Tagaytay: Friday 3 August 2013

Motorcycle had magically been cleaned overnight and was looking ready for another adventure. Departed at 6:55am in lovely sunshine. Rode through Trece Martirez and Indang but I had forgotten about rush hour in the provinces. There was much traffic with many people, jeeps and tricycles blocking the small provincial roads. However the traffic soon cleared and it was pleasant until the rains started. I stopped at a petrol station for gasoline and to shelter. The motorcycle had consumed 6.48 liters of gasoline over approximately 93 kilometers (mileage was 26,759 at gasoline station). At this time it seemed appropriate to wear my Rev-It rain jacket and trousers as it was sure to rain again at sometime during the day.

Sheltering in Gasoline Station

8:55am and feeling hungry so stopped at Santis deli-cafe in Silang. Scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, orange juice, toast and coffee.

Tasty Breakfast

Breakfast was very tasty with the sausage made by Santis at their main office in Yakal Street (as advised by the charming waitress). Explored the deli after eating and bought a bottle of wine along with bread and rack of lamb for barbecue later in the day.

The return to the farm was pleasant with no mishaps. Arrived at 10:45am with mileage of 26,845 kilometers, and started planting.

Pepper and Papaya seed planting

After all the handwork of taking pictures of people working, I retired for my lamb dinner:

Beetroot and spring onion from Farm Garden

Makati: Thursday, 2 August 2012

The R1150R had been left on the Optimate charger and, prior to my arrival, the driver had disconnected the charger, cleaned the motorcycle, and run it for 10-15 minutes. It looked good and ready to go.

Stored with Optimate charger

I packed my Kriega bag with papers for the Bank, my various cards and IDs, and my Rev-It rain jacket. It had rained heavily overnight and whilst not raining this morning, I decided to wear the Rev-It rain trousers as I felt sure there would be some flooding en route.

Departed at 09:55am with mileage 26,656 kilometers. Travelled through Tanza, filled up with 95 octane at Petron CEPX at a cost of Peso 495. Reached HSBC Makati at 10:57am. Parked in a motorcycle park and paid 20 peso for 1 hr parking - left HSBC at 11:30am to look for SMX near Mall of Asia.

Not able to find SMX so decided to return home for lunch. The rain had held-off all the morning and the weather was quite pleasant. However, while riding along the coastal road extension I could see storm clouds over Cavite City heading across the sea directly towards me. There was absolutely no shelter. The wind increased significantly and temperature dropped considerably. I felt a soaking was imminent.

Rain storm moving quickly towards me

I could see a wall of torrential rain about 100m from the toll booth. There was no option other than to ride into it. I reached the booth, paid the toll, and waited under the cover of the booth until the rain stopped.

The rain soon stopped and the return to the farm was uneventful and pleasant. Returned at 1:20pm with mileage of 26,739 kilometers. Hope the rain will stay away tomorrow and I can ride some more.

Tagaytay: Monday, 7 May 2012

I was able to spend a long weekend on the farm and took the opportunity to ride to Tagaytay. This is such a lovely ride I feel it will be come a regular. I decided it was prudent to allow the tricycle to cross the bridge before I ventured on! The bridge is along the road from Indang to Amadeo and is to be replaced by a newly constructed concrete bridge in the near future.

Had a excellent lunch of chicken salad and tuna wrap at the Gourmet Cafe. Their local coffee is also well worth trying. After this, returned via Silang for an afternoon siesta (the previous night was a full moon and didn't sleep too well):

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.