Riding Tale of Elijah Garma

The cool morning air brushed against my face as I clipped into my pedals. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting soft shades of pink and orange across the sky. It was my favorite time to ride—when the world was still waking up, and for a few hours, I could escape everything. Cycling had become more than just a hobby; it was my way of keeping my peace before heading off to work. No matter what the day had in store for me, a good ride always cleared my mind and set the tone.

I started cycling three years ago with just a few friends. Back then, it was all about exploring and pushing myself beyond my limits. Over time, I met more riders who shared the same passion, and suddenly, cycling became more than just solo rides—it became a way to connect. My usual routes took me through the hilly roads of Boso-Boso and Antipolo. Living in a place surrounded by steep climbs wasn’t always easy, but I learned that the best views always come after the hardest climbs. Every ride was a challenge, but reaching the top always made it worth it.

One of my proudest moments was winning a Souke kit in a raffle. It was my first-ever raffle win, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better prize. Souke had been my go-to gear from the start, offering the comfort and endurance I needed for long rides. Winning that kit felt like a sign—like something was pushing me toward my next big adventure.

That adventure turned out to be my first 200km ride—the Reverse Laguna Loop. It was the best ride of my life. A true test of endurance, both physically and mentally. We paced ourselves through the long stretches, but we also squeezed in a few sprints just for the fun of it. There’s something about cycling with friends that makes even the toughest rides enjoyable. We pushed each other, laughed, shared snacks at rest stops, and made sure no one was left behind. The hours passed, the roads stretched endlessly, but in the end, we all made it home safely. That was all that mattered.

Even now, I still plan to do another 200km ride, and there’s no doubt in my mind—I’ll be wearing my Souke kit again. It kept me cool, comfortable, and ready to take on every challenge. Long-distance rides demand endurance, and the right gear makes all the difference.

As I neared the end of another ride, my legs ached, but my heart was full. My Souke gear was soaked with sweat, proof of the miles I had conquered. I unclipped, took a deep breath, and smiled. Every ride brought a new challenge, a new lesson, and a new reason to keep going.

Cycling wasn’t just a sport to me—it was a journey. An escape. A way to push my limits while finding peace in every ride. And with each climb, each sprint, and each finish, I discovered more of myself on the road.