My AMTA Insane Tour 2016 Experience ( A 500km Round-Cebu Mountain Bike Tour)

It was some time on February when I decided to participate on the upcoming Insane Tour - a round Cebu ride in 24 hours or less. It is an annual event organized by the Alliance of Mountain Trekkers and Adventurers, commonly known as AMTA.

Then came the day of the tour - November 26. It was set to start at 4am from AMTA Station, Abuno Minglanilla.There were four (4) teams organized - Gurkha, Expendables, Warriors and Phoenix. I belonged to the Team Phoenix with 8 bikers.

We started to pedal heading North and had breakfast in Danao at 6:30am. The other teams were ahead.

We started pedaling a few minutes after a sumptuous meal. We took a quick stop at the foot of Emy Climb and grab some refreshments, it was 8:48am.

Off we go and struggled our way on the hills of Emy.

I kept on falling behind our pack since I frequently shifted to low gears during ascends while my fellow bikers stick to their gearings, 

I opted for a quick rest after a few kilometers of climb since I started to get weary. In a short while without knowing, a descent was rewarded going to Lugo then a sort of snake road heading to the town of Bogo which consumed almost all my energy. The heat of the sun was also like killing me.

We re-grouped in Bogo for rest and lunch as well. At this point, we're nearly covering half of the north route.

Our struggle continue as we venture the roads of Bogo and San Remigio with the sun heating us up all the way. We arrived in Tabuelan at 2:21PM and took some refreshments on a road-side bakeshop. We rested for almost 30 minutes. 

Tabuelan to Tuburan was no longer that tough since the sun is about to settle down and the roads were mostly flats. Upon reaching Tuburan, 2 of our fellow bikers decided to call off and took a bus ride home. The idea was so tempting since I was also very exhausted that very moment.

I keep on procrastinating my desire to quit. I stop every town for a rest.

Rain started to drizzle but doesn't stop us from riding but was a relief instead. 

We had our dinner on a road-side chapel somewhere between Toledo and Balamban, boundary perhaps. Our team protector - Sir Chu Ravanes (AMTA President) met us there with our dinner properly laid on the hood of his car.

We started to pedal again after a few minute rest. We had a backup car this time (Sir Chu), packed with foods and beverages enough to supply our needs til the next morning. 

My desire to quit was gone after the sumptuous meal and now with a headset on my ear playing my playlists.

Pinamungajan for another quick stop when Glen Enad decided to call it a night and headed to a nearby Catholic church where his priest friend was assigned. 

It was almost midnight when we arrived in Aloguinsan. We were eager to ride off again right after reading the SMS Circulation message of the teams' whereabouts; they were a few kilometers ahead. We were determined to catch up that we easily climb the steeps of Aloguinsan heading to Mantalungon. Unfortunately, we got chased by dogs along the way and it was an adrenaline.

Mantalungon at last, the end of the 2nd quadrant of the tour. I quit. I can't make it anymore. I can no longer pedal another 200+ Kilometers. Noy Eli decided to stop riding since he was already satisfied being to complete the North Ride. He invited me to go home with him and I almost agreed.

Noy Eli decided to wait for Noy Martin - his 76 year old  kumpare and a fellow AMTA biker.

Noy Martin with his cousin was on a Mitsubishi Strada Pickup and their mission was to meet Noy Eli in Mantalungon, either to back him up or brought him home - the decision was Noy Eli's.

Noy Martin was still on his way back from Alegria since he volunteered to give the Camera man a quick ride to be able to film the teams ahead.

Our Team captain was so kind enough to motivate me so I could finish the tour.

I agreed and started to pedal again all the way up heading to Barili.

My phone's battery is already dead and means no more music to cheer me up as I go along.

I fell asleep for a few seconds while on downhill past the famous Barili Milk Station was on the other side of the road when I noticed. I pleaded for a quick rest and everybody agreed. Only 4 riders of Phoenix was left during that moment (Team Captain Gaya, Vice Captain John Carlo, Me and Dennis).

I took a quick nap when suddenly Noy Martin and his cousin driving the pickup truck passed by.

Without hesitation, I shouted and they halted. I took the ride and in a few seconds right after my bike was properly seated behind the pickup, Dennis decided to go home with me. 

Now there were only 2 riders left, Gaya and John Carlo. 

They continued to ride and we parted ways.

I woke up early in the morning and started to read the updates on the Insane Tour Official Page.

Billy (Pio Delima) crossed the finish line first round 6am together with Amon (Ramonito Espinosa) and the rest followed including my fellow Team Phoenix Riders Gaya and John Carlo.

I ended the tour with a 269kms total run time @ 1:00am.

I envied the finishers.

I may not have made it but there'll always be a next time.