Pat’s Cycle Tour - 2018

A 23-day adventure by Patrick Read more

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Trip start
April 14, 2018
Pat’s Cycle Tour - 2018 Patrick Leary
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Friday, April 13, 2018 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 1,621 m
South Africa Edenvale -26.15892, 28.1509426°9’32” S 28°9’3” E
Powered by Optimism
April 13, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Planning - Check
Packed - Check
Passport - Check
Air Ticket - Check

Next stop Asia, to be more specific, Philippines !!
TravelerLooking good, hoping optimism batteries fully charged
4/13/18Reply
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Pat’s Cycle Tour - 2018 Patrick Leary
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Day 1
Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Philippines Estero de San Sebastian 14.59345, 120.9808814°35’36” N 120°58’51” E
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Manila to Dasmarinas
April 14, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
After a 12 hour long haul to Hong Kong, a short layover just enough for a coffee, and then a short hop of 1:30 to Manila, Phillipines.

Unpacked and assembled the bike inside the terminal building, supervised by a very curious security policeman. Next challenge was to navigate away from the airport, and then find accommodation.

Compared to 8 day endurance events, this is a different skill set negotiating the traffic. I'm now 30km outside Manila but the traffic is still hectic.Read more
Traveler Hi Patrick Enjoy every moment of your trip I am sure it will be very exciting and adventurous Evangelos
4/15/18Reply
TravelerWising all the roads are flat, looks like u got lots of baggage! Tell us how’s the food?
4/15/18Reply
Paul MarshGood luck Pat. Don’t eat the 1000 year old eggs.
4/15/18Reply
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Day 2
Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Philippines Nabrinaya Point 14.07032, 120.9543314°4’13” N 120°57’16” E
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Lake Taal
April 15, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
Leaving Dasmarinas I was joined by four local cyclists who were cycling to church. Took one wrong turning, navigation needs to be improved.

The last part was a downhill swithback road, very scenic and more importantly cool. Tonight I'm on the shores of Lake Taal, in a small fishing village on the shore. Lunch and dinner today consisted of fresh fish from the lake.

In the center of the lake is Taal Volcano. The 2nd most active volcano in the Philippines (last erupted in 1977).Read more
Looks awesome, and hot as well ! Pace yourself! Simon
4/16/18Reply
wow
4/16/18Reply
Traveler👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻
4/16/18Reply
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Day 3
Monday, April 16, 2018
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Philippines Calicanto 13.76354, 121.0477613°45’49” N 121°2’52” E
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Batangas
April 16, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Left this morning at 6am to miss the heat. Still ended up drinking litres of water.

Passed through small fishing villages along the edge of the lake. And so now my name is "Joe" (even though I'm from Africa, and have no connection with the USA armed forces). Passing through the villages "Joe" is welcomed with a friendly hello.Read more
TravelerYou go Joe!
4/18/18Reply
Market stalls with interesting produce. Have you tasted the beer advertised “Joe” 😂 .. with you all the way Neyse
4/18/18Reply
Wow is your bike designed for this terraine? Hope no punctures.
4/18/18Reply
Did you indulge or did you stick to coke?
4/18/18Reply
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Day 4
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 3:42 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Philippines Molawin 13.08469, 120.7178613°5’5” N 120°43’4” E
Santa Cruz
April 17, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Today was always going to be an early start, having to catch a ferry at 2am. I was hoping to try and get 4hrs sleep, instead I got a big fat "0".

Took a short nap on the bench in the ferry, and arrived at Abra de Ilog at sunrise.

Cycling with no sleep was never going to end well. After 50km I found a bus stop in the shade and must have slept 2 Hrs solid on a concrete bench with my helmet as a pillow.Read more
Never was a concrete bench in the shade more welcome. Take care Pat . Get a good night ‘s sleep tonight. With you
4/19/18Reply
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Pat’s Cycle Tour - 2018 Patrick Leary
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Day 5
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 3:06 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Philippines Busol River 12.83363, 120.7786312°50’1” N 120°46’43” E
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Sablayan
April 18, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
New learning. I now know that Water Buffalo can completly submerge themselves for quite some time. I was resting on a bridge overlooking the river, and noticed just the horns protruding. He then came up, took one look at me, and submerged himself again.

For the last 15km into Sablayan, I managed to tuck myself into the slipstream of a tricycle (3 wheeled motorbike). Fun, and amusement for the passengers.

Found a resort for the night, dumped my bags, and headed straight to the beach for a swim, in what I think is the South Sea.Read more
Beautiful
4/18/18Reply
TravelerTake nothing but pictures, leave nothing but tyre tracks and try not to keep scaring the wildlife!!
4/18/18Reply
Great pics. What a quaint colourful room. Looks like you ate well. Hope your slept well too.
4/19/18Reply
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Day 6
Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 10:48 AM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Philippines Tubaong River 12.35522, 121.0534312°21’19” N 121°3’12” E
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San Jose
April 19, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
A happy and content day !

Scruffy dogs being playful or sleeping in the shade. Even the goats and their kids being playful.

