
Last Aug 29 to 30, nineteen bikers from all over the land with all kinds of motorcycles got together to have the First Ever Bikers Ride Retreat at the lake Garden Hotel in cold Tagaytay City. From the very beginning, it was clearly blessed by God – an exact number of attendees, sponsors pouring in, materials arriving just in time, great weather, no accidents during travel, (except one or two prior to the group’s take off) for etc. It was as if God had seen things thru and planted everything at the exact time it was needed and for the exact reason.
At 5am on the morning of the 29th at Shell the Fort, bikers with underbones, cruisers, sportbikes, scooters and the like started to arrive. Right off the bat, the friendship these strangers shared was already showing evidence of a great turnout. There was a sense of sincere camaraderie in the air equaled only by the fine crisp cool morning breeze. Although a few delays occurred, nothing could stop this group from having fun and riding in unison in search of the Spiritual experience offered by the retreat.
At around 7am, we were on our way. The travel to Tagaytay was pleasant and fun. As usual, the pack did not hold together in one line but instead met up & re-grouped at every turn. This is a trademark of the FaithRiders. It seems that no matter how hard they try to hold the line, it just wouldn’t. BUT it always turns out for the good. Everyone arrived safely and had fun as every ride should be.
At the retreat, God worked slowly but surely in ever single participant. This was seen thru the initial cold start of sharing amongst strangers which got warmer and warmer until the night of the first day where everyone was feeling God’s presence and was being awakened to the reality of His love and sacrifice. By the time the night session was closing, everyone has a more refreshed spirit, a renewed passion for God.
It was discussed how life is a spiritual battle more than the physical. It was also discussed how important God’s love is in our lives if only we would pay attention to it. Many of us refuse or forget God’s love and sacrifice for us but during the retreat, these points were reiterated and made a welcome invitation to love God back in ways we either have neglected, forgotten or misunderstood. The discussions and presentations were both enlightening and realistic.
As bikers, the need to ride was of course still to be pleased so most of the participants joined in for a quick night ride for bulalo (as if they haven’t eaten dinner yet). It was a cold night to ride but that was all part of the experience. Safely back, everyone retired for the night.
The next day was more fun and fellowship than anything. There were a few more topics discussed, a fun presentation and a few games. The previous day’s homework of reflecting on one’s life and deciding to make a commitment to God was also discussed and its importance explained by the invited Pastor/Biker Ronnel (aka Cruizer_Byker). Awarding of the winning teams and giving away the gift tokens was the ending activity and the retreat was closed by a solemn prayer.
All in all, the retreat was a refresher for most, an eye opener for some but definitely a memorable experience for all. Everyone, young & old, easy rider or speed freak, small or big bike owner came home with a renewed attachment with God and a fresher perspective on their mortal selves.
For all the participants of the First Ever Bikers Ride Retreat – AWOOoooH!
God bless you all and lets all ride for the greater glory of God!
Special Thanks
In alphabetical order
Boni – for his financial support
Danny – for the financial support, admin support, his enlightening talk & bulalo dinner treat
Dencio – for his financial support
Emz – for the assistance in preparing for the retreat & the gift items
Jandi – for his help in preparing for the retreat and his interesting talk & games
Jeff – for dropping by despite his family situation & helping out
Jim – for his financial support
Jimmy – for his moral and promotional support on his Hardcore Brothers Radio show on NU 107 (every sun night @ 8pm)
Lake Garden Hotel – for their hospitality & discoutns
Nica – for helping out unconditionally
Overdose – for the gift items given to the attendees as token remembrances
Pat – for his financial support
Restie – for his financial support
Terminal Hopper – for his financial support
Most Especial Thanks to Pastor Ronnel for being the spiritual leader on the retreat.
Next scheduled Bikers Ride Retreat is 4th quarter 2010. All interested groups who would like to have their own private Bikers Ride Retreat (Minimum 10 attendees), feel free to contact FaithRiders Motorcycle Ministry thru Kaskasero at 0918-9067409 and frmotoministry@gmail.com.
Jesus ROCKS!

A gasoline station in Famy, Laguna was the last stop before proceeding to the children. In here donations was collected, from goods to cash. They were able to raise funds enough to buy rice and instant noodles aside from the same brought by the Riders. Some donated canned goods and used clothing.
“Alay sa Pamilihang Bayan” is the theme for ArtPetron 2009, the nationwide art contest promoting Philippine art, culture, tradition and values to the Filipino youth.
With the “Swine Flu” craze comes Mo2rista 7!!!!! The Mo2rista Crew takes a peak into the world of road hogs and cruisers!!! Two wheels and an attitude. A rebel without a clue!! Get your copies now at Booksale, Filbar’s, Papyvore, Shell Select outlets nationwide and now E. R. money changer outlets.

