Everyone is gearing up for the 2008 TIGBAKAY
SERIES which will commence on May 17th then on July 19th and will culminate on September 20th
on the same track in Oregon,Illinois only this time races fall on Saturdays.Some riders started their practice even the white
stuff was still on the ground and the mindset was still snowboarding.
A lot of changes will be implemented this year. Riders who
were able to nab a podium in any of the races last season will be moving up to the next class and that includes the overall
winners.
The four stroke fever has also invaded the CDR.A lot of guys
are riding the thumpers now but not to discount the tiddler riders who are still sticking to their two strokes.Adding to the
excitement is the return of some riders who were on hiatus and the addition of a few new members.
Another contest added this year is the "bike of the year' where
the top three bikes voted will be proudly displayed at the Chicago Hudyaka Festival. Riders List
The REDBUD Experience
April 27,2007 Buchanan, Michigan-We just arrived here @ the Redbud
track and trail entrance.They were grooming the LaRocco's leap as we drove in to register.We left Chicago around 8:30am
central time and its already 11:30 eastern time.We just signed up for the open ride and we are going to miss the first
practice @12noon.its okay!
Ten Chicago Dirt riders made it here. Everyone is thrilled
to experience Redbud today
and who would not be?We had witnessed RC and Bubba tore this track
in a dominating fashion.Its a chance of a lifetime to ride this track.Its a dream come true .
By 1:30pm we had our first crack of the famous track.Let me tell
you, this track is AWESOME!!!!The very wide starting line,the very deep first jump,the Kawasaki table top, the ski jump,the
LaRocco's leap,the finish line.What else?the sandy loam dirt and not to mention the size of this track.We learned that the
average pro lap time is between 2.25 to 2.5 minutes.We average 5 laps for the 15 minute allocated time.you do the math.Not
too shabby huh?
We packed up and loaded our bikes around 6pm after four tiring outings.But
we are all smiles.till the next open ride.
2007 INAUGURAL BANQUET
The inaugural banquet was a huge success and well attended.
88 guests came out to celebrate with the CDR awarding and induction of officers as well as to celebrate christmas. The
event was hosted by Ms. Sheryl Andrada. The guests were welcomed by the 1st president of the CDR: Mr. Lake Icao. He gave
a very witty speech about the humble beginnings of the group. The occassion was graced by the ZAMNAI president
Mr. Remchile Sienes. Mr. Sienes inducted the new set of officers for the year 2008-2010. The awarding ceremony that
followed was officiated by Sandy Sangcap who handed out the overall trophy winners of the 2007 Tigbakay series. The awards
were given to the following CDR members: Mr. Lake Icao for his contribution as the web master; Mr. Sandie Sangcap for information
dessimination and Mr. Alvin Ang for his contribution as a sports writer. Awards were also given to the other
nominess for their contribution to the group: Mr. Paul Tiu, Mr. James Andrada, Mr. Jaemar Andrada, Mr. Orlando Rubio
and Mr. Lito Eguia. A presidential cup was also presented to the departing president. The current president Mr.
Alvin Ang made an inspirational speech that included future plans for the group. The founder, Mr. Neil Velasco,
made the closing remarks. Music was provided by Jaemar's DJing expertise which punctuated the evening. We
hope to see everyone back next year for the 2nd annual banquet. Same attire, more members!
2007 Tigbakay Overall results
EXPERT CLASS
CHAMPION:
JAEMAR ANDRADA
SECOND PLACE: ROBERT MAYOR
THIRD PLACE : JAMES ANDRADA
NOVICE CLASS
CHAMPION:
RONEL SAILE
SECOND PLACE: LITO EGUIA
THIRD PLACE: TOMMY
LIRA
EXECUTIVE CLASS
CHAMPION:
IVAN ICAO
SECOND PLACE: ALPROFEL TIU
THIRD PLACE: ALVIN ANG
PIT BIKE CLASS
CHAMPION:
LITO EGUIA
SECOND PLACE: LAKE ICAO
THIRD PLACE: DAKS TIU
PEE WEE CLASS
CHAMPION:
KEN EGUIA
SECOND PLACE: GOLDIE EGUIA
THIRD PLACE: CHERYL ANDRADA
Tigbakay Finals
Just as the AMA Nationals wrapped up in San Bernardino,California.,the CDR tigbakay series wrapped up its 2nd series on
September 18,2007 @our favorite track @KI tracks in Oregon, Illinois.At 87degrees,it could not get any better than any of
the first two races.The first in May was a mudfest and the one in July was too hot.With championship points on the line
,everyone was pumped up and maybe nervous to say the least.The track was redesigned with some technical step ups and
sharper off camber corners.
