The TLBF is back

I am still forced to work at home on doctor’s orders, but no matter how much I try to block work out of my mind, I can’t help but check the news on TV and think of the great weekend we just had in terms of sports.

Aside from family and friends, who I saw in Liloan during the XTerra Challenge, one key figure in the sport of cycling in the country was there. I am referring to lawyer Gregorio ‘Goyo’ Larrazabal, who recently retired as a commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

Don’t think of him as old as he retired from the Comelec, but he only completed the term of another commissioner and at a very young age Goyo is retired, which is very good for cycling.

The main reason is that the Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival, which he has organized for many years, was forced to take a back seat when he was at the Comelec.

Last Sunday, Goyo said that the action resumes this year and the TLBF is going back to Ormoc City, Leyte and there are many more activities that are lined up.

The event is set on March 31 to April 3 and there would be the cross country, single speed cross country, downhill, and the Beer Run competitions for mountain bikers.

There is also a three-day, four-stage road bike event dubbed as the Tour de Larrazabal aside from the flatland competition for BMX riders.

The 1st Philippine Cyclocross Competition as well as the 3rd Filbike—Bicycle and Outdoor Expo Show and Demo are also scheduled during that four-day period.

If you think that’s only what is in store, you’re wrong. This year, there will also be a national football tournament, an ultimate Frisbee competition, and a level 2 Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) tournament.

To the thousands of runners, the TLBF also has something to offer, the Pineapple Trail Run, which is described as the coolest and most-exciting tropical off-road run.

We have less than a month to plan things out for the TLBF, but I am hoping to free a few days to once again visit Ormoc and enjoy the action as a spectator not necessarily as participant.

Thinking of the TLBF actually makes me want to ride my bike again, which I haven’t done so for months due to the bad weather and mainly the bad condition of the Pakigne-Tubod Road in Minglanilla where a portion gets flooded when the rain pours.

It would be best to make your plans this early so you can book hotel rooms as I am sure the TLBF will again attract hundreds if not thousands of participants.

To know more about the event you can visit www.tlbf.org. You can also register on their website. For phone inquiries, the hotline is 0918-9088523.

The Comelec’s loss is definitely the gain for cycling and many other sports.

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After last week’s baseball clinic that was graced by no less than the legendary Ken Griffey, Jr., I hope to see more kids picking up the sport during the school vacation.

I have gone around a few sports stores and have seen that they already have stocks for baseball and softball equipment and I’m sure they’ll increase their inventory once the demand would rise.

I have a few gloves and balls at home as playing catch is a great way to bond with the kids. Try it and hopefully that it would also lead to your children learning to love the game.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings to Maj. (or is it Lt. Col. now) Arthur Romanillos and to Portia Abanilla-Blagtey, who turned a year older yesterday.

Today’s greetings go to Philda Florido-Pangilinan and Shena Sarne-Banaay.

Advance greetings go to Bon Reyes of the Gray Knights, Madame Stella Saballa-Serrano of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu, Sol Eugenio, Indira Cañete-Grant, Maribeth Chavez, and The Freeman’s Niña Sumacot, who are all turning a year older tomorrow.

More power to all of you!