MOUNTAIN BIKE 101

What to bring:

As there are no mountain bike and bike equipment rentals in Bataan, the rider/guest will have to provide for his own gear. However, almost all of the items listed below are available at local bike shops here.

Basic gear:

Mountain bike
Bike helmet
Bike shoes (rubber shoes, trekking shoes)
Gloves
Bike shades
Hydration pack (water bottles will do for a 2hr ride)
Bike specific tools, mini pump, spare tube, tube repair kit
First-aid kit
Note: bike tools and first aid kits will be provided by the guides, but it would be best if you bring them with you
Optional gear:
Knee/shin/elbow guards
Bike lights
Wind/rain jacket

Located at Orion, the trail is composed of rolling hills, traversing dirt roads and single tracks and some long uphill. Once you go down, especially if you take the trail which local mountain bikers call the Joyce ride, the real fun starts. Rut laden roads, switchbacks, long single tracks sums up this 7km downhill, with the rider enveloped by the mesmerizing view oh the hills of Orion and Manila bay. Start and end point is at the Total gas station in Pilar crossing.

The trail will traverse the mountainous area of the Abucay and Samal Municipalties. The ride starts and ends at the Samal Municipal Hall. The climb to the peak of the whole trail will be a challenge so this ride is not recommended for beginners except if you are, physically, in tiptop shape. But the area has alternate routes for beginners.

Paved, rolling hills and dirt roads will lead you up the climb but you will be rewarded with 7-8 km of technical downhill along rut-laden farm roads, single tracks, complete with sharp turns and switchbacks that will keep your adrenaline levels up. A bike carrying climb following a stream crossing will cut the downhill in half, but it is all worth it.



SANTA MONICA TRAIL
(beginners/advanced)
Ride time: 2-3 hrs.

Situated in Mariveles, the ride starts and ends at the BEPZ building. The early part of the ride is a paved road climb to the trailhead. Once you hit the trails it will be rolling hills. Single tracks, fire roads and paved roads constitute this ride.

A short 10K loop of single tracks and 'ober-da-bakod' leaps. Practice ride for newbies who want to experience the single track demands, learn shifting techniques and loves excellent scenery. Suggested starting point>Jerome's Place at Alas-asin or, Mountain view village. Links> Sisiman ridge, Mariveles peak (viewing the zigzag road), zigzag road, DENR reforestation.

(Beginners- advanced riders)
FOR ADVANCED/EXPERIENCED , RIDE TIME 3-5 HRS.

Located in Orion, Bataan - a 30K loop. Suggested starting point> 1) Port Kapinpin, Orion Ferry terminal or 2) TOTAL Pilar Gas Station along Roman Highway. Trailhead is at Bgy. Damulog, Orion. Road ride to the trail head is about 3km from either starting point.

Once you have a view of Manila bay, you're in bgy Mabig. Before reaching bgy Mindanao, take the right trail on the fork (just after a prominent rock on the right with names scribbled on it). You'll glide though hills and cut though forest sections with 5 stream crossings. After the fifth crossing, the trail ends and you will see a short steep trail that will intersect with another trail. The uphill trail to the left will lead you to Liyang/Killer Loop, while the downhill track to the right will take you back to the highway (around 7K downhill). The single track will soon widen and end at Bgy Mabato, Orion. You will notice that from the Mabato exit, your entry point thru Bgy Damulog along Roman highway is only 400 meters away. A road ride of 3K back to your starting point will complete your play.

LAKBAY 44
“BATAAN'S ULTIMATE ECO TOUR DESTINATION”
FOR ADVANCED/EXPERIENCED RIDERS, RIDE TIME: 8-10 HRS.

An epic is an epic…44km linear distance from the Zero (0) km of the famed World War II Death March Marker in Mariveles to the 0 km marker in Bagac.
This ride is one complete package ideal for whole day and some night ride or camping. Hills, valleys, rock gardens, old guerilla roads, fire roads, jungle tracks, 2 river crossings and whatever imaginable path condition that a mountain biker can think of. This is truly a biker’s haven!

Stop Points:

• Zero Death March Marker, Mariveles

This point became the temporary camp and shelter for Filipino soldiers and their US allies who stage their final resistance against the Japanese invaders. The historical march started at this very site on April 10, 1942, which ended up at Capas, Tarlac.

• The Tribal Point

Tourists are welcomed and treated by the tribal community who are one of the original settlers of Mariveles after World War II and are very active in protecting and safeguarding the forest. Headed by a chieftain, some of their leaders are hired forest guard marshals of the Municipality. The place is known for it’s Pure Honey Bee “Pulot Pukyutan”.

• Barracks 31

A Forest Protection Station manned and maintained by the Municipal Forest Marshals.

• Binawangan River

Adventurers may take a dip or swim under an immaculate and pure spring water at Binawangan River. It is accessible by foot, bike or horseback ride.

• Zero Death March Marker

On April 11,1942 the Death March also started at this point. Lakbay 44 ends here.

LIYANG TRAIL
“KILLER LOOP TRAIL”
FOR ADVANCED/EXPERIENCED RIDERS  
IDEAL MONTHS: SEPTEMBER- FEBRUARY, RIDE TIME: 4-6 HRS.

