Mountain Biking in Subic, Philippines

Mirjam on the first major downhill stretch of the Subic Eco-Challenge Mountain Bike race. Mirjam raced together with Vince and me. Our team name: Chicken Chili Chimichanga Cheesedogs. This race was organized by a very cool group of ultra-active Filipino mountain bikers. Photo credit goes to Neil Lucente.	Mirjam of Team Chicken Chili Chimichanga Cheesedogs
We scored tons of loot - cash, t-shirts, sunglasses, hats, a year's supply of deoderant (???) and cases of Lone Star beer. Moment of truth - we were the only team that knew that trail so we had the unfair advantage. But hey, our first race we'll take it anyway we can get it. Many kudos to Kerry, Ricky and other race organizers. Photo: Neil Lucente	To the victors go the spoils!
Estrella from Costa Rica rides up the base of Mariveles volcano, with the South China sea in the background. This plateau rises up from the midpoint of the Bataan Peninsula, of WWII death march fame. There is an old single track under all that grass, which becomes exposed as the grade steepens.	The lost trail to Mariveles volcano
Another approach to Mariveles volcano. This farming road becomes a sweet single track with bermed curves and some good steep stretches. We've made it up to the tree line in the background, and found a trail into the forest, but the caldera of the volcano has yet to be tackled by bike - check back in a few weeks.	Paradise valley, between Orani and Bagac
These folks are indigenous Aeta tribespeople. They have been pushed around for all their lives, but have found a measure of peace on the remnants of the old Subic naval base. We hire them to help us build trails, and learn how to cook rice in bamboo, start a fire with nothing but a bolo knife, and hunt wild jungle chicken. These folks know every inch of the forest around Subic, and are true friends. We donated our race winnings (see above) for their village school.	Aeta friends, guides and trail builders

Posted by Darius Teter.