MANILA, Philippines--Anyone who saw the convoy must have been aghast by the number of mountain bikes on the roof and at the rear of the Subaru vehicles.

One Impreza hatch was able to carry four: Two on the roof and another two perched at the rear.

Our group was on a special mission that day as we headed north to La Mesa Nature Reserve in Quezon City for Subaru’s “Bike for environment” campaign.

“We want to show that our high performance Subaru cars are not just for spirited driving but could also be used for other purposes like converting them into mountain bike carriers should their owners decide to do something different like what we have decided to do here at La Mesa,” said Ariel de Jesus, marketing manager of Motor Image Pilipinas, exclusive distributor of Subaru brand of vehicles in the country.

For this outing, Motor Image teamed up with Thule/EGR Philippines, local distributor of the Swedish brand of carrier systems which provided several models of their bike carriers to fit the different makes of Subaru vehicles used for the trip.

Healthier pastime

It makes sense to invest in this type of car accessory considering that you certainly don’t want to mess your vehicle’s interiors with your mud-coated mountain bike. Besides, it also ensures that you can bring more friends and probably recruit them to your newfound pursuit.

For some time now, this was what Motor Image Pilipinas has been doing to a number of motoring media who found mountain biking a better and healthier pastime.

“And what better way to do this than bring them here to La Mesa Nature Reserve that also call their attention about the significance of supporting the preservation of this place, the last remaining forest of its size here in Metro Manila. We’re not only here to to keep ourselves fit or enjoy the challenging off-road trails offered here but the entrance fee that is required here help support the people that maintain and guard this 2,700-hectare watershed,” said De Jesus.

He added that Motor Image is serious about the environment, demonstrated through their Subaru line-up that boast low emissions and better fuel efficiency..

“As we continue to improve our vehicles, we will also continue to help endeavors that will help save and preserve the environment. Helping the La Mesa Nature Reserve remain healthy is indeed, a worthy mission,” he said.

Glenn Paul Flores, senior forester of Bantay Kalikasan’s Save the La Mesa Watershed Project (his team served as our guide inside the nature reserve), stressed the La Mesa Watershed’s role as Metro Manila’s “carbon sink” as it is able to absorb about 3 percent of the carbon emissions of the surrounding area..

“Apart from this, the La Mesa Nature Reserve also functions as the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents so the preservation of this place is very vital,” explained Flores.

Icon of safety

And Motor Image Pilipinas is more than happy to support such endeavors.

Considering that the Subaru brand has become famous for its successful stint at the World Rally Championships (the world’s premier premier rally series), the company is inclined to love anything that would raise the adrenaline.

“We’re glad that we already ‘infected’ a number of motoring media to join us in a number of our mountain biking events. It also reminds them of Subaru’s roots in four-wheel drive and strong reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility,” said de Jesus.

And with Thule bike carriers ensuring that our precious mountain bikes will remain safe and secure throughout the journey, any nature- or sports-oriented trip organized by Subaru is worth joining.