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Bike lane

I've been biking for 12 years now.  Yeah, I started in 2009.  At that time, there were no bike lanes yet in Metro Manila except in Marikina City. 

Most road users despise bikers being on the road, as they are considered hazards.  In return, bikers are clamoring to "share the road".

Then, last year, the pandemic came into the picture, which resulted to difficulty in traveling due to no or limited public transportation.  Commuters resorted to bike commuting and their number has increased a thousandfold.

The government has responded by designating bike lanes in most major and some secondary roads.

To date, the overall length of the bike lanes in the entire Metro Manila is 313 kilometers with a width of 1.5 to 3 meters based on the road's configuration.  In Quezon City alone, where I usually bike, the length is 93 kilometers.

Despite the lanes, sadly, some motorists and pedestrians still don't respect them.  You can still see vehicles parked or waiting on them, motor cylists use them too to overtake, and pedestrians think they're sidewalks and waiting lanes for transport.  In some lanes, there are barricades, fixed and movable, to prevent non-bikers to use them.

I'm a bike commuter to work too.  And, I benefit from the bike lanes.  They make my ride a breeze, easier and safer.  My route is Novaliches to Makati (via Commonwealth - Quezon Ave. - EDSA - Buendia Ave. and v.v.  The distance is about about 28 kms. with a travel time of 2 hours, one way.  I either use my On One 29er mountain bike or the Dahon Speed Uno folding bike.  The building allows bike parking at the basement for free.  So, if I bike commute, I save about P250.00.

Spirit of giving and sharing

A community pantry helps those who are really in need and encourages others to share in helping.

When the initial one became popular through by word of mouth, social media and news, pantries have sprouted all over the country and even abroad.  Unfortunately, even with the good intentions, the promoter of the first pantry was being red-tagged.

I, myself, have witnessed, on my morning bike rides in and around our place in Novaliches, the long queues in every pantries even if still closed.  Sadly, to date, most of them had folded up.  I'm just hoping that this "bayanihan" (helping each other) spirit will not die a natural death.

In the group of companies where I belong, some sort of community pantry thru Viber was organized.  It is not exactly similar to the original one.  Here, the recipients are members and employees of the group, which may not be needy at all.

The generous sponsors will offer and post to the community a list of food items up for grabs, like breads, fruits, cakes, and whatnot.

Those who want to avail of the offer, simply register his/her name, company, contact number, and address.  The number of beneficiaries reaches about 140.  After the cut-off, the goods are delivered at the registered address, home or office, anywhere in the NCR Plus and some are as far as Batangas and Quezon Province.

What I received so far were: ube pandesal, cassava cookies, oranges, ham, apples, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, loaf of bread, plain pandesal, and apples.

And, the latest were another loaf of bread and plain pandesal:

And, a cake is coming!

My gratitude to the generous sponsors!  And, keep it up!  God will bless you more.  Quoting Acts 20:35, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

 

Amazing taste, how sweet the steak

It's rare, all right!

At last, wifey cooked the Canadian T-bone steak she ordered.  She rummaged the ref for the side dishes to go with it.  There's a loaf bread too.

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner's ready! With wifey and my 2 kids, we partook in this once in a blue moon meal.

A little discussion ensued, whether it's rare or medium rare.  Whatever, it was amazing!  So tender and juicy, and melted in the mouth.

 The mushroom gravy was perfect!  But, I also ventured with spicy vinegar and it rocked!

 

 

So yummy!  I think another order, albeit pricey, is in order!  Hmm, on second thought!

Rare, medium, well done?

I'd like to have the steak, please.

I RAREly eat (beef) steak.  If I do, I choose the MEDIUM size and, only, as a reward for a work WELL DONE!

My family, especially wifey, loves steak.  Me?  If there's a choice, fish or lengua, I'll take it.

Wifey was delighted when she received her order of steak.  It's a T-bone from Canada.

I was aghast when I saw it.  It's a 2-inch thick and a little bit over a kilo.  And, the shocking price is P2,500.00.  Whew!

 

It's pricey, so, it must be pretty tasty when cooked!  Definitely, I'm going to have a slice or two or three of it.

A tear in my tire

A tear fell when I saw the tear in my bike's rear tire.

 A tear fell when I checked that the cost is P1,800.

