Elevating Bulacan’s eco-sports tourism
Filipino cyclists from PH, abroad conquer DRT’s mountainous trails in Lakbike Festival Teban 7

CITY OF MALOLOS — Nearly 300 racers across the country and from abroad convened for another adrenaline-fueled installment of Lakbike Turismo: Lakbike Festival Teban 7 – Enduro Race, a premier downhill competition held last Sunday, December 7, on the rugged trails of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, sealing the town’s reputation as one of the adventure and eco-sports destination in Luzon. 

Organized by the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) along with the Bulacan Gravity Crew, the event was participated by cyclists from La Union, Tuguegarao, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Metro Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cagayan De Oro, Bicol, Mindanao, Guam, London, Australia, Chicago, and Singapore.

This year’s race introduced a diverse roster of categories to provide the participants a competitive and inclusive sporting experience ranging from Open Men and Women, E-MTB, Executive, Men Age 50 and Above, Men Age 40-49, Men Age 30-39, Men Age 20-29, Men Age 15-19, Men Age 14 and below, and Hardtail categories. 

Steven Adler Paulino of the Bulacan Gravity Crew expressed his gratitude to the participants for pushing through the competition despite the forecasted high chance of rainfall a day before the event.

“Let’s do the 100% pa rin, gawin pa rin nating 100%. Lahat ng supplies ipasok natin para lahat ng darating masaya. [Kaya] sa mga nandito, maraming salamat po,” Paulino said. 

The seventh edition of the racing tilt also featured four special stages that highlighted the natural landscapes and sceneries of the town, starting at the Candle Monument in Brgy. Camachin and concluding at the Teban Trail Parking in Brgy. Talbak. 

On the other hand, OIC Department Head of PHACTO May Arlene DG. Torres shared in her message how the PGB consistently promotes sports and eco-tourism in the province, highlighting Doña Remedios Trinidad’s potential as an emerging tourist destination in the country. 

“Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan po ay itinataguyod ang sports tourism tulad po nito, at gano’n din po ang eco-tourism. Ito pong DRT ay emerging na tourist destination, kaya sana po sa mga darating na taon ay mas mapasyalan niyo pa po ang iba’t ibang bahagi ng DRT at ng Bulacan. At sana ay sa inyong palaging pagpunta sa Bulacan, mahalin n’yo po ang [aming lalawigan],” she said. 

Meanwhile, a tree-planting activity was also conducted in certain parts of the town prior to the competition participated by selected racers, stressing Bulacan’s continued advocacy for ecotourism, environmental stewardship, and responsible outdoor recreation.