Cycling Spots

The island of Luzon is the northernmost island of the Philippines, home of the capital Manila, and features some great cycling climbs waiting to be discovered. - Learn more

Cycling Luzon

The Northern part of the Philippines features mountain ranges which has the highest highway system in the country, natural parks and the third highest mountain.

A route that can reach up to 6000m elevation gain can be found here. It will surprise with awesome switchbacks that can reach up to hundreds of them. GCN has ridden one of the hardest climbs and the highest highway system in the country. Bessang Pass has one of the most scenic routes in the North and connects to Ifugao Mountain province which has one of the greatest rice terraces in the world.

Weather here is coldest during the last quarter of the year up to January. We highly suggest riding up here during this season. During the rainy season (July-September), Bessang Pass has many waterfalls that can flow into the roads.

Gravel in Luzon

The Philippines was chosen as one of the qualifiers for the 2022 UCI gravel race in Asia.

Given the rich gravel roads with a combination of long river crossings, low mountain ranges and paved roads. Gravel races are already being introduced and we see a lot of fanatics are getting into it.

Several gravel races are being held already and we see a lot of cyclists are getting into gravel riding.

Spots to ride

Planning your cycling trip

2. Choosing when to book:

Luzon in Jun-Aug

End of May usually is the start of the rainy season. On average, we usually have 2 typhoons per month with monsoons. Mountain ranges during heavy rains are usually affected by landslides. It is very tricky to ride during this season as it's hard to predict rains and landslides. It can also be brutally hot especially in the lowlands. The rainy season can extend through to September.

Summer Road Conditions

Road conditions during the rainy season usually have some mud and landslides. It can also be slippery especially if it rains for a couple of days as the road has a tendency to build moulds along the road. It is highly advisable to speak with local guides before travelling to the mountain ranges because road closures are possible due to mud and landslides. Some routes include wide open roads with farm lands on both sides which makes it vulnerable to headwinds, crosswinds and tailwinds.

Travelling in Summer

This season is also considered the off peak season, even through to September. Hotels are usually easy to book and transportations is easy to arrange as well. But we still highly recommend that you book in advance.

3. Know who to speak with:

Always speak with a local expert BEFORE booking your trip. Valuable local knowledge will ensure you get the most out of your cycling holiday.

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Luzon

Cycling Luzon

Gravel in Luzon

Spots to ride

Planning your cycling trip

1. Choosing where to ride:

2. Choosing when to book:

Luzon in Jun-Aug

Best website for weather reports?

Summer Road Conditions

Best website for road reports?

Travelling in Summer

Best local airport?

3. Know who to speak with:

More spots for cyclists