I was out of the shop but I’m back now. I was invited to a bike festival in the Philippines and I hadn’t been there before and there was going to be a lot of riding so I went. Plus it was snowing here and hot and sunny there. I had to go.

There was XC racing, DH, trials, 4 cross, dirt jumping, BMX, road and more. I entered a few and rode in a few.

The festival and races were fun. I was also very fortunate to meet up with and hang out with some local riders and they took me on some great rides.

At the TLBF bike fest I did a quick talk about bike design and and then after I was encouraged to do an impromptu to freestyle demo.

No hands and old school balance.

Going to the DH course.

Big Roots.

Getting out of the heat in one of many old bunkers.

We were a little lost and trying to find the XC trail. A car pulled up with bikes that was going there so we grabbed on for a ride up the hill to the course. Next three pictures by Glen Concio.

My 1:52min DH run.

Justin and I met up with local riders for an urban night ride/tour of Manila.

I taped my camera to my fork for the ride.

Videos:

Riding in traffic.

Riding a narrow way.

More traffic.

Cruising to another riding spot.

Hanging out at the Bay walk we waited for more riders to show.

Many types of bikes go by.

Notice the mechanical foot brake.

Side hack bikes come by with food.

I didn’t take may pictures during the ride.

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The next day we went out of the city for some more dirt.

A view of Manila.

I had a great time.

Justin from Dirt Rag took some good pictures and wrote some words about the fest.

After I returned from the Philippines, within a few days I was off to California for the  Sea Otter festival. The weather was nice.