A GROUP of cyclists from Bacolod City showed their enthusiasm and strength to traverse the long and winding road to San Carlos City, Negros Occidental via Don Salvador Benedicto.

Led by Garry Descutido, the Carvi Sports and Hans Motors Team of Bikers went on a long ride to Mayana Peak, a prominent tourist spot in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on a day tour.

Going there via a public utility bus would take about two to three hours of travel, but going there pedaling their mountain bikes took them more than four hours to reach the destination.

Descutido said their group is composed of Oscar Marjen, Brons Opelario, Jezrel Soriano, Bea Litonjua, Joseph Ian Tolentino and Victor Decent. They left Bacolod City around 6 a.m. on November 14 to try this endearing tourist spot.

"It took us about four hours of traveling to get there to Mayana Peak. It's a beautiful place where you can see the panoramic view of the wilderness. It was very fulfilling for us to reach our destination with so much hard work and determination. Riding a bike traversing an arduous route is difficult. But with determination to reach the desired destination with no turning back, we were able to reach the Mayana peak," he said.

The long ride was worth it. But a cyclist needs to prepare himself if he engages in a long ride.

One should prepare himself; mind, body and spirit. Also, he needs to secure his safety when engaging in a short or long ride. One should bring the needed tools in case of road trouble such as a possible flat tire. Water is also very important to stay hydrated and be able to sustain bikers along the way, he said.

It was a fulfillment on the part of their group as only a few riders visit the place except for tourists who usually go there onboard a private or public conveyance.

"We thank the Lord for keeping us safe from going and coming back to Bacolod. It was just a day trip and we went home in the afternoon. We reached Bacolod at night with fulfillment. It was a day so memorable to a cyclist who strives hard to stay fit and at the same time enjoys the beautiful scenery and camaraderie," he said.