Motorcycle Philippines

(Note to readers:  Please click on any highlighted/underlined words to view pictures…)

This is a ride report of our journey to Baler, Aurora province on November 2 and 3, 2006 by six off-road eco-torrorist (ay tourist pala, ehehe). 

Baler is renowned for the fine scenic beaches and a venue to one of the best places to surf due to the strong waves which abound the shorelines.  Plus, it has some well-kept secret gems too (more on this later).

There are many things to do while in Baler.  Here, one can splurge on the urge to take a dip in surfing (as in real high waves).  There are some shops where you can rent out a surf board.  But we didn’t bother asking around though for it was not really our intention that time (maybe next time). 
Read the rest of this entry »

by BIKELINE c/o Kaskasero

Sooner or later one is bound to need a bag during a ride. Whether it be a short ride to or from the office or a long ride to Baguio, a bag is inevitably a necessity. We put our prized possessions and pasalubong/s in these bags. They become one of those things taken for granted by most that a lot of times, we just pick up any bag, usually not made for riding, to suit our need at that moment. Or even worse, we just strap all our stuff to our bikes like what tricycle drivers do on their side cars.

After riding many rides far and near, I’d like to point out a few things I’ve learned that I feel are important to know and remember on each ride with personal effects on board. This information, I hope will be handy on your next “pack & go” adventure with your beloved 2 wheeler.
Read the rest of this entry »

BACKSEAT DRIVER By Lester Dizon
The Philippine STAR 11/08/2006

Lately, I’ve been receiving emails and text messages regarding articles in the newspapers and magazines against motorcyclists. Most notable of these are opinion columns written by noted columnists calling motorcyclists as “pests” on the road. Many of my biker friends, as well as my “brothers” in the motorcycle community, have been asking me to hit back, especially since I am an avid motorcyclist myself.

Now, before I do, I’d like to tell my fellow journalists and columnists that not all bikers are like that. Also, I’d like to paraphrase a part of the Holy Bible where it is written that “whoever does not have a single speck of dirt cast the first stone”. Of course, these words were spoken by Jesus to the crowd who were about to stone Mary Magdalene. And you know what happened — nobody was unblemished enough to throw a single rock at her. Not even an opinion columnist.
Read the rest of this entry »

In another attempt to minimize crimes and accidents on the streets of Manila’s financial capital, Makati has decided to use carpet bombing measures instead of surgical strikes. Much like the hair-brained attempt by another politician in another city in the Metro, all bikers are now penalized because of the incompetence of local law enforcers.

(full article shall be posted below since Philstar.Com does not keep an archive of it’s articles)

Magka-angkas sa motorsiklo, ipagbabawal sa Makati

Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 11/09/2006

Dahil sa sunod-sunod na holdapan at aksidente na sangkot ang mga naka-motor, planong ipagbawal sa lungsod ng Makati ang magka-angkas na nakasakay sa mga motorsiklo at aarestuhin ang mga ito. Ito ang pinag-aaralan ngayon ng pamahalaang lungsod na ipatupad sa ilalim ng isang ordinansa.

Ito ay dahil na rin sa nagaganap na serye ng panghoholdap na ang mga sangkot ay magkakaangkas. Bukod dito tumaas din ang insidente ng aksidente na ang sangkot ay pawang nakasakay sa motorsiklo. (Lordeth Bonilla)

English (Translation by MCP)
Because of the rise of incidents of crimes and accidents that involve motorcylces, the city of Makati is planning to ban backriding and arrest those who violate it. This city ordinance is now under review by the city council.

So, what’s next? Ban motorcycles? I wouldn’t be surprised.