At 2pm the final race was underway with the Pee Wee Class dominated by Dodoy Ken getting the first place and the overall
championship.Mark got second and Cheryl,the first woman to garner a trophy for third place and the overall as well.Inday did
not place today but got the second overall for the year.Congratulations kids and gals.
The Executive Class was an all out battle with the thumpers leading the pack but the two stroke is still alive.Orly Rubio
got the first place trophy aboard his white thumper and surprisingly Al Tiu got second place with his new thumper,what
a difference it made with the last minute switch to 4 stroke.However,as mentioned above,the tiddler or the 2 stroke
is still alive and kicking, Alvin Ang garnered third place aboard his YZ125 which is a proven machine @Red Bud.Ivan Icao
met some tough luck in the last heat but had enough points to get the overall championship, Al Tiu got second overall
and again Alvin Ang for the third overall.Its all about consistency fellows.
The Novice Class was a surprise upset of the ever fast Lito Eguia who got beat by Ronel Saile who got first place and
the overall championship.Lloyd Bayawa got second place with the last ditch effort in the final heat but did not get the overall
instead Lito Eguia got the second overall.Tommy Lira who is on the big 450 thumper got third and the overall.Again consistency
and practice,practice,practice...
The Expert Class was without the import Carlo Rodriguez.Jaemar Andrada thought he got the championship in the bag but
not without a hard fought challenge from Bobby Mayor who got second and the second overall with two first place finishes
today.James Andrada garnered third and the overall.
And finally,the new class this year ,The Pit Bike Class.James dominated it today who placed first but did not have enough
points to get the overall.Lake Icao did a late charge but got second and the overall.Lito got third but with a ton of points
saved got the overall championship.Dax Tiu who encountered a lot of bike problems with his Chinese bike but thanks to Mikee's
bike he had enough points to get the third overall for the year.Congrats!
The Championship banquet will be held on Halloween Night with the venue to be determined.
A beautiful day in a well attended event would best describe the
July 24th Tigbakay at Ki Tracks. There were kids and ladies who participated for the first time in the series.
The media was there in the person of Rome Nichols of ABS-CBN who put emphasis on the above people mentioned. Check
out the video clip of Balitang America.
The race results were mixed. There were surprises and
upsets. And there were riders who were expected to dominate their classes. The expert class for instance, Carlo Rodriguez,
who was a favorite was beaten by Jaemar Andrada on the last turn. Domination was the theme for the novice
and executive classes with Lito Eguia and Ivan Icao respectively won their classes. The pee wee class was fun to watch
with the participation of the kids and women drew different winners. Last but not the least, the pit bike class was
a free for all due to China made bikes breaking down parts by parts.
The event was a success with the presence of ABS-CBN, the countless
members and fans of CDR and the ZAMNAI President Rem Sienes who brought his daughter Erika to get a taste of extreme
sports.
2007 Tigbakay Series 2
Everyone is gearing up for the second installment of the tigbakay series in its second season.The
venue is @KI tracks in Oregon,Illinois on July 24,2007.With
more or less forty members strong, the
race should be an exciting one.Women and kids alike are showing interest in the sport
of motocross thus making CDR diversified and interesting which
caught the attention of ABS-CBN.
They will cover the race from start to finish.So, TFC customers check the race coverage anytime
soon on BALITA AMERIKA.See you at the race.!
RedBud National Racing!
Hey folks we finally got some hardware on the famous race @ Red
Bud in Buchanan, Michigan.Jaemar attempted in 2004 but failed miserably with very little time left before the gate dropped.This
time CDR was more prepared to go to war with 3 capable riders namely the vet,Jaemar Andrada,The import,Carlo Rodriguez
and the Rookie Ronil Saile.Before the night was over,Carlo and Jaemar garnered 5th places in 125c and 250c categories
respectively.Not too shabby,being in a National stage and the only Filipinos battlig it out with the american boys.Congratulations!
