Over 200 cyclists from various provinces join Kalinga LUMIN-AWA Bikefest at Catao Lake, Tabuk City

Tabuk City, Kalinga - There is no stopping cycling enthusiasts across the provinces of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley from participating in the Kalinga LUMIN-AWA Bikefest despite the slippery, muddy, and rough roads left by the early rains on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

The Kalinga LUMIN-AWA Bikefest, which is part of the 6th Bodong Festival, took place at Catao Lake in Lacnog, Tabuk City, on said date as a means to steer the youth away from harmful vices and engage them in adventure and healthy lifestyle.

Said bikefest was initiated by the provincial local government of Kalinga, under the leadership of Governor James Edduba.

There are more than two hundred cyclists who took part in the event, which featured two categories—the bike race and the fun bike.

What made the bikefest more fun is the place. Catao Lake in Tabuk City is known for its great view and mesmerizing landscape. The roads going to the place have a mix of muddy slope, rough roads, and up and down hilly pathways. When people get to the lake, they can see wide acres of carabao grass and a lake in the middle.

To ensure safety, the Provincial Health Office, led by Doctor Eduard Tandingan and his team, was present at the venue and remained on standby to guarantee the safety and welfare of the attendees by delivering first aid if required.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Barangay Lacnog Captain Joel L. Alunday expressed thanks to the PLGU for choosing the lake as the location for the event. It is the first time the place was selected to be the venue of the bikefest.

“Agyaman tayo ti probinsiya ti Kalinga (PLGU) ta itoy da Catao nga in held daytoy bikefest tapno makita damet ti mapa ti barangay Lacnog. Itoy tayo nga makita nga daytoy cycling ket mayat nga sports,” expressed the barangay captain.

According to him, the activity aligns with his administration's continuing initiatives to eradicate illegal drugs in the community; that’s why he encouraged the youth to participate in such activities instead of indulging in vices.

“Dayta ti number ko nga araramiden nga dagitoy ubing maiwasan da koma ti droga…Padyak Iwas Droga… So nga i’m encouraging the youth of lacnog nga mas maymayat ti kakastoy nga aramiden kesa agbisyo kayo,” he added.