Before I'll start a little bit of review of the trail. I've been thinking about creating a journal for this one. This will be a little long but here goes…
It was around 0530H when I arrived at Tiendesitas when I already saw more than 20 bikers in front of the closed Mercury Drug store. I was quite anxious since this will be my second ride following the Licao - Licao ride last week. I saw old friends; Drew, Oliver, Nhan, Kirk and April. I also met new friends who share the same passion for exploration as well as the values they have for the environment. Such great people were there!
But I had so much expectations with the ride since I believe this will be my first island run. I was out pouring my thoughts, silently, speaking on my mind on what creative whoola would happen since our trail master is not yet around. But finally, he arrived at last, for about 30 minutes passed the said time. Without further questions, jokes and 'pabiro' to the late one, we left Tiendesitas and off to our destination - Binangoan Pritil Wharf port. It is here where I met my first challenge - wind coming towards me. My new set of handle bars and stem made me sit more upright compared to the flat bars I used to have, hence drag is more noticeable but no worries for me since I am more comfortable with the new set-up.
Then we arrived at the said port at around 0741H where I got the chance to eat my breakfast consisting of my favorite tuyo and bicol expresss (not the best breakfast out there). I jolted with the price of pork at Binangoan where 55 pesos a serve can be so little. The rest of the group on the other hand decided to talk more and more while waiting for the other bikers to arrive. Anyway, I was loving my breakfast when a glance to the port and the bikers were nowhere to be found. So I acted calmly but ate like a hungry hobo, err… not really. To my relief, I am still not alone since they were just loading the bikes and some of the bikers were off taking a bladder break while some were already relaxing aboard the vessel. About 0830H, we left the port and headed towards Brgy. Navotas. It was one of the best experiences and may be considered a highlight of the journey. Being able to go to an island with a boat filled with bikers and their bikes, I was on a bridge of life fulfillment. Moreover, the scenery was breathtaking! So after almost an hour of boat ride, we arrived to our destination, Navotas port (0924H). At last, I felt dizzy quite a bit.
Barangay Cardona is very small place with a small size in population. As always, the locals were happy to see us there and were eagerly asking where we come from. The kids were more surprised than their older folks. They shouted encouraging things and expressed compliments about our rigs. By that I was happy to see such an island filled with hospitable and polite people. At 0940H, we left Cardona for our journey towards the end side of the island, around 30 bikers were present during the ride, all happy and waiting for more things to be thrown at us. Now, if I was a local in this place, I'd be so grinning so badly. The roads were narrow enough to be passed by a single car which I thought was made only for bicycles. I believe the scenery we've seen in the boat ride was awesome, but til' I got there, I can neither express more. This paradise is filled with really steep climbs, fast runs, blind curves etc. Though we were mostly riding on concrete, there were brown soil waiting to be ran over. I was so happy to be here that I made an advance thank you to the trail master/organizer. But he said, thank me later, we have some more! Wait some more?, I said.
I didn't get the 'some more thing' he said. But did I mention about the word 'exploration' before? Okay, now I get it. Prior to the ride, the description of the trail was 70% trail, 25% hike-a-bike, and 5% boat ride. My own definition of hike-a-bike is walking a bike since there will be big rocks coming our way. I didn't realize that hike-a-bike means going down steep rocks. But I ain't complaining, even though my norm-o-meter tells me this is damn dang-gerous! But hey, the girls ain't complaining as well. They were ready to face it. So we proceeded on until we finally reached the place we have to take our lunch passed 1200H. We had a great time of bonding during a short meal. I can't express the meal as well, so here's a picture to crave for…
After an hour of break, we went back to the road. Not everyone knew that the road will get dirty, narrow, and grassy. Sure, we passed on a single track road but get too close with both sides and you'll scratch yourselves with thorns. As much as I wanted to crawl, it was no option for me to since I have to walk my bike. The people may find this place suitable for a name called "Talim" due to its large, pointy rocks. I was no victim of punctures, but there were many of us who had a flat. These things are fairly easy do solve, but it adds up to the time and challenges we still have to see. To tell you frankly, the trail will truly test your endurance, patience, balance, and strength. We have to walk our bike over steep and slippery hills. The hike was the 25% of our trip, how could a short distance take so much time? Still, I was thankful about the weather since it really participated this time, even a small rain could ruin our day of hike and would translate to longer stay in the middle of the woodland. Water would destroy the inch of traction we've got plus a rise in water could leave us stranded along the shore.
A relief! I heard someone singing with a karaoke, finally! At 1600H we arrived at our destination, only a few arrived early since the rest had to repair their punctured tires. The reward? Rest. The word everybody wants even after the ride. Some sun burns, pictures, and a memory to keep!
So what's with Talim Island?The island can have so much promise in its own ground; people can't just stay on living with fishing and exporting bamboos. They can take initiative now and make the island truly a bike park haven - promoting tourism. Bikers should expect for more surprises but the locals really have to work on the importance of garbage disposal since it almost scared me away. So should I come back next week? Uhmm, no. Sometime in the future would be a good opportunity.
Bottom line here is, it is one of the most enjoyable ride and hike of my life.
Would like to say thanks to: Obi, Drew, Oliver, Kirk, April, Whoops, Bhogart, Nhan, and the rest who came.
Follow through write-up: Talim Island Trail Review
Trail Life Rhema: Talim Ride
