Tagaytay: Sunday, 15 April 2012

6:00am depart for Taal Valcano via Indang. I was surprised how good the roads were, concrete covered in asphalt. As a result the ride was smooth, comfortable and fun. It was, however, very cool and the temperature reduced as I climbed the 600+ meters towards the volcano rim - was glad to have the Rev-It jacket but next time may also need the inner lining.

 Motorcycle was carefully garaged (work in progress and after pictures of bespoke motorcycle garage) for my next return to the Philippines and, hopefully, new and exciting bike rides.

Mileage on return 26,570

BMW Autohaus Libis: Saturday, 14 April 2012

Bike ready and collected Saturday morning. Everything done and now rides so smooth. Took C5 and the South Luzon Expressway to Ayala Alabang where had delightful lunch with very long standing and good friends. Later ride home via the Daan Hari Road and General Trias was a pleasure. The R1150R rides like a new motorcycle and was an absolute delight. Mileage on return to farm 26,492 kilometers.

BMW Autohaus Libis: Thursday, 12 April 2012

While riding the "twisties" the previous day the warning light illuminated indicating a fault or service is due. Departed therefore at around 6:45am to Libis and the BMW Autohaus service center.

The journey along the Coastal Road and C5 was pleasant with traffic flowing quite freely. I arrived spot on opening time at 8:00am with mileage at 26,409 kilometres.

A check by the mechanic revealed the illuminated warning light is due to the Stop Light bulb not working. A simple fix but, since at the service center, I asked for a complete check and service. Worksheet includes:

- check warning light and general electronics
- change engine oil and filter
- change gearbox oil and final drive oil
- check horn which is not working and left side mirror is loose
- renew oil filler cap
- adjust valve gaps.

It will not be ready until Saturday so it's two days without my motorcycle - huff!

Wonderful Day: Wednesday, 11 April 2012

An absolutely wonderful day, filled with sunshine, new adventures, good friends, great food, and super biking.

Departed the farm at about 6:45am and rode to Sto Nino Chruch at Southwoods by way of the Governor's Drive, Trece Martirez, General Trias and GMA. I was met by my good friend who escorted me in his Toyota Fortuna to his beautiful home overlooking Laguna Lake.

We had an outstanding breakfast of langonisa, fried bangus, sardines, ham, cheese, rice and pandesal, followed by fresh fruits and coffee - quite an exceptional start to the day.

After breakfast and a good "chat" the other guest for breakfast, and my BMW biking friend, suggested we ride to Tagaytay and the Highlands Golf and Country Club. Phew, what a wonderful ride - great weather, good roads, little traffic and wonderful "twisty's" - it was a delight to follow my friend on his F800GS.

I could have quite happily just kept riding (and riding and riding!!) but we reached the beautiful Highlands where we relaxed, drank green mango shake, and eventually said 'good bye'. We made our separate ways home. I reached the farm mid afternoon after descending over 600 meters from the rim of the Taal Volcano to the farm.

Quite a special day!

Mileage upon return was  26,358 kilometres.

Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City: 10 April 2012

A pre-dawn and early start at 5:05am for the journey to change my Metzeler tires.  Mileage at departure was 26,086 kilometers.

I had previously printed a Google map route to Caloocan Sales, the Metzeler tire dealer at Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City. The route took me through Tanza, the new Coastal Road extension, Roxas Boulevard, and on to Rizal Avenue. Theoretically a simple route but I was unsure of the roads after Roxas Boulevard. Fortunately, and more by luck than judgment, I ended up on Rizal Avenue and was able to follow the LRT to Caloocan Sales.

I arrived at Caloocan Sales shortly after 6:30am and was hugely early given their 8:45am opening time. I spoke to a local worker who suggested I try "Tony's" in 8th Aenue for breakfast while waiting for opening. Tony's had likewise not yet opened, so breakfast of a tasty fried egg, garlic rice and 3 in 1 coffee for Php30 was taken next door at Chona's.

Mileage at Chona's 26,137 kilometers.

The tires were quickly replaced (Metzeler Z8 - Front Tire: 120 / 70-ZR 17, Rear Tire: 170 / 60-ZR 17) at a cost of Php 17,000 including a Php 600 fitting charge.

 The return to the farm was quick,  uneventful and enjoyable - especially the new coastal road extension which never ceases to delight.

Mileage at return to farm 26,183 kilometers.

Mall of Asia: 7 April 2012

Mileage on return to the Philippines was 26,002 kilometers. Bike had been well cared for, cleaned, started every week and left running for 10 minutes. The oil and tires had been checked, and the motorcycle stored in the new purpose built garage.

Couldn't wait to ride my R1150R so, as soon as possible, left for MotoWorld at the Mall of Asia to buy new riding gloves. The ride was super and the new Coastal Road Extension a delight. The picture shows the Coastal Road as it crosses the sea and is very beautiful as a result.