Pedaling Through Retirement: A Journey of Passion and Discovery on Two Wheels

We had the pleasure of interviewing our featured retiree, who shared thoughtful insights about his favorite hobby. He responded to several questions about how he got started, what he loves most, and the benefits he has gained from this pastime. In the following sections, we’ll be sharing his experiences in his own words. This interview offers an open and friendly look into his journey, making it feel like a personal conversation about finding joy and fulfillment in retirement.

Biking is a fantastic hobby for retirees because it’s easy on the joints, keeps you active, and lets you explore the outdoors at your own pace. Take, for example, Medardo Dupale or DANG to most of his friends and former co-workers at the CSC-CO, he took up biking as a form of exercise/sport which started only during the pandemic in 2021 when communities are already starting to relax the restrictions of movement of people.

He started with short rides around his neighborhood, and now, he pedals along scenic trails every time he has the opportunity. Biking keeps him fit, gives him time to enjoy nature, and even helps him meet new friends who also love to ride. For retirees, biking offers the perfect mix of exercise, relaxation, and freedom—plus, you’re never too old to start!

Q1:  Can you tell us something about yourself, your work while you were still active at the CSC?

Dang:  I retired on January 1, 2024, after serving in the Commission for 34 years, having started back in November 1989 (though GSIS records reflect 32 years with premium contributions from CSC). I began my career as an Artist Illustrator II in what was then the Central Administrative Office (CAO) of the CSC. After completing a master’s degree in public service through the CSC’s local scholarship program, I had the opportunity to work in several offices—including CAO, HRDO, PAIO, HRRO, and OSM—through various promotions. I culminated my career as the Division Chief of the Strategy Management Division in the Office for Strategy Management.

Q2:  When you started your biking as a sport/exercise, what was the bike you were using/preferred to use?

Dang:  My love for biking, whether for exercise, sport, or leisure, only began during the pandemic in 2021, as communities started to ease movement restrictions.

My first bike was a red Merida Big Nine 400, a lightweight and comfortable aluminum mountain bike. Eventually, I upgraded to a Surly Chromoly Straggler, whose sturdy steel frame gave me the confidence to explore more challenging rides. This sparked my interest in other Surly models, leading me to add two more to my collection: The Surly Karate Monkey and a Surly Disc Trucker, the latter being for my son and biking buddy. I also added a Brompton folding bike, perfect for trips that require driving to distant biking spots, as it easily fits in my car.

Q3:  Where do you bike, when, with whom?

Dang:  I usually bike at least three times a week—on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—at the Neopolitan Cycling Grounds, owned by Sta. Lucia Properties, Inc., next to SM Fairview. I often meet my two brothers, who are also avid bikers, and a few other biking friends there.

I typically leave home around 6:00 AM, and it’s a 20- to 25-minute ride to the cycling grounds, depending on my pace. I usually bike until around 8:00 or sometimes 9:00 AM.

Occasionally, I’ll take longer rides to Altaraza or the Tanawin area in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, or even to the UP Sunken Garden.

With my two bothers

Q4:  While/After biking what other interesting things you do at said bike area?

Dang:  Biking in the place is also a great opportunity to meet new friends and ride with other bike enthusiasts.  From them you will learn different tips in biking as well as the best component upgrades for your bike.

"Pancit Es Layf"

  

With my son, IVAN

Pose before biking

Sometimes, I also get to join other people who do walking or jogging as exercise.

There are lots of places available to choose from to have our coffee and snack and even breakfast after our biking activity around the cycling ground.  This habit of eating after biking is what keeps our tummy maintain its shape, though, hehehe...

Q5.  Any significant development from the time you started with the sport? Ano sa palagay mo ang benefits ng biking?

Dang:  Actually one of my motivations to choose biking as my preferred sports is the fact that it is believed to be a good form of cardio exercise, among others.

Also, I was once diagnosed with osteoarthritis giving me back pains and preventing me from doing things I normally do.  One advice given to me and as I also watched in a documentary, biking is best to strengthen my back muscles and address my back pains. The biking activity seems to work well in my case.

Q6.  Care to recommend any entry bike for seniors/retirees who plan to indulge in said sport?

Dang:  For those who are interested in biking activity as a form of exercise, there are different bikes available to choose from.  I recommend for those who are new to biking to choose the light versions, made of aluminum. A decent bike with at least known good components used will range around 10 to 15K.  Of course there are cheaper bikes and second hand bikes you can also buy.

Brompton folding bike

You may eventually want to upgrade your bike to better components which will actually make you spend more.  I hope you will not develop the sickness that some in the biking community often fall to, the sickness called “Upgraditis”.

Advanced/professional bikers prefer the higher end bikes made of lighter materials such as titanium and carbon.

Bike prices sometimes also depend on the brand the bikes carry and types/kinds and built such as, Fixie, BMX, Road, Touring, Mountain, Gravel, Folding, and the like.

   

Q7.  Any PRELIMINARY activity before the actual biking activity?

Dang:  Before biking, I make sure I had properly rested or had enough sleep the night before. I do some simple stretching. I keep myself hydrated before, during, and after biking.

Q8.  What are the basic gears that you consider a "must have" before indulging sa sport na biking?

Dang:  Wear proper biking attire such as helmet, gloves, jersey and biking shoes.  Have your bike the necessary accessories such as bike head and rear lights, bike horns, and reflectors.  It is also advisable to put on sunshield on your skin and wear sunglasses to keep you from the scorching heat of the sun.  It is not advisable to put on headphones while biking on the roads.

Other maintenance products should be available such as chain lube, cleaning cloth, brushes and soap. Major issues such as flats and gear tuning can be addressed in the nearby bike shops.  You can also learn this and other maintenance job in YouTube. 

Q9. Who would you recommend the sport to?

Dang:  Biking as a form of exercise is usually recommended for people like me who wants to reduce the risk of health problems such as those associated with sedentary lifestyle.  This can also be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults.  This is fun, cheap and environment friendly.

Q10.  Other thoughts you might want to share?

Dang:  As a retiree, it pays to find and do what gives you joy in life as a form of relaxation and exercise.  While biking or other form of bodily exercise is important specially for people our age, let us also consider what the Apostle Paul in I Timothy 4:8 said:   
 

“For physical training is of some value,

but godliness has value for all things, holding promise

for both the present life and the life to come.” 

 
Let us enjoy our remaining life, give glory to God, for this is our whole duty in life.  God bless po!