eXtReMe riders

They came from different places. United by one goal – the search for adventure – they came together on board their motorcycles wanting to test their strength and that of their bikes. And what better test can they have than to a 700-plus-kilometer trip from Manila to Dagupan and Baguio and back?

These men, 35 of them, now call themselves eXtReMe Riders. They intentionally spelled extreme in such a manner to highlight the letters X, R and M. The XRM is the type of bike they own, and if you’ve seen this bike which Honda launched early this year, you’d know why it was called such. It’s a small bike – only 110cc – pushed to the extreme. With a moped chassis, it took on an enduro garb and strikes a big resemblance with the bigger, more powerful XLR.

Already on the extreme, its riders have decided to push the XRM further.

The gruelling 3-day trip began at the Honda plant in Bicutan and went all the way to Dagupan in Pangasinan for the first day, passing through the old McArthur Highway which is now under construction. Save for a single flat tire, the ride went on smoothly until the men reached Tarlac where they were swarmed by insects as they rode into the night.

The second day saw the riders take a short trip to San Fernando, La Union on their way to Baguio. The XRMs proved to be strong enough for the uphill ride which again went on with nary a hitch. The riders, however, were welcomed by bad weather in the City of Pines, making their trip a bit of concern.

With raincoats, the eXtReMe Riders braved the strong shower as they descended from Baguio via Marcos Highway on the third day. Having left the Girl Scout Camp in the afternoon, they reached Tarlac at sundown and darkness made their ride tougher as it gave way to a couple of flat tires.

Adrelino "Tix" Villena, head of Honda’s ad and promo department, was ecstatic with the trip which was wrapped up at the Honda plant hours after midnight. "It was tiring but very satisfying," he said, echoing the feelings of the riders who came from various places of Metro Manila. "This trip proved the toughness of the XRM and the toughness of its riders."

The eXtReMe Riders were a mix bunch. Majority were in their 30s. One was 20 years old, while some were in their late 40s or mid-50s. Their bikes, too, were different, although all started off as stock XRMs. Many have been modified and fitted with bigger tires. Many now have smaller, sportier steering bars. One bike even had a digital tachometer, remote starter and clad with a new fairing.

Honda is planning another ride for the eXtReMe Riders next month. "We’re planning to go to Bicol," Villena said. "It’ll be a tougher ride, for sure, because of the rain. But definitely it’ll be more fun than the first."