The tires are the most abused parts of a bicycle due to constant rolling and braking contact and friction with the road.

The common trouble is a flat tire due to a puncture or two caused by sharp objects, like nail, staple wire, splinter, wire, etc., or even under-inflation.  To avoid a flat, a tire liner can be installed.  But, I don't use this.  Instead, I bring spare tube to quickly change the pricked one and do the patching at home.  Actually, I bring 2 spare tubes and patch kit in the event of multiple flats.

The torn tire is a Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29x2.30.  I installed it 2 years and 5 months ago.  The tread is still more than 50%, good for about a year more.

I noticed the tear at the bead, about an inch, after my morning ride today.

It's good I still have my old bald tires, which I will use temporarily.

RIDE SAFE!

A piece of cake

A cake lover.  That's me!

A diabetic. Me, too!

Can a diabetic be a cake lover too?  Yes!  Just love not eat it!

Anyway, like drinking alcohol and other things, moderation is the key.

And, how can I refuse a yummy cake concocted by my niece-in-law. Ei-Pee?  Specially, it's a combo cake of 5 flavors.

Thanks, Ei Pee!  By the way, she is a banker, a novice biker, and a good baker!

Where's my Metformin?

The 40th day A. D.!

Most Filipinos practice after death traditions, like the 40th day memorial.

The belief is that the soul of the departed is still around wandering during the 40-day period, coming back home and visiting the places he/she lived in.  So, if you have goosebumps, feel a cool wind, the lights flicker and sense other hints, Casper has come back and visiting you.  Creepy!

The purpose of the 40th day is to bid good bye to the departed for him/her never to return again but to rest in peace. Thence, those who are left behind should grieve no more and to move on with their lives.

There's also a dispute on the reckoning of the 40th day.  Is it 40 days after death or 40 days after inclusive of the date of death?  For example, if one passed away on August 4, when is the 40th day?  September 13 or 12?

Anyway, based on the latter, we celebrated the 40th day of a dearly departed.  We went to and gathered in his home with his family; so, he would not come to our places for a visit.  Due to the pandemic, only  a few close relatives and friends got together.

As expected, there were still griefs and crying episodes.  When they ebbed, stories were told and exchanged on how good (praises were said) and naughty (laughed out loud) he had been.  And, the best part was the food was aplenty and yummy. Burp!

At the ceremony, the celebrating Pastor requested first everyone to give thanks to the Lord.

On my turn, I thanked Him because my wife and I, who are already in our autumn of life, are still alive and kicking despite having comorbidity.  I added in a whisper, "The sad thing, though, is I'm still alive but being kicked.  He he . . . "

Then, the Pastor delivered and explored his message about rejoicing with God even when everything goes awry.  He cited Habakkuk Chapter 3, verses 17-18:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Definitely, nothing is certain but death and taxes.  Let's enjoy life because if He calls you, you can't answer, "Could You call back later, please"!  That is, if it's your time, it's your time!

Life is really short, so, was the memorial.  But, a plan for another get together has already been drawn.  Moving on and see you soon!

Giving a new coffee blend a shot

Another forthnight was about to pass.  And, my stock of Bukidnon coffee beans was running out.

So, last Thursday, I ordered online another kilo of coffee beans, Brazil origin this time.

However, I was informed that this origin would not be available in another week because of the limited roasting schedule due the pandemic.

I asked what beans were available.  There's a freshly Espimere Blend with the same price as what I originally ordered.

As much as possible, I prefer the single origin beans.  Rarely, though, I drink blended coffee too.  So, I checked it first from the supplier's website and FB account:

• A mix of Colombia and Brazil arabica beans;
• Taste notes: Dark chocolate, burnt sugar;
  
• Thick, creamy and sweet;
• Perfect with milk;
• Medium dark roast;
• Recommended brew method - espresso.
  

That's good!  And, I decided to get it since it's a combination of my 2 favorite origins - Brazil and Colombia.

Yesterday, I rode my bike and picked it up.  The label says the brew date was September 9, 2021 - just 3 days ago.

Okay, this is enough stock for the next two weeks.

ENJOY DRINKING COFFEE!

Sweetest sweet potato

I also like and enjoy eating sweet potato (kamote), whether boiled or fried or kamotecue (I just remove the sugar).  I prefer the first as it's healthier, but moderately being a diabetic.

