Taal Lake Loop April 2025

This ride was meant to be a practice run for a bike tour that never happened. That plan fell through, and yeah—it still stings a bit. But since I was already there, and still getting familiar with the area, I decided to make the most of it.

I seriously underestimated this route. Emil was supposed to ride with me, but an unexpected mechanical issue cut his trip short, forcing him to head back home by bus. From that point on, it was just me and the road.

I left at 3:00 AM and didn’t get home until 4:00 AM the next day—a full 12 hours on the road. Long, exhausting, humbling… and strangely rewarding.

Here are some photos from the ride—scenes and cities around Taal I hadn’t visited before. Even when plans fall apart, the road still finds a way to give something back.

And here is my story.