THE Negros Occidental Cycling Association (Noca) and the Team Armands, an organization of bikers in Bacolod City and in the province, have used their hobby of biking to help spread good causes to their fellowmen, the community as well as to the environment.
Roseller Ramos, Jr., of Team Armands, said that “biking has been more than just a bike ride to us, it has become a sense of purpose. It has evolved from a mere bicycle ride to a feeling of what can we do to help our environment and our fellow bikers not just to our group but to everybody.”
That is why it became a commitment to him, his wife Mary Grace Ramos, and good friend Armand Denajeba who serves as Noca president.
He said biking has been their means to keep healthy and they also channeled it to spread their advocacy towards peace, environment, road safety, against illegal drugs and corruption up to the point of engaging on feeding programs, medical missions, tree planting and many more.
“We are trying to become an influence not just to other bikers but to anyone who wishes to help our environment thru this advocacies. The bottom line is riding a bike is good for your health but there is more to it than just pedaling. We hope that in our own little way, we can encourage and touch others’ lives by supporting all “good causes” related to our passion which is mountain or road biking.”
Their group started 11 years ago. They now have 40 members.
It all started when he was advised by their family doctor to change lifestyle and indulge in exercise for him to bring him back to the pink of health.
“So, we chose cycling and got hooked until now. Guimaras Island, Negros Oriental and Cebu was the farthest we cycled,” he said.
The Team Armands is composed of different personalities of bikers. NOCA serves as an umbrella group of bikers that aims to unify all bikers’ clubs in Negros.