They say, this root tuber is a poor man's food.  I can still remember - when I offered it to an office mate, who hailed from the province, he rejected it.  He said, "Tom, when I was in our province, I'd been eating kamote almost daily!"  Okay, fine!  He he . . .

Poor or rich, some generous friends offered 2-kilos of kamote for free.  It's free, so I accepted.

It's Kalim-aw orange kamote.  I learnt that this type comes from Mindanao mountain ranges. 

Let's try and taste it.  The skins were still soiled with some traces of worm attack.  So, I thoroughly cleaned and brushed off the dirts first before boiling them.

Cooked, at last!  Wow, this is the sweetest kamote I've ever tasted.

Another offer is coming!  Next time, I am going to try a grilled kamote.

Eating kamote, I hope I won't become a "kamote rider".  But, farting?  Also, I was reminded of my kamote episodes in school examinations.

Black is black, I want my coffee black!

I usually drink coffee four (4) times a day.  And, I want them black.

A shot of espresso when I wake up.  I mostly brew with my Wacaco Nanopresso.

A cup of pour over and a glass of ice cold brew, anytime.  When biking, the ice cold brew is my energy drink.

For my nightcap, another cup of espresso brewed from my Krups machine.  And, mind you, I still can sleep.

At times, though, I also drink coffee other than black for a change, even an instant or a 3-in-1, but never a herbal coffee.

Typhoon "Jolina"

Yesterday afternoon, I was surprised to hear the news that it's already typhoon signal no. 1 over Metro Manila.  There's no rain, no wind, though the sky's cloudy.

I checked the Typhoon2000.com and saw that she was over Southern Luzon and heading towards Metro Manila.

When I woke up at around 3:00 this morning, it was raining, all right, but no howling winds.

As of this time, the typhoon is over Quezon Province and expected to hit Metro Manila at 75 - 95 kph winds.

Keep safe!

Quarantine blooper

For the past month, Metro Manila has been in stricter quarantine status (ECQ for 2 weeks and MECQ modes for another 2 weeks!)

From tomorrow, September 8, the downgraded GCQ, with granular lockdowns (pilot test), is in effect till the end of the month.   It's another sub-category, as what MMDA Chair Abalos described, with a typhoon like alert levels - 1, 2, 3 & 4, the last being the strictest.

So, from big bubbles to tiny bubbles, there are now the tinier bubbles.  I suppose that 4 is like ECQ, 3 MECQ, 2 GCQ, and 1 MGCQ.  But, I think this is much better due to flexibility.  Only a few and small areas will be affected and not the entire region or city.

But, since this is a new category, I'm expecting lots of complication and confusion will happen at first and hoping that it will be fine tuned later and sooner.  According to DILG Sec. Ano, the situation will be assessed every fortnight.

Let's all work together to end this pandemic that has been wreaking havoc for about a year and a half.  And, don't let our guards down.

OOOPS!  BREAKING NEWS!  Metro Manila remains in MECQ until September 15, 2021 (another week)!.

Another MECQ ride

Yesterday, I looped Quezon City!

Today, I rode on its inner major roads and went beyond. 

The route:

From Novaliches, I took the Commonwealth Ave. (Radial Road 7 [R-7] up to Elliptical Road then turned right to North Ave. (north side of the Diliman Quadrangle [DQ]).

Upon reaching EDSA (Circumferential Road 4 [C-4], I turned right.  Then, the plan was to go down the Balintawak cloverleaf and up to EDSA on the ride back.  Instead, I went all the way to Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City and rounded it back to EDSA.

Back at the cloverleaf, I went down to A. Bonifacio Ave, up to EDSA, down again and up again to EDSA.

Turned right to West Ave., right to Quezon Ave. (part of R-7) all the way to the Welcome Rotunda, and rounded it to return to QA.

Approaching Banawe Ave. I saw Ma Mon Luk and felt hungry.   So, I stopped.  Oh no, no dine in.  I just took the bola-bola siopao out.

 

At the junction of Timog Ave., I turned right, passed the Boy Scout Rotunda, crossed EDSA to East Ave.  (I was supposed to turn right to EDSA up to Guadalupe and take the cloverleaf on the way back.  But, I changed my mind.)

