This was on: December 29, 2008
Batad. It was quite a trip yesterday. Bike and trek, what more can you ask for? Waking up today was bliss, still cold but this time we saw the sun. Sunrise at Batad is a new experience for me. We were surrounded by rice terraces.
Vei's mountaineer friend was about to go so we asked him and his relatives to have their pictures taken with us. He wished us goodluck since Tirad Pass is quite a beast (as also told by Steve). I had tuna-veggie for breakfast and tomato-cheese omelet. Packing up protein for our ride later.
Then after packing up we bid goodbye to the landlady and also asked them to have their pictures taken with us, just like in the past days.
We then started to trek, and was aware that the 2-hour downward trek we had yesterday will be double the effort today. This time we will be trekking uphill with our towering backpacks and bikes. The trail was very muddy, rocky too. I was glad to bike upwards on some trails, though mostly were really not bikeable.
We met lots of tourists along the way. Foreigners would have long chit-chats with us, and some (pinoys/foreigners) would have their pictures taken with us since we were the only bikers they met there. The adjective they used was "Crazy!" (Hellyeah! lolz). 
When we reached saddle, Vei was starting to have problems with his brakes. He told me that his brake pads may have been worn out. When we went downhill Vei asked me to go ahead. I can feel he was already pissed off with his brakes. I then enjoyed going downhill, playing with mud and the beautiful rock garden!
We continued to pedal going to Banaue and more mud splashed onto our faces. We're told that there were only 2 bus trips going to Sagada that day. One was 1PM and the other was 2:30PM. We reached Banaue at exactly 2PM. We even saw Mimi's and his relatives. Too bad the bus going to Sagada, was already full and no space on top where they can load our bikes.
Luck was on our side, coz we saw a jeep going to Bontoc. The driver said that there's a trip going to Sagada there and we can still catch it if we leave soon. We dint bike Banaue going to Sagada since we already did that before and we're way behind schedule. The trip was our rest. I still took some more shots along the way.
When we arrived in Bontoc we loaded the bikes on top. We also rode on top. Top load kami chong! (Trans: we rode on top of the jeep dude!) hehe another unique experience. Most locals are used to it. Vei also is used to it. The breeze was very cold and if you're not hypertensive like me you better wear a poncho (raincoat/jacket).
Sagada. At home at last, yeah I feel home ;p. I saw Jenny (Steve's daughter) biking around. I texted Steve that were gonna pass by his place after dinner. Were in a bit of dilemma. Most places we asked were full. Good thing Vei had a contact also around the area. Bad thing? His brakes were good as null. So we decided to passby Steve's place first. Joey (Steve's son) was kind enough to help us out. Joey changed the brake pads (from one of their bikes) on the front caliphers. He let Vei borrow the Avid BB7 brakes for the rear. Joey even lent me 2 pairs of brake pads for my Avids.
While Joey was fixing Vei's bike, we went to one of Steve's room to look at his Topographical map. We then asked for the way to Besao, Patiacan, Quirino, Tirap Pass, 3 sisters and then Candon. Steve gave us good directions and reminders as to what we will be facing in the next days.
It was nice to see Steve and Joey again. Thanks to both you guys! Your place is a bike haven!
We then proceeded to Dapdapanan Lodge (5kms downhill from Sagada). But it was not easy since Vei's brakes had to be cleaned and was pitch black along the way. We spent the night there and I again handwashed my clothes haha. Great day, great night. Snore fest! ^_^ This is Day 4.
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