Even the biggest mountain bike race in the Bicol region wasn’t spared of stinking epals (politicians who plaster their names and faces on government projects funded with taxpayers’ money). The Mount Asog Mountain Bike Xtreme Challenge, happening here in Iriga City, was slapped with a subtitle: Ride With The Gang. Gang is a pet name of someone aiming for the mayoralty seat of this city this coming May elections. Surely, Irigueños are politically matured enough to..rid with the gang instead and end political dynasty here.
What am I doing talking politik let’s get ready to rumble!
The Mount Asog challenge is a tough 30K mountain bike race from the town proper to the shoulders of Mount Asog (Mt. Iriga) which includes the terrains of Inorogan in Sto. Domingo, Ilijan Hill and Barangay Perpetual Help. The event is a curtain-raiser for this year’s celebration of the grand Tinagba Festival, which, I will be seeing for the very first time.
Unfortunately, I won’t be seeing the actions on the mountain for I can’t be in two places at the same time. I am beached here from Start to Finish.
Ten oragon bikers from the 17-below category with Kim V. Panton racking up the the first place and Cris Joven (below) the pride of Iriga City and Ronda-Pilipinas killer, dominating the 29-below category while Ethel Rombaun of Aduana Bikers Club ruled the ladies’ division. Rockstars all!
I did a double take on one of the photos…was that really the “stretcher” they used to transport the injured cyclist? Poor guy. Must’ve been uncomfortable and painful lying on that plywood.
I thought people wont notice that plank of wood. That’s ridiculously all the organizers got.