EDITORS DESK

For over a decade now, there’s been one event that happens every January that makes the news for not so favorable reasons. Some of you may have heard of the incidents related to the event — typically a serious traffic accident involving a motorcycle and another vehicle occurring in the late hours of the night — that results in serious injuries for those involved.
There’s usually a string of these accidents during the event proper and despite repeated pleas to better police the event, little has been done until recently.

Origins

For those unfamiliar, the BMW Owners’ Society of Safe Riders (BOSS) Ironman Motorcycle Challenge is a motorcycle and automobile endurance event. Participants are challenged to drive a route spanning at least 1,200 kilometers in under 24 hours to be named a “Finisher.” It can be done in any brand of motorcycle (400cc and up) or car. Riders are given a number sticker on their motorcycle or car and a card that must be stamped or punched at checkpoints to ensure they are following the prescribed route. All the while, the route is open to vehicular traffic because participants are advised to follow road rules.

It traces its origins back to the American Ironbutt challenge where American riders were tasked with completing a 1,000 mile route within a similar time period. 

Since its inception over two decades ago, the organizers have continued to stress that this is not a race, rather, an endurance event. However, with participants being predominantly male, the inevitable bragging rights over completing it in the least amount to time has endured over the years, regarded by some participants as unofficial “records” and serving as a time to be beaten. The event doesn’t announce winners, just finishers, however the motorcycle clubs that join actively keep track of the finishing time of their members and hail those with the shortest time as heroes. From completing the event in just 20 hours, the times have rapidly gone down to as little as 10 hours (requiring an average speed of 120-140 km/h throughout the entire distance). A silent rivalry has even built up over the years between brands, clubs, and “record holders.”

Because of this “record” and the many attempts to beat it, the event has been frequently called the “Cannonball Run of the Philippines” comparing it to the notorious event in the US that has also been tainted by lawlessness.

Reckless riding aside, completing the event is still a noteworthy achievement for any rider or driver. Traveling 1,200-km in one go is not a joke, even when following the speed limit. Varying road conditions, weather conditions, and fatigue are the key challenges to overcome. Not surprisingly, many keep the participation sticker on their motorcycle and the patch that’s awarded after on their jacket as a source of pride.

Much-needed changes

This year, the organizers have thankfully implemented some changes in the format that appear to be curbing reckless riding. For one, there are now two legs: one in Mindanao and one in Luzon with special recognitions for those that complete both. Participants are now required to fit a GPS tracking device to their vehicle to ensure they follow speed limits and the prescribed route at all times. Those that finish the event in under 18 hours will be prevented from crossing the finish line. In fact, they will be turned away and be asked to return until the specified time. Finally, the organizers will be actively monitoring the event and will disqualify any participant that break the rules. A disqualification in one leg prevents the participant from entering the second leg.

These changes seemed to have worked as rather than the string of gruesome accident videos that turn up on social media, this year’s feed was dominated by motovloggers and their rabid fans complaining about their disqualification. This is just from the first Mindanao leg, mind you. Curiously, fans have complained of discrimination, lack of transparency, and even abuse of power. However, the painfully obvious fact is that these disqualified participants uploaded videos of themselves (with the speedometer visible) reaching speeds in excess of 180 km/h during the event — clear proof that they have violated rule # 1. There’s also the fact that the GPS devices broadcast speed and location in real time to both organizers and spectators. There are also videos of some participants turning up hours before the 18-hour mark and being turned away for arriving too early.

While the organizers have been taking steps to put a stop to the reckless riding associated with the event over the years, it's a relief to finally see these measures bringing about changes. It’s a shame there are still a few bad eggs that join the event for the wrong reasons. However, seeing them whine on their videos when disqualified is also a delightful dose of schadenfreude.

(Iñigo S. Roces is the Motoring Editor of Manila Bulletin)