Bike for Survival, anyone?

[arcireyes]

everybody have an inspiration and i consider my kuya rocky as my inspiration sa biking.

after abusing myself during my adult life with almost 32 years of smoking and weekend drink till you drop sessions, i suddenly woke up one night gasping for breathe and told myself that this is not the right thing to do with God's Temple, our body, i asked God in prayer to help me survive the night and promised to be kind to His Temple. the next day i quit smoking "Cold Turkey", avoided drinking and took up some daily physical activities ( i started with brisk walking 30 mins every night around our factory compound ), eventually as my lungs cleared-up i was able to do regular morning jogs and weekend badminton and basketball game. eventually my aging osteoarthiritic right knee finally almost gave up from the rigors of running, badminton and basketball. between swimming and cycling (that my orthopaedic doc asked me choose) i picked cycling. bought myself a second hand hybrid bike and started my weekend UP spins with it ( i thought that it was all there is to cycling,a weekend UP spin hehehe ).

unfortunately, after almost a year of UP spinning bliss, my hybrid was stolen and i would be back to running as i waited for a chance to build another hybrid bike. my boss (who is a roadie himself)would be generous enough to gift me with an mtb hybrid when he found-out that i have stopped biking as a result of my bike's loss



that hybrid would jumpstart my mtbiking career (parang showbiz hehehe) i listed up for membership sa PCN where i met my biking buddy, ronald, who would later on introduce me to P M TB "brad andito ang aksiyon" (trans:this is where the action is / parang D'Sensation ah of the '70s era hehehe). here i would be guided during my newbie days by my kuya rocky with whom i have a lot of newbie rides with....sierra madre ("psych yourself up, kayang-kaya mo yan.......be patient...........spin your way to the top") which i did.......abuyod-pinugay.....after the cramp a few meters to the trailend......("pahinga ka lang malapit na tapos sakay na tayo ng jeep sa morong" and upon reaching flying V in antips....."si arci sa tangke ko na yan...sabay na kami niyan") bugarin....."spin spin lang brad parang sierra lang yan mas madali pa"........caliraya ride.......while riding abreast with him somewhere in pangil.......shouting..... "ANG SARAP MABUHAY SA MUNDO!!!!!" the man inspired me to ride and enjoy mtbiking as i enjoy nature..... i almost forgot that i was biking to fight head-on with my hypertension, that i was re-building a lung ravaged by 32 years of nicotine abuse, that i was trying to keep a 52 year old body in tiptop physical shape, he made me forgot that we are oldies as we together did the reverse palace ride, as we redux sierra madre (albeit my bailing out at garden cottage) countless trails we rode together all for the love of mountainbiking and nature.....my kuya rocky inspired me to ride and forget about my age he is an embodiment of survival with a capital S

put me in the list of invitees brad in the "kambak" ride, i'm sure we'll have so many rides lined up with you on your EX 9.5 Trekkie and me in my SSimple rig the P M T B sweeping tandem is back ;D

PADYAK LANG NG PADYAK!!!!!!!!!!

LIVESTRONG

[Pastor Ernie]

Sir Rocky (or paparocky as they call you),

You are more than just an icon to PinoyMTBiker, you yourself is an inpiration to all. I have been hearing your name, your stories, your victories over defeat whenever I ride with our fellow bikers. And it becomes trivial to me... "Who is paparocky?" "What is a paparocky?" And I said to myself, "...it will be a great privilledge to know a person like you, and more, to ride with you." (Just as what I felt when I had the first chance with sir Arci, what an inspiration for all of the younger ones!)

It will be more than a joy to meet you sir, and spin the first few meters with you in UP, have some sopas or lugaw at Mang Manny's and inspire each other (rain or shine).

I've been praying for you since I heared what happened (just as in the case of pastor roman who were sidelined also), and the more I will pray for you now. Just PM me for anything, any concern. You can also send prayer requests and I will be with you in prayer. I will also PM you my mobile number.

Life is like biking, sometimes you crash, and everybody does. But it is not about how bad you did, but rather how determined you are to rise up and pedal back again... and finish the mark. I know you'll get by, and be back to your saddle again... as a better rider, a better person.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

God bless you sir rocky and see you!!!

[isteb]

Likewise am blessed to meet you Sir Arci.... Wow your 52? i assure you, you look much younger.. you'da man!

[Pastor Ernie]

Praise God for the bike!!!

I was almost convinced that I would never see year 2008 due to my illness. But because of God's grace and a lot of padyak everyday (that's all - no meds) I was able to cross the new year with so much vigor and hope.

I pray I could keep the intensity, the dedication, the love for the thing I'm doing since I got out of the hospital... bike.

[g.b.b]

you're always in my prayers ernie.

i go biking if im depressed and at the same time stressed from anything........... sana araw araw may stress & depression ako......

