250 riders answer BMW BOSS IronMan Challenge

It's not a race; it's a challenge.

The BMW Owners Society of Safety Drivers (BOSS) is back with the 7th BMW BOSS IronMan Challenge—an endurance adventure where drivers attempt to conquer the 1,200-kilometer Northern Luzon challenge in 24 Hours. The Le Mans-type event aims to let participants enjoy the pleasure of driving through Northern Luzon's scenic roads while pushing their vehicles to its limits.  

"Fifty kilometers per hour is a bit too slow. Eighty to 100 kilometers is well within 24 hours, (with) enough time to stop, refuel, rest, and go to bathroom breaks," said BOSS President Teng Soreta.

 

The organization has taken the challenge to a whole new level, yet Soreta is proud to share stories about the organization's humble beginnings.

 

"The club is known for being distance riders. We don't hang out in Metro Manila. We ride all around the Philippines," said Soreta.

 

In 2006, the challenge had only 10 participants. This year, more than 250 will participate in the 1,200-kilometer journey. Soreta said that nowadays, the challenge is not just limited to BMW riders anymore.

 

"Forty percent of the participants ride BMWs but the rest ride Japanese, Italian brands like Ducati. There's even a new group of Indian vintage motorcycles," said Soreta.

 

The challenge is not just for motorcycles, too. At 10 p.m. on Friday, January 13, cars will depart the Balintawak Home Depot to start the race. In the car category, several car clubs are well-represented. Mini Coopers, vintage cars, as well as the European Car Club of the Philippines will be around to participate. Pick-ups are also represented, as the Strada Club joins with a 15-car contingent. At 12:01 AM on Saturday, the motorcycles will depart from the same starting point.

 

To non-enthusiasts, it may be a mystery as to why owners would subject their vehicles to such a punishing test.

 

"Most of us buy BMW because of how durable it is. Eighty percent of those who ride the world ride BMW. That is why the dealer sponsors the event," said Soreta.

 

Although the challenge reeks of much machismo, the organizers confess that it is a true family event. After 24 hours, the finishers are expected to arrive at Hotel Stossenberg in Clark Pampanga.

 

"You see the wives and children all there. There was even a time where five brothers and a brother-in-law participated, so you can just imagine how big their welcome group was," shared Soreta.

 

The event also draws support from provincial organizations. In fact, checkpoints along the route will be manned by local motoring clubs, with even scooter owners providing food, water and technical help to the participants.

 

The route will start in Manila to Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, to end in Clark, Pampanga in 24 hours. — JVP, GMA News