A glimpse into how I kickstarted 2026 with the ride of the year.
I don’t know what it is with me and motorcycles, but no amount of meditation, mindfulness practice, or inner work can seem to eradicate my reflex to pin the throttle when another rider – usually a stranger – goes inordinately fast.
My ego won’t allow it. I will show how superior I am at riding fast — or at least try to and fail with my heartbeat through the roof and my limbs palpitating from adrenaline.
Suyo-Cervantes Road, Ilocos Sur
This was the best stretch of twisty roads since Sagada. Everything else had been wet, choppy, or both. As I was enjoying its endless technical corners, I glimpsed a smaller displacement bike in my mirrors, tailing me close enough for me to hear its exhaust.
I gave a friendly nod – and pinned it. I was in a good riding flow and thought I’d get rid of this little bike within three corners. I didn’t. For what seemed like half an hour, the capable fellow was happy being stuck to my rear wheel, surely capable of overtaking me, but delighted to pressure me instead.
I knew he was thinking how this big bike-riding fool had nothing on him. I was sure of it judging by the grin plastered on his half-face helmet-wearing mug. Thankfully, the amazing close-up views of the Cordillera mountains gave me an excuse to pull over to soak in the grandeur of the landscape. I was planning on dapping him up for riding well, but the d*ckhead rode away.
Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road
Fast corners, pristine tarmac, spectacular views – this best describes my new favorite road. It was my second time in the past three months riding this fun stretch that connects Baguio and the province of Benguet to Nueva Vizcaya. The first time was when we spent a lovely weekend at Slab Haus in Bokod, Benguet.
At the time, it had been years since I had ridden to the North. Back in 2021, I was still learning the art and science of cornering a motorcycle. With five years of invaluable riding experience since, I couldn’t help but carve these twisties, only taking a breather when I’d catch the Agno and Santa Cruz Rivers snaking through the stunning mountain range from the corner of my eye.
For this ride, we were making our way from Baguio, via Ambuklao Dam, to the terraced farms of Atok, Benguet.
Sagada
In the early 2000s, Sagada sounded to me like a destination reserved for the brazen, iron-butt traveler. Back then, I was told it took seven more hours from Baguio City, thanks to the long, narrow, and unpaved stretches of Halsema Highway, where navigating mud and landslides made traveling to Mountain Province grueling and arduous. Fast forward to 2026, and Sagada is a road trip I would recommend over the traffic-infested streets of Baguio every single time.
After allowing their burgers to decide where we would stay for the night, we left Misty Lodge and Cafe and geared up for Sagada Cellar Door to reward ourselves with a couple of pints of craft beer. A lovely spot surrounded by pine trees, it’s a must visit if you ever find yourself in Sagada.
For dinner, we headed to one of the oldest and most iconic culinary institutions in town. True to its name, Log Cabin pairs its genuine log structure with a large stone fireplace, heavy wooden tables, and dim, warm lighting. My buddy, Enzo, and I decided it was best to spend our time waiting for a table while working on a bottle of gin. As such, I no longer recall what I ordered. I only remember it to be good.
As we were chilling in San Juan, La Union before heading home, Enzo said the idea behind the ride was to go on what could otherwise be deemed the “ride of the year” at the start of the year, so that everything else would be a welcome bonus.
Not a bad idea.
