Setting out on my most extensive and demanding cycling expedition to date, I encountered an unforeseen hindrance—an approaching typhoon called Tropical Storm Nalgae, known as Paeng in the Philippines. Undaunted by the imminent storm, our group embarked on our adventure, optimistic despite the inclement weather conditions.
As we pedaled through the rain-soaked roads, the elements proved relentless. The rain poured down, making the roads slippery. While traveling along the remote San Jose Del Monte Norzagaray Road, Jay encountered a mishap with his bike carrier. His bike carrier screws came loose, causing it to fall off without our notice. It wasn't until later that we realized what had happened. In a quick moment of resourcefulness, we temporarily patched up the carrier using rubber to keep it in place until we could find a more permanent solution the next morning.
After pedaling around 70 kilometers, we found ourselves uncertain about the reliability of the route map we were following. It unexpectedly rerouted us onto an unfamiliar path, although it eventually led us back to our desired route. However, this diversion cost us valuable time as we had to figure out how to reconnect with the main highway. It became apparent that the accuracy of the Komoot mapping service can be inconsistent, with some routes proving reliable while others less so. Given this experience, we concluded that it is generally safer and more efficient to stick to the main roads for navigation purposes. We reached the town of Gapan after cycling 100 kilometers. It was 3 a.m., and we were feeling sleepy. To combat fatigue, we stopped at a nearby 7-Eleven, grabbed some snacks, and took a short nap.
Our objective for the day was to reach Baler, and it seemed achievable given the current time and conditions. We began our journey towards the city of Cabanatuan, where the flat and well-maintained roads made for a relatively effortless ride. By approximately 9 a.m., we successfully arrived in Cabanatuan. However, we encountered a setback when we mistakenly took the wrong route towards Palayan, resulting in a detour of about 10 kilometers as we retraced our path to get back on track.
We stopped to have lunch at a local eatery along the Nueva Ecija - Aurora road. The weather appeared calm and cloudy, but we were still mindful of the looming storm. However, as we continued through Palayan, the storm's force began to unleash itself. The gusty winds from all directions started to impede our progress significantly. It became increasingly challenging to push forward, yet we maintained our determination and remained hopeful that we could still reach our destination.
By approximately 3 p.m., we arrived in the town of Bongabon, where the unleashed fury of the storm became evident. Despite the challenging conditions, we managed to capture some photos by the Bongabon markings. However, the powerful winds and gusts grew increasingly formidable, hindering our progress. It became a struggle to even keep our bikes upright. Seeking temporary respite, we sought shelter at a waiting shed, hoping the storm would subside. Unfortunately, as hours passed, the storm only intensified, leaving us with no choice but to call it a day. Desperate for shelter, we stumbled upon an empty underconstruction house where the owner kindly permitted us to stay for the night. This marked the first time we were caught in the midst of such a devastating typhoon during our journey.
As the night progressed, the relentless wind threatened to tear the roof away. The heavy rainfall caused water to seep through, resulting in steady dripping from above.
