We were so fascinated about the zigzag roads in Bessang Pass National Park and Quirino Skyline looping thru Cervantes in Ilocos Sur, from San Juan, La Union as staging area.
So, in the early morning of July 8, 2023, we left home for a quick ride to San Juan, La Union.
The plan was to unload stuffs in CT Apartelle as staging area, in San Juan, La Union, then ride to Tagudin, Suyo, and to Bessang Pass - exit in Cervantes Intersection, ride the Quirino Skyline, exit Santiago, Ilocos Sur, then ride down back to La Union's surf beach to celebrate and unwind.
We met up with pareng Renee in Mabalacat City, and proceeded to Tarlac City to meet up with pareng Jeof and mareng Sha in Petron, San Rafael, in Tarlac City.
A few minutes after entering the Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road, we were surprised to see a majestic waterfalls still within the boundary of Suyo, Ilocos Sur.
It has been 55 kilometers to reach this point from La Union's CT Apartelle.
We were very happy for this amazing spot in Suyo, Ilocos Sur.
It's nice to take some rest, fly the drone, and cherish the waterfalls.
The mist from the waterfalls were all over and felt so nice to breath.
The rocky river below the side of the road were like singing with waters drifting down from the mountains of the Cordilleras.
Pareng Renee were very energetic riding so safe into too many places as always.
Jeof and Sha Sha were also very on that spot that was very rejuvenating.
We felt very positive during this ride, and up to this point.
The Tagudin~Cervantes~Sabangan Road is passing the Bessang Pass Natural Monument that has great historical value when Gen. Gregorio del Pilar died defending Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo retreat into the highlands against the American soldiers.
We were riding very fast in Bessang Pass that we failed to stop in the marker, LoLz
So fast that we were in the intersection in Cervantes Town Hall in no time - and this vital intersection is connecting vital roads from Tagudin thru Bessang Pass, up to Bontoc via Bauko, Mountain Province, if you go straight.
If you turn left from Bessang Pass, that road leads to Quirino Skyline, up to Santiago, Ilocos Sur.
If you turn right from Bessang Pass, the road will lead you to Mankayan, Benguet, straight to Halsema Highway.
We often stop in that intersection in Cervantes to take some rest and eat at Karenderias near the road going to Mankayan. There you can choose from many Filipino dishes that's a bit pricey considering the transportation made to bring in supplies.
Namitmit View Deck has an overlooking view of the west side of the beautiful sight to behold in that part of the zigzag road.
From there, we decided to stop and rest for a while, and savor the scenery that's utterly amazing.
Kantatuban Eco Park is a few meters before you can reach the Quirino Skyline from Cervantes Town Hall - and that's the trickiest part where some riders used to slide before reaching the summit.
In Quirino Skyline, the stop point is the Skyline View Deck overlooking the Lagben River, the mountain ranges and the communities below.
It’s very relaxing there in the view deck seeing the scenic view from afar.
We were so happy reaching this point in the view deck of Quirino Skyline.
After the best moments in Quirino Skyline View Deck, and a few kilometers later, we stop here - since the brakes were losing grip due to overheating from enormous braking going down the mountains.
This Ilocos Sur Welcome Arch in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur is one of the best spot to stop, rest, rehydrate, eat, and/or do everything in between rides.
We were only 39.1 kilometers away from the surf beach of San Juan in under 1 hour of rides.
So, we decided to have more time to enjoy in the welcome arch.
From the scenic views of the mountains in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur's Bessang Pass and Quirino Skyline, now are here in the zero ASL San Juan Surf Beach in Urbiztondo, La Union.
This place in La Union was so nice to enjoy and stay overnight - lot's of local and foreign tourist visiting here.
We decided to simulate the 1st Lockdown Rides that we did on July 4~5, 2020 with pareng Renee.
Back then, and now, we ordered a platter of seafoods from Dampa in San Juan.
But this time we added an order of pork sisig.
And here's a huge platter of seafoods to celebrate and behold the successful loop in Bessang Pass and Quirino Skyline.
We devoured the foods on the same spot in the rooftop of LC Apartelle with pareng Renee.
Here's the 1st Lockdown Rides photo of us.
And the photo from this 90th Lockdown Rides - after 3 years and 4 days apart.
In the morning, we decided to eat breakfast in a resto on the beach.
Then immediately prepare for the rides back to Angeles City, Pampanga.
Another of the common spot to stop, refill gas, rest, and rehydrate is here in Clean Fuel TPLEX Rotunda, in Rosario La Union.
And we decided to eat late lunch in Wendy's McArthur HW in Tarlac City.
We arrived home sweet home very early in the afternoon - after 653 kilometers of total range including the loop.
For us, it was nice to re-do the 1st Lockdown Rides after more than 3 years ago.
Little did we know that this 90th Lockdown Rides will be the last lockdown rides when the Office of the President, through Proclamation No. 297 issued on 21 July 2023, officially announced the lifting of the state of public health emergency - 12 days after we have completed the loop of Bessang Pass and Quirino Skyline.
It's the playground of the bengkeng riders from the North.
Same as the other roads that we have experienced to ride, it was not difficult to loop Bessang Pass and Quirino Skyline - however, it was dangerous for riders with little experience.
To pareng Renee, pareng Jeof, mareng Sha Sha, it was a pleasure always riding with you guys for us with Gagay - thank you.
Byahe lang..!
2023 July 8~9 | Cervantes, Ilocos Sur
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