Admittedly, there are only a few breed of brave and courageous women who forays into the enduro style of mountain biking and it's quit understandable. It takes a lot of balls, i mean, guts to shred those gnarly trails. But if you want to experience the thrill, the adrenaline rush, the fulfillment of conquering those challenging trails and the joy of the enduro riders' camaraderie, this might be for you.
Let these fascinating pinay bikers and amazingly fearless she shredders from all over the Philippines inspires you.
Name: Liza Fay T. Viernes
Bike: Taokas Wildcat 27.5
Occupation: Lubricants Sales Supervisor of Seaoil Phils. Inc.
Location: Dumaguete City
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking?
Since then I was in motard racing with dirt bikes with the team Barba, in which they are into DH biking as well. Then, they introduced to me downhill biking, wherein I was highly influenced by their guts, doing the road gaps and the like. So I finally decided to buy a dh bike and join races. Then, I explore my capabilities to try enduro biking, since I want to boost my endurance, which I begin to love it as well. Until such time, I was grateful to hear that Taokas Taiwan wants to have a Taokas wildcat female rider in the Philippines, so I decided to grab the chance. Now, i'm proud to say I am an enduro rider!
When was your first race? How did you feel?
My first enduro race was in Iligan City last September 2015. It was really a great fulfillment on my part on my first enduro race, with the breath-taking liason stages, going from one stage to another. Its really what you call endurance race. And it totally counts for me.
How do you prepare for a race?
First, we do practice uphill and downhill biking in our hometown trails a week or two before the race. Then, as much as possible we can stay 3 days before the race day and do track read, then practice often on stages that needs to be polished. But must importantly, we must stay healthy and get enough rest. Finally, to pray sincerely before the race. “To God be the Glory”
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
My most memorable race is when I joined Guimaras Enduro Race last May 2016. I was only the female rider who joined the race and finish the 5 long stages . Battling with those guys, wasn't that easy with that slippery and technical trails. Despite my injury on the 3rd stage, I never lose hope to finish the race and finish 7th place on the age category. Truly, I was challenged and motivated to move forward.
What is your advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
For women who seek thrill and adventure, you better join enduro biking. Its more fun in the track. Not only that you will find more friends and see amazing views of nature, but you will also appreciate the capabilities and skills you might be surprise you do have. Remember, trophies doesn't count, its the fulfillment that does.
Name: OLIVIA PONCE
Bike: Giant Trance
Occupation: SOPHOS CC
Location: Makati City
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking?
The attitude of the Enduro Community is different from other sports. I also like the adrenaline rush.
When was your first race? How did you feel?
It was embarrassing but i had so much fun. My run time was probably 4X the 1st player's time but the smile on my face stayed on and i was so proud of myself. I was scared half to death every time i fall- and i fell many times- but it was all worth it.
How do you prepare for a race?
Endurance exercises helped a lot. I also made the effort to lose a bit of weight. I practice every weekend with my friends, learning how to manage my bike and conquering my fears.
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
Pangasinan Enduro, my first official racem and i got podium because there are only three girls.
What is your advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
Don't let cristicism and a couple of bruises keep you from moving forward. Falling down is only an opportunity for you to get up. The way going down is very daunting and most of the times scary but always remember, that before you got scared of the height, you already climbed it, so in reality, you are one step ahead. 
Name: MYRA TADEJA-CAUSING
Bike: SPECIALIZED ENDURO 2016
Occupation: Business woman
Location: Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking?
I wanted to conquer my fears on trails that's why I got into Enduro Mountain biking.
When was your first race? How did you feel?
January 2014 at San Pablo, Laguna. I felt so nervous and excited since there's no FEMALE category I was the only girl who joined the race.
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
My most unforgettable race was in San Pablo, Laguna in 2014 when I was interviewed and featured in SPORTS UNLIMITED.
How do you prepare for a race?
I ride my bike everyday to gain stamina and endurance, eat healthy foods and drink a lot of water.
