The bliss of participating in a charity fun bike ride
Have you ever joined a sporting event that aims to help others? I just did and I definitely recommend you do it too. It’s such a fulfilling moment to not only help others out but also stay fit by cycling!
*In celebration of it’s 10th year anniversary, ABS-CBN News’ citizen journalism arm Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo (BMPM) launched a 10-kilometer fun bike ride for the benefit of persons with disabilities (PWDs) last Aug 28, Monday. It was a regular holiday, a day to celebrate Philippine’s National Heroes.
Others went to spend time with their family, bond with friends or maybe stay at home to relax but me and the SuperBikers did just the opposite. We decided weeks ago to attend this event because it was a chance to give back to society…and recycle! You’d be wondering, what — recycling at a sporting event? Yes!
For registration, the only thing cyclists had to do was to bring 10 PET bottles which will be sold to recycling firms with the raised funds used to buy a motorcycle with a customized sidecar suitable for wheelchairs. The aim is to collect 250,000 PET bottles, which will be donated for the benefit of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, a non-profit organization that aims to uplift the lives of the orthopedically handicapped persons.
On the day of the event
Early morning of August 28 came and cyclists eagerly got ready to meet up at the Quezon Memorial Circle where the ride will start. It was still dark out when riders would group together at the start/finish line. They were handed small flags to that can be attached on their bike to showcase the event.
Soon after, the highly-regarded Firefly Brigade marshals came pouring in and got everyone to group up in an orderly fashion. Equipped with megaphones and a sufficient number of marshals, the crowd of 500 cyclists gathered and willingly cooperated.
There were ambulances within the vicinity, motorist marshals to guide the crowd and officers who would manage traffic to give way for cyclists on the road. Overall one would say it was an event well-prepared for.
The slow ride, a test of balance
The bike ride was lead by a couple of PWDs in wheelchairs, it may have made the pacing quite slow and so, it became a test of balance and patience. The sun was far from the horizon and the breeze was cool, nothing bothered the cyclists.
Firefly Brigade marshals would remind the cyclists to close the gap if cyclists get too far behind, stay away from the busy car lane and help those who may have fallen behind due to technical difficulties, or to those who fell off their bikes — like me.
I’m not that experienced with cycling and shifting gears so as we gradually climbed this small patch of road that went uphill, I lost control and fell off my bike. The closest Firefly marshal immediately came to my aid and helped me get up, asked if I was okay and inspected my bike. Only then did I realize my seatpost was too high and my gears were too low.
As the sun rose higher, the cyclists kept their pace and pushed forward, determined to reach the finish line. Some would wobble, some would stop to fix their bike, but they kept moving.
Crossing the finish line
Cyclists that crossed the finish line were asked to circle about and claim their certificates handed by ABS-CBN staff. The sun was up and the heat was on, it was just the right time for the cycling event to end.
Lovely isn’t it? Helping PWDs, enjoying yourself, meeting new people. So much to experience and it’s all thanks to Rotary International District 3810 for having organized the event in coordination with the Firefly Brigade! If you wish to help the PWDs by giving PET bottles, you may still do so by dropping them off at Firefly Brigade HQ (Quinto Apt., Tomas Morato, Quezon City) or at the schools listed on the poster below, as they will continue to accept donations until the end of the year.
*Information taken from ABS-CBN. Announcement originally posted here.
Feel free to watch this official news coverage from ABS-CBN:
