Vlad Bunoan

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Timberland

Jeeves De Veyra

Timberland Mountain Bike Park celebrates its first year of operations by finding flow and sharing the stoke of the outdoors.Located on top of Mt. Maarat in San Mateo, Rizal, it has long been a premier mountain bike destination. But since last year, the folks at Trail Solutions have been busy taming the trails to make them safer for all mountain bikers of all skill levels from the newbie to the National Mountain Bike team.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056098912920250622030616_BIKE 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Edmund Mangaser and Agu Paiso from Trail Solutions, Francis Gotianun from Filinvest, and Ranuka Hettiarachichi, director of operations of Timberland Highlands Resort. Jeeves de Veyra </div>If there’s one thing to know about Edmund Mangaser and Agu Paiso, the men behind Trail Solutions, it’s that they themselves are mountain bikers. They know what mountain bikers need and want in a park like this.When the park opened last year, Trail Solutions developed 12 kilometers of existing Timberland trails to conform to international mountain bike park standards.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056096442820250622030616_BIKE 2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Trail map. Jeeves de Veyra </div>The park has <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/region/timberland-mountain-bike-park-65650">expanded the trail network</a> by opening Parabellum, a new trail on a relatively unused part of the mountain, that increases the length to 16 km. With riders being able to mix and match trails connected with the hub rest areas, one can make a challenging loop of 20 km.Mangaser shared that the most difficult part of the past year was getting Filipino riders to get used to the “pay-to-play” model. In the past, getting onto the trails was free. However, parts of the trail network became unrideable because maintenance and trail building were just done by volunteers.When Trail Solutions took over, an entrance fee was now charged upon entry to the trails similar to bike parks abroad that include mandatory insurance. One can see systems in place for increased safety and rider enjoyment.For example, there is one entrance and exit to the trails where a guard counts the riders going in and out. If the counts don’t match at the end of day, that means that there’s someone left inside the park and security patrols are sent to look for the missing riders.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056092908920250622030616_BIKE 3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Bikes for rent. Jeeves de Veyra </div>A day at the park begins at the Timberland Highlands Resort where one pays the fee and fills up waivers and forms. Full suspension mountain bikes can be rented here should one prefer not to bring a bicycle with them.A full-suspension e-bike is recommended to really maximize a trip to the park. The full suspension really helps with the rough terrain going downhill, while the motor of a pedal assist MTB really helps conserve energy going back up to the starting point. For those who’d rather not bring their own MTBs, the park has several GT full suspension bikes for rent.Dropping into the trails, one can see where the entrance fee goes. Safety features, clear signage, comfortable rest areas, man-made features such as bridges and wall rides, and even WiFi and mobile signal that are present all throughout the park were welcome features.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056090492920250622030616_BIKE 4.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>The trail includes man-made features. Isa Halamani </div>While there are other properties that have sought out Mangaser and Paiso to develop their own trail system, it’s admirable that they choose to remain focused on maintaining and, even expanding, the Timberland Mountain Bike Park.In the works is a mountain bike school where they will have PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association) certified instructors for riders to learn the skills to fully enjoy the park. While they will have formal courses and skills training, a new offer is an instructor-led ride through the park. The lead guide assesses the riders’ fitness and skill levels then chooses the appropriate route and trails for maximum enjoyment.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056087928820250622030616_BIKE 5.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A rider group hits the trails. Isa Halamani </div>Trail Solutions is building more trails. The one of interest is expanding the trails near the entrance for beginners. This will expand their Skills Zone where those who aren’t confident can practice their riding with no fear of getting winded going back up.Even the marketing of the park is mountain bike-themed. Riders can pay for day-passes with prepaid Shredit cards. To encourage riders to come back, riders can exchange their used wristbands for Stokens which can be exchanged for merch like caps, personal ID cards, or more rides.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056085188820250622030616_BIKE 6.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A rider hits the trails. Isa Halamani </div>In reflection, Paiso noted that progression has been the theme of the past year.“We have to be two steps ahead of our riders skill and fitness curve.,” he happily observed.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175056082064820250622030616_BIKE 7.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A rider hits the trails. Isa Halamani </div>He noticed that many repeat bikers who come back have improved their skills. Some riders who started out tentatively rolling over bumps now fly over them with the greatest of ease. The same riders who now barrel down the advanced trails at great speed and can easily power back up to LaunchPad to do more.With this continuous improvement, mountain bikers will find a lot more flow and a lot more stoke up and down Timberland Mountain Bike Park in the years to come.<div> </div><div>The Timberland Mountain Bike Park is located on top of Mt. Maarat in San Mateo, Rizal and is open Wednesdays to Sundays during Summer, and Thursdays to Sundays during the rainy season. Trails open at 7 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Day passes are priced at P250 on weekdays and P500 on weekends.</div>

With expanded trail networks and rider-focused innovations, Timberland Mountain Bike Park has evolved into a premier destination for all levels — from first-timers to elite athletes. More than just a bike park, it’s a growing hub for skill, community, and the sheer joy of riding.

With expanded trail networks and rider-focused innovations, Timberland Mountain Bike Park has evolved into a premier destination for all levels — from first-timers to elite athletes. More than just a bike park, it’s a growing hub for skill, community, and the sheer joy of riding.

Timberland Mountain Bike Park marks one year of trailblazing progress

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Timberland Mountain Bike Park marks one year of trailblazing progress

Jeeves De Veyra

Published June 22, 2025 10:57 AM PHT

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Updated June 23, 2025 09:46 AM PHT

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Timberland Mountain Bike Park

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