Ticket to ride
They’ve been riding big bikes together way before motorcycle vlogging was even a thing. Meet Raymon and Malou Gabriel, the power couple of local motorcycle tourism. They’ve been travelling on two wheels all around the Philippines, sharing their adventures and the country’s different sights through their Together We Ride Facebook page. Both BOSS Ironman endurance challenge finishers, Raymon and Malou are definitely #CoupleGoals!
Raymon, how did you get Malou to start riding?
Raymon: I didn’t need to convince Malou. I wouldn’t have expected Malou to ride if she hadn’t asked me. I guess because we were both athletes during our college days, it wasn’t difficult for us to adjust to a new sport since we are very competitive in many ways.
Malou: When Mon was scouting for a big bike, I got attracted to the Ducati Monster. I joked about buying it, and he bought it. Since then, I got more interested in learning how to ride. Mon used to accompany me in our village and practice every day.
How has riding motorcycles together influenced your relationship?
Raymon: This is a great bonding moment for us after long days of work. Since we started riding, we’ve been able to influence a lot of people to ride. Through riding, we were able to go to many places and meet a lot of nice people. Our passion for promoting motorcycle tourism around the country all began here. The birth of the Breakfast Ride event in 2016, as our advocacy, which we organized, gave us the perfect opportunity to promote and inspire more riders to create their local tourism events like Republika Ride, Support Our Troops, Piña Festival Ride, and many more. To date, we are fortunate that Sen JV Ejercito helped us elevate the campaign of Philippine Motorcycle Tourism through the Tourism Promotions Board. The rest is history.
Malou: Building trust for each other strengthens our relationship. This is also our bonding moment; we enjoy riding together. Just like riding in tandem, we call ourselves “Together We Ride.”
If you could ride your motorcycles anywhere in the world together, where would it be?
Raymon: Personally, I would like to explore more of Europe. We’ve ridden through seven countries in seven days during BMW Motorrad days in 2018. I would like to spend more time riding in the Alps if given the chance.
Malou: I enjoy traveling in the Philippines. Although we’ve ridden around the country, there’s still a lot to explore. I’m happy riding with Raymon, and I would like to travel wherever he takes me. We both love to ride, and this is therapy for us.
How do you support each other, especially during long rides?
Raymon: Every time we ride, I prepare the bike for Malou. All she has to do is ride and put all her personal belongings. When we arrive at our destinations, I would pack her bike. I guess I’ll give her everything to keep her riding with me. Time will come when we might not be able to ride anymore, but at least we have lots of memories to talk about.
Malou: I don’t have to prepare so much except for my personal belongings. Raymon takes care of everything. All I do is prepare the budget for our trip. I’m his visa. That’s why friends tell him, “You’re a lucky guy, kasama mo visa mo.”
The Rockstars: Led Tuyay and Maysh Baay
Can these two musicians be even cooler? Moonstar 88 songstress and guitarist Maysh Baay and Kamikazee guitarist Led Tuyay not only share a passion for music, they’ve also recently started their riding journey and discovered a new-found love for motorcycles. Partly based in Sydney, the couple squeezes time between gigging, work and raising their daughter to escape together on two wheels.
Who started riding motorcycles?
Led: I did. It was because of Jay (Contreras, lead singer of Kamikazee). This was early 2019, wala akong idea paano magmotor, I posted on FB asking recommendations for motorcycle training, and ended up enrolling (Hi, Ninong Garon Honasan!) in the Highway Patrol Group’s (HPG) Motorcycle Riding Safety Training (MRST). Salute sa mga Tigers!
Maysh: For me, (riding) was a form of escape and learning something new in the middle of the pandemic. I opted to enroll at Coach Mel’s (Aquino, at the Yamaha Offroad Training Camp). Best decision for a newbie. I’m always supportive of Led, and never had to worry too much because we’ve been together for so long. I know he will always prioritize safety for himself and the family.
What was your first motorcycle ride together?
Led: Nakakakaba ‘yung first ride namin together. Dami kong instructions sa kanya, kasi medyo stressed din ako because I hadn’t been riding that long. Every now and then I’d ask her if she was okay pero parang ako yata ang hindi okay sa kaba! Hanggang sa naging mas madalas si Maysh na nagyaya mag-ride.
Maysh: First rides we had were only around the city. There were still a lot of movement restrictions at the time. When I gained more saddle time, that’s when we started going out of town on long weekends. It was our own version of dates without our kids (Cahaya, our daughter and Hobi, our doggo.)
Do you have any special rituals or routines before hitting the road together?
Led: Stretching and coffee! Safety first always.
Maysh: Stretching and gusto ko maayos na lahat the night prior: all equipment charged, clean, and ready to wear.
If you could ride your motorcycles anywhere in the world together, where would it be?
Led: Iceland!
Maysh: Iceland. When we went there one summer, we saw a couple riding together. We were like “that’s so cool”. But for now, the immediate goal is to ride in Australia.
How has riding motorcycles together influenced your relationship? And any life lessons you’d like to share?
Led: Pagnagtatalo na kami during a ride, either Maysh or I would ride ahead until our comms disconnect. So, ride solo muna kami for a few kilometers until we relax. And, pagnaliligaw kami s’ya na papaunahin ko. I’m not very good at directions in riding and in life haha! (Maysh: Amen!)
Because of riding, we’ve learned not to get stressed too much, especially when problems arise. Stressful na nga ‘yung situation, ‘wag na dumagdag–sayang ang energy. Maayos din ang problem, and makakarating din sa pupuntahan. Most importantly, we’ve got each others backs! Be supportive of each other, pag may trip silang gawin game lang!
Maysh: When riding, gusto ko lang ma-empty ‘yung mind ko and focus sa roads. Andami kong iniisip sa life at work, gusto ko ng unplugged moments. Tsaka may bike butler/towing naman at maraming ready tumulong sa ‘yo pag may emergency. It is that part of my life na di ko kailangan maging olympic overthinker. Lol! For those who want to start riding, maganda mag training ng maayos. Then, chill and enjoy lang. And, ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time) always–may naghihintay sa inyo pag uwi!
