Blogging Miles Around the Metro

The 9th Tour of the Fireflies happened last Sunday. And we finished!

With what was estimated at over 5,000 participants, the streets of the cities of Pasig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong and Quezon City were stormed with bikers who rallied together to advocate sustainable transport, clean air, challenge themselves, and generally have fun. For Bern and I, it was a big checkmark on our life-list of crazy dreams.

The atmosphere that Sunday morning was festive, and riding with the pack sustained the energy. In the photo immediately above, we were parked in the middle of Ayala Avenue (in Makati, the financial district of Metro Manila), where water station stops caused the bike jam, causing headaches for motorists, who were egged on by the raucous bikers. For that day, within the safety of the pack, the road was ours.

A couple of bike crashes, several water stops, expletives-sputtered-at-the-crest-of-hills later, Bern and I found ourselves at the tail-end of the pack, where the bikers had thinned out, and we were at the mercy of cars and jeepneys. At this point, the pinkie on my right hand was numb from gripping my brakes (feeling returned fully two days later), and separated from Bern, I realized with a rush just how dangerous the roads can be for bikers. At some point, I even got lost. Thankfully a Firefly Marshall went after the clueless rogue biker (whom other bikers followed, nyai).

Part of the advocacy for sustainable transport is pushing for biker-friendly roads, installing bike lanes, and providing incentives for businesses and employers who set examples and make provisions accommodating bikers, such as installing bike parking and showers.

Nearly 50 kilometers and almost 5 hours later, we crossed the finish line to a lively awards ceremony hosted by Jack (the Firefly Brigade president). Certificates of completion and Men’s Health magazines were distributed, and awards to the best biker costume, the oldest, and the youngest bikers were given. Cynthia Alexander performed too!

It was amazing to see so many bikers. I simply had to greet visual artist Katti Sta. Ana, founder of the Firefly Brigade. Just about 8 years ago I met Katti through an artist residency program, and was inspired by her biking advocacy. It was then that I told myself I would join the tour someday. Well what do you know, someday does come.

Thank you to Bernice de Leon for the photographs.

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