There was five, then nine, then eleven Jet Riders Club NCR riders, all willing and brave, mentally and physically fit to participate in this significant riding event, to endure the test of riding up north 1,490 kms. counter-clockwise North Luzon Loop Ride last April 17-20, 2008.

The four-day journey, principally to test the reliability and durability of Sym scooters especially the Joyride 200 and GTS 250, would serve as an unmatched showcase to span key sites of Northern Luzon. passing through the cities and provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Aparri, Kalinga Apayao, Ilocos Norte, ILocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Pampanga.

We wish to thank specially Mitsukoshi Phils. Inc., distributor of SYM scooters, Castrol Phils. for all the assistance given to us. Special thanks also to all the SYM branch managers up north, SYM Roxas, SYM Tuguegarao, SYM Aparri, SYM Batac, etc. for giving us cordial reception. Special thanks also to our member Ron Purisima aka rontristan, for making almost all the arrangements and communications who also acted as our ride coordinator and chief marshall that made this ride possible. Also Jabar from Tuguegarao(friend of Ron) and GT2xrm(Glenn) from Vigan.

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Bits and pieces from my newsletter emails…..

The first American motorcycle only race took place in May of 1901 at a one mile horse racing track in Los Angeles. Four racers competed in ten lap event. The winner crossed the line in 18 ½ minutes….that’s ten miles in nearly twenty minutes! Wow how times have changed! In May of the following year the first road race took place in the US between Irvington and Milburn NJ with the winner averaging a speed of 31 mph.

Here’s a couple more interesting motorcycle history notes…

• Yamaha was founded by Torakusu Yamaha in 1888… originally as Yamaha Musical Instrument Company.
• The first Triumph motorcycle was produced in 1902. It featured a single cylinder engine fitted on a bicycle frame.

from dp-brakes.com

The sun is already setting over the horizon as we get off our bikes at an Indian casino parking lot. We are all feeling tired, but smiles are on everyone’s faces reflecting a very enjoyable ride we had today. I mumbled something about how good we had it today. While most are starting their Monday bent over doing work, we’re on our bikes riding some of the best roads in the San Diego County area. Enrique, our lone BMW rider responded to me with a smile, “Parang walang mga utang ano.” Ha! Ha! Ha!

I’ve seen Jojo Medina’s posts at MCP many times, but never had the pleasure of meeting him. Funny how we tell our kids to be careful who they “meet” through the internet, but here we are, making connections through the same medium and creating lasting relationships. I saw the invitation through MCP for the Southern California ride on a Saturday and it only took a second for me to decide. Work will always be there, but Jojo can’t wait. He’s only here in the U.S. for a few days on vacation with family.
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Following in the footsteps of another Italian giant Ferrari, Ducati has launched their own line of wine aptly called Desmorosso.

Desmorosso: not only wine

Like most successful teams beginning a new competition, Ducati moves from the past and embraces what’s new with enthusiasm, passion, and professionalism. Desmorosso is an evolutionary project; born in the spirit of growth in the quest for excellence.

Visit the Desmorosso site here.

image by Jake Verzosa

“In honor of rice”

This festival couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, now that the country is in the throes of a crisis involving our staple food.

A festival which is held once every three years, the Imbayah Festival held this year on April 15-17. This years’ Imbayah featured Imbayah Ritual, Cultural Performances, Agro-industrial Fair, Backstrap Weaving, Wood Carving Demonstration and the ever popular Wooden Scooter Race.

Here are a few images from the scooter races taken by our good friend Jake Verzosa.
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