SEVENTY-FIVE bikers, some coming from as far as Manila, took part in a unique bike challenge in Davao City aimed to help save the Philippine Eagle.
Participants in the Globe Arakan XC2 Challenge last October 13 took on a 66-kilometer loop from the Philippine Eagle Center to Salaysay and back that was made up of a mix of paved road and rugged terrain, with many parts involving a steep uphill climb.
The cross-country event was a fundraiser to save the home of the Philippine Eagle by supporting the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Forest Corridor Development Initiative (FCDI).
Composed of both seasoned athletes and recreational bikers, participants ranging from teenagers to those in their mid-fifties showed their support for the FCDI which provides educational and livelihood support, as well as Paralegal and Raptor Management Training, to the communities that act as stewards of the forest in the Arakan Valley in North Cotabato.
“I really looked forward to this because I heard a lot about this last year. Hindi ko inexpect na ganun kahirap yung trail but it was very enjoyable," said Ronald Rivera, a Globe employee and mountain biking enthusiast who took a bus from General Santos City the night before and arrived shortly before midnight just to make it to the event.
Salome Zamora, one of the two female bikers, had come all the way from Sultan Kudarat. She says, “I heard it would help indigenous communities in Arakan so I joined.”
One of the oldest participants, 55-year-old retired colonel Rodrigo Turno said, “I wanted to give support to the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Ito yung isa sa pinakasikat na kayamanan natin, the Philippine Eagle of Davao.”
Although Globe Arakan XC2 wasn’t considered a race, Globe recognized the top finishers.
Triathlete Jean Patrick Serreno was the first to cross the finish line in two hours, 14 minutes, and 52 seconds. The 29-year-old admitted to having difficulty at some parts, but said, “Hindi talaga nag-cross sa isip ko na mag-stop. Inisip ko lang continue, continue hanggang sa dulo.”