By INIGO S. ROCES
For members of the media that are typically pampered by hotel reservations and a veritable buffet of cars to choose from, seeing them up and about at the crack of dawn was a refreshing site.
The occasion? The Subaru and Thule Bike for the Environment. Participants assembled at the crack of dawn at the Motor Image Pilipinas Subaru dealership last Friday, January 8. Bikes were loaded onto a whole fleet of Subaru vehicle each equipped with Thule Bike Carriers mounted on the tail gate, roof and in most of the cars, both places. Two Impreza 2.0R’s, an Impreza WRX sedan, an Impreza WRX STi, a Subaru Forester and Subaru Tribeca were allotted for the adventure. Whether sedan, hatchback or SUV, each one was easily equipped with a carrier that is just as easily removed.
No troubles loading as the Thule carriers were easy to configure and adjust to various bike sizes. Tire locks and frame locks kept them secure, whether mounted behind or on top. No worries leaving the bikes unattended for a while as all of the roof racks come with secure locks to prevent bike theft.
From there, participants headed to the La Mesa Nature Reserve in Quezon City. Accompanying them and giving trail tips was seasoned biker Edmund Mangaser, proprietor of All-Terra bike shop in Ortigas Home Depot.
Veterans will know this is as the former 4×4 trail entrance, past the Sacred Heart Novitiate. Once inside, there’s ample parking and a receiving area for first timers to have a short briefing about the project and its recent developments.
Once a denuded victim of slash and burn farming, the 2,700 hectare watershed has been declared a reservation, reforested and is slowly coming back to life. Now a project of ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan, a small donation asked of each rider goes to the continued preservation and maintenance of this delicate area.
Upon payment of the environmental conservation fee, participant will be given a short briefing about the area and its development. The groups will then be asked to choose a trail which can be a short and easy 12 kilometer trail to the very challenging and lengthy 34 kilometer trail. The ride can be expected to take anywhere from an hour to 4 hours depending on the riders’ skill. No need to worry as each group will be assigned a guide. Each guide, in turn, is equipped with a radio for easy coordination with the base in case of any problems. Any injured or exhausted individuals can be quickly evacuated by motorcycle through the fire access roads. The guides themselves are very patient and understanding, taking as many stops as needed and adjusting to any rider’s pace.
Each trail promises to be both breathtaking and challenging, snaking through wooded terrain. There’s rolling trails with quick turns and lots of ups and downs or gently sloped trails with straight sight lines. There are some steep descents that lead through wooden bridges over water before steep but short inclines once again. Rest stops are dotted along the trails that serve as unique photo opportunity. How does the scenic watershed, a watch tower or even tree house sound for a backdrop?
Those planning a trip should know that each group requires a guide. Be ready with lots of water and fluids. For those taking the long trail, a kind old lady is waiting at a shed on the halfway point with some snacks to refill weary pedalers.
