For.

Paolo Mendioro MS Natural Resource Conservation

Mountain biking is a relatively new form of recreation and sport. However, it has shown potential and growth the past decade or so. The explosion in popularity started in the early 1990s.

From 1990-1992, there has been a 66% increase in bike ownership to 25 million people (IMBA) Estimates for trail riders in the US alone is 23 million people (IMBA) The Philippines can boast of year round riding

Vast natural formations of hills, mountains and valleys are great for outdoor recreation Access to these places are close to urban centers like Manila Ecotourism recognizes mountain biking as a legitimate activity

Ecotourism was given a push by EO 111, with help from NZAID in 1999. There has been no studies about the potential of mountain biking as an ecotourism activity in the Philippines. But mountain-bike specific events have been proliferating.

Mt. Makiling, being close to Manila is a prime target for ecotourism activities Though primarily a research and training facility for Forestry students, it has other uses one of those is ecotourism There is awareness of Mt. Makiling as an ecotourism destination

The Mariang Makiling Trail is multi-use, meaning there are multiple users, with potential for conflicts. Trail access is hotly contested in foreign countries with dedicated trails for recreation. Mountain bikes are perceived to be dangerous and destructive, but stats show otherwise.

A shot of mountain biking in the Mariang Makiling Trail (courtesy of G.Gibe)

The study will determine if the Makiling Forest Reserve has potential to be a mountain biking destination with a focus on ecotourism To determine the potential, several parameters must be identified Both the target market and the site have attractive and unattractive parameters.

Who is the mountain biker? What drives them to do this activity? Are they aware of ecotourism and its impacts?

Are they aware of mountain biking as an

ecotourism activity? Is the mountain biker willing to pay and work for new trails and access? What does the MFR see in mountain bikers in relation to other tourists? Is the MFR willing to work with mountain bikers?

The MFR is under the direct jurisdiction of UPLB No studies about mountain biking has been done in any protected area in the Philippines Visibility of people with mountain bikes and actual mountain biking is increasing to help with the variety and accuracy of data.

As a protected area, the MFR is subject to procedures mandated by governing bodies Qualitative data is subject to resource persons availability and reliability.

The Philippines has no study on the activity of mountain biking. Foreign countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have found out that mountain bikes are not as damaging as people think.

Most studies are centered on environmental impacts

Developing an ecotourism product requires many things A manager must identify the different parameters that can be used to develop the product The various individuals that make up the mountain biking sector must be taken account

The Slickrock Trail in Moab, Utah is one of the most famous trails in the world. In 1998, it earned $8,422,800$8,770,300 using the Travel Cost Method.

What the people of Moab did was to embrace the fact that it is a well known mountain biking destination and made the improvements It is wholly possible that the MFR can do that in the future, to provide ecotourism through mountain biking.

To determine the potential of mountain biking as an ecotourism activity in the MFR To identify the current trends in mountain biking present in the MFR To identify the parameters that can make a good mountain bike specific area in MFR in the future

To look at the different parameters of the stakeholders (bikers, the MFR, and the organization) To recognize the demands of the mountain bikers in an bike-specific destination, as well as their willingness to pay for access.
To assess the ability of the MFR to accommodate mountain biking, as well as biker traffic

To recommend future courses of action and strategies for this specific product.

The study will take place in and around the University of the Philippines Los Baos and the Makiling Forest Reserve in August 2012.

Cross Country (XC) focuses on distance and not so technical terrain Bikes are usually short on suspension travel, and has climbingoriented geometry

All Mountain (AM) is more challenging than XC, but not so technical either. Bikes used in AM are the most versatile among mountain bikes.

Freeride (FR) is only done by experts, because it uses highly challenging terrain. Bikes are especially robust, and are not recommended for climbing and long pedaling.

Downhill racing (DH) is the fastest and the most difficult of all mountain bike disciplines. The bikes have long suspension travel and have strong construction.

A socio-economic profile of mountain bikers will be done Collection of primary data from MCME Key informant interviews Secondary data collection from similar studies Willingness-to-pay/ Valuation methods

The data collected will be used as a gauge for the MFRs potential for mountain biking. The parameters will be based on the 5 As of Tourism (Amenities, Access, Awareness, Attractions, Accomodations) If all goes well, a mountain bike trail will be opened in the future, minimizing the dependence on the Mariang Makiling trail.

THANK YOU!
*ako yung nasa pictures.