RevPal

Reverse Palace Route

Meeting place

On a group chat with Southpeak Cycling Group, we scheduled to meet at Jollibee-Pacita, San Pedro City, at 5:30 A.M.  sometimes this January.  Being aware of the distance to our meeting place, I decided to leave as early as 5:15 A.M. and although it was still dark, I arrived on time. I was quite dismayed that we are only three who showed on time. I noticed on the way one cyclists, Ka Rudy, an 82 year old, was in opposite lane whom I did not bother to call for he was already too far when I recognized him and maybe he is unaware of our schedule. Anyway, we were eleven who were present and committed to proceed.

Cheating the traffic to binan 

On our way we followed  a road courtesy of single file traversing carefully as there were many buses and jeepneys speeding during the rush hour. This is where our uniforms in Southpeak Cycling Group clearly shows "Share The Road". A fitting elation to our artist and designers, Jorge and Sonn!

We briefly stopped at Biñan-Hiway intersection and this was where we observed the blatant violations of traffic rules. There are those "beating the red light ", counterflow, unauthorized and no plate number, overcrowded passengers jeepneys, and usìng unauthorized siren horn. Then we turned right to Laguna International Industrial Park where we noticed the busy factories' grinding and roaring to beat the manufacturing deadlines. Then we passed through dash-laden road caused by the full blast  construction of Laguna-Cavite Express way to augment the infrastructure projects of the Philippines government.

Minute stop at Nuvali

Just a diversion to while away our worn out and tiring legs, we briefly took a rest and viewed the modern housing subdivision of Ayala's Nuvali and an impressive site development and an astonishing commercial establishment called Solenad . Its ultra modern four-lane road provides priority lane for cyclists and joggers enthusiastic activities.
Hence, we can call this a cyclist's haven!

Nuvali to mansion

On this way, we experienced testing our climbing strength where many were allaying and entertaining fear of overcoming the forthcoming greater height!  And yes, a sign of relief!  At the Imelda Mansion, we took some needed restocking of air and liquid. There are stalls selling several kind of strength- sustaining juice and tummy-filling foods where you can gorge with. And we were not alone, many cyclists came here with the same liking as we were.  And the place  got crowded.

Breakfast at Momsie Tess 

We proceeded on the hard and sloping road.  Tilting and twisting to avoid boulders and loose gravel. We passed by a guava tree with many ripening fruits.

We were not only lured to stop but what was true is...we were already tired! Hehe! Some of us kept on moving to get ahead up the level pavement. As we followed forcing our legs on the upper ground, we saw our comrades already positioned on the table in the eatery of Momsie Tess.  We joined and immediately ordered the free Barako Coffee and free delicious Puto (rice cake).

I have already emptied two cups of coffee before our breakfast is ready.  Our food was prepared on a banana leaves in what we called boddlefight.  Meaning, it is your own fault if you cannot eat faster as those hungry ones will try to grab the foods in front of you and little will be left for you.  However, as there were many  foods were prepared each us got enough and were contented. As we finished our food another cup of coffee was served and ended with me without a glass of water!

Punishing climb to buko girl
Tagaytay 

We were again on the road grinding to more stiff climb. This is the tail-end of Casile road. Although shorter than the climb before, we felt it more difficult and strenuous as we move snail-pace and time-consuming. There was a moment I hardly move... alighted my bike and took a rest hidden behind the cogon grass to avoid being berated! Hehehe!
After a short while, I rode my bike but can't move because of the harshness of the road. I cannot put my shoe cleats in place and after all I can't  hide walking.  When I reached the top, our buddies were already having their buko juice (coconut water) fresh from its shell in the place of what we called "Buko Stop".
 It's a great means of recovery for we were entertained  not only by the  freshness of the coconut juice but with photo shots beside a glamorous "Buko Girl."

Thereafter, a short climb again but not as hard as we struggled before. And we conquered the top of the "world". We are at the peak of the mountain... "The Palace in the Sky." Situated  at the summit of Tagaytay City. The easy way going to Tagaytay is the Aguinaldo Hi-way. The road we took is the hard way. The reverse way to Palace in the Sky, the "The Revpal."