What I have been training for ...

The time is now! This is what I have been painfully training for 4 months now... the Audax Subic to Masinloc recon.

For all those who haven't read my previous blog, I started training for this event since end of July 2018 and during my cycling training I was religiously using Tannus airless tires all the way 'till the Audax race event. Audax is one of the 200km cycling ride which will start from inside Subic Bay to Masinloc Zambales then back for a total of 210kms. The route includes flats, rolling hills and some massive long climbs making it an epic adventure.

With my team in check, we headed off to Subic after work hoping to start our recon ride at the same time the event will start. Unfortunately, the first 3kms of the route (Olongapo cemetery) was too dangerous (dark, zigzag, deep canals, full of trucks) to bike alone so we have decided to start in a much wider area. We rode out at the Our lady of Lourdes Medical center then from there we head off to km52 for the first stop of the ride.

** A 4% gradient climb will meet you upon arrival at km13 going up to Subic Prime Gardens (Approx 800meters for your first warm up)

Continue the ride after this one, flat naman all the way. Enjoy the scenery of the province :)

** the black arrow means that you have reached the first 52km checkpoint

** This was at Arrow 88 gas station about 10 -15 meters after the first checkpoint stop over on the right side ...

Road will be straight flat up until the second mild climb at km85-86, then km91 onwards

** Turn right on this mark...approx km90... brace yourself, you're in deep shit going up...start praying

Upon reaching km92, you are going to pass a bridge crossing Salasa river... after that bridge will be the longest climb of the event going up until you see this red waiting shed...keep on going ...

** Approximately 1.3km + of slow gradual painful mutha-fuckin' slow climb until you see this stupid red waiting shed ...

I have experienced a slight sign of cramping...but always remember to monitor your salt and nutrition. Luckily for me I had this one in tact... my ever reliable Crampfix shot which i slowly sipped while riding... almost choked because of the strong vinegar-ish flavor but it helped a lot! Never did i cramped again for the rest of the activity! Thanks proactive online store! www.facebook.com/proactiveonline/

** This is NOT a paid advertisement, written based on true to my ass experience **

**The last challenge is at km102 which you can easily do it...

The first 50k of the route was relatively flat passing by the different towns from Sto. Tomas, San Isidro, Castillejos, San Narciso , San Felipe to Cabangan. The route was pretty good though there were visible construction areas along San Narciso right after the public school. After that it was rolling and rolling and up up and away we go... straight to hell lolz.

** If you see the Total Gas station, that means you have arrived at the km104 checkpoint. U-turn for Audax 200 participants

It was already 11:15am when we stopped at km104 for lunch. Overall we were pretty satisfied with our ride, it was a smooth sailing ride and hopefully on race day, we shall push for a much quicker one. Less time for rest & hydration stops. Sleep is a main factor since we started the recon off work with less sleep time & full of excitement.

The months of training using airless tires helped strengthen my legs and thighs since I was riding with rolling resistance. Very thankful to our support team who helped everybody in our training esp in Nuvali, Bugarin & Mabitac. Those epic training rides made our climbing more comfortable and efficient. Huge thanks to our major sponsor as always who never doubted - SMART! Live life outside people!

At km104 Total gas station, Masinloc Zambales (Uturn slot)

Some of us decided to pack up while the rest went back the uphill route before calling it a day. It was not as painful as the route going to Total but so far i have survived that climb. Make sure to load up with carbs before heading back...