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Bahrain-based administrative executive and avid biker Judy Cabillo is set to participate in her first-ever international cycling race this month and hopes to inspire other women wanting to get fit to put pedal power to the test.
The Pulantat Loop Road Race is organised by the Guam Cycling Federation and will be its opening event of the year.
Guam is an organised, unincorporated territory of the US in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean close to the Philippines.
The race will be quite a challenge for the 34-year-old who only took up cycling five years ago.
There will be three stages: one, two or four laps, with each lap being about 1.6km elevated by approximately 1,000 feet. The Filipino national will pedal for two laps, which is between 32 to 35km.
“I always wanted to participate in a race outside Bahrain and Guam is a country near to the Philippines,” Judy told GulfWeekly.
“The race, happening on January 28, just popped up on my computer one day and I decided to join, considering it’s around the same time I had planned my vacation.
“I aim to finish in two and half hours, which I know will be a challenge but I’m ready. I’m also excited to meet other cycling enthusiasts there as well as the organisers.
“Guam is a beautiful country surrounded by oceans and mountains. I’ll be there for six days and look forward to touring the place, exploring its natural beauty, culture, food and more,” she added.
Judy cycles at least twice a week, but in preparation for the race took to the pedals on more days. As a foodie she doesn’t restrict herself to a diet and is confident that ‘cycling burns the calories anyway’.
“I try to reach my goal of 30 to 40 kilometres,” said the Um Al Hassam resident, who has been living in Bahrain with her uncle, aunt and cousin since 2014.
Judy started biking in 2018 and the Covid-19 pandemic that struck the world a year later, confining millions of people indoors, further pushed her to pursue the activity more frequently.
“Covid inspired me to follow a more active lifestyle with sports and improve my work-life balance,” she said. “I found cycling fun and it reinvigorated me whilst also helping me to relax.”
Judy was introduced to Cycling Bees, an all-women’s cycling group in the kingdom, in 2022 and has been a part of their adventures since then.
“I had attended an event organised by Al Hilal hospital where I met a wonderful lady who introduced me to the Cycling Bees. I am an active member even today,” Judy said.
The like-minded group of women meet up every Friday morning and ride around the island.
“The routes are well-planned to ensure we have adequate health and safety provisions and a safety car is always on hand to make sure there are no accidents. The car also carries first aid items in case they’re needed,” she said.
“Cycling has made me stronger in body and mind. I am now more focused at work. Since I took it up, I’ve been more motivated to train and be aware of health and fitness.”
Judy encourages those looking to improve their health to take up cycling, which she asserts will positively impact one’s physical and mental well-being.
“The freedom you experience being outdoors is just amazing,” she said.
She has thanked all the ladies of Cycling Bees, especially leader of the group Sarah Alsammak, for their support.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Rumesh Sarwan of Skate Shack Bahrain (distributor of Trek bikes in the kingdom) for their generous sponsorship of my cycling outfit for the upcoming race in Guam,” she added.
For more details, follow @guamcycling and @cyclingbees on Instagram.
