GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS

by: Ione Baron-Mejia

Rushing. Dashing. Hustling. It's that time of the year again. It's the time of celebrations, the alcohol fueled office parties,  the "never-seems-to-end-chikahan" get together of friends , the sometimes-dreaded family reunions and that most awaited time of gift giving. But the pressure of the modern day gift giving has become quite taxing these days. So while it's true that Christmas is the time of giving, please also be reminded that the gift of love, forgiveness, empathy, understanding, kindness and service to others are the most powerful gifts you can give to any one this Christmas. Forgive me if i sound pedagogic but that is true. My dear madlang people, I now give you the gift of having less stress from choosing gifts for that dear mountain biker friends, officemates, and love ones in your lives. I have asked my mountain biker friends what they want for Christmas, and  I have  listed them as a gift suggestions for other mountain bikers. Here they are:

1. MOUNTAIN BIKE

When I told my "hindi masyadong gwapo pero simpatikong" friend, Nestor Santamaria III, i will be putting up list of gift suggestions for mountain bikers. He immediately exclaimed,  " I want a mountain bike" not withstanding  the fact that  he already owns at least three mountain bikes. Well, a mountain biker can never have too many bikes or in some case, can never have too many bike upgrades.

I bet any mountain biker would be ecstatic to receive this. Ladies and gentlemen!  Behold,  the SANTA CRUZ NOMAD! 

This beauty is a complete carbon bike, frame only cost (P170,000.00) that is one hundred seventy thousand pesos for you. If you have the budget to spare, why not give the best to your dearest.

Where you can get it?  SANTA CRUZ PHILIPPINES

How much?  P 170,000 pesos for frame only

2. FORK

People, a bicycle fork is the part that holds the front wheel of the bicycle. Our "mamaw sa long ride"  friend, Jayson Peyra would very much like to have this, ROCK SHOX RS-1. The "mamaw" mountain biker close to you might be wishing for this too.

ROCK SHOX RS-1

Where you can get it?  SRAM WEBSITE OR ANY OF YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP
How much?  $1,865 (P 93,250 plus shipping fee and customs tax)

3. BRAKES

My super friend Wendell Barba is wishing for peace and solidarity among the MTB communities And a GUIDE RSC BRAKE.

I believe congratulations are in order to this champion. Congratulations Wendell! He is the Overall Champion in the recently concluded Philippine National Series 2016 - Commencal Downhill Series. Your mountain biker super friend might be hoping for this too.

GUIDE RSC BRAKE

The new SRAM Guide RSC is packed with ride-enhancing performance that makes every new trail a trusted old friend. We started from scratch, to create the perfect combination of braking reliability and control. Brand-new SwingLink™ technology provides more power, silky-smooth modulation, less deadband and better lever-feel than you’ve ever experienced. Steep-line confidence. Deep-corner dominance. Ride every trail like you own it. KNOW YOU CAN. Now featuring the World Championship-winning S4 caliper with Bleeding Edge™  and Heat Shield technologies.

Where to buy it?  SRAM WEBSITE OR AT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL ONLINE SELLER

How much? $ 205 ( P 10,250 pesos plus shipping and customs fee)

4. COGS - For the enduro heartthrob Hayder Hossiene, to all his fans out there. He only wishes for an E THIRTEEN 9-46 RACE COGS which maybe perfect for your own hearth throb too.

E THIRTEEN TRS RACE 9-46 TOOTH CASSETTE

Where to buy it? www.bythehive.com / @ethirteen-components
How much?  $ 349 or P 17,450



4. PROTECTION/ GUARDS

I personally need this, elbow guard and shin guard. You definitely need those if you want to fearlessly shred those trails for protection. And this is one the best protection you can get out there. I am being shameless here but shout out to my super friends out there, i would be in bliss to receive this. 

RACE FACE  OR  661 ( ELBOW GUARD  and SHIN GUARD)

RACE FACE ELBOW GUARD

661 RAGE SHIN BLACK

Where to get it? SIXSIXONE WEBSITE OR AT YOUR LOCAL ONLINE SELLER
How much?  $ 80 OR ( P 4,000 pesos plus shipping and customs fee)

5. HELMET

For the young gun, Nino Martin Eday, he is looking forward to receiving a helmet. (MET or  POC) doesn't really matter, he says. The young gun in your family will surely appreciate receiving this.

