Somehow, we managed to escape the freezing temperatures of Mayoyao in the morning and continued our journey with a sense of anticipation. As we embarked on the road, none of us knew what to expect since it was our first time in the area. However, every turn revealed breathtaking scenery. Mayoyao is truly surrounded by majestic mountains, lush forests, and ancient rice terraces that showcase the incredible agricultural expertise and engineering skills of the Ifugao people.
Along the way, we made a stop at a mini-store located at the top of the mountain pass on our way to Banaue. It provided us with a perfect spot to enjoy a nice cup of coffee while taking in the stunning views that unfolded on both sides.
We couldn't help but notice the running waters alongside the road, and we seized the opportunity to freshen up. The store owner kindly offered us the use of their facilities, allowing us to take a shower right beside the road. During our conversation, the owner shared insights about the delivery and logistics of their goods, as well as their transition from the lowlands to the highlands. The cold water was invigorating, helping us recover and prepare for the next leg of our journey.
The way mountain people have adapted to their surroundings, incorporating the natural environment into their daily lives, is truly captivating. Their water management, transportation, and communication reflect their deep connection with the land. By the way, we are now halfway through our journey, having covered over 500 kilometers.
As we continued our journey, we encountered a long descent on the way to Banaue, passing through a series of mountain passes that connected each peak. This stretch was incredibly scenic, with waterfalls cascading down the roadside and terraces unfolding below.
It framed a breathtaking scene of a river, rice plantations, and majestic mountains, making it one of the most stunning views we had ever witnessed. Just a few kilometers ahead, we were greeted by another surreal sight: the Ducligan Snake River, another gem of Ducligan.
Navigating the roads of Mayoyao involved ascending and descending slopes ranging from 600 to 1,500 meters above sea level, providing us with unforgettable vistas of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces.
At noontime, we sought refuge in a store, finding solace from the punishing heat sandwiched between the mountains. The silence was overwhelming, as only a few vehicles traversed this route, most likely tourists.
The long and winding ascent and descent continued until 3 pm, with the scenery constantly changing. As we gradually moved away from Banaue, picturesque villages started to emerge, indicating our proximity to the town.
This would be our second time passing through Banaue, following our previous Sagada loop ride in 2017. By around 4 pm, we reached the town itself and wasted no time heading to the Banaue Rice Terraces view deck.
We indulged in a snack while capturing photographs, enjoying the lingering daylight before we set our sights on Mt. Polis, a summit just 20 kilometers away, with a gradual climb from Banaue.
As we continued, a group of kids took an interest in our bicycles, running alongside us for a few meters with joy beaming on their faces. Their presence brought a much-needed boost of energy, momentarily relieving our exhaustion. As night fell and we pushed forward, the climate dropped once again. Initially, it was tolerable, but it soon plummeted significantly. With each pedal, we battled the cold temperatures, relying on our body heat to keep warm. Drawing nearer to the summit of Mt. Polis, we encountered roads that were partially submerged in water, reaching a few centimeters in depth. The water resulted from the cascading streams and the absence of proper drainage along the road.
Finally, around 7 pm, we arrived at a local store and eatery in Mt. Polis. Stepping inside was a relief from the extreme cold outside. The friendly staff offered us a comforting dinner, replenishing our energy and soothing our bodies.
We took the opportunity to inquire about nearby accommodations for the night, and to our delight, the owner directed us to a nearby lodge owned by a fellow cyclist. It was a stroke of luck. The lodge provided a haven from the frigid weather, and we made sure to seal any openings in our room, preventing the cold air from seeping in. As we closed the door, we could feel the stark contrast in temperature between the room and the outside world.
The night in the lodge was freezing, but it was the first time in a while that we felt a sense of comfort and reward. Despite the challenges faced throughout the day, the breathtaking landscapes, the encounters with kind-hearted locals, and the resilience displayed by the mountain people left an indelible impression on us.
