Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributors of the Subaru brand in the country, started the year right with an innovative event that raised the level of awareness to preserve our environment. In cooperation with Thule/EGR Philippines, the local distributor of Thule roof and bike rack systems of Sweden, Subaru organized the "Bike for the environment" campaign which involved the participation of the motoring media and local businessmen. "We believe that every effort must be undertaken to save what God has given us. As an active member of society, Subaru and Thule is taking that crucial step forward to do our bit to preserve Mother Nature," states Nicky Mariano, GM of Motor Image Pilipinas.

Subaru prepared a fleet of vehicles for the media event which was a sight to behold as it motored its way to the venue. Bike rack specialist Thule equipped three Impreza hatchbacks, two Forester SUV's and an Impreza WRX sedan with rear and top mount bicycle racks to accommodate the bike equipment and gears of the media participants. Thule's aerodynamic easy-on and easy-off bike rack feature was convenient and secure. "You can never go wrong with Thule, they have the proper equipment and tools needed for a bike trail event," says James Deakin, Editor-in-Chief of C! Magazine.

Held during the opening stages of this year, the "Bike for the environment" event was held at the sprawling La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City. "This is the appropriate venue for this campaign. With the rich flora and fauna of La Mesa, every visitor will be awed by the lush greenery and scenic destinations around the watershed. The bike trail will help you appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature," says Edmund Mangaser, proprietor of All Terra Bicycles and veteran biker whose team of bike marshals helped the media conquer the challenging trails of La Mesa Dam. The drive and ride event saw the participation of motoring scribes from the Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Manila Standard Today and MTV's Auto Extreme.

"This is the opening salvo of our goal of riding to nature parks around the country that require much needed attention, care and publicity. Subaru and Thule will make it our concern to preserve the environment," states Ariel de Jesus, Brand Manager and media relations guru of Motor Image.