Completing the Diliman Qudrangle, I turned right to the Elliptical Road and right to Commonwealth Ave.  By the way, I stopped over under the trees of UP bike lane and ate my siopao.  Satisfied with the siopao, which I hadn't tasted for a long time, I pedaled home.

The total distance was 51 kms in about 4 hours.

MECQ ride within QC

Yehey!  It's Saturday.  One of the days I've always been waiting for.  The others are Sunday and holidays.  Days when I can bike longer and farther.  I usually ride outside of metropolis - to Bulacan or Rizal or Cavite or Laguna or even beyond.

But, NCR remains MECQ until September 7, 2021.  So, the bubbles and tiny bubbles borders are still restricted.  And, to avoid the possible hassles at checkpoints, I just pedaled (solo ride) around the city only and did a QC counter-clockwise loop

From Novaliches, I took the roads nearer the city's periphery - Quirino Highway - Gen. Luis Ave. - SB Diversion Rd. - A. Bonifacio Ave. - Mayon St. - N. Ramirez St. - Bayani St. - Santol St. - Palanza St. - Kapiligan St.. - E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. - Victoria St. - Gilmore Ave. - Col. B. Serrano Ave. - Katipunan Ave. - Temple Dr. - Green Meadows Ave. - C5 - Capitol Hills St. - Zuzuaregui St. - Commonwealth Ave. - Feria Rd. to Dupax Rd. - Batasan Rd. - Pearl St. to Fairlane St. - Regalado Hiway - Inside Lagro Subdivision - Quirino Hiway.

Photos at Temple Drive:

 

 

The total distance was 50 kms. in 4 hours and 20 minutes.   I'd also planned of exploring inner roads but put it off for tomorrow.

Happy birthday, Luigi!

Happy (lockdown) celebration!

Your birthday would have been happier, if we were eating in an all-you-can restaurant or spending it in a beach or resort.

Anyway, MECQ or not, the celebration, albeit so simple, must go on.  Let's go to a park in the north for our lunch:

More birthdays to come!
 

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I am just a biker!

I'm a biker.  Just a biker, plain and simple!

I don't call myself a mountain biker albeit I go and bike to the mountains and trails.  Nor, a road biker despite I also ride on the paved road.

I shun races and other competitive biking.  I don't do stunts or tricks, like, jumps, wheelies, bunny hops, manuals, endos, stoppies, etc.  Though, when I was new to biking, I tried practicing these tricks but didn't pick them up.

I'm a weekend warrior.  I ride late, usually at around 8:00 am, and ride for a duration of 6 to 10 hours.  My average speed is 15 kph only.

Most of the time, I ride solo or with my son.  If I join a group ride, it will be a small group only.

Currently, my 2 bikes are On One 29er and a Dahon Speed Uno folding.  Both are single speed and rigid.  I christened them SStellaR (Single Speed, Steel, Rigid) and DaSSie (Dahon Single Speed), respectively.

On weekends or holidays, I usually ride SStellaR for a longer ride.  DaSSie is mostly used for weekday rides, for errands and for bike commute to work.

Brew, brew, my world is brewed . . .

I just picked my order of whole coffee beans from my supplier.  It's a kilo of medium roast Bukidnon origin.    And, the beans were freshly roasted - yesterday only.

Most of the time, especially during this pandemic, I purchase my coffee beans online, mainly from AELI Brews. It offers ten origins, both imported and local.  Currently, I only buy the 3 least expensive - the other 2 are Brazil and Colombia.

My orders are either delivered or picked up.  I usually do the latter to save on the delivery cost of P100.  But, how much is my pick-up cost?  It's practically free, because I do the pick up riding my bike, which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from our place in Novaliches.

Milling the beans with my manual grinder is fun and a little bit of exercise, which I do every 2 days, while watching a movie or listening to an audio book or doing something else.

I consume 67 grams daily, give or take a few grams = 13.5 g x 2 for espresso + 15 g for pour over + 25 g for cold brew,  Thus, a kilo lasts for 2 weeks.

I brew and drink my 1st espresso when I wake up in the morning, and the 2nd as my nightcap.  The black pour over and the ice cold brew, any time in between.  Mostly, the ice cold brew is my energy drink during my bike ride.

My next project is to buy green beans and roast them.  And, who knows, I may be planting, growing and harvesting my own coffee someday.