[plankton_dash]

i can't believe i chanced upon this thread only now...which probably means, i can't believe how lazy i am. ;D

seriously, reading posts like the one in here just give inspires me even more to pedal and pedal away.
i've found out that there is more to bicycling than the fitness benefits it gives -- getting to know people, sosyalan's, kumustahan's, kulitan's, etc. -- but to see how God is using this "hobby/sport/passion/obsession" of ours to lure most of us from the destructive ways of living that we used to inflict upon ourselves, as well as making it a means for folks who have had serious illnesses (and still fighting the good fight), oh boy, it just gives me a profound high that i can't express.

pastor Ernie, i haven't met you yet but i wish someday we will...stories like yours are the stuff that soothes the soul, lifts the spirit, and makes me stop and ask, "what in the world am i complaining about with this sore shoulder of mine?" ;D

[Onie]

No other better day but to give thanks. Yes, I remember: besides I've got a good deal from Meyrick (aka Yukon; but actually I've got the cogs the night before pa) I've met someone new that morning @up. It was you, Pastor Ernie!

ernie said:

Each day is a gift of God and each new friend to meet is a bonus.

@};-¤-;{@

Assumingly, I might have missed this story the first time, but glad I caught it during its second life at the top of the Health & Fitness board. Well, posts like this are what passion truly is all about!

Keep on turning the cranks, my friend! It is stories like this that reignite the passion inside me. I need to ride now...

My story? Well, it's with the pink bands. Tribute for my wife. Why not let's ride sometimes?

Off for a few spin!

Ride inspi®ed!

[Pastor Ernie]

Likewise Onie!

Yes, a ride sometime...

God bless you brother and everything about you. Keep riding!

[Pastor Ernie]

Just logging...

The past two weeks I was just able to cover less than 800kms. I'm being slowed down by my swollen nerve near my crotch area which was caused by long rides on saddle. Perhaps I need to change my saddle, just waiting for the opportunity (no budget yet). I hope this will not pull down my performance... as I have said in my previous threads I got to maintain intensity 'coz I'm doing this to keep surviving. One thing that really helps me a lot is whenever there are some buddies who are willing to ride with me on long distance and average phase. It's quite difficult to do this stuff all alone, everyday on long hours, you know? So, I really thank my friends who are patient pedaling with me once in awhile. God bless you!

[arcireyes]

pastor ernie,

me and flea is planning a bike pasyal to nueva ecija via the back route (angat-baliwag-bustos-plaridel) on holy thursday, march 20. you might want to join us, we plan to cover the loop (sandiganbayan-NE-sandiganbayan) in one day / i.e. start 0530 and be back around 5-6pm.

ernie said:

Just logging...

The past two weeks I was just able to cover less than 800kms. I'm being slowed down by my swollen nerve near my crotch area which was caused by long rides on saddle. Perhaps I need to change my saddle, just waiting for the opportunity (no budget yet). I hope this will not pull down my performance... as I have said in my previous threads I got to maintain intensity 'coz I'm doing this to keep surviving. One thing that really helps me a lot is whenever there are some buddies who are willing to ride with me on long distance and average phase. It's quite difficult to do this stuff all alone, everyday on long hours, you know? So, I really thank my friends who are patient pedaling with me once in awhile. God bless you!

[mtbrider06]

My past time MANY years ago was drinking beer that is why I have a beer belly before. I have occasional high blood pressure due to work related stress which deprive me of the much needed sleep time.

I started biking mid of 2006 and limit drinking, beer belly gone and I have normal blood pressure now. My sleeping quite improve. . . .

The problem now is I seldom go to malls coz at weekend morning till noon is riding while in the afternoon i'm too tired and always hit my bed to recuperate till late afternoon. Wifey sometimes not in the mood .. . .
At the age of 47 how I wished I started biking much younger.

[Pastor Ernie]

arcireyes said:

pastor ernie,

me and flea is planning a bike pasyal to nueva ecija via the back route (angat-baliwag-bustos-plaridel) on holy thursday, march 20. you might want to join us, we plan to cover the loop (sandiganbayan-NE-sandiganbayan) in one day / i.e. start 0530 and be back around 5-6pm.

Kuya Arci,

;DI'm looking forward! ;D I'm super excited! Thanks for being there...

[leflea]

uy, the more the merrier looking forward to ride with you pastor ernie.

ernie said:

arcireyes said:

pastor ernie,

me and flea is planning a bike pasyal to nueva ecija via the back route (angat-baliwag-bustos-plaridel) on holy thursday, march 20. you might want to join us, we plan to cover the loop (sandiganbayan-NE-sandiganbayan) in one day / i.e. start 0530 and be back around 5-6pm.

Kuya Arci,

;DI'm looking forward! ;D I'm super excited! Thanks for being there...

[plankton_dash]

theflea said:

uy, the more the merrier looking forward to ride with you pastor ernie.

ernie said:

Kuya Arci,

;DI'm looking forward! ;D I'm super excited! Thanks for being there...

seems like a great road-riding adventure.
keep me posted, brad's! ;D

[Alphabolt]

Im an embarrassment for missing this beautiful thread...no pics no trail but plain heartfelt talk

Reading through this thread is like biking on a good day

May your days all be good for biking, Pastor Ernie

and may I ride with you soon


"Oh come blessed peace we once again implore, let our pains be less and power more"

[Pastor Ernie]

alphabolt said:

May your days all be good for biking, Pastor Ernie

and may I ride with you soon

Brother,

Likewise! For every person I ride with is a great honor for me, a true blessing. Thank you brother and may the good Lord bless you always, ride safe.