Arrived at my destination at 10am and found myself my first cold beer in four days.Read more
Fantastic pics .. how to cool down .. dunk yourself into a stream .. amazing treehouse. You are certainly getting to see Phillipines first hand and away from tourist attractions. So proud of you!
4/19/18Reply
magnificent sunset.
4/19/18Reply
cute and fun for kids
4/19/18Reply
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Day 7
Friday, April 20, 2018 at 11:12 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Philippines Yapak 11.95289, 121.9297911°57’10” N 121°55’47” E
Boracay
April 20, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
"Try not look like a tourist" they said. Then how come everywhere I go, its "Look a foreigner !!" ?

Another than an obnoxious, rude, arrogant, women (I think Russian) at the ATM yesterday, I have met only one other foreigner, a Canadian photographer. That's until I arrived in Boracay, a proper tourist resort island !!

First leg today was a 50km cycle, and then a 4 hour ferry across to the island of Milay. Then a second ferry to the tourist island of Boracay.Read more
TravelerLooks like a great weekend ahead of you, enjoy it
4/20/18Reply
What a treat - enjoy every moment before you tackle the next stretch. No other cyclists joining you?
4/21/18Reply
Looks exotic and time to refresh and refuel before the next lap. Sea royal blue. Island hopping on ferries. Enjoy every minute Neyse
4/21/18Reply
looks so good
4/22/18Reply
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Day 9
Sunday, April 22, 2018
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Malabonot 11.96195, 121.9230211°57’43” N 121°55’23” E
Boracay
April 22, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Spent one day more than planned on Boracay Island. To much fun !

Mangaged to get in some scuba dives which was really great. The reefs here are in pretty good condition, and the dive centers are really good. Also the Dive Masters seem well trained and were really helpful.

Now how's this, in four days time the complete island will be shut down for tourism for six months, effecting 35,000 employees ! Can you imagine also the loss of income ? Already my last night there the island was noticeably quieter. The main street is to be widened, proper storm water drainage and waste water system to be installed, illegal buildings (including hotels) are going to be demolished.Read more
TravelerAwesome Pat!!!!
4/23/18Reply
very cool
4/23/18Reply
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Day 10
Monday, April 23, 2018
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Philippines Tibiao River 11.28752, 122.0334311°17’15” N 122°2’0” E
Tibiao
April 23, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
A not so early start, then short ferry crossing from Boracay back to the mainland. Again heading south staying on the west side of the island.

Late afteroon once it cools down, the locals come down to the beach to swim. Also a number of homemade kites being flown on the beach this evening.Read more
TravelerNice drone pics Pat👍🏻👍🏻
4/24/18Reply
Do you join the locals for an evening swim? Agree with Anthis good drone pics. Take care Neyse
4/24/18Reply
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Day 11
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Philippines Nato River 10.42277, 121.9406110°25’22” N 121°56’26” E
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Anini-y (Antique)
April 24, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Today was a bit further than normal covering 120 km, with the temperature peaking at 40 deg C .... intense !!

Dinner tonight was at the resort. Free entertainment with the patrons singing karaoke. Nice beach setting with hot springs. Nice way to end the day.Read more
Fantastic sunset
4/25/18Reply
Did you camp on beach or stay at resort
4/25/18Reply
Love it
4/25/18Reply
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Day 12
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 12:19 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Dapdap Point 10.72187, 122.6106510°43’19” N 122°36’38” E
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Bacolod
April 25, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
This morning start was before sunrise and on the road by 5am. The only life was dogs lying in the road licking their you know what ... and waiting for the sun to rise. Was chased by one dog who obviously doesn't like foreigners.

Stopped alongside a beach for a rest and a local came out and insisted that I wait. He went home and fetched some food. Not sure of the name, but made from rice and coconut and wrapped in leaves. Very tasty.

Another ferry crossing, this time from Iloilo City across to Bacolod.Read more
TravelerHope you had some tuna Pat.....😀
4/26/18Reply
Looks fabulous 😁
4/26/18Reply
What an amazing church, such opulence in all that poverty
5/3/18Reply
Amazing bridge in tropical vegetation
5/3/18Reply
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Day 13
Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 3:38 PM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Philippines Bacolod City 10.67484, 122.942610°40’29” N 122°56’33” E
Bacolod
April 26, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
New dinning experience: arrived at the small roadside restaurant, they accompany you down the street to the fish market, you select and pay for the fish that you want, stroll back to the restaurant and in a few minutes your fresh seafood is ready and served.

In the city there are some random traffic lights, other than that, there is not one stop or yield sign, and yet everybody patiently waits their turn.Read more
how many km done thus far?
4/27/18Reply
Patrick LearyProbably about 900 km
4/27/18Reply
TravelerDining sounds like fun, you should franchise the concept in SA!!
4/27/18Reply
Can’t get much fresher than that. I’d prefer not to see the raw fish prior to eating!! Shows that with patience, traffic can get by without road signs which we are so dependent on. Happy for you having such s great time. Neyse
4/28/18Reply
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Day 14
Friday, April 27, 2018
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Philippines San Carlos Point 10.48353, 123.413510°29’1” N 123°24’49” E
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San Carlos
April 27, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
You know it's been a rough day when you finish your day with an average speed of 11.3 km/h. Had another dog chase me on one of the climbs, and the only energy I had left was to tell it to "go away".