The most awaited part of summer came rolling
as the motocross season rushed sooner than expected. It started with a big bang considering the success of CDR's Tigbakay
2006 Series. Let us take step back to fully understand how the series started. CDR was formed in 1999 two Filipino motocross
enthusiast. The group accepted new members throughout the years as it grew bigger and better. For a while, the members go
out to ride at a lower competitive level doingpractice runs or most of the time joyriding which is also one of the reasons
as to why Chicago Dirt Riders was conceptualized. Last year, few members came up to an idea of making a step further and thus
pushing the group to a higher level of competition and that's how the CDR Tigbakay Series was born.
This year's series is expected to be better than
the last. CDR decided to hold 3 races throughout 2007. Everyone's getting ready as early as February considering the first
part of the series in not until May 15.
Then came May 15. All the participating riders
and guestswere unexpectedly early doing practice runs and fine tuning their racing machines. The squeeky sound of the 2 stroke
dirt bikes were not standing out very well over the roaring 4 stroke bikes. Over the past couple of years, there has been
a transition from 2 stroke to 4 stroke bikes in the professional racing arena and of course within the CDR as well. The weather
was not quite ideal for racing but what the hell and who cares, everyone decided to let the competition begin. Just like in
2006, the categories include Expert, Novice and Beginner but added something more this time, the adult Pit Bike category
and the pee wee cathegory for kids .
In the Expert category, it was a duel between
Jaemar Andrada and Carlo Rodriguez for the first place, and a war among James "Bata" Andrada, Bobby 'the police" Mayor and
Gutsy Bayawa for the third place. In the Novice category, it was a clash between Tommy Lira and Lito Eguia for the first place
and a pool of riders for the third spot. The Beginner category was also chaotic considering the muddy the track and knee deep
ruts. If the track was tough enough for the big bikes, it would probably be worse for the pit bikes. There were a lot of entries
for the pitbike category including Lake Icao who got the 1st place,Lito Eguia second place, Dax Tiu for the third
place, Alvin Ang, Jaemar Andrada, Paul Tiu, and Cheng Vailoces. While in the Pee wee cathegory Dodoy Eguia wins
the first place Inday Eguia second place and Clint Patangan for the third place.
The first part of the 2007 series ended up with
successful conclusion. No injuries and a good experience for everyone. But wait, it's not over until it's over. There are
still upcoming races to complete the 2007 series. The next race is scheduled in July 24 and the final part of the series will
be in September.
Clester Ruedas ,Edwin Rajabante ,Luisa
Carreon ,Arceli De ,Meriam Suiza,Hermie and Marilou,
HARMONY MOME CARE,Ryan
Dietrich,Johanna
For the last three weeks, riders have been tearing up the Oregon track which will be the venue for this very grand event
in preparation for this race.The Ki track owners were very kind enough to lend us the track for the above event.We hope that
this will be the beginning of so many races to come that CDR will hold.GOOD LUCK TO ALL !!!!!!! Race info
Water Fun -
Summer time is here,its time to splash some water,but its not an ordinary splash.Splashing with the wake,come for
wake boarding session and barbecue.Call Alvin or Bobby for more info.
CDR Team at Supercross Racing in St. Louis
We would like to welcome our new Members
Cheng,Dakz, and Goldie
INQ7. Net,Meet Lake Icao, Filmmaker
This week an artist friend sent me a link to an MTV on You Tube that had me ROFL (Of course
you know this bit of Internet speak for “rolling on the floor laughing”?) This is one more proof that while poverty, homesickness, war and evacuation are
often our common Pinoy lot in these times, a strange X factor never fails us. Going for it, I met Lake Icao, a medical therapist
in the U.S. who lives a secret life after hours .But let him tell you himself – Ed. Full story
Toys
for Tots
December
3, 2006 - This year is the 29th anniversary of the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.And Niel,Mishael,Lito
and Lyodd from the CDR Team joined the parade. This event started with just six bikers in 1978. It is now
considered the World's Largest Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. The event is held rain, shine, snow or cold. There is only
one rule to participate: You must bring a toy and deliver it on a motorcycle.In 1998 over 22,000 bikers participated in The
Parade, and over 100,000 have ridden in The Parade since it began.