My Calendar - September 2021

2nd - Luigi's birthday;

11th - Michelle's birthday;

13th - Ryan's 40th day;

29th - Ram's birthday.

Joke - Was Jonah really swallowed by a whale?

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.

The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".

The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"

The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".

----------

Losing (Private) Rhyan

Rhyan was a beloved nephew!  Unfortunately, we lost him just recently due to Covid 19. 

He was my closest nephew, perhaps, due to geography.  We're located in the same city (Quezon City), while my other nephews and nieces are either in up north in Isabela or down under in Australia.

On our wedding day, he was our ring bearer.  He just turned 2 then and his Mama, the ring bearer's bearer, guided him during the march toward the altar.

Thereafter, we sometimes borrowed him from his mother on weekends and went places as if he was our firstborn.

Reciprocally, on their wedding day, I was one of their principal sponsors.  At first, when he offered it to me, I didn't accept.  I jokingly told him I wanted to be the ring bearer too just like he was to our wedding.

Rhyan had also worked abroad.  But, when he's back home, we found ways to see each other and bond through family gathering and outings.

I also influenced him to try mountain biking.  And, last year, he bought his bike and we had been planning of biking together.  The plans,however, never left the drawing board.

In the past 2 months, we had been together with our families 3 times celebrating 4 occasions.  First, in June at Sun Sea Moon Resort, Morong, Bataan for the joint celebrations of my birthday and their wedding anniversary.  Second, same month, in their place in Angeles City for her daughter's graduation as Salutatorian. (Obviously, she inherited her mother's intelligence.  But, I whispered to him, if she got yours, she could have been a Valedictorian, I mean, Balik-torian).  Last, in July, at Bale Matua, Angeles City for my wife's birthday.  As usual, he was the life of the party.  He'd never run out of jokes.  Also, we were good drinking buddies.  With him, the drinks kept on flowing and the "pulutan" too.  As in "like father like son, we're "like uncle like nephew".

Then, after a few days, came the devastating news of his confinement and, shortly, of his shocking demise.  My family, especially my wife, was in utter disbelief!  So soon!  He's only 43 years old

Due to the stricter quarantine status, his funeral service was held online.  Hence, relatives and friends, who could not make it physically due to movement restrictions and, particularly, those from abroad and remote places, had the opportunity to join too.

We are just waiting for the right and safe time for his final inurnment and say our last farewell!

I wish the title of this blog was "Saving Beloved Rhyan"!

Happy MECQ Sunday!

It's another Sunday, which is the 4th in August!

Effective yesterday, the quarantine status in Metro Manila, as well as in other areas, has been deescalated from the 2-week ECQ down to MECQ until the end of the month.

It's now less strict as, for one, outdoor exercises are allowed from 6:00 am to 9:00 am but within the general area of residence only.  Thus, I have my bike prepared even for a shorter but daily ride.

I thought liquor ban would be lifted in Quezon City, but I was wrong.  But, that's just fine with me, as I still have some stocks to drink moderately alone inside the safety of our home.

Also, there's a wedding in Nasugbu, Batangas that we should attend next Sunday, where my wife and I are among the godparents.  The reception is in a hotel in Tagaytay City, where the MECQ has been declared till end of the month too.  However, with the ongoing and unrelenting pandemic, I already informed the couple of our inability to attend for safety reason.  We have to avoid traveling, to keep away from hassles at checkpoints, and crowded places.

Despite the more than 1 and half year of the havoc it's been wreaking, I'm still wishing that this pandemic will be over soonest.  We just need a better governance and strict discipline to attain this.

Posting again!

It's been exactly 8 years and 1 day since I last posted in and visited this blog!

I still have no intention of resuming this blog.  But, I just got curious, logged in and see if the fire I had before will re-ignite.  I have several dormant blogs, including my biking blog "Tom D' Biker and, should I decide to continue blogging, I will maintain this only.

Well! To restart, I changed the theme - to have a new look, re-oriented myself, and tried to compose this short post.  And, I checked my Adsense earnings.  There is still a pending amount of US$18.92.

Actually, I missed blogging.  However, I don't have the time and energy to do so albeit I'm working from home as a result of this lingering and unrelenting pandemic and the ensuing variants.

I hope I can write some more posts, even short only, in the future and try to reconnect with my old blogger friends.

WISH ME LUCK!