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Off-road training camp teaches how to ride motorcycles safely

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Kara Santos

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/06/25/062517_motor1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Mel Aquino&#x27;s Off-Road Training Camp teaches the basics of off-road biking. <cite>Marvin Geronimo, No Barriers, Just Horizons</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>If you’ve ever had to drive a motorcycle around the Philippines you’ve probably encountered unpaved roads. In fact, more than 93% of barangay (village) roads and a large portion of provincial and national roads around the Philippines remain unpaved according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report. Knowing how to tackle this type of terrain is an important skill for all riders.</p><p>If you’re based in the metro and want to learn how to ride off-road without risking your life (and your bike) by practicing in harsh road conditions, there’s now a proper venue for that.</p><p>While there are a few other riding schools where you can learn to drive on pavement, Mel Aquino’s Yamaha Off-Road Training Camp (MAYOTC) is currently the only one in the country that teaches the basics of off-road riding.</p><p>It was in 1984 when Mel Aquino, then only 9 years old, rode his first motorbike, taking on the dirt roads of what was once rural Taytay. That first motorcycle encounter fueled a passion that would go on to encompass his professional riding career as a motocross and road racing champion. His passion has evolved into a mission to share his knowledge to a new generation of riders.</p><p>For the school, Aquino has partnered with premiere motorcycle brand Yamaha and motoring maintenance essentials VS1 and Mototek. They employ trained coaches who undergo certification to be professional riding instructors.</p><div><strong>Safe environment</strong></div><p>Most people head to real mountainous areas with dirt trails just to practice off-road riding. If you’re not that confident yet about your driving abilities on this type of terrain or don’t want to risk damaging your own motorcycles to practice riding, signing up for a off-road riding classes is a good option.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/06/25/062517_motor2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Mel Aquino&#x27;s Off-Road Training Camp teaches the basics of off-road biking. <cite>Marvin Geronimo, No Barriers, Just Horizons</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Basic training sessions are held in Motocross Messiah Fairgrounds located near Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal. For sessions, students use the Yamaha XTZ 125, a lightweight motorcycle optimized to withstand rough roads and the harsh conditions of off-road driving.</p><p>The KRB Off-Road Track in Antipolo City offers a more technical course for advanced students who want to upgrade their motocross skills, learn to clear obstacles and do jumps. Both sites offer spacious grounds for those looking for a safe environment to learn the proper motorcycling standards while enjoying the freedom of riding.</p><div><strong>Different courses</strong></div><p>MAYOTC has several courses that cover different off-road skills which can be customized for students depending on their experience level. Their courses include: Learn to Ride, Flat Track, Motocross, Circuit Racing, Safety Riding and Trail Riding.</p><p>They accept enrollees and regular students of all skill levels. Even if you have never driven a motorcycle in your life, you can probably learn the basics of off-roading in one lesson. They also cater to more advanced riders who want to level up their skills in clearing obstacles and tackle multi-day cross country adventures.</p><p>They have trained police personnel and foreigners working as missionaries who need to learn how to drive in rural roads in the Philippines. Even celebrities like Jericho Rosales, Gerald Anderson, Xian Lim and Ramon Bautista have been spotted training at the track.</p><p>Fun for the whole family</p><p>A majority of the camp’s training programs and clinics focus on children, with some students as young as 4 to 5 years old. Kids get to use Yamaha PW50 units which are specifically for young riders. The bike has a low seat height of just 18.7 inches, making it untinimidating for kids.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/06/25/062517_motor3.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Kids can also learn off-road biking. <cite>Marvin Geronimo, No Barriers, Just Horizons</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Instead of letting them learn on the streets from their peers, the training camp offers a venue for them to learn motorcycle safety riding in a controlled environment with trained coaches.</p><p>They&#x27;ve also held all-female flat track sessions and family off-road clinics where children and parents get to learn to ride together.</p><p>According to riding instructors, celebrity couple Ryan Agoncillo, Judy Ann Santos and their daughter Yohan are among those who have trained here. Agoncillo is part of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 7-member team currently in India taking on the challenge of being the first-ever Filipino delegation to ride to the highest motorable peak in the Himalayas.</p><p>The training course fee of P3,500 per session includes the use of the motorcycle unit, hands-on coaching from certified riding instructors, use of safety gear (helmet, neck brace, gloves, knee pads and elbow pads) and lunch during the day.</p><p>MAYOTC can accommodate up to 5-10 students a day depending on the availability of coaches. Weekends are preferred, but they also accept students during weekdays by request. The school is also considering night classes for those who only have nights free.</p><p>They currently have a membership program and separate track fees for those who want to practice using their own dirt bikes on the course.<br/> <br/>For more information and inquiries, visit <strong>https://www.facebook.com/MAOTCph</strong>.</p><p>All photos by Marvin Geronimo of No Barriers, Just Horizons.</p>

<p>If you’re based in the metro and want to learn how to ride off-road without risking your life (but more importantly your bike) by practicing in harsh road conditions, there’s now a proper venue for that.</p>

If you’re based in the metro and want to learn how to ride off-road without risking your life (but more importantly your bike) by practicing in harsh road conditions, there’s now a proper venue for that.