October 10 was the final race of the season and fittingly enough the commencement of the colder season in Chicago.The
race was held on the CDR's favorite track KI in Oregon,Illinois.Most of the day was cloudy but the temperature was typical
October in the 60s a far cry from last summer's race.
The winners circle this time is composed of guys that devoted their time and energy to practice.This time everything
paid off for Tommie Lira, Lolito Eguia and Jason Bayawa.
Tommie Lira simply dominated the executive class in all three motos.Nicholai took home second and Alvin Ang grabbed third
place,his first podium of the season.
The novice class was the real battle with different winners in each moto but Lolito won the war with consistent finishes
in the top three spots.Lloyd Bayawa settled for second this time after some costly crashes devoid him of the top spot.Zoy
Dacua and Sandie Sangcap tied for the third in points but Zoy got the podium due to his first place finish in the
last moto.
The expert class was total domination by Jason Bayawa.he succesfully defended his crown .Followed by James Andrada who
finished the race without a seat.Bobby Mayor the third spot aboard his new thumper.Congratulation Guys!
Wheelies can be fun, but make sure you do them safely and in a place where
they're legal. First and foremost, you do wheelies by the feel and sound of the engine, not by what the tachometer says. Everyone
has different power and sprocket setups, plus you don't need to be looking at your tach. Pay attention to the road. Click here
Welcome to our new members
this has been the biggest acceptance in CDR history.Six new dirt
riders has been accepted to the group on july 28th,2006.Normally CDR accepts @ least 2 members a year since its inception
in 1999.
CDR Race
Everybody is gearing up for the upcoming CDR race this coming August 1,2006 @ KI Tracks.The race will be the first of
its kind with the group because this will be exclusively for the members only.Unlike the classes A,B & C ,it will be Expert,Novice
and Beginner and even an Executive class.The race will be big because trophies will be imported from the Philippines and CDR
members from the Philippines will be here to participate.Sponsored by : Dipolog Cycles Unlimited.
Tigbakay 1st Season
First day of August, first race for most of the CDR members,Temperature was a degree shy of a century mark.....IT WAS
HOT!!!!!!But it never change the race schedule,everyone was pumped up and ready to go.At exactly 3pm the first heat was on
for the executive class which calmed a lot of nerves down since the first race has just commenced.The Executive has some
ensuing battles that produced different winners in the 3 heat but consistency was key in Lake Icao's success for bagging the
Executive class championship.
In the Novice class,it was pure domination by LLoyd Bayawa winning all 3 heat races claiming the Novice class championship.And
last but not the least, the Expert class which was a battle between Jaemar Andrada and Jason Bayawa but Jason won 2 of the
3 heats grabbing the Expert class championship.CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners and runners up.Pictures / Video
Oct. 19, Race
Yes indeed we raced again! There is nothing better than achieving what you desire. At the start of the motocross
season this past summer, the CDR Racing Team planned to participate in racing events across Illinois. The first option was
to race in Byron, Illinois. Everyone got excited and few CDR riders went to check the track condition prior
to the scheduled races. The excitement level dropped down to lowest possible scale. The track was not well groomed which
makes racing more like a survival type of adventure. We don't want to go out there to race and try to survive. We
want to go out in the field to race and most importantly to have fun. So another option was to race in Walnut, Illinois
where the ever perfect Sunset Ridge Mx Park is situated.Photos
Our nerves were stimulated again as racing schedules were set. The selected date was October 9, 2005. Jaemar,
Sandie and Lief went to Ki Tracks in Oregon,Illinois the day before the scheduled race to practice and make sure everything
will be running smooth during the highly awaited race day. Mechanical problems before the race? Yes of course! Jaemar's
YZ 250 bike had front suspension oil leaks and malalignments the night before the race and it was a nightmare. No
mechanics around or parts to keep the bike in the best condition is the most frustrating situation a rider
could ever possibly face. Well, good things happen to those who wait. There were tons of campers at Sunset Ridge the night
prior to the race, and Jaemar spotted a fella specializing in bike suspension adjustments. Whew, problem solved. Everything
