I have been to several races and fun rides but this recent fun ride I attended was very disappointing.

Saturday, May 7, I joined the Tour of Hope Prologue, a simulation ride for the Tour of Hope on May 28 to June 1. The invitation is open to all cyclist. This biking fun ride is a 100 km from Daang Hari to Naic, Cavite. I support this advocacy, as its objective is to spread awareness about cervical cancer prevention.

I registered as early as 6am at Fernbrook Gardens. Registration representative gave me a small sticker to put on my cycling jersey and a meal stub at Union Jack Tavern in Festival Mall. I am not expecting a free jersey here, but a simple identifier for each participants to be recognized as a participant of this long fun ride.

There were 3 Mountain Bikers and 40+ Roadies who joined the Tour of Hope Prologue.

I saw some old folk from Philmofo, Pio Sugay who just turned triathlete of Team Endure.

New friends

Joyette Jopson called the attention of all cyclists about the mechanics but not in her exact words. “This is a fun ride and not a race, you can go slow, go fast as fast you can. There are 3 pitstop (1st and 3rd: Shell Station, 2nd: in Naic), a van, marshall and sweeper”

We started from Fernbrook Gardens to Daang Hari stretch. When I reached the Molino Paliparan Road, I looked back but I didn’t see any sweepers or marshals to give us the next direction. I was thinking that “maybe” the 2 mountain bikers behind me are being taken of by the sweepers. I asked some people near the intersection if they were able to see the group of roadies followed by a David Salon van. They said, “roadies went to Daang Hari”

I can’t imagine that I am asking locals about the directions and where they biked next. I pushed and pedaled as fast as I can until I reached Gen. Trias. The last local I asked told me there is no Shell Gasoline station around. This scenario gave me the sign to return to Fernbrook Gardens and park my bike.

Is the Tour of Hope 2011 prepare enough for 5-day event, where in fact they can’t even manage a 100 kilometer ride for a “fun ride” with approximately 50 participants? Is this the first time they hold a “fun ride”? I hope not.

Just my cents.