Island Riders-Cebu celebrates first anniversary

CEBU, Philippines - Driven by their ardent desire to be recognized as one group, the Island Riders-Cebu (IRC) relished their first year of existence in a simple, yet memorable anniversary celebration recently at the Sinulog ballroom of City Sports Club-Cebu.

IRC is an association made up of diversified professionals who are enthusiasts in riding big bikes.

At present, IRC is the biggest big bikers organization in the country in terms of population with over 40 active members.

“Inspite of the many hardships the group has encountered, we managed to keep the organization in one piece. We were able to cope up with some difficulties and misunderstandings, which made us more united and successful as evident by our closeness and how we enjoy each other’s company,” said IRC president Clifford Gairanod.

“Our group is not only for the rich, professionals or those having a nice bike. It is all about our sincerity, commitment and humility because I believe IRC is one organization that is not only for fun rides and hangouts but it is for brotherhood and having the heart to ride,” he added.

IRC was formed during the summer of 2009. Most of its pioneering members were remnants of a bike club that adopted the idea of being angel guards of the highways.

After that club got dissolved, people decided to have a weekend ride around Cebu Island in small packs. There was even one time that only four riders consisted of a German, a Malaysian, one experienced rider, and a newcomer made a short ride to Mahayahay Beach Argao.

“Then it suddenly became five the next Sunday on a trip going to Cebu ’s southern tip. Every week there was a ride and a gathering every Friday night. Then the number constantly grows each time. A chunk of the current population came from a group composed of doctors, dentists and nurses of a local medical center,” said IRC press secretary Ryan Tigley.

IRC bears the core values of riding for fun, making sure that everybody is accommodated and with no brand or model discrimination. Lastly, it wants to change the notion that only the rich and famous can ride a big bike.

IRC was formally introduced to the big bike community during the first Biketoberfest. IRC is a registered entity of the Visayas Confederation of Big Bikers Club and the National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs. (THE FREEMAN)