was taken cared of and the tension went away. Later that night, James, Cary and Paul came to camp and enjoy the chilly
night with a bottle of fine whiskey.Photos
Here comes the race day! Together with his family and Lake, Bobby came to race in the 125 C class using
Cary's CR 125 bike while Jaemar jumped into the same category using Sandie's YZ 125 dirt bike. James tried to enlist
in the said class but was unable to make it to the list. Then the gates dropped and off they went bar and bar with tons of
mx riders. Although the track had some alterations, Jaemar managed to bag the 7th place while Bobby got the 8th
place after the final heat. Jaemar also enlisted in the 250 C class holding the second spot in the first lap and finishing
4th place after the final heat. Bobby also raced in the 250 B +30 class with a lot of intensity. James was finally called
upon to race in the 250 A +40 along side with other class A riders with well modified 4-stoke racing bikes. It was a very
competitive race for James and as usual, he was able to handle it with ease. Let us not forget the other members who were
present to provide MORAL or should we say MOLAR support. Lake, Sandie, Cary, Lief, Paul, Chona, Rina, Sheryll, Nikki
and the kids were there to cheer and enjoy the exciting event. And that's what you call: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!Photos
We welcomed three new members to the Chicago Dirt Riders on the evening of November 20th.Nikolai Nadela
(Cebu City) ,Lloyd Bayawa ( Sindangan ZN ) and Flint Concha (Dipolog City). It was a very memorable evening because everyone
has to share their experiences,inspirations,influences and contributions to motocross.The event was awe inspiring since
it was more of a fellowship between riders sharing the same passion for the sport .More power to the CHICAGO DIRT RIDERS.
Photos
Polar Ride
We started the riding season out cold in April but it was not as cold as the last ride we
had last Saturday,November 20th.The session was well attended by CDR members both old and new and even a special guest from
Cycles Unlimited of Dipolog. Atty.Flint Concha came to Chicago for business and pleasure.Sure enough he took that pleasure
with a grain of salt because it was
really cold.He sure had a good time as nobody could wipe away the smile on his face.The track
was half way decent when we arrived since it appeared like it just had a mud bath, thanks for the rain the previous night.On
the very first few laps Sandie and Orly had their fair share of crashes courtesy of the slick and slippery jumps.James joined
them after further laps.Coincidentally they all have very sore left thighs.Everyone had enough when it was dark and muscles
were tired as well.We called it a day and a season.Could not wait for next year.
As this year's motocross season is coming to an end, we're all thankful that everyone made it through without injuries
and unbearable circumstances. Every member is looking forward to a safe and fun motocross season in 2006. When the season
starts next year, it's time to say "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE" Photos
CDR upcoming Race
It's been a while since the cdr racing team went out
bar and bar with other motocross riders. Team members are missing the rush, the heart pounding gate drop and the rut
making powerslides. This year, everyone's getting excited to capture the feeling once again as the cdr racing team is preparing
for the upcoming race this October 9 in Sunset Ridge Mx park.More power to the team!Photos
Ki Mx Track
We never made any mention of the latest track that CDR has been
frequently riding.Its called Ki Tracks in Oregon,IL.Its not as big as sunset ridge or Joliet but the owner has made it small
and manageable with any riders with different riding ability.Dont get me wrong its so much fun.The best time to go is after
2pm right after watering and grooming and there is less traffic on the track.
The rave reviews about the track has awaken plenty of riders who
had been on hiatus.Our beloved eL-Presidente' Lake has put on his gears again and had been tearing up the prestine and loamy
dirt of KI.Welcome back lake!!!The boys have been having so much fun lately due to nice weather that illinois has been
enjoying.Orly has been bitten by the mx bug and still has the speed and style to keep up with the boys.
On our latest outing,Benjie was on hand to handle the camera chores
and we could not thank him enough for the wonderful pictures.A few guest riders has showed up too such as Nicholas from Cebu.Of
course not to mentionn the regulars of KI like Jaemar, Paul, Sandie, James, Cary, Ronel, Ronnie,Bobby and yours truly and
my kids.
