CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Boss Ironman Challenge 2019 over the weekend gathered over 600 hundred participants for the biggest and most anticipated motoring events in the country, with a flag-off at the LausGroup Event Centre here.
Now on its 14th year, the annual endurance run organized by the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (Boss), featured a gruelling 24-hour motorbike ride and car drive that covered historic and scenic provinces in North Luzon.
Among the checkpoints include Pampanga, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija.
During the take-off, Boss Chairman Tey Usis shared that the Boss Ironman Challenge is “not a race, but an endurance run that aims to unite riders, test their skills, promote camaraderie and road safety, all while encouraging participants to enjoy must-see destinations in the North.”
“Last year, we have introduced our Mindanao and Visayas loop and it was equally successful as our Luzon leg. This year, we’re grateful to have found another great flag-off venue here in the City of San Fernando which is a viable choice for us because of the peace and order in the community, as well as its strategic location,” he added.
Seasoned rider and veteran Ironman challenger Toto Villanueva then lauded Boss for its significant endeavor of staging a “thrilling yet worthwhile” motoring event through the years.
“I’ve been joining this event ever since it started in 2006. Up to this day, it still pumps our adrenaline and continues to upgrade our navigating and orienteering skills and even physical endurance,” he said.
As an advice to aspiring participants for the next leg, the 46-year-old highlighted that it is important to make sure one’s unit is well-maintained, as he added that it is also necessary to know the rules of the Ironman Challenge. Aside from these, he also encouraged riders to try joining by group of fives or 10s.
Three-time Boss Ironman Challenge finisher Dan Joseph Arriola, for his part, shared that he is grateful to Boss for allowing car enthusiasts like him to join the challenge.
“Since 2016 when I first joined the endurance run, I’ve been using my SUV. I’m just thankful that BOSS opened the invitation to us, who love motorbikes but prefer riding cars during the 1,200 kilometer run,” he relayed.
Moreover, BMW Motorrad Specialist Zaf Tanpinco expressed his warm support and congratulatory message for the group.
“We commend the whole BOSS Club (BMW Owners Society of Saferiders) and the Ironman Motorcycle Challenger participants for a successful endurance run this year. BMW Motorrad Philippines, since the beginning has always been full support of this event and we look forward to many more years, as we are also one with their advocacy of promoting safe riding and uplifting the region’s tourism sector,” he said.