Folding Bikes on Umagang Kay Ganda

Lately, I've been telling people that biking in the country will soon reach a tipping point, in the same way running did. I can't exactly figure out how but I've been asking bike store clerks and they say that sales have been good lately, particularly for mountain bikes. Now, trail riding in Antipolo or in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is a legitimate barkada getaway.

I've also been seeing more BMXs now. There nights when I see young people riding their brakeless BMXs in New Manila or in San Pedro, Laguna. They are usually configured with smaller cranksets and low seatposts. I've actually seen some bikes with no saddle at all.

Have you seen one of these around the Metro lately?

Folding bikes are also getting more attention now. For starters, there are a couple of groups that are dedicated to cyclists who ride foldies. And yesterday, folding bikes were featured in ABS-CBN's morning program Umagang Kay Ganda. TV features like this help educate the public that folding bikes are not for kids and are as reliable as full bike. Marketing biking as a convenient and fun way of transportation will definitely help achieve that biking tipping point.

View the video via the ABS-CBN News Website.

Biking in the Rain

Since coming back from the back to back dragon boat races in the latter parts of April, I haven't been able to do much biking. The main culprit is the change in weather in Metro Manila.

For the past few days, it has either been cloudy or rainy. So far, I've been apprehensive of biking to work on wet days. My biking attire has always been leather shoes, my office slacks, and either a button down or a dry-fit shirt. When I get to the office, I just change into my usual polo barong. If I ride through a downpour, I'd have to bike wearing shorts, slippers, and a raincoat. This would make the convenience factor of biking to work lower compared to commuting to work. Definitely, rainy days make me envy those who live in not-so-tropical climates.