In Batangas, there is a unique expedition that takes Catholic devotees and biking enthusiasts on a faith, sports and heritage tour: “Bisikleta Iglesia.”
Organized by Lima Park Hotel, the sixth Bisikleta Iglesia pilgrimage tour kicks off on April 13, 5 a.m., and will take cyclists on a 42-kilometer journey to seven beautiful Batangas lakeshore churches: Sto. Niño Church, Marawoy, Lipa City; St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Lipa City; Minim Nuns of St. Francis of Paola, Lipa City; National Shrine of St. Padre Pio, Sto. Tomas; St. John the Evangelist Church, Tanauan City; Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Church, Tanauan City; and Immaculate Conception Church, Malvar.
The National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas was among the churches that housed the “incorrupt heart” relic of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy, when it arrived in the country in October 2018 as part of an organized worldwide tour. Considered the “Saint of the Millennium,” St. Padre Pio is best known for his charity and gift of stigmata.
Bisikleta Iglesia is Lima Park Hotel’s initiative to promote wellness, sports and faith tourism in Batangas.
Lima Park Hotel is expecting more than 400 pilgrim bikers this year. It has been working with the Department of Tourism to develop Batangas as one of the more accessible destinations for religious tourism in the country.
Last year, Bisikleta Iglesia drew over 300 bikers, from ages 8 to 70. They took the 52-km road adventure starting from Malvar to Balete, and down to Lipa.
Like last year, Bisikleta Iglesia 2019 will feature prayers, reflections and sharing in every stop, with 14 riders carrying their own Stations of the Cross and assuming the responsibility of station leaders. Leading the bikers’ pack is Fr. Robert Reyes.
The event fee is P450 inclusive of breakfast, lunch and pit stop snacks. The first 100 registrants will receive a commemorative Bisikleta Iglesia shirt, plus a chance to win raffle prizes.
For a limited time, Lima Park Hotel is offering the Bisita Batangas Vacation Specials. The Family Getaway deal can be booked on a weekend for only P5,000 while the Family Staycation package can be enjoyed for P3,499 when booked and bought 14 days in advance.
Guests get free WiFi and use of amenities such as the gym, pool and children’s playground. A 30-minute complimentary use of the hotel bikes is included in the packages.