Over a thousand Suzuki Raider R150 riders gathered in a convoy from Caloocon to Baccoor for the Suzuki Raider Big Ride. The event was organized to celebrate the Raider R150 as the Underbone King and promote road safety. The ride involved a 44-km journey from Suzuki Caloocan, through EDSA to Roxas Boulevard, and into the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), exiting Bacoor to arrive at the Bacoor Coliseum in Molino.
Raider riders from Calabarzon, NCR, Bulacan and Pampanga converged at the Suzuki Caloocan Cyclemar 3S Shop as early as 3:00 a.m. on March 23 for the event. Prided as another milestone in the motoring industry, the occasion is the first organized large convoy of riders which allowed entry of small displacement motorcycles in an expressway in Manila. The expressway experience added thrill to the Raider riders who fostered discipline and camaraderie all throughout the journey until the ride's endpoint.
At the Bacoor Coliseum, more excitement awaited with the program that Suzuki had prepared for everyone. Hosted by DJ Tanya Tsinita, the show revolved around how important safety riding is with a Safety Riding segment that tested our riders understanding of the country’s rules and regulations on the road. The riders were also treated to raffles of parts, accessories and safety riding gear given by Suzuki’s trade partners - Racing Boy Philippines, AV Moto Sales, HJC Helmets, Shinko Tires, Triumph JT Marketing Corporation and Ryzen Helmets from Team Graphitee.
As a major gift of thanks, the brand gave away a brand-new V-STROM 250 SX which was won by John Erickson Martel from the R150 All Star Nation.
The event was attended by Suzuki executives and group heads led by President Mr. Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director Mr. Norminio Mojica, General Manager for After Sales and Marine Mr. Yukio Sato, Division Head for Motorcycle Sales and Marketing Mr. Joey Salavarria, Assistant to the Division Head Mr. Daigo Morikawa, Assistant General Manager for Manufacturing & Engineering Mr. Noli Silvestre, Marketing Communications Group Head Ms. Edelyn Yanilla, Product Marketing and Data Group Head Ms. Victoria Caringal and Field Marketing Group Head Mr. Johnny De Guzman. Their presence solidified Suzuki's commitment to foster a vibrant motorcycle community in the country.
The route of the Suzuki Raider Big Ride was carefully chosen and organized in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Mayors, Administrators & City Enforcers, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) - MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, MMDA Radio and Motorcycle Units, Highway Patrol Group Tigers, City of Bacoor Tourism Office, Bacoor Traffic Management Office and Bacoor Motorcycle Traffic Group, the Manila-Cavite Expressway – Public Estates Authority (Cavitex-PEA), Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and the office of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
The ride was also backed by Suzuki clubs and riders with Ride Coordinator, Richard Dela Cruz. The Suzuki Raider Big Ride is another first from Suzuki and the Japanese giant’s way to show gratitude to the riders for their support to the Raider brand since its launch in 2003 up to the present. This continuous support makes it unrivaled for more than two decades. Suzuki hopes to grow the Raider community even more thanks to the solidarity of the family.