MET PARACHUT

THE LIGHTEST ASTM CERTIFIED FULL FACE HELMET IN THE WORLD

Parachute is the trailblazer for a new category of helmets purpose-built for Enduro mountain biking. It combines the protection of a full face helmet with low weight, high ventilation and comfort.Riders buy a full face helmet to have more protection to their face, so it’s important to know if the chin guard has been stringently tested and passes the ASTM standard.The fact that the Parachute is ASTM certified gives the confidence to the rider that MET has designed and certified the Parachute to provide the best level of safety in its class.

POC CORON 

Developed in collaboration with POC team athlete Martin Söderström, the Coron helmet offers a high level of protection, ventilation and comfort. Coron incorporates a new type of shell material, M-FORGE®, which is an advanced fiber material that outperforms previously known shell materials with added benefits in terms of multi-impact performance, durability and low weight. The M-FORGE® shell is paired with a multi-impact EPP liner for performance over time and in rough use. The Coron has been constructed with an advanced ventilation system with internal channels that ensures effective ventilation throughout the entire helmet.

Where to get it?  POC WEBSITE and MET WEBSITE or at your local online seller or local shops  
How much? POC CORON IS 5,000 SEK (five thousand Swedish Krona)  ( P 27,150 plus shipping and customs fee) Might be cheaper with your local online seller

MET PARACHUTE $299 in Amazon  (P 14,950)

6. GO PRO

My pretty shredder friend from Davao, " Marian" Maryan Europa, when asked what she wants for Christmas. she said she longs for this baby, GO PRO HERO  5. It has become a necessity for every mountain biker to have this. Of course,  to take videos of those awesome rides. For that pretty mountain biker you love so much, this one's for her.

GO PRO HERO 5

Where to buy? R.O.X. SHOPS  or inquire here GO PRO PHILS. FB PAGE 

How much? P 16,490

7. SHOES

The kicks, Bhokie Senar, my friend from endurojunkieph, wished to have this for Christmas. Your enduro junkie friends might want this too. It's sort of a signature shoes of mountain bikers.

FIVE TEN SHOES

WHERE TO BUY?  FIVE TEN PHILIPPINES OR BIKE LAB CDO

HOW MUCH?  P 9,949.00

8.  JERSEY

This list wont be complete without a jersey. When I ask my friend, Nammi Gardoce, what she wants for Christmas, she said a make up kit and jersey preferably FOX  and TLD. To your pinay biker friends, jersey is always the best bet. We rarely use make up while on trail. although personally, i would always dab my MAC lipstick even on trail.  Wearing lipstick doesn't make you look  too tired aka "laspag" and you look better on pictures , even when you are totally worn out already. 

Troy Lee Design and FOX

Where to buy it? Please inquire here TLD PHILS. FB and here FOX HEAD PHILIPPINES FB
How much?  Price starts at P 2,000


9. GOGGLES 

The Feminino Enduro Champ, Joyce del Soccoro would very much prefer to have this, this Christmas. 100%  googles The champion mountain bikers in your lives might be needing this too.

100% GOGGLES

Where to get this?  RIDE W100PERCENT WEBSITE 

How much? $ 75 OR P 3,750



10. GLOVES 

When asked my friend, Michael Hamid what he want for Christmas. he said, "it depends". But if i'm going to give him a gift, it will probably be  gloves since he races and they just had a baby girl, he has to take care of his hands to be hold his precious baby. Your young father friend who's into enduro mtb racing will love to receive this from you. 

Where to buy?      LIST OF FOX STORES  or here  GALLEON PH ONLINE STORE 
How much? P 2,385 




11. HYDRATION BAG

The young enduro warrior Roel Quitoy would very much deserve this and more.  You may never  heard of his name yet but he is an enduro champion from Team Zero of Zamboanga City. He is one champ you can look forward to in the coming seasons. The champion warriors in your lives might be wishing for  this too.

Where to buy? TACTICALASIA WEBSITE   or  CAMELBAK PHIL FB            
How much?  P 2,730




12. BIKE BAG 

For the talented enduro rider Gabriel Amigo III, an EVOC bike bag is number one on his wish list. This is a must-have for seasoned enduro mountain bikers especially those who are joining the race. Your significant other who races certainly needs this.


EVOC  BIKE BAG

Where to buy? LNP BIKE SHOP OR  EVOC WEBSITE
How much? P 23,000



13. FOOD  SUPPLEMENT

The young, ace enduro rider and Rurok Bike's representative Chino Mendoza, is wishing for a whey protein powder, which is good for recovery and muscle building after biking. Or a box of GU Roctane energy gel. This is a good gift to your health conscious mountain biker officemate or barkada.

