Castro, Pierson win ‘One Last Ride’

Eric Castro and Ken Pierson emerged as top finishers in their respective divisions in last Sunday’s “One Last Ride.”

Bikers listen during the race briefing for last Sunday’s “One Last Ride” at Banzai Cliff. (Contributed Photo)

Castro posted the fastest time (44:22) in the road bike category of the event held as a send-off to race organizer Antonee Aguilar. Castro and the rest of the participants in the road bike division rounded the 4 Corners—Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff, Bird Island Lookout, and Banzai Cliff. The youth rider beat another U18 biker in Jerome Diyco, who reached the finish line at Banzai Cliff at 44:50. Joining Diyco and Castro in the Top 3 in the men’s open division was Nap Dizon, who submitted 45.44.

In the below 45 age group, the Top 3 finishers also completed the race under 50 minutes with first placer Aldrin Sta. Ana logging 45:28 to edge Wyn Brillo (45:29) in a down-to-the-wire finish. Sang Yoon came in at third after recording 45:55.

In the over 46 division, Willy Barbo was the lone rider to break the 50-minute barrier with his 49:17. He won over Tony Stearns (51:56) and Rommel Isidro (51:17). In the women’s division, Gina Sebial timed in at 50:19 to prevail against Angel Marie Tan (51:21), while Margorie Marfega took the first place honors in the shorter beginner road bike course after registering 37:21.

In the MTB course, which brought bikers to FEBC, Kimikaze, Bird Island Lookout, Santa Claus Lane, Cowtown, and Banzai Trail before they returned to the finish line, Pierson had the best time at 40:44. He won the men’s open division, defeating Bob Ferrer (41:06) and Ariel Garcia (43:50).

In the below 45 age group, Rich Asuncion tallied 46:49 to finish ahead of Ferdinand Ramos (50:17) and Arsay Noriega (52:13). In the over 46 age group, Renato Gaviola (50:42) was ranked first, outclassing Romy Ampit (53:14) and Gerry Esquivel (58:55).

Other MBT winners in last weekend’s race were Hanol Villegas (men’s beginner), Becky Bailey (women’s beginner) and Jin Ju Thompson (women’s open). Yvette Mahinay and Edna Linao also joined the women’s beginner course.

Over 40 bikers joined the event and Aguilar would like to thank the participants and supporters of the competition: Saipan Bike Bro, Law Office of Colin Thompson, National Office Supply, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Trading, Co., and Saipan SDA Clinic. Aguilar, who is moving to the U.S. mainland with his family, also acknowledged bikers and sponsors of the past races he organized.