Young daredevils of Bike.com
The trio Joseph, Niño and Goodjie
Mountain biking requires endurance, skill in bike handling and self-reliance. It can be performed anywhere from the backyard to highways and gravel roads. Such sport is interesting. Even more so are the enthusiasts.
These writers were fortunate enough to meet three youngsters who excel in biking, being members of Bike.Com, an organization of mountain bikers mentored by Jeffrey Paniques. The organization was formed in April 2004 and has 20 members.
One weekend afternoon, we saw these three jumping and shuttling on air along rough road tracks at the Paniques compound in Villa, Iloilo City . They are Goodjie Deslate, 14; Niño Martin Eday, 15; and Joseph Hormillosa, 16.
Goodjie standing second from left showing
his award
Learn more about them in this interview.
The News Today (TNT): Who influenced you to go into mountain biking?
Answer: Our father, uncles and cousins who are also into biking.
TNT: Are your parents supportive of you getting into this sport?
Answer: At first, they were not. But after we won competitions, they supported us all the way.
TNT: And are you supportive of each member of the team?
The trio pose with Rudy Fernandez
Answer: Yes, right from the start. We compete in the same category (BMX) because of our age bracket. Whoever takes the lead, the others give way.
TNT: Why the interest in this sport?
Answer: We like extreme sports. We injure a lot but I think it's normal in every sport that you are prone to injuries. Also, biking is a fun way to exercise. We also get to enjoy nature because of our trips.
TNT: This seems to be an expensive sport.
Answer: It is. The riding bike and our gear are expensive. We can't compete if our gear's not complete --- from the helmet, shades and down to the shoes we use. For the shades alone, one has to spend P10,000 at the least. Our jerseys are Philippine made.
Niño and Joseph
TNT: How do you prepare for a competition?
Answer: We condition our bike and ourselves. We go to sleep early and take vitamins. What gives us an advantage is that we have our own racetrack. Biking is not an easy sport because it will take a lot of skill and stamina. It also needs a lot of courage and confidence in your abilities to prepare for a competition.
TNT: Is diet important?
Answer: Yes. We are strict with our diet. We don't drink softdrinks and we don't eat pork much.
TNT: How do you manage your time for school and biking?
Answer: We spend time in school on weekdays and we practice at the racetrack on weekends.
TNT: Which biker do you idolize?
Answer: Bryan Lopez.
The winning move
TNT: How do you see yourselves 10 years from now?
Answer: As part of the Philippine team, competing for an international leg abroad.
TNT: Any advice to the public?
Answer: Be active in sports.