WHEY PROTEIN POWDER

GU ENERGY GEL

Where to buy? GNC PHILIPPINES

How much? P 2,999/ WHEY PROTIEN  P 135/pc. GU ENERGY GEL


There you go, 13 gift suggestions for mountain bikers. If you have other gift suggestions, email us, we will surely include it.

Merry Christmas everyone! And may your Christmas vacation be also filled with an unforgettable  mountain biking adventures.

PINAYBIKERS CLUB

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THE HUSH-HUSH TALE OF ENDURO PALAWAN 2016

THE HUSH-HUSH TALE OF ENDURO PALAWAN 2016

By: Ione Baron-Mejia

PLAN TO PALAWAN

Weeks before the Palawan finale, i was still contemplating whether to go to Palawan or not, I've checked the plane ticket,  it's expensive plus the hotel's pricey too. But when Mark Ibon, the race director in Palawan messaged me if i'm going to Palawan, i can stay in their house, i don't exactly remember what my reply was but i was thinking i won't be paying for accommodation, that's good enough for me. I wanted to see Palawan, I've heard a lot of stories about the trail there so naturally i wanted to check it for myself.

The initial plan was to bring my two daughters since they are on break. I was already talking to them about  how we will be climbing a mountain that might be too difficult for them, or how we might be riding a motorcycle which might be dangerous for them, but curiously mentioning riding a motorcycle made them even  more excited to go to Palawan, I have briefed  them also on how mommy might be busy so they should be taking care of  each other. We were all set, until we learned that University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS)  won't be having a semestral break in November.  My girls were heartbroken but  i promised them a trip to Livestock resto in Tomas Morato,  their favorite crispy pata joint, (they seriously have the best crispy pata in town) when i go back. Yes, crispty pata can be a cure for disappoints even for children. 

NOV. 3, FLIGHT DAY

Thursday, Nov. 3  my flight was 9:40AM but it seems like a delayed flight has always been a part of my story, I arrived in Palawan after lunch which is suppose to be before lunch. I was famished, so i went straight to KaLui's retaurant  as per  Tripadvisor, while stuffing myself with tuna, fresh fruits and vegetables, Mark's wife (the organizer in Palawan) Marjory called to fetch me just in time.

THE CROCODILE SISIG

Our dinner was in Kinabuch Bar and Grill courtesy of our host, Mark Ibon.  I was still full from my lunch,  but Marjory, Mark's wife egg me to at least try the crocodile sisig, it tasted like pork, it's delicious but i can't seem to take another bite, the image of a huge crocodile keeps flashing on my head. But the crispy pata is sensational, except that i'm partial to Livestock's since it has become our favorite crispy pata joint. 

NOV. 4, FRIDAY TRACK READING DAY

I met the riders in the Green Bamboo resto which will be our headquarter for the next two days. I was happy to meet friends from Manila, Renan Recafrente and the gang were there, you can hear the usual bantering among friends. You can feel their excitement and apprehension. They were simply a group of jolly friends bonded by enduro. 

NOV. 5, DAY 1

THE TALE OF TWO GORGEOUS MEN AND A BAD BOY

HEYDAR HOSSEINI - TEAM ZERO

RENAN RICAFRENTE - REKLAMO RACING TEAM

The race in aficionado category has become interesting. It started during the Asian Enduro Series in Bohol. During the 1st day of the race, Dru Del Rosario of  Team Rotten Wheels from Manila got the second place, next was Heydar Hossiene who was playing for Team Humpers that time, the 1st place was a local from Bohol, At the end of the race, the table was turned, Heydar Hossiene got the second place beating Dru Del Rosario by a mere 1 second. I think it's safe to say that everyone in Dru and Hayder's camp is expecting a fierce battle between them in Palawan. It would have been a memorable race if Dru didn't experience a technical mishap during the stage 2, which cost him the race. Then came the bad boy,  Renan Ricafrente, he got the 2nd place during the 1st day of the race,  the 1st and the 3rd place was from Palawan, with Dru's technical mishap, the podium is promising   for Renan.  Heydar did not submit his transponder on day 1 so we don't have any idea of his time. Renan was poised to get that podium, but sometimes things just don't go your way, few meters before the end of Stage 7, his tires got flat, i can still feel the disappointment in Renan's voice, shouting,  Noooooo....the moment his tires burst. Ultimately, Heydar of Team ZERO (he is playing for Team ZERO this time) got the second place, Renan  of Reklamo Racing Team got the 4th place and Dru of  Rottenwheels  still got into the 7th place.  To the two gorgeous men and the bad boy, congratulations to the three of you. You guys are the epitome of an enduro warrior, fighting a good fight till the end.