[ultimate_carlo]

alphabolt said:

Im an embarrassment for missing this beautiful thread...no pics no trail but plain heartfelt talk

Reading through this thread is like biking on a good day

May your days all be good for biking, Pastor Ernie

and may I ride with you soon


"Oh come blessed peace we once again implore, let our pains be less and power more"

Hwow! Same here! This is very encouraging. You are prayed for ptr.Ernie!

[Pastor Ernie]

Thank you brothers for all the passion and compassion. May God bless you with the best of all the biking days you can get.

[bluesaphire]

Just sad to say that my sickness is genetics, biking keeps me in high spirits because I appreciated all the things God created when I get passed to it and I gain more friends who accompanied me in my rides and I thanked the Lord coz I feel so comforted and even forgot the pains.

[Pastor Ernie]

bluesaphire

Welcome to PinoyMTBiker! I believe ther are a bunch of people who are on the same boat, and there are quite a number who can emphatize. Hey, you're at the right place! Let's keep our heads up together, keep the faith and God will see you through.

By the way I have a thread that might help people like you (and me). Please check PinoyMTBiker Food For The Soul at the General MTB Discussion. Thank you and God bless!

Pastor Ernie

[Pastor Ernie]

Fellow MTBikers,

Just to share my personal thoughts as of the moment as I battle the pains of my illness...

MY QUEST IS NOT YET OVER

My quest is not yet over, I'm hanging on pretty tough.
The pain is lurking every now and then,
keeping me apart from my saddle.
Sometimes the pain is too strong that I can't get off my bed or go down the stairs.
But, my quest is not yet over...

I'm not a very strong rider, I'm not even competitive, but I'm going to beat the odds.
I'm just a person who trusts in the Lord, blessed to ride a bicycle and will beat the odds.

Because of your prayers and encouragements I will rise up.
The bike buddies that became real friends,
For the relentless love and care of my family,
For the love of God,
I will rise up.

With Your grace in my bottle cage
and Your mercy in my saddle bag I will pedal on...
I will tackle every obstacle with a steady direction,
On this world of odds and challenges, I will continue.

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to go through this,
the beautiful life that is just so right, it makes me complete.
I hope and pray that in my humble experiences
I could still share some love, strength and meaning
To those people who's quests are also not yet over.

[arcireyes]

my prayers are with you pastor ernie.

LIVESTRONG because GOD is always good.

[Ben Dover]

i envy you pastor ernie for being so strong...you're an inspiration. God bless.

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/70811.php

[Pastor Ernie]

Idol Tolits,

Thank you the the link. My wife and I are so much enlightened by the article. We will seek advice from my doctor regarding this and how possible for the procedure to be administered locally. You are such a blessing brother! Thank you!

Blessings be upon you and your household. Shalom.

[losiphile]

Pastor Ernie,

You'll be in my prayers.

May the breakthrough, by God's grace, have an impact on you.

But in any case, here's a verse for you (I know you already know this one) but it's always worth repeating...

"...Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. "

Always have a nice day with Jesus.

losiphile

[Pastor Ernie]

Amen brother Abel, amen.
Likewise...

[snake]

prayers are with you Ps.Ernie,,

as for me im a survivor of the big D ( dengue), was very active and played varsity for my alma mater,, now im 50 lbs over weight,, got irregular heartbeats, osteoarthritis due to unrepaired torn acl on both knees,, geez what more can i ask for?? GOD has been good to me now im biking for survival, to regain my confidence, pride and self esteem brought by obesity, tomorrow ill be having a cardiac stress test,,, and if my doctor gives me the green light... ill be a first time biker come monday morning
hope to ride with all of you ,, lets have a SURVIVORS' RIDE (aka - Bike to Live, Live to Bike )

[Pastor Ernie]

Dear brothers,

It was a grueling month already, constant pain in my head, which at times I could hardly utter a word for days (it's all sign language). The CM recurring and it has kept me off the saddle. Ironically, its the biking that keeps me off the illness but the pain has been too much that the last time I tried to ride (solo) I collapsed in the middle of the trail, for a moment I felt giving up - fading away. Thanks to my bike buddies Mike, Chino T and Joey G, they were around to the rescue. Well, praise God I'm still around.

I'm praying that soon I can beat this pain and ride again. Thank you for your prayers! It is really making a big difference. God bless you fellows.

[gdls11]

You cant be sick you have to get well pastor, we still have that tribal mission ride in Mindoro. Know that you are being prayed for, brau!

[kasoi34]

Hello Pastor Ernie,

I hope and pray that as you go on with your journey that we call life , you will find peace with god and inner strength as you battle your life threatening illness...

i started biking when my wife was diagnose with leukemia 2 years ago, made it a point to put health an overall priority, it also made me realize how short life is...