The rules were simple and clear: “NO RACING… This is NOT a RACE.”
The objective: “Have FUN.”
With that in mind, a group of 16 bikers from Negros Oriental set out to enjoy scenic Bohol while biking a total of 530 kilometers in three days.
This cycling event is known as Giro d’Luca, an annual group ride in Bohol which gathers cyclists and celebrities from around the Philippines to celebrate Gianluca Guidicelli’s birthday.
Gianluca happens to be the father of Filipino-Italian actor, model, singer and triathlete Matteo Guidicelli.
The distance covered each year reflects Gianluca’s age multiplied by 10. This year, the father turned 53 years old, hence, the 530- kilometer bike ride.
Beginning May 29, Friday, the riding event was separated in three stages. Featuring an out-and-back ride that started from and ended at Bellevue Resort, Day 1 had a distance of 200 kilometers from Panglao to Jagna and back; Day 2 had 170 kilometers from Panglao to Chocolate Hills and back; Day 3 had 160 kilometers from Panglao to Jagna and back.
At the onset, we were given a choice to join only the rides we wanted to participate in, and we were not required to complete the entire stage route. We could stop anytime we wanted, and get picked-up by any of the four Ford Ranger trucks that were constantly plying the route.
There were also marshals and mechanics in 13 motorcycles that took turns riding infront, beside, and behind the riders, making sure that all of us were okay.
Not only did the hosts want us to enjoy, they made sure we were all safe.
Giro d’Luca was definitely a celebration. The vibe all throughout the event was an easy camaraderie among all the participants. There was breakfast for all before the ride, and snacks waiting when we got back.
There was no pressure at all during the ride, and we were in pace groups at speeds that we were comfortable in.
Even the bikers in the fastest group — whose speed never dropped below 30 kph. for the entire ride — were smiling and waving at the slower groups, whenever they would pass us, already on their way back. There were lots of cold water and Gatorade in the designated stops, and the crews were profuse in their encouragement and support.
Many of us stopped at stores and fruit stands along the way to get a snack -— juicy watermelons or cold soda to get us through the scorching heat of the sun.
The others even stopped, parked their bikes, and jumped into the river to soak themselves and cool down. It was definitely a huge birthday party!
Each day was capped by a raffle of valuable items from the event sponsors generously given away.
From among the Dumaguete bikers alone, our total loot included a box of Mentos candies, a beach umbrella, four Swatch watches, P8,000.00 worth of biking accessories, a Rudy Project helmet, and a GoPro camera.
By the end of the third day, everyone was exhausted but extremely pumped-up by the success of each of the long-rides.
We were giving high-fives and exchanging congratulations, regardless of the total number of kilometers we had ridden.
A few of us in the team had opted out of the grueling second day, but the rest had pushed themselves to the limit, and finished the entire 530 kilometers.
For that, they — among the 56 of 180 participants — earned the coveted yellow finisher’s jersey, and the bragging rights to claim that they had completed Giro d’Luca 2015!
Congratulations and hats-off to our teammates Ritchie Armogenia, Tolitz Albina, Kevin Omaguing, Ariel Merquita, Ramjay Divinagracia, Pierre Tag-at, Mark Morgado, and John Jerry Anoos.
The experience we all had was life-changing. The Dumaguete group consisted of athletes of different abilities, but the ride proved that we all excelled in the same things — fighting hearts and spirits.
The ride was a challenge that did not break us, but instead, proved how strong we actually are.
From the feeling of being part of one big happy family, to the memories of beautiful Bohol, and the wonderful locals who cheered us on along the way, we will all always remember these. Giro d’Luca 2015 had achieved what it set out to achieve. Ride. Live. Celebrate! (Ma. Monica Angela Rodriguez)
The next Giro d’Luca will be held on May 21-23, 2016 in Bohol. All bike enthusiasts are encouraged to experience the fun and the challenge of riding 540 kilometers in three days. Registration fee is P1,500 or P5,500 with a jersey for each day for all three days.
