Motorcycle Accidents

On a fateful evening of October last year (2009), I met an accident involving a jeepney.  

I was traversing the National Highway with my wife at around 8PM.   I was following a car perhaps about 3 to 4 cars length.  The road by the way was a long straight and a slight downgrade.  The car signaled that it was turning right so I slowed down a bit and moved to the left.  All of sudden I saw the jeepney's front right after the car has completed its turn.  It was coming from where the car is going and it was turning left. I don't know if the driver didn't look on the oncoming traffic or he was looking on the other lane.  Probably he thought that it was only a car and never cared to look again.

Since the jeepney's front has completely blocked my lane and I am pretty sure that hard braking will not be enough, I steered the bike to the left while braking hard.  Now I am on the opposite lane.  But the f----g jeepney didn't stop.  To make the story short, the bike's front wheel hit the jeepney's left front wheel.  My head banged on the jeep's fender.  I was pushed by the weight of my wife to the front and I felt pain on my left wrist.  It started to swell after a few minutes.

I am not a violent person but I thought that it was the best time to have a gun on hand.  The driver of the jeep acted as if we're at fault although he's the one who cut me off.  I am supposed to have the right of way.  He was telling me that since it was my motorcycle that hit his jeep, therefore I am at fault.  As if I did it intentionally which is 180 degrees of what we usually call common sense.

2012 Motorally

I was given this once in a lifetime chance to join the first ever Motorally last January 14, 2012.  The invite came via Richard aka YBR1.  He thought I am worthy enough to participate after joining the last two Manila-Matnog-Manila in 24hrs events.  I wonder if he is reading this but I'd like to express my gratitude to him, nevertheless.

The ride will cover total of 1000 miles or roughly 1600 kilometers passing through several provinces of Northern Luzon as shown below.

2012 Motorally Route

Bravo and Me in Aparri

Shopping For a New Ride

After my crash during the Manila-Matnog-Manila in November of 2011, I decided that I should get another motorcycle.  I travel more than 40kms one way on a daily basis during weekdays and it is too much of a hassle for me to use the public transportation.  Because of this aversion, I insisted on using my crash damaged Honda Bravo until the steering stem became a two piece part (luckily while parking the motorcycle.)  It could have been worse, I know.

The motorcycle market in the Philippines has changed for the better.  Several years ago, the choices are very limited if you're out on a lookout for a new ride especially if you're on a budget. It is either the underbones or the 'pantra' which are the business types that will eventually be attached to a sidecar for hauling more cargo and people.  Now aside from the Japanese Big 4 we've got Chinese and Indian brands even Malaysian offering a variety..... from scooters to tourers.  It therefore makes sense to formulate a criteria to aid in the selection process.  I have the outline below.

Cost
I am a poor guy with a limited budget and although I'd like to have a powerful motorcycle I don't have that much moolah to burn.  Based on my evaluation, I can only afford to throw away about Php 60k for a new bike.  My dream motorcycles by the way cost 100-150k.  But even before buying the bike, I have this idea of selling it after a year perhaps.  The cash will be then used to fund the purchase of my dream ride.

Power
I used to have a Honda Wave 125 and although it is more powerful than my Bravo I want my next bike to be something that is more powerful.  The Bravo cruises at about 80kph and could probably go up to 90kph but stability is a big concern.  I want something that can cruise happily at 100kph.  Top speed doesn't really matter but I'd be happy if it can go beyond 110kph.

Reliability
This is one of the characteristics that is a bit tough to estimate.  In this case you can't help but rely on the experiences of those who bought the bike and took to time write a review.  I spent a great deal of time lurking on internet forums digesting the feedback.  I've also asked and observed the actual users and my area.

Efficiency
I have a car and although it is quite frugal, my choice of transport is still the motorcycle because it is even more frugal.  My next ride should not get anything lower than 40km/L.

