Old tires, hefty logs, and sharp rocks comprise Mariano “Lolo Mar” Francisco’s playground. 

With his handy enduro motorcycle, Lola Mar drove past the makeshift racecourse just as well as his peers, who constantly marveled at his resolve. When he wears his helmet and gear, one would not realize he is 71 years old. 

“Age is not a barrier to our abilities,” he said in Filipino. 

Born February 11, 1954, Lolo Mar is one of the top enduro riders set to compete in this year’s Onslaught Series organized by the Ride For Solidarity (RFS) on April 26-27 at the Enduro Factory track in Vermosa, Cavite.

Aside from enduro racing, the Onslaught Series features surfing, skateboarding, and mountain biking (downhill and cross-country) competitions.

He is expected to be among the oldest, if not the oldest, competitors in the Masters category, reserved for riders aged 51 and above. The event also features Ladies, Adventure, and Local divisions, along with the Gold category for elite racers.

For Lolo Mar, it wasn’t just about testing himself — it was about inspiring the next generation and reigniting the passion of those who once loved the sport.

“I wanted to compete to inspire the younger generation, and the grown-ups,” he said. “They said when they reached 50 years old, they could not do it anymore. It’s not true. All that’s needed is to practice and have self-confidence.”

“This is not a category that was merely given to us. We pleaded to them: ’ How about us lolos (grandfathers)?’”

To be an enduro rider, one must be equipped with a combination of physical and mental preparation, technical skills, and appropriate equipment, as it involves navigating challenging terrain, often for extended periods, requiring endurance, adaptability, and strategic planning.

For Lolo Mar, the enduro race’s challenges have built his body to last against any obstacles. 

He has been a motorsport racer for almost 50 years, starting out when he was in his 20s. According to him, the sport started as a hobby while fulfilling his duties with the Philippine Air Force. 

Through his job, Lolo Mar said he went all over the Philippines to compete in various motocross competitions and enduro events, becoming one of the household names in the local scene. 

As a veteran of the sport, his biggest fear is to see motocross categories be dissolved. His participation in the oldest category level, he said, would not allow that to happen. 

“We need to compete for it to continue. If no rider competes in the 50 years and above category, it will be dissolved,” Lolo Mar said. 

“As long as I can ride, I will compete. Maybe, if I can still ride at 75 years old, I will still do this. I will be competing as far as my capacity can go,” he added.

Like most athletes, the pull of the track never left him, even years past his prime. The itch, he said, remains, especially with competitions in places like Cavite still within reach.

And even after decades since learning the ropes in the extreme sport, the enduro bikes remained Lolo Mar’s “kabayong bakal (steel horse).”

“This is a challenge for us old ones, and the youth,” Lolo Mar said of the upcoming Onslaught Leg 1. 

Even at his age, Lolo Mar’s passion for riding burns as brightly as ever. For him, it’s not just about staying active, but more about embracing life with the same intensity he always has. His message to younger riders is simple yet powerful:

“Riding makes me feel great,” he said. “Perhaps, if you ride now, you could exceed my age.”  – Rappler.com