What is your advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
First, they have to consider the right bike that will fit their style and the terrain where they live. Then learn and apply the basic skills of MTB. And bear in mind to ride safe always and enjoy the trails.
Name: JEANALYN ENERIO MARZO
Bike: Santa Cruz Nomad
Occupation: Businesswoman
Location: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
What got
you into Enduro Mountain biking?
Biking fashion goes along with the
trend and with the advent of the newly introduced sports discipline of mountain
biking in my locality which is ENDURO. Endurance and the trail are the key
factors why I’m into it.
When was
your first race? How did you feel?
Year 2015, was my first, and the
big question that came into my mind is “will I survive”? It’s totally a mixed emotion
of fear, doubt and excitement. It was great that my husband was helping me
train for the race and he was also my support system.
How do
you prepare for a race?
I trained once a week, during
Saturdays because I still have our business to take care of.
What is
your most memorable/unforgettable race?
Why?
ENDURO DAVAO was the most
memorable race for me because it was my first time to race outside Iligan City.
And it was really interesting for me to meet different riders all over the
Philippines. I got to experience hearing their different stories about this and
that race and also I got to see different bikes and their types of
specializations. It allowed me to widen my network.
What is
your advice to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
Try enduro! Get out of your comfort zone and experience the challenge. Feel the rush, most importantly buy a good bike J.
Name: NAOMI GARDOCE
Bike: Specialized Enduro
Occupation: student/business development
Location: Pasig city
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking? Shin splint due to muay thai training
When was your first race? How did you feel?
Somewhere ing March 2015, they had an All female enduro event with bike clinic. I love the feeling of going downhill and ever since i never stop loving the sport.
How do you prepare for a race?
If i have time to ride my bike, I practice the technical trails but most of the time the track reading becomes my practice. lol
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
Enduro Pangasinan. I knew id given my best run for the first two stages and yet i still lack endurance when it comes to the uphill section and i realized no matter how fast you go down, there will be sections you need to do better on specially the pedaling part.
What is your advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
Trying new things wouldnt hurt, experience the fun and dont forget to always enjoy the ride.
Name: STEF PHEASANT
Bike: YT Capra
Occupation: Training & Quality Manager
Location: Makati
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking? My boyfriend. 
When was your first race? How did you feel?
My first race was at Nuvali. It was exhilirating and at the same time gratifying and fulfilling.
How do you prepare for a race?
I usually have Dru help me out. When he bikes, I bike and he tries to push me to match up his speed. He's also the one who pushes me to get past hesitations when it comes to jumps and technical trails. We enroll ourselves to a gym and also watch what we eat but then again that also has to do with making sure we have a healthy lifestyle. When the race gets nearer, we bike more often and push our limits to riding harder.
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
Davao! One of the races where i really pushed myself plus i got to meet more fenale riders which was the highlight for me!
What is your advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
Embrace it. It is the line that separates fun and challenging. There's more to it than what meets the eye and the community is just amazing. 
Name: GEREVEL C. RINOS
Bike: Giant Warp
Occupation: Home-based Online English Teacher
Location: Javier, Leyte
What got you into
Enduro Mountain biking?
I am
a mountaineer and I love the outdoors so when my friends invited me to go on a
mountain biking tour in the scenic mountain biking trails of Cebu, I got hooked
since then. Then my cousin introduced me to Enduro racing, educated about the
rules and gave me riding tips.
When was your
first race? How did you feel?
My first Enduro race was the Enduro Pilipinas during the Terry
Larrazabal Bike Festival (TLBF) in Ormoc City last October 2014. I enjoyed the
race so much, I felt appreciated, respected, no gender and status discrimination and the camaraderie between the riders was so
overwhelming that I felt I’ve known all the riders for a long time.
How do you prepare for a race?
