Timberland Mountain Bike Park adds more excitement to San Mateo’s biking scene

The park is located within Timberland Highlands Resort, making it an ideal family weekend getaway as well.

The highlands of Rizal have an allure all their own. Aside from cooler temperatures year-round and nature’s touch at almost every turn, many of its mountain ranges and peaks are also blessed with breathtaking views of next-door neighbor Metro Manila. 

These make the province a popular weekend destination among weary urban dwellers. Its trails, specifically those in San Mateo, however, have attracted a different kind of visitors: bikers. And over the years, the municipality has become synonymous with mountain biking. 

A biking mecca

With its verdant mountainous terrain, San Mateo’s Timberland Heights deserves its title as the “mountain biking capital of the Philippines,” a mecca for cyclists who visit alone or as a team, to train, join competitions, or just to have fun. Its proximity to Metro Manila also adds to its enduring popularity in the biking community.

It’s a cyclist’s wonderland, with its various mountain bike trails: steep ascent, single track, switchbacks, and more. It’s also home to formidable road climbs, nicknamed “The Wall” and “Shotgun,” a source of bragging rights among bikers who are able to make the climb. 

In a bid to make mountain biking in the area even more exciting, Timberland Highlands Resort announced the opening of its latest amenity, the Timberland Mountain Bike Park on Feb. 10, Saturday. Developed in collaboration with Trail Solutions, Inc., the park integrates what is arguably the area’s most popular outdoor activity, mountain biking, with a resort environment, providing riders and guests a truly unique experience. 

Timberland Mountain Bike Park boasts a variety of purpose-built mountain bike trails that take advantage of the area’s topography. From its flowing single track that weaves through the forest to more demanding technical descents, the park offers a full day of adrenaline-fueled riding. 

After a rough and tumble ride, bikers can treat themselves to a well-deserved sumptuous meal at Timberland Highlands Resort.

The Bike Park is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm (last entry at 1:00 p.m.). The Bike Park Day Pass is at P550 per rider. Visitors are invited to drop by the Timberland Mountain Bike Park office, located within Timberland Highlands Resort, for more information and assistance. 

For those who bike to Timberland Heights regularly, an annual pass is also available which includes resort benefits like access to the swimming pool, Equinox Fitness Center, and other resort amenities. 

On Feb. 18, Timberland Mountain Bike Park is also hosting the annual 7-Eleven Trail Cross-Country Marathon. Discounted rates are available. To register, visit its official website at www.711cyclingseries.com.

A posh resort experience

With the bike park integrated within Timberland Highlands Resort, guest bikers can tag their family or non-biking friends along. Managed by Chroma Hospitality, Inc. and owned by Filinvest Hospitality Corporation, the resort is a premier destination that seamlessly combines luxury and nature. 

Perched on the east side of San Mateo, the 70-room resort gifts visitors with sweeping views of the metro that are especially breathtaking as the sun sets on the horizon. 

Last November, Baker J opened its fifth branch at the resort, offering guests a selection of freshly baked bread, decadent pastries, and coffee and tea blends. You can opt to sip your frappe and relish Baker J’s incredibly flaky pain au chocolat at the al fresco area that comes with a panoramic view of Metro Manila. 

Other amenities include the Ridge Café which offers buffet and à la carte dining, a pool bar, swimming pool, basketball/volleyball court, badminton court, indoor wall climbing, the Equinox Fitness Center, and the Kinder Playscape where the little ones can play to their heart’s content. Opening soon is the Italian restaurant Le Stelle. 

Visit https://www.timberlandresort.com/ for bookings and follow @ridetimberland.ph and @timberlandhighlands on Instagram for more information and updates on upcoming events and latest offerings.