Riding Fort Bonifacio Mountain Bike Trail at Night, Possible?

When it comes to trail biking in Manila, you either have three options to go for a bike ride. Camp Aguinaldo, Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroe's Cemetery), and the famous Fort Bonifacio MTB trail. But the big question is... Can you possibly ride them at night? 

The closest bike trail in my place is undoubtedly the one located in the Army Headquarters (Fort Bonifacio), so I decided to try and find out. 

Since the trail is only open from 6AM - 6PM, I decided to stay until sun down. I learned that because the trail is heavily covered by vegetation, the it will already dark enough to turn on my bicycle headlight at 5:30 PM in the afternoon. 

Here's a photo of the bike trail at around 5:30 PM.

Like what I said in my older post, the trail extends 5.8 kilometers in length consisting of technical turns. With the moon above me, night riding can be serious fun if your know what you're doing. The air is significantly cooler, easier to breathe, and the sense of danger wrapped by silence is just part of the package. Awesome?! Of course!

I was able to finish one round until the trail master closed the gate and calling it a day. 

Though I recommend night riding for everyone, here are some tips I can share.

1) Gear Basics - Helmet, Shoes, Proper Clothing (Dry Fit upper and baggy shorts)

2) Check weather. I used Google Now to update me most of the time.

3) Check your lights. Always have the right equipment for the job. If you don't have a good light, better not go into riding at night. The trick here is being visible at the same time your ability to see the road clearly ahead.

4) Know the Trail First. Ah, before I forget. One should ride the trail on daytime first before he gets himself into riding at night. Using this approach, you are more aware of the sudden turns and bumps in the route. It'll be a safer ride.

Again, ride safe. 

Bike Trails: Fort Bonifacio Bike Trail

Mountain Biking in the heart of the city means that you'll go well with what Fort Bonifacio Bike Trail has to offer. It has been a constant love affair with me and my bike every weekend whenever I am in Makati. After all, this man-made bike trail is just 30 minutes away from my place using pedal power.

 So what does this bike trail has to offer as opposed to the one in Camp Aguinaldo?

For a start, it does have two options for difficulty presented in either Blue or Red flags. Blue flags are actually the easy part of the trail. This route is best for beginners who wanted to try dirt cycling or mountain biking for the first time. It is relatively short at around 3.8 kilometers. 

While the red flag offers five-something kilometers and a lot of technical portions such as steep descents, and hill climbs. The red route will surely reward yourself into a bliss of adrenaline inside the city. I highly recommend this one for novice riders who wanted to test their handling and balance skills.

Now for what cost you ask? A whole day unlimited ride will set you back 50 pesos. Not bad considering how the trail has progressed to a more exciting getaway since the first route was established almost five years ago.

Other services you can avail inside the camp is their Bayanihan or Kamayan Hall where good food are being prepared by the enlisted personnel themselves. Don't fret when an officer stops by to ride, they're as harmless as you are... and would be happy to entertain visitors and make new friends.

Philippine Army Band practicing at Bayanihan Hall

What can I probably ask for more in this humble yet impressive little bike trail? Well, I always wanted to try out night riding inside the mini forest. I just wish they would extend the biking hours to 8pm. Just two hours more from the usual 0600-1800H time. Oh well, I just think they'll only be going to consider that when there's someone willing to post on duty for the extra hours. 

For now I'm just enjoying the privilege. 

What should you prepare before entering the trail?

1) Wear your helmet.

2) Wear closed shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

3) Bring your patch kits or extra tubes.

4) Bring your air pump.

5) Don't forget to pay and ask for receipts. It helps the trail master on duty, a lot!

Update: As of November 2012, there's a new dressing cottage for a quick shower. No details as to how much it will cost you to use the facility.