Bike Trails: Morning Rides at MOA

Here's something I've been missing these past few weeks: Biking in MOA. Every morning, the stretch of road behind SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay turns into a fitness haven. You'd be surprised at the amount of city folks who turn up at the boulevard, panting their socks off just as the sun rises.

Better than spinning class

I start my bike route from our home in Quirino Ave., make my way towards Taft Ave. and then on to Roxas Boulevard. The road is pretty quiet at 6:00 in the morning, but I am still cautious because the next car could be driven by a drunk driver who has just seen an installment of a Fast and Furious movie.

Red means stop

Turning left at the intersection, I catch a glimpse of Manila Yacht Club before entering the CCP grounds. I usually pedal on Sundays, but lately fun runs (mini marathons) have been blocking off a good part of my bike route, so I try to go out on Saturday mornings instead.

CCP fitness center

Groups of joggers challenge themselves up and down the CCP building ramp. Sometimes, I spot members of the Philippine Coast Guard do their morning training here, too. On the opposite side of the road, patrons swing and sway their bodies in chaotic unison to the loud, energetic disco-version music of Gotye (or some other pop music). Their leader, clad in full aerobics gear, stands in front on a low platform that passes for a stage.

Thankful for these lanes

Moving along, I pass by Harbor Square, the tennis courts, badminton courts, basketball courts and the Folk Arts Theater. People of all ages mill about, some already onto their breakfast. I chance upon a couple of guys carrying boat paddles. They're probably dragon boat rowers, fresh out of Manila Bay.

The WTC in Pasay

Past the Coconut Palace, I start to pick up some speed since there is less foot traffic in the area. There goes Sofitel and the Film Center to my right. As I turn the corner, the World Trade Center appears in my line of sight. I have now passed my self-imposed halfway point.

Here is a map of my MOA bike route (~10km):

View MOA morning bike route 10k+ in a larger map
The CCP side of Macapagal Boulevard is lined by 'dampa'-style restaurants. They're restaurants that cook fresh food customers pick right out of a wet market conveniently located in the premises. I stay on the motorcycle lane and try to keep my pace as I pass by the establishments. This portion of the ride serves as my warm up for the workout that lay ahead of me.

I race only with myself

Turning right on Seaside Boulevard, I am immediately joined by (okay, joined into) hundreds of bikers. Much like in CCP and Luneta Park, people come here to engage in different sorts of exercises. But MOA has, in my opinion, the most bike-friendly route because the road is hump-free and pedestrians keep their loitering to the baywalk area.

Asleep: the MOA Eye is still closed

In the morning, the mall complex looks like a sleeping giant, playing only the role of a backdrop to all the action happening outside it. "Inhale, inhale, exhale exhale" - I pump on the pedals - right, left, right, left. The wheels gain some velocity and I settle for a pace I can live with, at least for the next 2-3 laps.

My lap ends here.

In my case, each lap begins at the Seaside Boulevard entrance and ends at the Shrine of Jesus the Way church, where I make a u-turn. Some bikers go way past this landmark - I really don't know how far they go.

I have developed a liking to this building

During the rounds, I encounter a group or two of road bikers (those with skinny bikes and tight cycling shorts) going twice my speed. They're probably on a time trial run or training for something big so I get out of their way and retreat to the far side of the road.

PICC and the Coconut Palace

I trace my course twice or thrice, until my legs start to feel like jelly. That's my cue for a short water break. Gauging my strength and the sun's position in the sky, I decide whether to go for another lap or just cool down on the way home.

Airing up before the ride

Each morning ride to MOA is a short (indie) escape on an otherwise lazy weekend. On the way home, there are slightly more vehicles to dodge. But I don't mind because I am now in a happy place, thanks to the morning endorphins!