MANILA, (PNA) -– After the very successful Tour of the Fireflies last year (B.E.S.T – Bicycles as Environmentally Sustainable Transportation), preparations are underway for the highly-anticipated 15th Tour of the Fireflies happening on November 24.
This year’s theme ‘Let’s Just Ride Together’ is a call to action, encouraging cyclists from various groups and riding different types of bicycles to ride together in support of the advocacy for a cleaner and healthier Metro Manila.
After 15 years of having the Tour of the Fireflies, the time to act and do something is now.
Let the tour be an everyday occurrence.
On-line registration is now open and will only be available until Nov 15.
For questions about the event, people may contact Firefly Brigade either through phone (563-1092), email (tofregistration@fireflybrigade.org), the website (www.fireflybrigade.org), Facebook (facebook.com/Fireflybrigade.org), Twitter (@fireflybrigade) or the Firefly Brigade Office at 64B Cubao Expo (formerly the Marikina Shoe Expo) Gen. Romulo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
The tour will pass through seven cities in Metro Manila: Pasig, Marikina, San Juan, Taguig, Makati, Mandaluyong and Quezon City.
The route is still being finalized together with other agencies and LGUs.
Once finalized, it will be posted in the website.
Tiendesitas, Frontera Drive near C5, Pasig City is the start and end point.
Assembly time is 5:30 a.m. and ride-out time is 6:30 a.m.
Estimated length of the route is approximately 20 kms which will take about three to four hours to complete.
The pace will be a relaxed 12 to 15 kph controlled by the pacer marshals.
It is not a racing event but rather a fun, no-frills, bicycle ride around Metro Manila.
There will be hydration stations in key areas along the route to re-group and re-hydrate.
Cyclists who want to stop while riding should move to the side of the road to avoid any congestion and accidents.
Support and Gear vehicles will trail the peloton to assist the riders unable to continue the ride.
All participants must be physically and mentally prepared and agree to the waiver and quit claim in the registration form.
Children below 18 years old must be accompanied by a registered adult participant.
All riders are required to wear a helmet – no helmet, no ride.
Bring your water and personal snack.
The Tour of the Fireflies is a free event open to everyone who care about the environment and are willing to take action in making Metro Manila a healthier city.
A minimal donation of PhP 100 will support the operations and following projects of the Firefly Brigade:
Organizing monthly Critical Mass Rides;
Providing bicycle clinics on Safe Urban Cycling and Bicycle Commuting;
RACK (Raising Awareness, Capacities and Knowledge-sharing) project for bicycle parking in Metro Manila; and
Lobbying government to adopt sustainable transport policies.
Limited edition Tour jerseys and shirts are now available for reservation for online registrants!
Delivery/pick-up of souvenir items shall only start by September.
Donation of PhP 350 is inclusive of Tour registration and souvenir Tour shirt.
Donation of PhP 550 is inclusive of Tour registration and souvenir Tour jersey.
For costumed riders, wear nature, clean air or climate change-inspired costumes and get the chance to win the Best Costume award!
Those vying for the costume awards must check-in and register between 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. during Tour day to get a number.
Special fun awards will be given to the biggest contingent, oldest and youngest riders and other categories!
Only registered participants will get a chance to win these special fun awards!
Awarding will happen during the after-ride program.