Thank You Boboy Z Hernandez

February 10, 2019

Today 2/10/19 I was honored to participate in the 1st ISAROG ORAGON INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE, MTB mountain-bike race, my guess over 300 MTB riders participated. A 40km race and a fun ride.
We were treated to the best weather, not hot, not cold, and no rain. Please believe me when I say a MTB race in the rain becomes 3-4 times as hard, and even the most experienced racers may stumble in deep mud and on slippery rocks. So for the greatest experience ever, as they say, THE SHOW MUST GO ON, rain or shine.

Most folks have no idea how much work goes into an event this size, examples:
1. You need a date
2. You need land use permission
3. You need sponsors
4. You need a great volunteer team
5. You need signage
5. Graphics, exposure, printing
6. And time and money
7. And a love for the sport
8. Plus all the things you thought I forgot. medics, ambulance, insurance, food, drinks, police.

It takes lots of experience to put this all together, and Boboy and his team created an amazing event!
Always remember none of this happens without an amazing support team!

"NO MAN IS AN ISLAND" Ernest Hemingway

Now that I bored you with this promotions stuff,
Let's GO RACING!
3-2-1 there off, some with no idea of the fun and challenges they may face in the next couple of hours if you're lucky?
The mass start thins out quickly, as the fast riders move to the front, the rest like me the old guy are just trying to get the legs warmed up.
Along the way, I encountered a 10-year-old boy and his father, this young man with the constant encouragement of his father was an amazing climber!
I remember back in the day we had a great group of young mountain-bikers.

Well eventually the easy road stuff ends, maybe 15km, then the real fun is beginning. Please don't forget we are almost always climbing to the base of Mt. Isarog, as I said later "piece of cake", haha
Well, this is where you must pick your way between rocks or end up with numerous cuts and bruises, like me.

Congratulations to all the riders, and THANK YOU to all the volunteers and sponsors.

Please let me go back to why do this at all certainly at my age, most are watching TV, at the doctor's office, preparing there last will and goodbys, or making arrangements at the funeral home, but you see the secret here is stay active and challenge your body and mind, it will keep you young!
I promise an MTB entry fee is a lot cheaper than all those pills they say you need? The real pill is exercising your heart and mind! And with a little soap and water, you can wash off the blood!

Yes folks, if you don't encounter some bobo's ( bruises ) along the way your not a real mountain biker.
As we encounter some mud and water crossings there is the bridge; wow, a few cables and bamboo, swinging in the wind, haha. OMG, as we encounter this maybe 40' bridge, I want to die, because I am scared to death of heights, I feel like I am crossing the grand-canyon?

Ok, the truth, I was born with a detached retina in my left eye, so this makes balancing and height's very different, aka the bruises.
Yes, you could stay home and watch soap operas, or do a MTB race the truth is it is really about extending your life while having fun!

Now if your reading this and think I can do this, get a good MTB bike, ( I recommend AVENTURA BICYCLE & OUTDOOR SHOP in Naga City ) join Oragon MTB club. start riding and training with others, it is a whole new life, because it's your life! ( please don't tell anyone this top secret training tip; eat a peanut butter sandwich on your way to the ride )

Some stuff you may need if you're older get a full suspension bike, it saves your back. Get a Camelback water reservoir, to carry tools and tubes, air cartridges, and of course 100oz of water, mixed with your favorite drink.
Why?
The drink tube lies right by your chest, no reaching for a water bottle, what if you are actually racing and drop your bottle, are you stopping no, that's why the camelback. And if you fall on your back it may save you serious injury.
Yes it is a true story, we were training on the hills in Dade City, Florida for the Half-Iron-Man, while waiting for a car to pass she hit me in the rear wheel this sent me flying onto the concrete road on my back, but I was wearing my Camelback with tools and gear, and because of the Camelback I was not even injured. And the truth is if you ride a lot you will crash!

I truly believe the Camelback headband 'Hydrate or Die' I have never ridden without it since 1989.
So now you're intrigued, your not sure this is not just a dreamers story, because everything you knows says a 77-year-old man is just dreaming, you decide?
But if you are remotely interested find Boboy Z Hernandez on Facebook.