My Top 5 Bike Destinations for Newbie in Cebu

A newbie to biking and tired of spinning around your backyard?

Let me share with you some wonderful bike destinations.

The places I am about to discuss are both enjoyable by road bike and mountain bike users since we’ll be dealing with concrete roads here.

Oh, don’t forget this friendly reminder to always wear your helmet, shoes and bring along spare tubes, patches, water, tools and hand pump. Extra cash is a must too. Arm warmer and eyewear are optional but essential. Of course, you don’t wanna miss taking photos of your rides and boast it on social media so ensure your phone is fully charged.

I am not more into Trails and Downhill since my mountain bike sports a rigid fork and regular tires which is much suitable for road and cross country rides.

The following destinations below are not just for a newbie but also ideal for those who aspire to improve their long ride endurance and uphill skills.

I recommend tagging along with your friends or a bike buddy but it wouldn't be that necessary since you won't get bored in the following places I would share.

1. Willy's,  Busay, Cebu City
This course is a 6-kilometer route from JY Square Mall, Lahug. The starting point is the entry road heading towards Marco Polo Plaza. 

The entire route is uphill and of course, a granny chainring would be needed. Just prepare yourself for sharing the road since there are lots of jeepneys and motorcycles during the entire route.

You’ll be dealing with concrete roads all the way, so this route is both good for Roadie and MTB.

Early morning and late afternoon is such a good time, may it be weekdays or weekends. 

You know you're there once you've passed by Chateau de Busay Establishment which is on the left side and the last steep climb before arriving at Willy's Place. (A roadside store on the right which is a haven for bikers) Food and Water supply is not a problem here and a lot of bikers regularly visit this place.

2. Buak

If the time comes that Willy’s place is kinda boring or easy to tackle then why not give yourself a little push further to Buak that’s approximately another 30-minute bike ride away. The ascend is steeper but you’ll be rewarded by a wonderful City view once you get there. Food and beverages are also much available so no need to worry.

Top Skyline Garden is also 500 meters away from Buak but the steep uphill is twice much. You’ll need a lot of air even on your lightest gear.

Once you get used to this place and would come to a point that your legs craved for more uphills, reward yourself first with a great and enjoyable descend to Malubog then battle the uphills again all the way to Ayala Heights which is less than a kilometer away from Sirao Garden.

3. BJMP Maghaway, Talisay City, Cebu

This course is less approximately less than 4 kilometers but you can do repeats here; two or three reps are quiet enough.

I suggest having your starting point at Fooda Lawaan, an access road beside Mc Donald’s would lead you there. You’ll you’re there since a large jail gate and tall fences would be very visible.

This is an uphill route on a well-concreted road. Peasants live by alongside of the road so be cautious to children crossing, dogs and motorcycles as well.

You’ll surely find comfort upon your arrival up there since there are sari-sari stores that offer refreshments and handy snacks while you relax on the provided benches and shades.

As an alternative, you may go straight ahead and descend to Camella Homes Lawaan for a change of view before going home.

4. Gullas Rest House – Cadulawan, Minglanilla, Cebu

On this short course, I suggest you start at Abuno Road going to Baring since motorcycles traveling are much lesser compared to the access road across Gaisano Grand Minglanilla.

This route is steeper compared to Maghaway but still the roads and concretes, with locals living alongside the road.

You might want to fill up your water bottles first and bring along with you some light snacks since unlike Busay and Maghaway, there’ll be no stores that can accommodate bikers’ need out there.

The view is as good as Busay and Maghaway.

Once you get there, a descending concrete road could get you to Gaisano Minglanilla while the other which is a mix of concrete and off-road would take you to Vito going to Minglanilla Parish all the way to the Center of Minglanilla.

Be very extra careful during your downhill since dogs and children may suddenly cross the streets.

5. Uling, City of Naga, Cebu

Bikers from Naga, Minglanilla, and Talisay ride here often during weekends.

It’s also a fest out there just like Busay. A lot of Triathletes also train themselves here since the roads are wide, well concreted with a minimal and unnoticeable inclination.

This is a must-try for everyone who is preparing for a long ride, especially for first-timers.

You’ll know you’re there since there are two eateries alongside the foot of the bridge which serve meals to bikers with a variety of viands to choose from. A spacious area for bikers to chit-chat and hang their bikes too.

Once brave enough, you might also want to try pushing further going to Lutopan down to Toledo City.

Well, that’s all for now.

I’ll be posting more reviews on my bike escapades.

Happy Pedaling!