Believe it or not, it was a lighthearted comment that sparked Alden Richards’ interest in motorcycles.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the 28-year-old actor acquired a Honda X-ADV 750, which was delivered on the set of his TV show. The story goes that he was in Nueva Ecija to attend the company Christmas party of Wheeltek when the owner invited him to their showroom. Already into cars, Richards thought it would be nice to get to know more about motorcycles, so he obliged.
He recalls: “When I got there, sabi ko, ‘Sir, ang ganda nitong ADV. Since wala naman akong background sa manual bike riding, parang eto yung entry-level. Kasi automatic siya, it’s a scooter but 750cc.’ Sabi niya, ‘Sige, kunin mo na yan.’ (laughs) Sabi ko, ‘Sir, joke lang.’ Siyempre, nahihiya ako eh. I don’t want to take advantage of other people’s kindness. Pero after a week, the unit arrived. Dun nag-start yung passion ko.”
Since then, Richards has also acquired a KTM Duke. However, he has barely taken it out, and hasn’t gotten the chance to ride with his fellow riders from Eat Bulaga, co-hosts Ryan Agoncillo and Wally Bayola, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His grandparents are currently staying in their provincial residence where he keeps his motorcycles, so the actor isn’t taking any chances with his exposure in the workplace. Instead, he lets his father take his bikes outfor a spin, as seen on the latter’s Instagram.
As much as he wants to go for long-distance rides, Richards thinks it isn’t worth all the trouble and risk.
He explained: “When you say motorbike ride, marami kayo eh. That’s the fun of it. But since ang dami pang kailangang i-consider before doing that, would you really go all the way and have all the guys tested para lang mag-ride kayo?
“Ngayon talaga pag nag-positive ka, it’s a big deal eh. You don’t get to work, ang daming bawal gawin, you just stay at home—so better na mag-cancel na lang muna siguro and just wait for everything to be okay.”
Before the pandemic, Richards loved going on solo rides to Tagaytay, which is relatively near to where he lives in the south. As the owner of a couple of SUVs and vans, as well as a premium car and a sports car, Richards describes riding as “a different experience. Pag two wheels mas mabilis, iwas traffic. Although pag four wheels, mas safe and secure. Yun talaga yung factors to consider.”