Prepare? Hehehe, I honestly don’t call what
I do as preparation for a race because I really don’t have a specific/ special program
for that. I usually go biking a few kilometers road (using my endure
bike) 2 or 3 times a week then on weekends or whenever I have free time I would
go trail riding with the guys. Core strengthening (or whatever they call it)
for me is doing household chores. We live in the barrio so I get to hand-wash
the laundry, fetch pails of water, gardening, scrubing the floor etc. I also don’t have specific diet, I eat almost
everything.lol! I just make sure that I have the stamina, the strength and that
hunger to experience and enjoy the race. Of course I also check my bike, make
sure every part is still working and functioning well.lol!
What is your most
memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
Actually every race in every place is
memorable for me. I don’t count how many times I’ve fallen and crashed or even
if I win or not, what is important is I enjoy the trails and I am safe. Each
trail and place has their own characteristic so let me just share my memories,
so far.
Enduro Pilipinas TLBF – my first
Enduroo race, one of the reasons why I am “Enduro-ing” right now
Enduro in Eastern Visayas (
BIliran, Calubian, Catbalogan ) – Any race in the Eastern Visayas is like a
family reunion race. Eastern Visayas is my home. The Enduro riders here are
like brothers and sisters. It is always an all fun and chill race. Eastern
Visayas also has the best Enduro trails
in the Philippines which will test the rider’s skills and the bike's
performance.
Enduro Pilipinas Cebu and San
Fernando – Cebu is my second home. This is where I developed my interest in
mountain biking and where I had the honor to learn a lot of biking tips from
some of the best riders not just in Cebu but in the country. The San Fernando
enduro race was my first enduro race in Cebu province, it was a great day to
meet and race with some of Cebu’s female enduro riders. And who would forget
the 4th Leg of Enduro Pilipinas? It was a wet and wild race in the
scenic trails of Cebu. I had so much fun riding the muddy trails, trying to
keep myself stay on the bike, actually, even walking on the trail takes a lot
of effort. Lol!
Enduro Pilipinas Palawan – my
first “plane-ride” race and that “buwis-buhay” last stage trail hunted me in my
dreams days after. Ahahaha…and of course, one of the awesome sidetrip that I
ever had! Crocodile farm, Underground river and El Nido... hahahaha
Enduro Pilipinas Zamboanga –
another “plane-ride” race and a bit scary because of what was on the news but
still joined “for the love of Enduro”. And who would forget that bonggang
bongga after race awarding in the grand ballroom of a Hotel! It was here that I
planned my relationship goal after meeting the cool Enduro couples of Tacurong.
(love you guys!)
Enduro Pilipinas Tacurong – another “plane-ride”
race and a bit scary as well but still went there anyways because again “for
the love of Enduro”. This was my “longest trip to the host City” ever!
(international rider lang ang peg) But that long hours of travel was all worth
it because it was my first two days of enduro race with steep, flowy, pump
track-ish, xc-ish and technical tracks. And this was topped off by a very nice
and warm accommodation and sidetrip after the race. I will never forget the
experience.
What is your
advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
- I am no expert in Enduro, for me every ride
and every race is a learning process. So, let me just share my thoughts and
lessons learned.
- Biking is not for the rich
only, much more Enduro. I used to think that biking is only
for the rich and those who join the races are those who have expensive bikes.
But Enduro taught me differently. My first Enduro experience showed me that
there is no discrimination in this sport. Everyone is welcome, whatever your
status in life and whatever brand your bike is.
- Enduro mountain biking is not
for the boys only. Well, obviously it’s not, nowadays the number of women
enduro riders is increasing which is a good sign. Most of the time I ride with
male riders, it felt awkward at first but later on got the hang of it. Luckily
the guys welcomed me to the group and treated me well. What I meant with
“treated me well” is that they treated me like how a rider should be treated
and not as a “girl”. So, ladies, have confidence and don’t be shy. Let us show
them guys what we got. ;)
- Value commitment and responsibility. Commitment, you’re going
to need a lot of dose of this with Enduro mountain biking. Once you commit
yourself to Enduro, there is no turning back, because for sure you will get
hooked to the sport. When I decided to try Enduro, I did not see it as an
overnight hobby. I saw myself still ripping trails together with my future
children and if God permits grandchildren. So I take it as my responsibility to
myself and to my bike to make sure to ride once or twice a week. Few miles is
better than zero miles they said. It is also our responsibility to take care of
our health. I’m not saying you go “health buff”or some calorie count maniac. I’m just saying,
you minimize doing unhealthy stuff. Not enough sleep, hang-over and 3-4 trails
in a day is not a good combination for
me. Be responsible of yourself, avoid becoming a burden to the other riders
during trail because just like you they also have their bikes to ride or carry.
