What motivates you to exercise? Motivation came to me in stages as I grew into becoming an avid mountain biker. Stage 1 was motivation by friends, the texting on those hard- to-wake-up days, stating a non-negotiable fact that we are going and wanting to go because it is great companionship. Stage 2 was motivation by learning new skills in the art of mountain biking through reading books on instruction, or talking to an experienced rider, and wanting to ride because there are new skills to learn. Stage 3 was motivation because the rhythm of the day begins to change, and I found myself wanting to ride because a day seems incomplete if it did not start with a ride. Stage 4 was motivation to climb higher and longer because it actually begins to get easier when you are consistent, and the climbs and distances do not seem to hurt in the same way. Stage 5 was motivation because of an acquired identity as a competent, healthy, and fast rider, and wanting to go out to keep that edge and distinction.
Fitness to ride, and fitness to win are two very different realities.
When everything had stopped, my bike had slid all the way off the edge of the road, and my body was a mess, but I was still able to manage riding home in pain.
I eat a bowl of cereal or oatmeal before my morning ride. The riding is always better with something light in the stomach.
What has been the best biking trail for you in Negros Oriental so far? Calabnugan Bridge in Sibulan is a gateway to a mountain bike park that people from around the world would die for. From that Bridge, there are four wonderful trails upwards known to the biking community as Balili, Ata-Ata, Freefall, and Hard Rock. Each of these trails offers a unique and different challenge.
I believe the Calabnugan Bridge gateway is very special for mountain bikers in Negros Oriental.
These maps could be available online or in the Tourism office, and could boost the interest in visitors and weekend riders to explore the wonderful trails in the vicinity of Dumaguete.
Cobbie Palm is a Mission facilitator of the Presbyterian Church USA. He was champion of the 2010 Sandurot National Mountain Bike Race in the Golden Boys (over 50) category. He speaks fluent Tagalog as he has lived in the Philippines for 32 years; the past 10 years of which he has enjoyed in Dumaguete. Incidentally, he was born at the SU Mission Hospital (now Katipunan Hall).