Looks
I am more a "function over form" guy and I don't really care if my bike looks ugly.  For as long as it is clean and does what I'd like it to do, I am happy.  But I wouldn't mind if my new bike will turn out to be an catcher.  Also, I don't want another underbone and I'm leaning towards a standard bike design (referred as backbone types in some literature.)

There you go.  I know that this may not be the most complete list but it should guide me and probably another in choosing his/her next bike.

Good luck and happy hunting to us.

Philippine Motorcycle Forums

Lurking most of the time....

MCP

PBRC

HFRC

HFRC (webs) 

Samsung Galaxy Y Charger Hack

My old and trusty Magellan GPS is due for retirement.  The rubberized cover is now starting to peel off.  One-third of the LCD display is busted due to a fall while travelling at about 80kph.  I used it mainly for tracking back my traveled path and also as an alternative speedometer..etc.  It is really a bare unit with only the basic map installed.  I just used my imagination to make the most out of the gadget.

Recently, I was given this Android phone called Samsung Y with built in GPS.  And so now, the Samsung Y can now replace the old Magellan.

There's a problem though.  When the GPS sensor is ON, and off course some navigation applications need to be active as well, the phone battery lasts only for some hours.  The logical step therefore is to find a way to extend battery life or have a charger always connected.  The phone charges via USB, by the way

I bought a CDR King 12V to USB charger for less than 100php (for those residing outside the Philippines, CDR King is a well-known shop selling electronics and computer stuffs.)  Sure, it charges the phone but only when it is OFF.  Once the phone is turned on, charging stops.  This is unacceptable.  How can I use the phone's GPS function if it is turned off?

Some hacking will be required.  Before proceeding, please read my warning below.

DISCLAIMER :  IF YOU DECIDE TO REPLICATE THIS MODIFICATION, I WON'T BE LIABLE TO ANY DAMAGE THAT IT MIGHT CAUSE.  DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

After opening the casing of the charger, I noticed that the two middle pins of the USB connector are just floating.  I took a 10k resistor from my parts box and used it to short the two floating pins one by one to either GND or +5V.  The phone still won't charge.

I took another 10k resistor and shorted both floating pins to GND.  The phone beeped and the charging icon came up.
Soldering finalized the hack.

This is the intended application.

It looks like more effort will be needed but at least the phone now charges while it is turned ON!!!

Manila-Matnog v.v. in 24 hours - Man and Machine Endurance Ride (2)

This post is very late and so I have forgotten some of the details about this ride that happened last year.  From today and counting the days back, it has been more than 100 days since that fateful midnight of November 28, 2010.

Perhaps because of the anticipation and excitement, I wasn't really able to get enough sleep the night prior the ride.  I tried to sleep during the day with no success.  Night came and  I decided to summon San Miguel's help.  It was effective or at least an hour.

----
Update as of 11nov2011
I really can't find the time to finish this ride report.  Anyway you can click on the link below and read about what I posted in MCP.  Post #78 and #90

Manila-Matnog-Manila 24hrs 


We have another one coming this year 2011, almost the same route but 50kms more.

Manila-Matnog v.v. in 24 hours - Man and Machine Endurance Ride (1)

As early as September, I've been following a thread in MCP Rides and Touring section titled Manila-Matnog in 24hours Extreme Ride. Last year, they had a similar feat which I missed because a few days prior to this ride, I completed my solo ride to Caramoan also in Bicol region. Needless to say, I am very much interested in joining the challenge this year.
For rides like this, careful planning is required especially for those on small bikes. Since I'll be riding my Honda Bravo for this challenge, there is really no room for mistake like getting lost. As part of the planning, I studied the maps and the start and stop points which is both located along C5.
Never been to C5 on two wheels and the mentioned places in the forums where the challenge starts and ends is really unfamiliar. Three weeks before the ride, I went to the two Petron stations along C5 where the ride is supposed to start and end.
This is the Petron station after Market-Market and this is the place where we will start the long trip at 12 midnight of November 28.


And this is the Petron where we should be at before the 24 hour countdown ends.

