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Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Extreme trails
By Kathy Villalon Cinco
A group of mountain bikers are blazing trails to promote sports tourism
THE bicycle, which was invented in the 17th century, was designed to bring people from one destination to another and was a vehicle of luxury at that time. It was in the 1970s that more functions have been discovered for this luxurious and peaceful vehicle.
One of these functions is to carry helmeted daredevils who crave for an adrenaline rush, in long, tricky trails, rough roads and even rivers.
These daredevils comprise a new breed of sportsmen - the mountain bikers.
Tourism
It was in the late 1990s when the mountain bike sport earned recognition in the Philippines.
It has become an ideal way to explore the country's beautiful spots and bikers reveal that they are treated with stunning and diverse sceneries along the way.
From day trips to the tiring weekly tours, the sport has expanded fast, causing several mountain bike clubs to flourish.
A group of young male bikers in Iloilo caught the bug as well. They would regularly meet for a weekend ride in the outskirts of the city and it was in 2001 that they formed a club, now called the Mountain Bikers (Trail Riders) Club of Iloilo City (MBCI).
The club started with a little over 40 members and at present, it has more than 170.
"At first, the club was founded in order for us to establish an identity. Later on, we have expanded our purpose - create awareness and revival of the sport, physical fitness and promote sports tourism," according to its president Francis Angelo Duran.
The club members would meet weekends at the Museo Iloilo or other assembly areas, traverse the coastal road on Saturdays, as well as hold group rides to some of the province's must-see destinations.
"In one trip, we have reached the Bucari mountains in Leon," according to Duran. The mountain is a scenic view of rolling hills, zigzags, tall trees and green forests. Its cool climate has earned it the distinction as the Summer Capital of the Province of Iloilo.
Duran also revealed that the group has rode in Calinog's tourist spot, Mt. Dila-dila. "The forest-covered mountain is protected by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and tree-cutting is not allowed here," he said.
Mt. Dila-dila has its historical story to tell too. During World War II, it is in this place that Filipinos took cover and defended the area against the Japanese Imperial forces. The area was also the venue for the Boys Scouts of the Philippines National Jamboree in 1993.
"The Province of Iloilo has a lot of destinations that can be reached through mountain biking. Some of these are Cabatuan, Maasin, Alimodian, Igbaras and San Rafael in Barotac Viejo," Duran said.
Disciplines
MBCI organizes and takes part in competitions that encompass two disciplines -- downhill and cross-country.
Cross-country as the name suggests, is riding on long stretches of trails that cover large distances and tests a rider's endurance.
MBCI's top two cross-country riders are Ricky Heberola and JP Las Piñas.
During a national race, Frank Bernas, the club's vice president, designs the cross-country racecourse.
Downhill, on the other hand, is riding down slopes of mountains and hills with great speed. "This is an extreme sport and should be done in a bike that is designed to handle this. The biker should have good handling skills. A full-face helmet, chest protector, elbow, knee and shin guard should be worn by the rider for protection, Duran warns.
Some of the MBCI members who brave downhill races are Mark Rosal, Carlo Pagal and Tim Limsiaco. Rosal placed second in the nationals held in Bacolod in 2003. Pagal and Limsiaco were in the top 10 in last year's national competition.
During a national race, Stephen Chan, the club's race director designs the downhill racecourse.
Competitions
"Iloilo has many good mountain bikers," according to Duran. Through our efforts, we are hoping to produce homegrown talents that can represent Iloilo in the national competitions, he said.
Last Jan. 17 and 18, the club spearheaded the 4th Mountain Bike National Competition held in Calinog ang Cabatuan respectively. More than 100 bikers from Manila, Cebu and neighboring regions participated.
Last Feb. 15, MBCI, together with SM City Iloilo, held the 1st SM City Iloilo Mountain Bike Criterium Challenge.
The competition had seven categories - Expert (Open), Sports (ages 29 and below), Veterans (ages 30-39), Masters (ages 40-49), Executive (ages 50 and above), Beginners (Open) and Women (Open). Another category is for road bikers.
A BMX Flatland Freestyle Competition will also take place as well as a mountain bike show was held at the SM City Activity Center. The following is the contact information of MBCI's officers: Francis A.B. Duran at 0918-9343-192 or 3373204, Stephen Chan at 0920-901-4475 and Frank Bernas at 0919-430-9817.
(February 24, 2004 issue)
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