Benguet

If there is one mountain biking event in the Philippines that you should not miss, I believe it should be Globe Cordillera Challenge. Why? I can give you four reasons!

First and foremost, more than a biking activity, it is an environmental campaign that aims to raise awareness for the need to protect and rebuild our forests. Second, it is mountain biking at its best where bikers will be immersed in the beauty of Cordillera, to the deepest valleys and through trails and ridges of the mountain range. Third, the scenic view of Cordillera is worth all the hardship, promise! Lastly, this epic adventure builds great camaraderie with friends, old and new!

Now on its fifth year, Globe Cordillera Challenge is an awareness and a fund-raising event headed by the Globe Bridging Communities and the Cordillera Conservation Trust. Last year, more than 500 mountain bikers turned forest builders accepted the challenge to raise funds for the establishment of 30 seedling nurseries for the reforestation of the Cordillera. Bikers tackled the 65-kilometer scenic route around Benguet from Tublay all the way to Bokod, Itogon, La Trinidad and back to Tublay, passing along the breathtaking views of the mountain range, Agno River, Binga Dam and the Ambuklao Dam. With total ascent of 3775 meters, it was indeed one epic biking event!

I was one of more than 500 bikers who accepted the challenge last year! A proud finisher of the 65-kilometer epic loop after seven hours, two “semplangs“, few cursing and uncountable smiles!

This year, with Spyder Philippines as one of its partners, Globe Cordillera Challenge promises a longer and tougher route, a gruelling 90-kilometer track with total ascent of 3393 meters that will definitely test the stamina and endurance of mountain bikers from sunrise to sundown! Epic will be understatement but I still accept the challenge!

May 10, 2014, see you in Cordillera!