Malabrigo Lighthouse

Malabrigo lighthouse was a surprise when I did the Lobo-Laiya loop ride.

The Rider's GPS

I bought a GPS unit at Circuit City in California when my previous company sent me to the US for a training.  Regular price was $150 but the sale price was reduced to $100.  Not a bad deal plus the fact that I really like to own one.  Another thing is that the rental car I used while I was there is GPS equipped and I found it really cool.



The unit a bought is a handheld Magellan GPS.  Not much help if you're on the road because the default map is very basic.  If I want a detailed map, I would need to shell out some cash.  It also unfortunate that the default map with main roads and points of interests are in the US.  The map of the whole world is there but is not very defined especially the coastal areas.  As an example, when you're on a seashore, the GPS would indicate that you're actually in the water but in actual, you are a good 10 meters away from getting wet.

So what do I use this gadget for?

Well I use my GPS when I do long rides.  With a printed map, it is a good tool to show where you are.  GPS units usually plots your location every second or depending on how you set it to update.  Comparing the map and the GPS track, you'll know if you made a wrong turn, etc.

This unit is also good if you're trekking.  I live at the foot of a mountain called Makulot.   Me and my son would do a climb whenever there's a chance.  We can then be a bit adventurous by not following the trail without fear of getting lost.  It is quite easy to do trackback.

This unit is powered using two AA batteries.  In my case, I bought 2500 mAh rechargeables.  Battery life is about 6 hours.

Solo Rider's pre-Ride Check

So what needs to be checked before hitting the road for that once in a lifetime ride?

This is my personal (ideal) list but if you think something needs to be added, feel free to drop me a message.

I usually start with the goal. If I wanted to go to a particular place, I would first do a research about it. Google is my friend. I would dig the web for ride reports, travel destinations, etc. I would list down the towns that I will be passing along the way, places of interest, road and traffic conditions as well as gas stations and of course places where I can eat and rest. Afterwards, I would plan on the itinerary. A map is a must!

The next thing I would prepare is the motorcycle. Normally, I start with the tire. Most often than not and especially for long rides, buying a new rubber is the best option. When you're hundreds or thousands of miles away from home, having a flat tire should be the least of you're worries. New tires would give you added peace of mind but that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for the worst. I also check the chain looseness and lubrication, brake adjustment and all lights should be functional. I always carry spares with me such as inner tube, plug, bulbs and even spare chain on long rides. Aside from this, I also bring tools inside bike's compartment. Although probably not really a must, I would normally change the engine oil as well.

After the bike is ready, I would then prepare the stuffs I need such as things for personal hygiene, first aid kit, rain gears, etc. Don't forget to bring cellphone/s. More ways for contact, the better. Cash is also better than cards and of course, you should have enough. Bring something to identify you, something that cannot be taken so easily in case something really bad happens.

And last but not in any way the least, if you're like me...pray before you leave.

Ride safe!

