The Intro: Looking to push your limits and get rewarded with stunning views? The climb to Antipolo Cathedral from Marikina is the perfect challenge for semi-beginner riders
The Rendezvous Point
First off, a ride to Marikina Riverbanks no matter where you are in the metro is an adequate warm up for the main event. In the morning, it is bustling with random people – from taho and T-shirt vendors to joggers young and old or a kid trying out their first mini bikes. Here you can recharge and have a hearty breakfast of boiled egg, saba or corn, suman kamote wrapped in banana leaves, or the plain old sticky rice suman. Take your pick!
Traversing the trail from Marikina Riverbanks to the Marikina Bridge, expect to see more food stalls, selling rice meals, and everyone’s favorite, goto with tokwa’t baboy.
Pop-up coffee shops are also present in the morning to complete your “ilog breakfast” experience.
Just a short distance up JP Rizal St. you’ll find eateries offering a variety of “silog” breakfast dishes to satisfy your hunger and provide the energy you need in your next destination.
One of them is the Parikit Lucban Specialties located along Deguanco Street, between Otto Shoes and Kapitan Moy Hall. They offer silog meals at a reasonable price. A plus point is that they have adequate bike parking.
The Climb
As you leave Marikina's bustling morning traffic behind straddled on your trusty bike, the Marikina-Sumulong Highway unfolds, gently nudging you uphill. Don't be intimidated by the incline - it's a steady climb, perfect for testing your gears and building your endurance. With every pedal stroke, the cityscape gradually transforms into a breathtaking panorama on your right. Lush green trees dotted with houses replace towering buildings, offering a welcome escape from the urban jungle.
You might want to make a quick stop in view decks you pass by to admire the scenery - catch your breath, take a water break, snap some pics, and soak it all in. After all, it is not a race to get to the finish line especially if it’s your first climb.
Not to worry, it’s not an uphill path all the way to the cathedral, there are downhills where you can recover and feel the wind on your face.
The Last Stretch
Before the final stretch, you will encounter a crossroad just right after Robinson’s Antipolo. It’s hard not to miss since a huge tree stands tall as if overseeing all vehicles passing by. This also marks the end of Sumulong Hi-way.
Straight ahead is ( another) J.P. Rizal Street which you can take (at this point there are other streets you can pass through to get to the cathedral) and turn left on P. Oliveros Street. In a few meters and on your final slight incline, the iconic Antipolo Cathedral stands proudly at the top with its white facade gleaming against the blue sky
What to do when you get to the finish line?
Light candles and offer prayers of thanksgiving
Seek solace in the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Buy pasalubongs and taste Antipolo delicacies like suman and cashews
Locate the designated area for blessing cars, motorcycles and bikes, fill out a form for donations and wait for your turn to have the bicycles prayed over.
If you’re not Catholic, explore the cathedral grounds, and admire the stunning other architecture of the church
Biking to Art: Exploring Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo
Any trip to Antipolo will not be complete without stopping by the world- renowned Pinto Art Museum Embark on a scenic bike ride to Antipolo and discover the artistic haven of this contemporary art museum. It showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary Filipino art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and mixed-media works. The museum's galleries are set amidst lush gardens and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, creating a serene and inspiring environment for visitors to explore and appreciate Filipino art and culture.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, this museum offers a serene escape from the city. Explore its tranquil gardens and striking architecture, showcasing contemporary Filipino art. With each pedal stroke, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and culture, culminating in an enriching visit to Pinto Art Museum. Experience the joy of art and adventure on two wheels.
A heart-pounding descent!
Cruising down from Antipolo Cathedral towards Marcos Highway is an exhilarating
experience for cyclists. You have gone this route however; it’ll fell steeper going back.
The curves and switchbacks will test your skills, demanding good control and precise
braking.
Remember, safety first! Maintain a controlled speed by shifting to low gears. This keeps
you in control and prevents your brakes from overheating. As you descend, lean
forward slightly, finding your center of gravity over the front wheel for optimal control.
Keep your eyes peeled! Traffic, especially cars and larger vehicles, might navigate the
curves at different speeds. Be mindful of the road itself, watching for potential hazards
like potholes, blind corners, or merging traffic. Adjust your speed to your comfort level
and the road conditions.
This descent can be an unforgettable thrilling ride that you’d want to try again
The Outro: Bike your way on a journey of spirituality and adventure with an Antipolo Cathedral bike trip.
Completing this route is a perfect blend of challenge and reward for cyclists of varying
skill levels. The climb definitely tests your endurance, the cathedral provides a welcome respite with breathtaking views, and the descent is an exhilarating finale to a memorable cycling adventure.
Conquered this climb? Antipolo has many more cycling adventures waiting! Don't miss the next post to discover them.
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