This trail will test ones strength, endurance and bike handling skills. One will find it all here: paved roads to the trailhead, dirt roads, fire roads, extended climbs with grades up to 35 percent, ruts, roots, single tracks, double tracks, rolling hills, rock gardens, technical ascents and descents, ravines, switchbacks, river crossings, natural launch ramps, all a mountain biker can wish for.
A trail is on old WWII guerilla roads and tracks which circles around Mt. Samat and interconnects with the exciting Joyce ride (if opting Sabatan exit). Spectacular view of nearby Mt. Samat and the hills of Bagac and Orion will accompany you on this ride. Other links to this trail includes the Dunsulan falls, Bataan Bonanza Trails (parallel ridge to the west), and Twin Rivers Trails (thru a switchback that would lead to Bgy. Mabato-Orion exit.)

QUINAUAN POINT TRAIL
“THE RIDE OF THE LIFETIME”
FOR BEGINNERS, ADVANCED/EXPERIENCED RIDERS 
IDEAL MONTHS: SEPTEMBER- MAY, RIDE TIME: 2-4 HRS.+ 45 MINS. BOAT RIDE

The trail going to the cove of Quinauan is marked with ruts, rock gardens, fire roads, single tracks, old guerilla roads, and a stretch of forested area. As one enters it, one will feel God's hands fully at work in nature's wonders with ancient acacia and fire trees 10-storey high, green cogon meadows, rolling hills, the view of the beach, and trails disappearing in wads of cogon, and challenging downhill rides.
Suggested starting point is the BEPZ building (Bataan Economic Zone). A 2 Km road ride to trailhead at Bgy Balon Anito, then an uphill which is gradual and winding, passing thru forest sections. The reward is a 7 Km downhill blast to an awesome scenery…crystal blue water and the white sand beach cove of Quinauan.

How to end the ride

   1) Take a pumpboat back to Mariveles for 45mins. This option is not recommended dring the months of June, July and August due to rough seas

   2) Ride back through the same trail or Continue the ride to Bagac, Bataan (another 35kms). In this option, overnight stay at Quinauan is recommended or in Bagac, you can stay at Montemar Resort, or continue your ride back to the east side of Bataan (ie Orion ferry terminal) thru the Bagac-Pilar expressway (25K) or ride to Subic Bay thru Morong gate (30K road ride from Bagac).

AMBON-AMBON TRAIL
(Beginners/ advanced riders)
 Ride time: 2-3hrs

Trailhead (Bgy. Binukawan) is 10kms from the Total Gas Station in Pilar and the trail ride to the peak is 7kms. One can choose his starting point. The trail showcases some moderate climbs, rocky slippery climbs, fast descents over deep ruts, natural berms, long singletracks, large roots. About 50%of the trail is covered with trees. At the peak, riders can have a panoramic view of the vastness of Mt. Mariveles, Mt. Samat and Mt. Natib. Enough water and packed food is recommended since there are no sari-sari stores along the dirt road. At the end of the trail, a reward awaits that every one can't resist...the cool clear water of the Ambon- Ambon falls and Limutan Falls. Its cool, soothing water at the lagoon will be very irresistible for the riders.

BANAS-TOWN OF SAMAL
(Beginners, Advanced/ experienced riders)

A favorite 25 km loop ride for Mt.Bikers in the northern towns of Bataan. Meeting place for this ride is usually at the Municipal Hall of Samal. Uphill ride is mostly through covered sections except for the 1st 3kms from the town proper. At the peak is the Bataan Peninsula State University where cold drinks and water are available (sari-sari stores).

MT. SAMAT ROAD RIDE-TOWN OF PILAR
(Advanced/ experienced riders)

 A challenging 7KM steep uphill ride cursed by those who never came back. Downhill will either be very fast or brake pad-burning. A rider must take caution on the following: very slippery condition road condition during rainy season as most section are covered, road is shared with motorists and hikers. The highlights at the peak are the war museum, the pictorials, the elevator ride, and the shrine of Mt. samat

KARAGATAN BAY VIEW PEAKS
Bataan Economic Zone, Mariveles.
(Difficulty Level:  Depends on the ride you do and laps/cycles you want)

This is the venue of the yearly “Padyakan sa Bataan” held in time of the nation’s celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan. A short 5 km circuit, but offers challenging terrain and breath-taking view of Mariveles Valley, Corregidor Island, Manila Bay and Mt. Mariveles. It is also an ideal place to camp and have a picnic. With a service road to the peak, this place can also be a playground for down hillers.

The yearly race is being open to all mountain bike enthusiasts from Bataan, its nearby provinces and those from the Manila area.

LAKBAY 44 (OVERNIGHT OPTION) Ideal for whole day + some night ride or camping. Ride Time: 8- 10 hrs. For advanced / experienced riders		LIYANG TRAIL Ideal months: Sept-Feb Ride Time: 4-6 hrs. For advanced/experienced riders
QUINAUAN POINT Ideal Months: Sept-May Ride Time: 2-4 hrs and 45 mins. boat ride For beginners / advanced / experienced riders			Package   D ABU-ABU Php 400 /head Package E SANTA MONICA Php 500/ head	Package F SAMAL/ABUCAY Php 500/head Package G KILLER LOOP JR. Php 400/head

Package A/B/C  Inclusive of:
MTB TRAILS 

• Transportation from City of Balanga to starting point of trail
• Pack lunch and drink
• Guides/radios/logistic arrangements