Rocky Mountain Cafe at Atok Benguet
We yearly rode our scooter to Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan during Lenten Season for the past 2 years (2009 and 2010). The first time we only stayed there for a few hours then rode back home. Its 440 kilometers to be exact (back and forth) and it was so tiring, that for the succeeding year we made sure we go overnight.
Stopover at Lions head Kennon Road
Then this year 2011, we went back again, but this time we (3 rider and a backrider) planned to go to Baguio first on Holy Thursday then descend to Manaoag on Black Saturday, check-in at a local hostel, and freshly attend the mass on Easter Sunday before going home. Yup, we did all that, and it all goes well. So what about the unplanned?
The unplanned Atok ride goes like this…
Black Saturday, Baguio, just after lunch, we plan to roam around and checkout some ukay-ukay’s, Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mines View etc.. but since we’re near La Trinidad, we decided to go first to Strawberry Farm.
Joaquin busy picking (and eating) strawberries
While we’re busy picking and eating strawberries. I suddenly remember stories of fellow riders at motorcyclephilippines.com about their awesome ride stories to Halsema Highway (known internationally as the 3rd Most Scariest Road in the World) and where one could find the Philippine Pali or Highest Point in the Philippine Highway System at Atok, Benguet.
Halsema Highway souvenir – by the way BBKNTR means Baguio-Bontoc-Kennon-Naguilian Toll Road
A marker at Kilometer 52 indicates that you’re standing at 7,400 feet above sea level. “Isn’t that something to brag about!” I told my co-rider (Sergs and Joaquin).
Joaquin and Sergs
That’s when we came up with a plan to have a quick ride to Atok. So starting from La Trinidad Provincial Capitol, it would take us around 52 kilometers to reach that marker and have the time of our life for a nice photo shoot at 7,400 feet above sea level. Awesomeeee!
we are floating because there’s less gravitational pull up there at Atok! 
Scenery are so beautiful and breathtaking as we traverse the twisties that goes higher and higher, steeper and steeper!!! We’re almost leveled with the clouds! I even recalled Joaquin saying “Wow pre byaheng langit na yata tayo haha!!” – (Seems like we’re on a trip to heaven haha!).
Atok scenery
The road is almost 95 percent zigzag all the way. And its the best twisties I’ve encountered in my entire riding career hehe! Although there were some road repairs and landslides along our journey, plus the chilly cold wind that continue to send shivers on us, I can say that overall it was a smooth ride.
how bout skydiving? hehe
Then came the bad news at Kilometer 36! We don’t suffer any spills or mechanical trouble, we still got gas, but we decided to stop and turn back huhuhu! (still 16KM more before the famous Philippine Pali marker wahhhhh!)
The reason?
Heavy rain started to fall. Good thing we found a make-shift house along the road that sheltered us from the rain and coldness of the surroundings. Baguio’s weather is cold, but here at Atok, Benguet its extremely cold! It’s quite unfortunate for us that we’re not equipped with thick jackets and rain-wears to battle the temperature. If only there’s a mobile home for sale up there we could have stayed a bit longer hehe!
all frustrated, while waiting for the rain to stop
The route going down was the best, as if we we’re on a circuit racing tracks. Just be sure you’re brakes won’t fail you, or else you’ll soon be flying high on those cliffs haha! We stopped to eat at McDonald La Trinidad while we all exchanged experiences of our failed but still fulfilling ride to Atok, Benguet.
We all wanted to go back in the near future. And next time, we’ll be ready and prepared! 
By the way. For the whole trip. My Yamaha Mio Sporty covered 634 kilometers and 15 liters of unleaded fuel. Whew!
