Fifth Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival opens today in Ormoc

The 2006 edition of the Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival (TLBF), held in honor of Ormoc City's illustrious son, the late Emeterio Larrazabal, reels off in Ormoc City today.

With only three events during its debut five years ago, the TLBF gas established itself as one of the premier bike festival in the country as it already featured different cycling disciplines and activities.

The holding of the fifth edition is more prestigious as it will be graced by mountainbike Hall of Famer and adventure king Hans Rey.

Rey, the first ever world champion in cycling to grace the country, will be doing a trials demonstration and clinic. He will also be serving as the chief judge of the first ever trials competition in the Philippines.

Trial is a relatively new sport in the country with only a handful trying to handle a bike with a seat post.

In the trial, cyclists have to get over obstacles grouped into "sections" without ever setting foot on the ground. Penalties will be given to those who miss and steps into the ground.

There will also be a bike riding and maintenance clinic today, a technical and manager's meeting, Tour de Leyte racecourse briefing and the night ride around Ormoc.

Also set today is the "libreng tupi" or free haircut to all interested parties.

Tomorrow unfolds the Tour de Leyte with two stages while the others go for the Fun Ride in Lake Danao. The day will be capped by a barbeque night.

The third day will have the TdL's mountain stage and the start of the mountainbike competition with the downhill and four-cross and then the bmx events, including the flat land, supercross and dirt jumping.

The final day will be the cross-country event, bmx's flatland finals and the TdL's final stage.

The event is organized by the Emeterio Larrazabal Foundation.