Mini-Bike Tour of Camarines Sur

Me and Mount Isarog, Camarines Sur.

I travelled to Bicol at the start of 2011. I went to Albay. So it was fitting for me to end my cycling year by going back. This time I went to Camarines Sur. Papa Rocky, Diane, Chikee and I arrived in Naga City at 5 in the morning last December 28. We were fetched at the PNR Station by our friend Val and the CWC Shuttle. We met up with our other friends, John, Bernice and Pia at the bus station and then proceeded to the Provincial Government Compound in Pili.

We checked in at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC).

There are many rooms to choose from in CWC (Containers, Wood Cabins, Dwells and the Eco-Village) but we got the Cabana because we thought it offered the best bang for the buck. Only PhP 1,700.00 ($38.00) for twin beds, cable TV, hot water, and aircon. 

At the pool by the Clubhouse

The CWC man-made lake

After checking in, leaving our bags and having breakfast, my VeloPH friends and I proceeded with our bike tour of Camarines Sur.

From Pili we biked to Naga City. This ride at this part was a bit uphill.

Our first stop in Naga was the Our Lady of Penafrancia Church.

From the church we entered the central business district and had lunch in Geewan Restaurant--a must-try if you want to sample Bicolano food.

After lunch, we continued biking in the city and passed by Metropolitan Church.

From there, we proceeded to Ateneo de Naga University. We took shade under a giant tree and rested for half an hour since it was hot and sunny.

In the afternoon, the group proceeded north to visit San Miguel Bay. We passed by the towns of Canaman, Magarao and Bombon. Didn't feel that tired as the terrain was mostly flat and there was a fantastic view of Mt. Isarog on the east.

When we got to the town of Calabanga we proceeded to San Miguel Bay, which opened up to the Pacific Ocean.

We had cycled approximately 40 kms from CWC to San Miguel Bay.

It was getting dark, so we decided to take a jeepney in Bombon to head back to Naga.

In Naga, we had an early dinner in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Kinalas Twins, where we had Kinalas--the local beef mami, served with puto. Afterwards, we biked to the central bus terminal and took the bus back to Pili.

The next day, I tried out wakeboarding and then checked out at lunch. I took the plane back to Manila, folding bike in tow.

I had a great time with my VeloPH friends. It was an adventure.

Speaking of adventure, for a more detailed account (with far better photos) of our CamSur bike tour visit John Buno Adventures.

Happy New Year, everybody! Here's to another cycling year!