What would you do for your Dad? How far would you go for a challenge? Jefferson Tabacon’s dad, before he passed away, challenged him to do something that’s not on the usual bucket list of every cyclist; which is to bike the entire Philippines, from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
A daunting task for anyone, but notto someone who has a challenge to conquer and a promise to fulfil.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
Ginawa ko ito, para sa dad ko. 11 years ago, before my dad died, he made a challenge to me.
My dad: “I-bike mo ang Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Jepoy”.
THE PRELUDE
5 years ago, Jefferson and his Coach rode from Ormoc to Tagum City and completed the ride in 3 days. It was a nice accomplishment, but that’s not the challenge.
That’s just the Mindanao leg.
THE GAME PLAN
Jefferson plotted his plan to conquer the remaining legs (Luzon and Visayas) by riding from Pasay to Ormoc. Interestingly enough, he started the ride AFTER that weekend’s race in Subic. He hitched from Subic to Terminal 4 in Pasay City from a teammate and started the ride there
He limited his ride every day from 7 to 8 hours so he has at least 4 hours left to find a hotel of INN around the area.
Here’s how the ride went down.
1st day Terminal 4 Airport Pasay to San Pablo
2nd day San Pablo to Calauag Q.P.
3rd day Calauag Q.P to Naga City
4th day Naga City to Sorsogon City
5th day Sorsohon City to Matnog
6th day Allen to Catbalogan City
7th day Catbalogan City to Tacloban City
8th day Tacloban City to Ormoc
Check out images of the epic ride.
NUTRITION PLAN
Obviously, you cannot bring everything with you on the bike. So Jefferson made good with what’s available. Here’s how he did it.
Bago ako umalis sa hotel or INN, ang usual kong ginagawa ay kumain (breakfast) ng tinapay at coffee. Then kakain na ako kung saan makakita ng carinderia.
8 a.m., “Kanin, pork, gulay and coke for sugar”.
10 a.m., snack is “Coke and tinapay”.
12 p.m., “Kanin at ulam” .
3 p.m., “Coke and tinapay”.Pag gabi, always laging may fruits and before 9pm, dapat tulog na!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
People ride for different reasons, and Jefferson had a particular one.
A challenge now accomplished and a promise fulfilled.
