SUNDAY VIDEO FEATURE: Female bikers ride high on safety and satisfaction

MANILA, Philippines -- Some say it’s the adrenaline rush, others claim it’s the liberating satisfaction they get out of it, but there are also those who simply do it for passion.

Take motorcycle riding for instance, a high risk sports activity that deals with speed, endurance and discipline. Although it is an endeavor that is open to everyone, majority of bikers are still men, and only few female bikers had taken serious interest and pursued riding in a professional level.

In Metro Manila alone,  of 50 bikers’ associations only 25 are actively involved in quarterly long drives and weekly short drives. However, regardless of the low take-up and the high risk nature of the sport, it did not prevent bikers from pursuing what they love most.

Katrina Lozano, a celebrity make-up artist by profession began riding big bikes two years ago. After joining several biking expedition as a back rider, she decided to give it a try and enrolled herself in a riding school.

To further harness her skills, she allotted at least two hours everyday to practice for four months. “It’s a high-risk sport so you really need proper training and a lot of practice,” said Lozano, who started with an underbone before moving to Honda Super4 and a Ducati Monster.

On the other hand, a bicycle accident when she was just eight years old pushed Love-Love Tioseco to shift to a motorized bike. “Riding big bikes gives a different adrenalin rush, plus it’s also faster and requires less manpower effort.”

She started with a scooter, and then after she got her student’s permit, she moved on to big bikes. Tioseco had a total of seven bikes (Honda VFR400R, Honda CVR900RR, Suzuki Hayabusa, GSX1300R, Suzuki TL1000R, Suzuki GSXR600, and Ducati 916 Sienna) before settling with Suzuki GSXR1000.

Tioseco, who works as a freelance TV host,  writes for a magazine about motorcycles, and is a road safety instructor for law enforcers, tries to instill riding discipline both in theory and practice. “I make it a point that they (the law enforcers) set a good example in observing road safety practices.”   

She also emphasize on investing on safety gears and a bike that is compatible with the rider’s built and skills. “Some people would spend twice or even thrice the price of their bike on accessories that is not even road worthy. So if you value your life invest on safety gears. It doesn’t have to be signature, remember spare parts are replaceable, body parts are not,” shared Tioseco.

Being the sole female in their respective group, Lozano and Tioseco related that although they often get teased, they do get to enjoy some special treatment like having their own room during road trips or whenever they would dine out, members would often treat them.

Both are current officers in their respective group, Lozano is the secretary for Bagwis Makati, while Tioseco serves as the PRO of Lawin Motorcyclist Club and the vice president of Roadrunners Pampanga.

Lozano and Tioseco agreed, it takes a certain kind of character to be a biker but despite the challenges and risks that come in riding big bikes, nothing beats the happiness, freedom and satisfaction they gain, especially when they need to de-stress.  

Lozano noted, “Riding is very liberating, so if it’s really your passion, you can always find a way to pursue it.” Tioseco added, “And if you are willing to learn, then go for it.”