Bike for cause kicks off in Munti

MANILA, Philippines -  The biggest gathering of cyclists for a good cause – the 7-Eleven Tour 500 Bike Race for Charity – hits the road today when close to 1,500 riders trek from Muntinlupa to scenic Tagaytay.

Race director Rick Rodriguez said that unlike most cycling events “winners in the different age group categories will donate their cash prizes to the charity or institution of their choice.”

Among the charities being eyed as beneficiaries are Bantay Bata, Bantay Kalikasan, Cancer Warriors Foundation, Gawad Kalinga, PhilSeven Foundation, World Wildlife Fondation and White Cross Orphanage, Rodriguez said. 

He added that this was also a way for Philippine Seven Corp., the official licensee of 7-Eleven convenience stores in the country, in helping the less fortunate as part of its thanksgiving and celebration for recently opening its 500th outlet.

Heading the huge cycling convoy will be PhilSeven president and CEO Jose Victor Paterno, himself a weekend riding warrior, when it starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Market Drive in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro will flag off the riders, Rodriguez said, while the riders will be met at the end of 60.4-kilometer ride by PhilCycling president and Tagaytay Mayor Bambol Tolentino in front of the Tagaytay International Convention Center.

The cycling caravan will also pass through Las Piñas, Bacoor, Gen. Trias, Dasmariñas and Amadeo, whose local officials have extended their assistance to make the cycling benefit possible, Rodriguez said.

 The fun ride will be in the road bike and mountain bike divisions, with the following age groups: Under 25 years old, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, above 55 and women’s classes.

The event is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Del Monte Fit n’ Right, Emperador Brandy, Goya, Kleenex, Kopiko, Nutribar, Pepsi, Pocari Sweat, RC Cola and San Marino.

At stake is P25,000 for first, P10,000 for second and P5,000 in all categories in the one-day cycling showcase also backed by SanMig Coffee, Selecta, Sierra Madre, Smint, Subaru, Sunkist, Twinkee, Unilab, I-ON Energy Drink and Unilever.

Spicing up the event will be special races for businessmen and executives and another for elite riders, who most, if not all, made the national team to the Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

“Unlike the fun rides, these two last races will have cash prizes going to the winners,” Rodriguez said.

“After the massed start, they will be released from the pack at the 30-km. mark and will pedal another extra 30 kilometers before finishing in front of the Tagaytay International Convention Center,” he said.

He pointed out that the 23-km uphill climb from Amadeo to Tagaytay will be one of the challenges facing the competitive riders.