After enduring two days of rainy weather during our ride, we were hopeful that the third day would bring fair skies. The first day had been plagued by a storm, followed by a relentless downpour on the second day. Given these circumstances, we believed our chances of encountering better weather were high. Setting off from the lodge at 6 in the morning, we were greeted with clear skies for a few kilometers. However, our hopes were dashed as the rain returned, forcing us to seek shelter at a charming roadside eatery where we decided to have breakfast. The delightful ambiance complemented our delicious meal, providing a much-needed respite. Despite the persistent rain, we had no choice but to accept the weather conditions. Continuing on, we found ourselves passing by the breathtaking coastal road of Baler, where we were captivated by the awe-inspiring rock formations. Hoping for a reprieve, we paused at a small hut along the way, but the rain showed no signs of letting up.
The roads were filled with water from the slopes when we're passing by, making it important to be cautious while going downhill. Edwin, one of my companions, was very careful and slow during these descents. We used to tease him about it, jokingly saying he had already fallen on his knees when we left him behind. After a while, Edwin caught up with us, and we noticed his tires were deflated. We fixed them and continued on our way.
On the side of the road, we came across two young girls selling snacks. It was a great find because we were struggling to find food along the route. They were selling a different version of rice cake called "suman," and we really enjoyed it. We bought a bunch of them, which would serve as our lunch. Around 11 am, we reached Dinadiawan, where we found a perfect spot by the roadside with a beautiful view of the beach and a coconut tree. We took a moment to relax and enjoy the strong winds coming from the Pacific. The clearing skies above us bring a welcomed relief and a sense of optimism.
We ensure we had enough rest time, we took into account the news we had heard about the challenging climbs awaiting us on the way to Maddela. Fortunately, I had a mapping service that provided valuable insights into the difficulty level of the upcoming ascents. The medium climbs were marked in orange, while the tough ones were labeled in red on the tracks. This mapping service served as our trusty radar, alerting us to any demanding climbs we needed to prepare for ahead of time. Considering that the majority of the route consisted of climbs, this tool proved to be indispensable.
As we progressed, the climbs became progressively steeper with every twist and turn of the road within the first 7 kilometers. The ascent was gradual, and the weather gradually grew colder as we gained elevation from sea level. We found ourselves traversing through the magnificent mountains of Sierra Madre, an iconic segment known for its challenging climbs in Aurora province.
Finally, we reached the Calaocan Viewpoint, a significant landmark that signaled the summit of our arduous climb. The sudden change in altitude and climate struck us as we realized we were now standing just 7 kilometers away from sea level, atop this magnificent summit. With the challenging ascent behind us, the roads ahead were in excellent condition, allowing us to gain speed and enjoy a thrilling descent. Edwin, eager to embrace the thrill, decided to take the lead on the downhill. Jay and I, however, couldn't resist the temptation when we spotted a pomelo tree adorned with ripe fruits that had fallen to the ground. We couldn't resist indulging in a few refreshing bites, satisfying our cravings.
Little did we know that the next stretch of road would silently captivate me the most. As we continued through Quirino province, the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Madre landscape unfolded before our eyes. On one side, majestic cliffs and meandering rivers accompanied our journey, while on the other side, the grandeur of the mountain range stretched as far as the eye could see. It was a breathtaking scene, rivaling the captivating landscapes of the Mountain Province in the Cordilleras. Rolling hills adorned the sides of Sierra Madre, further enhancing the scenic allure of the region.
We made a stop in the town of Disimungal to grab a quick snack from a local store. Unfortunately, our journey encountered yet another obstacle when Jay examined his feet and discovered they had become macerated due to prolonged exposure to water over the past three days. He had been enduring the discomfort for a while, struggling to keep up and eagerly yearning for our next rest stop, where he could finally give his feet the much-needed rest they deserved.
Despite the persistent rain, our determination pushed us forward, and soon we found ourselves faced with yet another long and steep climb, right after our snack break. The rain seemed relentless, but we persisted, embracing the challenges that came our way.
Around 4 pm, we reached Abbag Bridge, one of the iconic bridges in the province, spanning one of the largest rivers in the country. It was a sight to behold, further adding to the sense of awe and adventure that enveloped our journey.
Before embarking on this adventure, we had decided to embrace the uncertainty and be prepared to spend the night wherever circumstances would allow. Equipped with our trusty hammocks and SOS sleeping bags, we embraced the true essence of adventure. By 6 pm, Jay's endurance was waning, and we hadn't yet found a suitable place to rest for the night. Fortunately, as we arrived in Aglipay town, we stumbled upon a local eatery. To our surprise, the owner happened to be a fellow cyclist, and we instantly struck up a great conversation about the various routes in Quirino and the incredible journey we had undertaken. Seizing the opportunity, we politely asked if we could pitch our hammocks in their outdoor space. Graciously, they agreed, providing us with a comfortable spot to rest.
Moreover, they kindly opened their facilities for our use, ensuring that we had everything we needed during our stay. We made an excellent decision to bring my 80,000mAh power bank, which sustained our power needs for three consecutive days without electricity. This time, they also lent us extension wires, allowing us to charge all our devices and essential equipment, which would be greatly needed as we ventured into the mountain province.