Solo Ride to Bicol on my Honda Wave 125

This is my very first and longest ride on a motorcycle.  Destination is the Bicol Region located in the southernmost part of Luzon.  Solo and all alone riding on the trusty Honda Wave 125.
"Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan."
I used to hear this from TV commercials when I was a small kid. When I got the chance to buy my first car, the next thing I did is plan where to go.
I once did a north Luzon loop before together with my family before. That's more than 2000 kilometers of travel, I guess. We spent two days for the tour and I was really exhausted because I did all the driving. But I was really inspired to do more of this touring stuff after seeing the Philippines' largest island. Prior to this, we've also gone to Bicol, again with my family. It was really an awesome experience and a feast for the eyes. Moreso if you're into nature.
Then the good Lord gave me a motorcycle, a Honda Wave 125. After the required honeymoon period and a total of five crashes, I decided to go a little bit farther to test my machine and to test my own endurance. I thought 1000 kilometers is a little bit too much for me and time may not be enough so I have to delay my north loop trip. Bicol region is half as far so I chose this instead for my first long trip, solo!
My wife, I think being a little bit worried wouldn't let me go alone. So we reached an agreement that she go with me up to Sariaya, Quezon where she could stay with a relative. From this town on, I'd be riding solo. And so in the morning of June 20, 2009 we started our long trip.
Original plan was to go alone and I've only got a set of rain gear. I need another set for my wife in case it rains and we decided to look for it in Lipa. Wasted a lot of time there and it was almost noontime when we reached Sariaya. It was past noon when I finally was able to continue with the rest of the trip.
Four hundred kilometers to go and I really need to rush up. Road condition in Quezon province is not so bad allowing me to go as fast as the Wave125 can go. The motorcycle's engine is good but it is quite nervous under braking so I think there were times when I was slower than necessary. My target was to be in Naga or farther before the sun sets. This mean less time for taking pictures.
After almost three hours of asphalt, concrete, twisties and straights, I was able to reach one end of Andaya Highway (formerly Quirino.) Although most of this road is concrete, this highway is notorious for deep ruts and holes so it is best traveled during daytime to avoid surprises which will surely spoil an otherwise perfect trip. I took a quick picture of the highway entrance. After a short break from this point, I continued the trip reaching the other end after a little less than two hours. This is how the Sipocot end of the highway looks like. Time is 4:30 in the afternoon.
After this brief shoot I continued the trip to Naga reaching the place just as the sun is setting. I needed to stop for gas but I was really tired by this time so I bought something to rehydrate. While drinking Gatorade, I was interviewed by the local after realizing that I'm not speaking the vernacular. Spent about thirty minutes in the gas station. It's almost dark and about a hundred kilometers more to go before reaching Legazpi City where I plan to spend the night.
The roads are very good as in last time I went there with the car. Unfortunately, the glare on my helmet's visor is unbearable and it was more of a hindrance than help. I found it better to drive without it with my eyes partially closed to prevent my eyes from taking a direct hit by flying bugs.
I made a mistake of entering Daraga and made a wrong turn. I didn't know I was heading to Sorsogon if it not for a boundary marker. No choice but to make a U-turn. It's about 9pm and I was very hungry by this time. Seeing a Jolibee signboard proved to be too tempting. This is where I ate my dinner. It is almost 10pm and although I knew that I am only about 5 kilometers from Legazpi, I can''t figure out how to get there. I finally decided to call it a day and looked for a place to stay for the night.
This is is where I spent the previous night. I was surprised there were other motorcyclist who stayed in the same place over the night.
The last time we went here, we were not able to see the Cagsawa Church ruins. It is only a few kilometers from Daraga proper. I think I was the first person to go there that day.
I then proceeded to Legazpi City looking for a place to eat breakfast. I ended up in front of their city hall where I saw an interesting sign. I thought you can only find these in Austria or Germany.
Still unable to find a place probably being to early or because it is a Sunday, I head to the direction of Tabaco. I settled on a turo-turo with a nice view of the volcano.
The food somehow has some mind clearing abilities. My aim is to be able to reach Sariaya to pick up my wife by noon. If I will continue traveling to Tabaco, there's no way that this plan will be possible. After paying for the food, I was heading for home. By 9AM (062109), I was in Naga. If you want to test your bike's performance, go to Bicol and drive from Legazpi to Naga in the morning. Ninety percent of the time, I was in full-throttle and and the bike was able to survive the abuse. It is 11AM when I crossed the Quezon and Camarines Norte provinces border. Two hours more and I was in Sariaya to pick up my wife.
I thought we can then head home but she has other plans. After going to San Pedro in Laguna, I was finally home at little over 6:30 in the evening.
This trip is a testament to my Honda Wave125's durability. Not a single breakdown experienced during the trip. I only needed to stop to gas up since the fuel tank capacity is a mere 3.7 liters. This gives me a range of 130 to 150 kilometers. All in all, it consumed more than 25 liters of fuel and I spent about a thousand pesos for it. That's no problem. What matters is that it took me home in one piece.
Now, can I call myself a solo rider?
Ride safe...