SAN PABLO CITY. What started as a simple effort to regain strength after months of pandemic lockdowns has evolved into a growing cycling community, pushing its members to explore farther and conquer new challenges—one ride at a time.
In early 2021, Myrone Zabat and Dondon Sanchez reconnected in a casual kamustahan session, sharing how the prolonged restrictions had left them feeling physically weak. Seeking both exercise and an escape from the monotony of staying indoors, they decided to take up biking.
By March 2021, their early morning rides became routine, spanning from 6:00 to 8:00 AM and covering the interconnected barangay roads of San Pablo City. Their journey caught the attention of Melvin Nicolas, who, just two days after seeing their Facebook post, eagerly joined them.
At first, they stuck to flat roads, but as their endurance improved, they challenged themselves with steep uphill routes. Throughout their rides, they motivated each other with phrases like “Kaya natin basta utay-utay lang” (We can do it as long as we take it slow) and “Be your own competition.”
Their biking adventures, shared on Facebook, soon sparked curiosity among friends who would ask, “San yan?” (Where is that?). Their response remained the same: “Sama ka para makita mo.” (Join us so you can see for yourself.) One by one, more cycling enthusiasts joined the trio, turning their small group into a thriving community bound by camaraderie and a shared passion for adventure.
Promoting the Scenic Beauty of San Pablo City and CALABARZON
Beyond being an excellent way to stay physically fit, the group sees biking as an opportunity to showcase the breathtaking scenic spots of San Pablo City and the wider CALABARZON region. Known as the “City of Seven Lakes,” San Pablo boasts stunning natural landscapes, including Lake Pandin, Lake Yambo, and Lake Sampaloc, as well as lush countryside roads perfect for cycling.
As their rides extended beyond San Pablo, the group ventured into other parts of Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Cavite, and Rizal, discovering hidden waterfalls, rolling hills, coastal roads, and historical sites along the way. Through their cycling journeys, they highlight the region’s natural beauty, inspiring others to explore CALABARZON’s rich and diverse landscapes.
Looking Ahead: More Roads to Conquer
The group has since ventured beyond San Pablo City, taking on long-distance rides to places like General Nakar and even the high-altitude roads of Baguio City. But their journey is far from over—many destinations remain on their list, waiting to be explored.
For these cyclists, biking is not just about fitness or competition. It’s about the thrill of discovery, the friendships built along the way, and the chance to promote the beauty of their hometown and the CALABARZON region—utay-utay lang, one pedal at a time.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
