The Laguna Loop goes all the way around Laguna de Bay, through Metro Manila, Rizal and Laguna. It is known as the classic first very long ride for Manila cyclists, and a rite of passage for those who take up long distances.
The ride
The distance is 185 km to about 200 km, depending on where you start, according to a rider’s account published by Visor. One route mapped on Bikemap comes to 183.7 km with 726 m of climbing. Both are single riders’ records, so take them as a guide.
For a ride of this length, 726 m is not much climbing. The loop is hard because of the hours in the saddle, not the hills. Expect a full day on paved national roads.
Good to know
- December to February is the coolest time of year, and the kindest for a day this long.
- You will be in the sun for most of the day. Read riding in the heat first, and plan a long rest in the shade around midday.
- The route uses national roads shared with trucks and buses. Keep right, ride in single file and use lights front and rear.
- Start before dawn. An early start gives you the cool hours, and a margin of daylight at the end.
- Eat and drink a little and often from the first hour. Do not wait until you are hungry or thirsty.
- Ride with a group, and agree on where you could stop and take transport home if someone has had enough.
Build up to it
Do not make this your first long ride. Work up through days of 60, 80 and 100 km, and see how you feel the morning after each one. If you are returning to cycling, give yourself several months. Our guide to your first group ride is a good place to begin.