Ki has added a supercross track which is truly gnarly even
CDR's best is still trying to figure it out but don't count them out yet summmer is not yet over.Photos
UltraLight Adventure
At exactly 1200 hrs central time, the 7th of August 2005,
the first ultralight plane flight initiated its ascent inch by inch along the Dixon airport runway. On board the said flight
were plane pilot/instructor Steve Gaston and CDR Racing Team President Lake Icao. As the plane took off, another step was
taken. It opened our visions of having another sport to venture. The flight took 30 minutes from take off to landing as it
hovered around the scenic views of Ogle County with an altitude between 500-1000 feet speeding up to 60 miles
per hour. After Lake's test flight, Paul Tiu took advantage of the said event by coiling into the plane's back seat waiting
for another take off. And again, it was a 30 minute flight over Ogle County. Two CDR members, namely Sandie Sangcap and Lief
Gorres were there and observed how everything was going on. According to Steve, it would be better to take plane flights early
in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid experiencing a lot of thermal activities which cause turbulence.Photos
After the breathtaking experience, the CDR members sped off the
airport not to hunt for another adventure but for food as it was already 1400 hours central time. Speeding around street after
street around downtown Dixon looking for a chinese restaurant. 5 minutes passed and nothing. Another 10 minutes and still
nothing. And finally, they caught up with Ying Ming the "Egg Roll King" of Dixon. The CDR members grabbed their respective
spots, and enjoyed the deliciously prepared chinese meal. After all, it wasn't just a good day, it was an AWESOME weekend
adventure by the CDR Racing Team!
Birthday greetings to our friend,Hilda on her
birthday,Sept.10.Happy happy birthday.Photos
ABS-CBN Interview
The team got their biggest break when Rome Nicholls
of ABS-CBN approached Alvin Ang about making a feature story about the group.When the president Lake Icao learned of the offer
no time was wasted since it seldom happened that a group be featured on television.The backdrop
would be Joliet Motosport Park and with the presence of Jaemar Andrada, Paul Tiu, Alvin Ang and Bobby Mayor it made the
event a success.While interviews were done impromptu,video shots were made as well during riding sessions.On the other hand,Lake
Icao was also interviewed at his residence prior to that.The exposure on the filipino channel send waves of calls and acknowledgments
across the globe.
CDR New Members
Leif Gorres and Guilbert Elumba were formally accepted last
24th of July.We welcome you to the team and looking forward to your undying support and many years of riding.
CDR had its first major meeting of the year discussing the future of the
team.The team is purchasing a parcel of land near Ottawa ,IL to be used exclusively by the members for dirt riding and paintball
games and possibly some fishing since the 9.5 acre estate has 2 acre lake.Of course the acceptance of Leif Gorres and Guilbert
Elumba.The retention of Lake Icao as the president of the team.On a sad note the team has unanimously decided to remove
Randy Ocupe as a member.
Groups Diversification
Last year CDR had a great year especially with its participation in an
invitational motocross race at Lake Geneva,Although we had our hands full in tackling the nice and well engineered jumps,we
could not help but test some waters.Literally speaking ,testing waters we mean the sports of jetskiing using PWC or personal
watercrafts and when we mean "jetski" you stand up on it as opposed to the so called "waverunners" where you sit
the whole time.A few people stood up right off the bat but some had struggled even mounting on it.
CDR Extreme Vacation
You might think that vacation is a time to rest and unwind especially
from the rigors of work in a city like Chicago.However this kind of vacation that we were about to partake is no
ordinary vacation.The group has been planning a Florida vacation for a while now but never realized it until this summer
of 2004.
You can call it extreme or you can say travel- heavy as opposed to travel-
light.Normally you pack your things and some toiletries and you are good to go but no-uh,not in this trip my friend We packed
our motocross bikes,our jetskis and a boat.
Yes! a BOAT.We patiently towed 6 mx bikes, 2 personal watercrafts-
a runabout and a stand up(you know, we call them waverunner and jetski) and a 20 foot speedboat.You could tell we are
up to something and you're right we know we will be having FUN!