TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 7 (PIA) -- Self-sufficiency and adaptability would be an athlete’s ace in the Sandugo 3x80 corss country Mountain Bike Adventure Race on July 2, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

By 3x80, the adventure race would be a team of three, whose combined ages add up to 80 and help each one navigate and follow the course, adapt to the demands of the situation, pedal together or if not, within visual sight of each other and check in together at checkpoints to depart together for the next checkpoint or be disqualified.

Regular registration is ongoing until June 17.

Late registration fee for the team is P3,000, but registration before June 17 is still at P2,500.

Online Registration Link is at: https://forms.gle/CFpJLAmNmF7j8ki17 or visit Bike Ta Bai page for the direct link.

A Sandugo month sports cycling opener, the 3x80 MTB adventure race is not just about one’s endurance but of the team.

This is also an opportunity to showcase navigation skills, which is a must for every mountain biker who veers out of the usual paths.

At least one member of the team should be proficient in GPX route navigation, a global positioning system-enabled route in detailed Global Positioning Exchange file that can be downloaded to the team’s compatible mobile device smartphone app or a bike computer.

Race organizers Bike Ta Bai, a group of trail enthusiasts, said this 3x80 will be in Tagbilaran City trails, and includes a circuit that goes through Baclayon, Alburquerque, Sikatuna, Corella, Balilihan, Antequera and Cortes in a route that would also be around 80 kilometers to complete the loop.

Because the race is also recorded in the team’s device, any deviation from the route could be a ground for disqualification. 

It will be crucial to follow the designated route accurately, as navigation skills will be put to the test as team members make strategic decisions and stay on track to reach each checkpoint.

The ability to read and interpret the GPX route effectively will be the key to the team's success, according to organizers.

"Remember, communication and teamwork are essential. Work together with your teammates to navigate through the course, make quick decisions, and overcome any challenges that come your way. Encourage each other, share insights, and ensure that your team stays on course towards victory," said Gerry Marmito, bike enthusiast and Bike Ta Bai pillar.

Bike ta Bai is also dishing out tutorials for GPX, which they can give through their Bike Ta Bai Facebook page.

As the race would be about self-sufficiency and making sure one is not a baggage to the team, a good training would come in handy, training on the rigors of single trails, which is a world away from road training. (RAHC/PIA-7 Bohol)