Of trails and treks

Adventure junkies have a certain intimacy with nature that no amount of virtual workout, or Youtube videos, or fitness applications can surmount. Getting their heart pumping, feeling a rush of adrenaline in their veins, facing the unpredictable are not just fleeting needs.

But in times of mask-wearing and seemingly endless levels of quarantine, convening with nature alone—even without the adrenaline—feels like a gift, and a privilege. So when an opportunity to feel the actual wind and the sun’s rays opens, the only rational option is to grab it.

Clark, the modernist, sustainable metropolis in Pampanga province, has forged what could be the adventure seeker’s next favorite spot—a vast spot, that is, as the entire area occupies more than 33,000 hectares of land. In this city that boasts of being built for the people, the terrains and rough roads coalesce seamlessly with progressive buildings and landscapes, powered by the latest technology.

The visitors will revel in the scenery and the food. Adventurer’s will free and exhilarated as they wander around the wellpreserved areas—by foot, or by bike, or by

Cross-country River Trail

On the fringes of Dolores, a barangay in the city of Mabalacat, Pampanga, flows the Dolores River, which extends for miles and cuts across some of Clark’s most beautiful sceneries. It runs parallel to the bigger Sacobia River, and beside the Creekside Road.

For the third phase (Phase 3) of Clark’s bike lanes project, dubbed the “New Clark City Non-Motorized Transport System to Clark Freeport Zone,” a clearing operations on the Dolores Riverside is in the pipeline. It is one of two projects that were planned to focus on bikers’ experience.

While Clark, since its opening, has been a haven for cyclists—with the most popular lane being the paved road enclosing the 22-hectare CDC (Clark Development Corporation) Parade Grounds—part of Phase 3 will give experienced bikers a more challenging route to take. In fact, the offroad section was conceptualized by a group of local bikers.

Called the Clark Cross-Country River Trail, this new trail would excite cyclists that love steering toward places that are off the beaten path. The clearing of the Dolores Riverside would increase the terrain, thereby increasing the level of difficulty for cyclists.

On February 23, 2021, the construction of Phase 3 began. It was planned and designed by the CDC-Engineering Services Group, with the support of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). From the corner of C.M. Recto Avenue and Creekside Road, the four-meter-wide, 7.96-kilometer asphalt pavement (with markings), would stretch out to Panday Pira Avenue, to Mabalacat Gate, and from Gil Puyat Avenue to Prince Balagtas Avenue, at the Marcos Village.

Along the River Trail, the proposed Clark Bike Pit Stop would serve as a one-stop shop for cyclists—and in case bike parts burst apart after going through some rough roads. The area will have retail spaces, some of which could offer services for bikers, like parts and repair shops, self-service cleaning kiosks, and a first-aid clinic. The cafés and food kiosks in the area would be a good place to hang out and cool down.

A fork in the road

The expanse of Clark and the numerous paths have attracted not only cyclists but also people who thrive in the outdoors. Many of these trails lead to happy surprises, and literal bumps along the way.

For instance, on the way to Haduan Bridge, a 120-meter hanging bridge, a cyclist would need to descend down a steep, winding path that is partly unpaved. After crossing the bridge, there is a challenging walk down towards the river that runs under it, followed by riding along the riverbed, molded by rocks and jagged land. The trip is a gratifying mix of cycling, trekking, and plodding through puddles of water and rivers, and it ends when the Haduan Falls comes into view.

Then there’s the Puning Hot Spring, the thermal springs along Sacobia River, with temperatures that range from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius. “Puning” means Mother Nature, in Mag-antsi, the language spoken by the Aetas, the indigenous people who live in Mabalacat City.

The non-cyclists—or cyclists who want to take on another adventure—may rove about this trail using a different mode of transportation: a sturdy 4x4 off-road jeep. Serving as a take-off point for this ride is the Sapangbato, one of the largest barangays in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The road to the Puning Hot Spring is submerged in remnants of lahar that Mt. Pinatubo spewed when it erupted in 1991. Lining the trail on both sides are alternating hills, mountains, and tall trees. The paths narrow and widen as travelers go through canyons, rivers, and rock-strewn roads.

The end of the long journey is a rewarding, therapeutic thermal bath in the warm Mt. Pinatubo spring, a sand steam sauna with mud pack, and a sumptuous buffet, set in a nipa hut.

Other biking destinations include the Batson Trail, or the ascending Lily Hill, or the Gazebo View Park. The last one is a camping and picnic site, located on the hills of Sacobia, with views of Clark and Mt. Arayat. At night, campers put up tents and share meals around bonfires.

Ride or Trek

While bikes have almost become the go-to transportation within Clark, visitors may experience the view without getting on anything with wheels. Trekking along the terrain, for one, is a more pleasing option for some adventurers.

They may also visit the El Kabayo Stables, which offers guided horseback riding tours along the mountains and riverine trails of Clark. The 20thCentury-American-themed attraction is home to thoroughbreds, quarter horses, and small ponies. Leisure rides and trail rides are available.

Thrill seekers may also explore the Sacobia riverbed and marvel at the lahar-sculpted landscape on a 4x4 ATV— although the vehicles are only available upon request, for now.

When the long, adrenaline-filled day ends, and going back to the city doesn’t sound so appealing yet, visitors may stay at one of the hotels in the area. Clark allows staycations, as long as guests follow the health and safety protocols implemented in the city.

A burgeoning place like Clark shows us that environment itself was made resilient, if only we work hard to preserve it. Once we deeply understand our responsibility to nature , it wouldn’t take a lot for it to rouse us and fill us with awe. Then, all we have to do is gear up and allow it to take us for a ride.