A very brief walk after I woke up confirmed the fact that I wanted to get out of Baler ASAP! To be fair, my cell like room was comfortable enough and I slept well. But I still craved escape, and eschewing breakfast (none to be had.....) I saddled up and without a glance in my rear-view mirror, I was out of there. Always happier when riding......
Fuelled up the bike and myself in Baler town proper (not the seaside ghetto) and decided on the more valley orientated route west. I had initially planned to take the more mountainous route, but the valley route promised more sweeping, sinuous curves rather than the abrupt ones higher up. Turned out to be a good choice. A couple of hours of riding nature's rollercoaster brought me out of the hills. Barely stopped for photos as the ride was too much fun.
Stopped for my obligatory 7-11 rehydration stop where a tooled up cop decided to have a chat. Very friendly and curious as to my journey; a couple of fist-bumps and we were both on our way.
Out of the mountains now and long straight roads heading inland. Came to a checkpoint where I (along with others) was actually stopped. My driving licence was requested (apparently, the IDP is only valid for 90 days, but as I'm a short term tourist, it was as all good). The official started to ask about bike documents (of which I have none), but soon lost interest when I started to take my helmet off. All in all a painless encounter (no hint of corruption, unlike their Thai counterparts!).
Pitched up in Angeles where I had booked 2 nights. After 8 days straight riding, I needed a day off the bike and a day on the ale.
Soundtrack: "Leave It" - Yes
So, a day off the bike. Got up late, ate, had a wander. Decided to go and see a movie "Locked". But generally just relaxed. Back out in the evening for a couple of beers. Angeles is not a classy place! Heading back towards Manila tomorrow. I want to see some stuff south of the capital, but there is no avoiding Manila to get there. I will be sticking as far East as possible, at least avoiding the centre. That's the plan anyway.
Soundtrack: "In the shadow of the horns" - Darkthrone
Distance wise, my destination for today wasn't too far. About 100 Kms according to Google maps best option (but still estimated a 4 1/2 hour journey time!!). I'd planned and plotted a more circuitous route in an attempt to utilize the smaller, quieter roads. But, my GPS (true to form..) had other ideas. It point blank refused to load my carefully plotted route plan. Bugger. Google maps would only suggest a direct route, so I aimed for a waypoint along the route I had initially hoped to ride and set off. Fair play to Google: it took me along an "interesting" path: ducking down improbable alleys, cutting through carparks, the occasional dirt track, along country lanes and small towns and through people's back gardens (OK, maybe not that last one!)
The goal was Antipolo/TayTay, a satellite area of Manila and as I got closer to the capital, the traffic got crazier and crazier. Enormous fun on a bike, swarming around the tin boxes and Jeepneys. A murmuration of motorcycles. Wacky races time. There was even a 9 or 10 lane highway at one point, with a dedicated bike lane.....used by all vehicles and bikes used all 10 lanes. I did follow the lead of the local bikers on several occasions as they went on the opposite carriageway to leapfrog the traffic jams, or ignored "no entry" signs. Bikes rule!
There was a "biker bar" near the hotel, purely coincidental you understand 😇. I was the only customer, but still.......cold beer, good food, live music. What's not to like?
Soundtrack: "Roads" - Portishead.
Two nights in TayTay as I wanted to do a clockwise loop East towards the coast. A late start meant it was a shorter loop than planned. Good though; once I'd found my way to the main route. My GPS again sent me along ridiculous lengthy detours for no apparent reason. On the shortcut I took because of the late start, the road turned into a dirt track. Really great fun on the CRF which just bounced it's way joyfully along overtaking the local traffic that had slowed to a crawl.
The hotel I'm in has working Netflix, so bit of binge watching. Not seen any telly for weeks! Just an aside on the beer: San Miguel isn't great. OK if served VERY cold, but not a beer I would seek out.
Soundtrack: "In Maidjan" - Heilung
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