Balancing Wheel: Camp 7 boys

By JOHN MARASIGAN

It started with four people and it grew out of camaraderie and good fate. It is not as big as the other cycling group and not even half their number. What makes ours (Sayote Riders) worth riding with is the big heart of every member. (Well, that is according to us, of course.) It is not a force to reckon with but rather a group worth hanging around with. I guess one of the vital spices of the gelling is the participation of people as humble and simple as the Camp 7 boys. I would like to applaud them and thank them personally in behalf of the group.

The Circuit. Romy doing the rounds on the Camp 7 technical track. Photo by John Marasigan/NORDIS

Derek, the first to join the Sayote Riders, turned out to be the leader. Athletic and enthusiastic about the sport, he had always been the lead man and the trail master of almost every ride. Astor a.k.a. Jun is a simple down-to-earth biker who is very much willing to help people in terms of mountain biking. To prove a contagious presence is the father-and-son tandem Romy and Billy. Romy who used to drink almost every day, now makes himself busy with his business and the upgrading of his bike. The son, Billy, is the future of the group. At a young age he is very competitive and has several awards as proof of his athleticism. Actually the Camp 7 boys inspire us a lot and I know I speak in behalf of the gang.

Jun even extends his enthusiasm to a higher level. Not satisfied with the occasional riding, he and Derek decided to design a track at the back of the family-owned lot. I had the chance to do several rounds, and the circuit proves to be challenging. I was fooled by how easy the track looks, but riding the short course was a difficult one, technical is the term. No wonder the Camp 7 boys are very much composed in races on technical courses.

The location of the track is also visually stimulating, overlooking Kennon Road, it is a sight to behold. On the other side of the location, which is a ravine, is a good place for rappelling. The site itself is a camping ground. On several occasions the site was used as venue for bikers’ meeting and music jamming. Jun’s generosity is priceless. The Green Sayote Mob will not be complete without the Camp 7 bikers. Their presence is a vital ingredient for the Sayote Riders’ continuing biking adventure.

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I take this opportunity to thank the people who took care of Noe Tio during his confinement at Baguio General Hospital. Special thanks to Atty. Chris Donaal and DJ Mon Zialcita a.k.a. The Doctor of 99.9. Noe was the Drummer/percussionist of the group Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Lumad. He left the material world on February 10. According to Joey Ayala, he passed away with a smile. As his body was laid to rest at Heavens Garden, Loakan Baguio City, we say, “Salamat Noe for the the music, the friendship and the smile.#