Crossed over the island from one side to the other and past another volcano. The peak was engulfed in cloud but still spectacular.

Needed a new cell phone cable, and ended up spending the evening with some new found friends from the store.Read more
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Day 15
Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 5:34 AM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Philippines Cebu City 10.31511, 123.8830310°18’54” N 123°52’59” E
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Toledo - Cebu City
April 28, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Final ferry of the trip, again boarding at 5am this time from San Carlos, and then a one hour crossing to Toledo. Cycled then from Toledo to Cebu City.

Arriving in these cities by bicycle is not pleasant. Congested roads, dust and diesel fumes. Then having to pass right through the city to the far side to the island of Mactan.

The most popular local transport here is the Tricycle and Jeepney. The Jeepney was originally made from US military Willys jeeps left over from World War II and are well known for their flamboyant decoration. Boarding is from the rear which is much safer than side entry, and the fare is only R1.70 regardless of distance.Read more
Very clever love all the lights
5/3/18Reply
Hope you tried some
5/3/18Reply
So colourful
5/3/18Reply
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Day 18
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Philippines Maribago 10.29044, 123.9987210°17’26” N 123°59’55” E
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Mactan - Island Hoping
May 1, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
Arrived in Mactan and found a festival in progress. All the hotels were fully booked, but eventually found a really good pension.

While in Mactan, spoilt myself with an Island Hopping tour with seafood lunch on a floating restaurant, and later Lechon for dinner (pork done on a spit) a speciality in Cebu.

Impossible to find a bike box, so bike is basically just wrapped in two layers of cardboard and tape and hoping for the best.

Next stop Singapore !!Read more
Very creative - something from nothing to earn a living
5/3/18Reply
Wonderful pics taken with your drone.
5/3/18Reply
What a wonderful way to end this epic trip. Such incredible memories made and recorded with excellent photography.
5/3/18Reply
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Day 20
Thursday, May 3, 2018
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Singapore Sungai Namly 1.32105, 103.792641°19’16” N 103°47’34” E
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Singapore, Day 1 - Downtown
May 3, 2018 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
Staying with old time cycling friends from South Africa, Sarah, Benedict & family. Thanks for hosting me !!

Took a bus into town and spent the day exploring Marina Bay area, and Front Canning Park.
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Day 21
Friday, May 4, 2018
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Singapore Alexandra Canal 1.31167, 103.795451°18’42” N 103°47’44” E
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Singapore, Day 2 - Parks & Nature
May 4, 2018 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
Stayed out of the city today, and did a Tree Top walk in the McRitchie Park, followed by a walk through the Botanical Gardens.
TravelerBeautiful
5/5/18Reply
So beautiful
5/7/18Reply
Wow that is something I’d like to do Neyse
5/7/18Reply
How cool is that? Neyse
5/7/18Reply
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Day 22
Saturday, May 5, 2018
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Singapore Rochor 1.29985, 103.854131°17’59” N 103°51’15” E
Singapore, Day 3
May 5, 2018 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Previous evening spent at Level 33, the world's highest rooftop brewery, with magical views of the Singapore skyline. From here you can watch the light and laser show in the Marina Bay.

Back into the city today with a visit to Sentosa, Chinatown, and Little India.

And another tour comes to an end. One that I would rate as one of the most memorable.Read more
TravelerNicely done Pat, congratulations!!
5/6/18Reply
Well do me Pat you have had an incredible tour. Memories galore. Neyse
5/6/18Reply
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Day 23
Sunday, May 6, 2018
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Philippines Punta Princesa 10.288621, 123.86109410°17’19” N 123°51’40” E
Summary
May 6, 2018 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
The Philippines costs of over 7000 islands. The Philippines was colonized by Spain who ruled for 377 years until 1898. From 1898 to 1946 the country was an American colony.

The most commonly spoken local language is Tagalog which is a mixture of European, Asian and Native American languages. Of the 170 languages spoken, English is the most widely used of the European languages. The major religion is Roman Catholicism, which accounts for 80% of the population.

The currency is the Peso, at the time of writing 1 ZAR = 4 Pesos (approx).

My cycle tour started in Manila, and from there headed south, ending in Cebu City, and included the following islands;
Luzon, Mindoro (Occidental), Panay (Antique), Negros, and Cebu Island

The Philippines struggles with excessive corruption (that appears to be changing now under the leadership of the new president), extreme poverty, and yet Filipinos are extremely hospitable and friendly.Read more
Looks so awesome Pat!
5/13/18Reply
TravelerWell done Pat, u left a few islands unvisited but we appreciate your insight into the ones you did. Good to have you safely back.
5/14/18Reply
Thanks Pat and really enjoyed your amazing experiences and fantastic pics. What s journey!! So pleased you’re home safely again Neyse
5/15/18Reply
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Trip end
May 6, 2018