Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of the Subaru brand in the country, started the year right with an innovative event that raised the level of awareness to preserve our environment.

In cooperation with Thule/EGR Philippines, the local distributor of Thule roof and bike rack systems of Sweden, Subaru organized the “Bike for the Environment” campaign which involved the participation of the motoring media and local businessmen. “We believe that every effort must be undertaken to save what God has given us. As an active member of society, Subaru and Thule is taking that crucial step forward to do our bit to preserve Mother Nature,” states Nicky Mariano, GM of Motor Image Pilipinas.

Subaru prepared a fleet of vehicles for the media event which was a sight to behold as it motored its way to the venue. Bike rack specialist Thule equipped three Impreza hatchbacks, two Forester SUV’s and an Impreza WRX sedan with rear and top mount bicycle racks to accommodate the bike equipment and gears of the media participants. Thule’s aerodynamic easy-on and easy-off bike rack feature was convenient and secure. “You can never go wrong with Thule, they have the proper equipment and tools needed for a bike trail event,” said James Deakin, Editor-in-Chief of C! Magazine.

The event was held at the sprawling 2,700-hectare La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City. Managed by Bantay Kalikasan since 1999, the La Mesa Watershed is the source of water for 12 million people in Metro Manila. La Mesa gets most of its water from the Umiray, Angat and Ipo watersheds. When it was turned over to Bantay Kalikasan, 2,000 illegal settlers were relocated with the help of the local government. Back then, only 500 hectares of forests remained and the water was as almost as filthy as the Pasig River.

A reforestation program ensued and within the decade, a total of 1,400 hectares of the La Mesa had been successfully rehabilitated and its wanton destruction was put to a halt. To preserve and maintain its beauty, Bantay Kalikasan is sustaining the program by offering nature appreciation tours and activities for a fee.

“With the rich flora and fauna of La Mesa, each visitor is awed by the lush greenery and scenic spots around the watershed. Our biking activity will surely help you appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature more,” said Edmund Mangaser, proprietor of All Terra Bicycles and veteran biker whose team of bike marshals helped the media conquer the challenging trails of La Mesa Dam.

As its most prominent attraction, the bike trail offers a scenic yet punishing 40-km trail around strategic areas of the watershed. The participants were divided into two groups - the veterans and the newbies - which tackled a more manageable 20-km bike trail.

The drive and ride event saw the participation of motoring scribes from the Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Manila Standard Today and MTV’s Auto Extreme.

“This is the opening salvo of our goal of riding to nature parks around the country that require much needed attention, care and publicity. Subaru and Thule will make it our concern to preserve the environment,” said Ariel de Jesus, brand manager and media relations guru of Motor Image.