MEET THE ELITE RIDERS

Palawan has two exceptional enduro riders joining,  Joseph Obra and Angelo Nick Velasco. I've seen Nick in most of our races, he's one of those you call, cream of the crop. Joseph made an excellent showing during the Asian Enduro Series in Bohol, too bad he's didn't finish it, he crashed on the second day, let's just say,  we're  thankful he suffered no major injury.

RYAN SOLINAP OF TEAM DIRT BROS.

CHICO LAVENA- TEAM BMC

CHINO MENDOZA - TEAM RUROK BIKE PHILIPPINES

There were high expectation for the riders of BMC, Chico Lavina and Rurok's representative, Chico Mendoza. Rurok is the first Philippine made and  designed mountain bike by filipinos. There is  also the ace rider,  Ryan Solinap from Dirt Bros.

 ROMMEL RAGASA  - REKLAMO RACING TEAM

IVES TORRENTE - TEAM SIPAT DNF

"The Tank" Rommel Ragasa also joined the race, Team SIPAT's representative was there, Ives Torrente. I think i became his fan, when he joined the Enduro Pangasinan early this year, when he coolly shred those " mini red bull rampage" trail in Pangasinan while others were  trembling in fear of heights .

BETTY KULLALUL FROM TEAM ZERO

Of course, the Zamboanga warriors from Team ZERO were there, Michael Hamid and Betty Kullalul.

                                    OJ PETERSON LELINA FROM REKLAMO RACING TEAM

BRYAN KEISLER LEONOR - REKLAMO RACING TEAM

The promising young enduro riders from Manila were there, Bryan Kaiser Leonen and OJ Peterson Lelina, Alec Dy-Liacco  from Reklamo Racing  team also joined. Of course, other local talents from Palawan were there.

DAY 1 AND AN INTRIGUING WOMAN  

Day 1,  was as intriguing as it was exciting. A lady decided to join us going up the smart tower which is the Special stage 1.  We welcome her of course, the problem was, she's was wearing a mall outfit,  and we will be climbing a mountain of rocks.  Naturally, she has a difficulty climbing up wearing only slippers with heels but she was tenacious, and just continue her climb. I admire her for her resolute, resolve to watch the riders or whatever her purpose of going up the Smart tower and joining us there.  After the race, i told Marjory, whoever her significant other, (if her purpose of climbing there is to cheer) , or whoever she is cheering to, must be one lucky guy. Whoever climbs the mountain just to watch you or support you in your race, that must be the true love.  To the girl in peach, I admire you, your tenacity and your determination.  More power to you.

NOV. 6, DAY 2

Stage 6 was cancelled, it has become u-n-r-i-d-e-a-b-l-e because of too much mud.

Stage 7 liaison was excruciatingly difficult. Because of too much mud, the truck wasn't able to transport the riders to the starting point, they have to climb it with their bikes. 

THE BROTHERHOOD OF DIRT BROS.

Curiously, among them Ryan Solinap is the only one who was able to join the race. Anyway, congratulations Ryan Solinap for being the Champion in the Elite Category and more power to Dirt Bros. 

(Top) JOEL MARFORI, FIX YOU,  (Front) TINTOI MENDOZA, ANGELO NICOLE (Olegna Elocin), RYAN SOLINAP, ALBERT ENRIQUEZ AND ALVIN VILLEGAS

(Top) ANGELO NICOLE, TINTOI MENDOZA (Bottom) RYAN SOLINAP, JOEL MARFORI AND FIX YOU

 The Aces of DEPR meet the Ace of DIRT Bros. 

From left: MIKE OZZMAN, FERNAN HERAMIS, RYAN SOLINAP AND HEINZ TABINAS

TWO FEARLESS FEMININOS JOINED!!!! 

Lastly, congratulations to this couple! 

LIV PONCE AND MATTHEW TOPPINGS  

Thank you Liv Ponce for some of the pictures. Also thank you Antet Piloneo and Andrew Alipar for the graphics. 

PINAYBIKERS CLUB

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