- And above all else, HAVE FUN
AND ENJOY. Let’s celebrate our femininity
the Enduro way. Let us explore and discover what we can still do beyond
our comfort zones. There are still a lot of things that I would love to share
but I will let you discover them for yourselves. One thing is for sure, it’s
more fun in Enduro!
Name: JOY GUINAN
Bike: Giant Trance
Occupation: Owner of a Yoga Studio
Location: Cebu City
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking?
I went on a biking tour with Cebu MTB Adventure after a friend invited me. Shortly after that, I joined my first race. I ended up falling in love with the freedom and thrill Enduro racing provides. The rest is history.
When was your first race? How did you feel?
My first race was March 12th, 2016 in Barili, Cebu. As most people feel when doing something new for the first time, I felt nervous, but ready for the challenge. During and after the race the nervousness gave way to fun and excitement. Placing 3rd helped me get over any other reservations about competing in Enduro races.
How do you prepare for a race?
When preparing for a race, I try to get as many rides in as possible. I like to ride with many different friends on as diverse terrain as possible.
My support group of biking friends and their differing skill levels helps challenge me and keeps me focused on the upcoming race.
My most memorable race will always be my first one. My friend entered me four days before the race, I had absolutely no training, and was fairly unprepared. Thanks to Gene Faelnar Of Cebu MTB Adventure for pushing me and entering me in that race.
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
What is your advice to women who want to try enduro MTB?
My advice is to not be afraid to try something new, don't be scared to just hop on your bike and ride. You'll never know what you can do if you don't try.
Name: GWYN ELOISE E. DULAY 
Bike: Vision/Kinesis
Occupation: Technical Support Representative
Location: Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte
What got you into Enduro Mountain biking?
The moment i saw my father's passion on biking, it kinda hooks me in to it.
When was your first race? How did you feel?
April 11, 2015. A pounding in my chest but at the same time i felt excitement.
How do you prepare for a race?
A week of conditioning my cardio and a lot of biking exercises.
What is your most memorable/unforgettable race? Why?
My first enduro race, i did not expect winning a place, but viola, i did. This boost my love for the sport. And to add, my family was there cheering and it feels so good that they were there to support me.
Gwen and her father, Mr. Danny Dulay, also an enduro rider
What is your advise to women who wanted to try enduro MTB?
To aspiring female bikers out there, take every opportunity once given, do not wait for too long before you try enduro MTB, grab it and ride along. Also, remember that when you race, do not always compete but rather enjoy it. Do not count the days, make each day of racing counts. The race is actually (for me) having a circle of friends and experiencing the beauty of the game.
Finally, let me introduce the Champion Enduro rider in the Feminino Category,
MS. JOYCE DEL SOCORRO
Dumaguete Enduro 2016
Cebu Enduro 2015
Lastly, my advise to women who wanted to try Enduro?
Just do it. Go out of your comfort zone, have fun. Life is too short to live a dreary life.
IONE BARON-MEJIA
These girls will battle with each other again and the other female Asian enduro riders in the Asian Enduro Series this September 2016. But before that, watch them as they strut their stuff in Cagayan de Oro this August 2016.
This will be in Mapawa Nature Park, Malasag, Cagayan de Oro City
Happening in Calape, Bohol City
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For comments, questions or suggestions, please email us at ione.mejia@gmail.com
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