We have recently overcome the arduous and daunting route from Overton to the Brigade Headquarters in Maria Cristina, Iligan City: a 4-kilometer stretch taking an average biker, with an attitude, about 30 minutes to negotiate the steady climb to an altitude of 688 feet from sea level. The additional but longer distance to the city proper which is relatively flat should be more forgiving; more so with the rewarding sense of achievement. Of late, my staff took a keen interest in exploring the nearby communities as they mastered shifting gears of their newly acquired bikes. This is a widening fad in the Army not only to maintain physical fitness, but also help in cutting fuel costs when moving inside camps.
So this morning we rode towards the heart of Iligan City to survey the prevailing security condition. Major Efren Morados, the brigade executive officer who is an avid sportsman, took the lead. Weaving from one suburb to another, remaining inconspicuous in our biking attire and devoid of the usual military gear and firearms, we observed the building traffic and the locals emerged from their homes for their daily morning chores. Everything seemed peaceful so we checked on the sites and routes which we seldom see or pass. Friends, who learned we were around, invited us in their homes to partake a hearty breakfast and enjoy the company of their families.
Satisfied of the secure situation in the city, it was time to end our tour and head back to camp on our bikes—a challenge when hurdled is refreshing and self-assuring, as it is also fulfilling.
a great sight to see military men
ReplyDeleteclad in their biking attire
roaming in a city with their bikes
not knowing what may be met on the road
but with only strong faith
that the city is safe and secure
you helped build the walls of security
defined with good relations and companionship
of peoples of different faith and culture
believing that the society can be transformed
as we the builders of peace are transforming
bicycle races are coming your way
'Tis peace always our duty oh yeah
children's lives are gliding today
so let's race for their future oh yeah
on your marks get set go
on our bikes for peace we go
(Bicycle races are coming your way
So forget all your duties oh yeah
Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today
So look out for those beauties oh yeah
On your marks get set go
Bicycle race bicycle race bicycle race) queen
when i was still working as a volunteer worker for an education program in dumaguete, i used mountain bike for me to go around the city and visit the children i am working with. it is indeed painstaking when you are still starting to use mountain bike, changing gears, uphill, downhill...whoooah....however, fear engulfed me when the city where i lived has become so hazardous for bike dependent, working individuals like me. probably i wasn't that courageous to face the heavy traffic, the huge luxurious cars that runs the hiway like a racing track....huhuhu....
ReplyDeleteseeing you bike around the city made me miss the bike (i sold it) i used to drive around. how i wish to have a bike again, and roam around the city with utmost faith that nothing can happen despite constant "presence" along the way.
Our city tour was a rare occasion: we shun the roads because of the traffic. We find it more enjoyable to move in the hinterland barangays were there are least vehicles to worry about, plus the opportunity to see the beautiful countryside seldom seen by many.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to visit us in our brigade headquarters for coffee and possibly bike ride with us. Cheers.