Biking enthusiasts need not travel outside the city or navigate around dangerous Metro Manila roads in the early hours of the morning just to be able to ride their bikes. There is a bike trail open to the public at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.
Entree fee: 50 pesos
The trail is open to civilians, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
(pic courtesy of flickr.com; user mon solo)
An excerpt from the Philippine Daily Inquirer:
The McKinley MTB circuit offers tight turns, rude descents and even one slow turn to a sudden ascent. McKinley MTB circuit has it all: single tracks, shifting gears, shifting the body, learning when and how to use the brakes, keeping the body mounted on the bike, maximizing energy when pedaling up a steep ascent, riding on pump trails, single tracks on the edge of a ravine and dealing with pebbles, dirt, loose sand and grass.
“The MTB circuit here perfectly mimics the natural terrain of the mountain. What’s even better, it’s accessible to urban dwellers. You can come here to practice your skills as much as you want. You can’t beat that,” Roselada said.
The trail is built around the tree sanctuary of the army premises. Soon, said Parlade, signages will be put up beside each tree with a brief information on the species. Parlade hopes that through this new MTB circuit, young people will come to appreciate and respect nature.
There are two circuits to choose from: Leisure (beginners) and Sports (advanced). Anyone with basic MTB skills can ride the Leisure trail.
The more adventurous can do the Sports trail.
Turn signs are coded blue (Leisure) and red (Sports).
Now accepting families as guests, the circuit will soon open a Kiddie trail. There is also a shower area where one can freshen up, for a minimal fee.
“If you choose to bike here you are assured of yours and your bike’s safety. No one will block your path and kick you just so they can steal your P100,000 bike,” Parlade said.
Rules must be followed by civilian and military personnel: Come in proper MTB getup; no helmet, no ride; no racing; only low-impact riding is allowed to avoid creating ruts.
Since many of the trails are single tracks, one must make one’s approach known.
Other rules: Avoid rolling over grass and plants; anticipate other riders, especially when hitting in blind spots, and avoid blocking and overtaking.
August 6, 2009 at 9:20 pm
HI THIS IS DENNIS FORM ABS-CBN… UMAGANG KAY GANDA… WE WANT TO FEATURE THE TRAIL BIKING IN THE FORT, TAGUIG ON THE 24TH OF THIS MONTH (AUGUST)
August 6, 2009 at 9:20 pm
09177441401 AND 09224522848 MY NUMBERS
March 17, 2010 at 10:25 am
sir saan po ang entrance nito?
April 1, 2011 at 2:51 am
may i ask the exact location of mckinley mtb circuit thanks
April 4, 2011 at 3:18 pm
from mckinley st (polo club) turn right at stoplight. Then when you see the gymnasium entrance at the left side, turn left. Then on the left side you will see gate 6- that is the entrance. You’ll have to leave your i.d. with the guard by the entrance.
April 3, 2011 at 2:29 pm
This is a really fun trail. Good for practicing ascents and descents, cornering and even drops and jumps. There are several route options which are quite interesting. This trail, although very short, is a good training ground for basic riding skills. I felt that we were in a playground. I just hope they don’t stop maintaining this place.
July 25, 2011 at 12:35 am
Hi,
My Australian boss went here yesterday and he was advised that he needs to secure a permit from the army bec he is a foreigner. Will you please help us find a way for him to be able to use this? Any contact person/number?