 2014
  • Pechakucha Mar 4, 2014
  • Jeanne's Community Outreach Program Mar 2, 2014
  • U Trade's Coming Out Party Feb 27, 2014
  • La Creperie Paris Opens its Doors in Cebu City Feb 22, 2014
  • Cebu Hiatus Feb 22, 2014
  • Joan Hyman Yoga Workshop by YogaHub Feb 18, 2014
  • Idiot on a Jet Plane Feb 15, 2014
  • Demystefying Ashtanga Yoga Feb 13, 2014
  • Abundance in Cebu (Part 2) Feb 11, 2014
  • Shifting Yoga Paradigm Feb 10, 2014
  • Gayatri Mantra Jan 21, 2014
  • Crossroads in Cebu Jan 20, 2014
  • Deepening My Yoga Practice in Cebu Jan 12, 2014
  • New Year Yoga at Dragonfly Yoga Studio Jan 1, 2014
  • Fab People: Vaibhav Rana (Veer) Jan 1, 2014
  • 2013

  • Fab People: Jeanne Torrefranca (Yogini) Dec 25, 2013
  • Coffee Review: Himalayan Java Coffee Dec. 18, 2013
  • YogaHub - Real People, Real Yoga Dec 18, 2013
  • 108 Sun Salutations for Typhoon Yolanda Victims Dec 15, 2013
  • 2-day Yoga Mountain Retreat at Rancho Cancio Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2013
  • Cebu Yoga Immersion Nov 14, 2013
  • Human Neti Pot Oct 23, 2013
  • Car-Talk Cebu City Style Oct 23, 2013
  • 2012

  • Back to Cebu for the Web Workshop Oct 3-18, 2012
  • Abundance in Cebu Jul 19, 2012
  • Theosophical Buffet Breakfast at Parklane Hotel July 15, 2012
  • Parklane Hotel Talk Jul 2, 2012
  • Seekers' Lair Jun 25, 2012
  • Yoga at Cordova Reef, Cebu Beach Resort May 6-7, 2012
  • Vipassana Meditation Course Part 4: Getting Established in the Technique (sit) Apr 25 - May 6, 2012

  • More on Cebu Province:

    Suggested Destinations in Cebu
    1. Camotes Islands - caves, beaches
    2. Cebu City - rich in culture and history, 2nd largest city in the Philippines
    3. Moalboal - amazing coral reef system, sardine bowl, deep drop-off for freediving
    4. Oslob - Butanding (whale shark) watching
    5. Bantayan Island - long stretch of fine white sand beach, Virgin Island for snorkeling
    6. Malapascua Island - divers' paradise for seeing the rare Thresher Shark
    7. Cantabaco Cave - Toledo
    8. Barile Waterfalls - Barile
    9. Whale Shark Tour - Oslob
    10. Carcar - chicharon and lechon in public market
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