INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Arnold “Wild Man” Aquino negotiated 1,200 kilometers around Northern Luzon in 18 hours and 47 minutes non-stop to complete the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (Boss) Iron Man Challenge recently.

And Aquino did it despite using a dual sport enduro bike against close to 90 sports and touring big bikes.

The back-breaking endurance race brought the participants from Quezon City, via NLEX, to Sta. Rita, Plaridel, Cabanatuan, Bayombong, Ilagan, Tuguegarao, all the way to Pagudpud, Laoag, Vigan, San Fernando, up to Baguio and down to Clark in Angeles City.

“I’m basically an enduro off-road rider but I was instantly tempted by the idea of riding almost non-stop for 1,200 kilometers when I learned about it only five days before the challenge,” said Aquino.

“Loaded only with determination and a bit of idiocy, I knew I can finish it,” added Aquino, who was supported by Otto Shoes, Gibi Shoes, DelBros, KTM Access, Networx Jetsports and his Wildman Products.

Aquino added: “My biggest problem was the bikes’ low wattage headlights. I was literally running blind in the dark but I readily solved it by tailgating some riders going the same pace as I was.”

Among the notable finishers in the race were Joey Almeda, Rey Relatiivo and Reghis Romero of Club 2000.