March 28, 2024

Over 250 adrenaline junkies from Benguet and neighboring provinces saw action in the Savays Farm downhill race for-a-cause on Nov. 7.

In the 20 years old and below category, Khasner Fanged recorded the fastest time among 82 participants followed by Sean Sargae and Franco Quindara, who went through the 1.2-kilometer downhill tracks made by trail builders Team Ulaw.    

Lorenzo Abance led the 30 and below category followed by Thomas Bedaen and Mead Dulay, who, together with other bikers, negotiated the technical sections of the 15-hectare Savays Farm owned by the Buting family.

The 40 and below saw Harvin Dan Panganiban conquering the course in 197 seconds, having also the fastest time amongparticipants, followed by Fitz Quintin and Ramil Estioko. 

Art Narvaez led the 41 and up category followed by NoiCancoi and Jason Herbolario.

Also showing their mettle on the grueling downhill course are the top lady bikers led by Danette Fontanilla followed by Roxanne Balariz and ShazneyGalut.

The downhill bikers were not given a track read prior the event and were only allowed to go through the track once for their recorded time, which made it more challenging.

But the bikers enjoyed the track after their first run of the event organized by D’Ridge Cafe, Bikeatrist, and Team Ulaw in partnership with the local government unit of Tublay.

One of the organizers,Jey-m Miguel, Jr., said the downhill bike sports community is slowly growing due to the pandemic and some cross-country bikers or those competing in road bikes have also shifted to downhill biking.

Downhill biking courses were created mostly in private lots, as obstacle courses need to be built for the sport. 

Miguel said the proceeds of the fun ride were given to a cancer patient who is undergoing medication for treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Another fun ride for-a-cause is set next month. – Ofelia C. Empian