May 19-20 registration on until 

15th Challenging 7th Unity ride 

tilts advantage to MTBs 

TAGBILARAN CITY, May 12 (PIA)--Organizers of the 7th Unity Ride for Boholano bike enthusiasts pack a challenging surprise for this year's edition of the annual fun ride. 

This year's route promises to be the most challenging of all unity rides since it started 7 years ago, according to bikers who commented having seen the draft route. 

This becomes a seemingly hard ride as this demands more use of the small ring-big cogs combination to be able to survive the punishing climbs. 

Set for May 19-20, the two day ride veers off from the usual flat rides of the Bohol Circumferential Road, and tilts the advantage this time to mountain bikers (MTBs) who are expected to have more versatile gearing options against the roadies and tri-bikes which were the kings of the road during the past unity rides. 

For the Plaza Rizal assembly on Saturday, May 19, Unity Riders pedal off at 5:00 AM and take the CPG East Avenue to Baclayon and then immediately gets to the first challenge: get past the long climb of Poblacion to Payahan Baclayon then enjoy the down hill to Corella, Sikatuna and then to Loboc. 

From there, bikers follow the interior road going up another nasty climb of Gotozon Loboc past the Manmade Forest to Villa Aurora Bilar where the road bikers regain the advantage, that is, if they recover fast to coast off to Carmen where the unity pack can have breakfast. 

After Carmen, its back the saddle to Dagohoy, San Miguel and Trinidad for the lunch stop-over and when the bikers can have their needed energy recovery nap before sprinting to the last stop for the day: Talibon. 

A fellowship Dinner is set in Talibon where bikers also have games, raffles and bonding activities. 

By the following day Sunday, bikers roll off on the middle and big rings from Talibon at 6 AM to Trinidad, San Miguel, Dagohoy, and then a brief breakfast stop in Carmen. 

Then, they are to get through the tricky and expected to be a painful Batuan-via Makapiko to Hanopol to Balilihan ride, to Cortes, Manga Coastal Road and then ride ends at Plaza Rizal where short closing program and recognition of finishers is expected. 

According to organizers, registration forms are still available until May 15 at Door 1, Justicor 3 Bldg., Miguel Parras St., Poblacion III, in front of San Antonio de Padua Church, Tagbilaran City. 

Registration is P 900.00 / pax and includes the 7th unity ride jersey, a fellowship dinner, raffle ticket, bib number and a finisher's shirt to those who can complete the 2-day unity ride. 

This year's ride however does not include accommodations, but riders are advised to seek early bookings in Talibon pensions houses and inns. Top of Form 

First organized as a fun ride and advocacy for peace, environment and healthy lifestyle, the past year's unity rides have gathered over 300 bikers who are united in their passion and in pushing the sports as a good sports tourism option for Bohol considering its warm and friendly people, good roads for long rides and scenic views. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)