EDRIE OCAMPO: All Gas, No Half-Sends
Bongabon, Nueva Ecija is home to more than just sprawling landscapes and winding singletrack—it’s where you’ll find Edrie Ocampo, a man whose life is as much about crafting the perfect shot as it is about carving the perfect line. Known both in the advertising world as a seasoned camera operator and director of photography, and in the cycling community as a bike park builder, racer, and trail director, Edrie is a rare blend of artistry and grit.
As a Fox Racing and Specialized ambassador, he’s built his reputation on two fronts—framing powerful ad campaigns behind the lens, and shaping the mountain biking scene in Bongabon with the same precision and vision. From organizing events like the Bongabon Enduro Attack to building the Four Cross Track, he’s never just an observer; he’s the builder, the racer, the advocate.
Where It All Began for Edrie
But his journey on two wheels didn’t begin as early as you might think. “I was a late bloomer,” Edrie admits. He first learned to ride on his cousins’ and friends’ bikes, long before he realized how deep the passion would run. An outdoorsman at heart, he found his world transformed when he fell in love with mountain biking about 15 years ago. “Suddenly, the possibilities of where I could go and what I could do opened wide.”
That love of two wheels only grew when he discovered motorcycles about five years ago. For Edrie, the transition was natural. “I could go further and faster,” he says. Two wheels—whether pedaled or powered—became a way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
“Suddenly, the possibilities of where I could go and what I could do opened wide.”
Favorite Ride, Favorite Bike
When asked about his favorite ride, he doesn’t hesitate. The Himalayas in 2024, he says, was nothing short of epic. It’s the kind of adventure that stamps itself permanently into your memory. But the list of dream rides is still long. At the top? A Philippine Loop with his wife—an adventure that promises equal parts challenge and shared joy.
On the subject of dream machines, his pick for the perfect Yamaha is clear: the Ténéré 700. “It fits my adventure lifestyle and will take me far and wide,” he says. For pure fun, though, the smaller PG-1 and WR155 will always have a place in his garage.
Unforgettable Adventures Everywhere
Adventure, of course, isn’t without its tests. Edrie recalls the Rimba Raid Asia Qualifier in Nakar as one of the most challenging rides of his life. It was the kind of course that tested every ounce of skill, grit, and determination. “I almost quit several times during the race,” he admits. “In those moments, you really have to talk to yourself—to push on, to keep moving forward, and to believe you can overcome anything.”
Not every great ride is about suffering, though. Sometimes, it’s about the hidden treasures you find along the way. For Edrie, Bongabon itself is one such gem, a place he sums up with a simple hashtag: #bongabonvibes. It’s a nod to the charm of his hometown—the trails, the community, and the energy that keeps riders coming back.
What’s Important, What Matters
Gear-wise, Edrie is uncompromising. “I go all out on protection,” he says. Thanks to partnerships with premium brands, he’s able to ride with top-tier gear that combines safety and style. It’s not vanity—it’s a philosophy. Riding hard means riding prepared.
When he thinks about unforgettable moments, Edrie struggles to choose just one. There are simply too many—moments of awe in the face of God’s creation, rides that leave him humbled and grateful. These experiences, he says, are why he rides. Asked about his sources of inspiration, his answer is immediate: family. They’re the anchor that grounds him and the push that keeps him chasing new horizons.
“Still, there’s room for improvement in the Philippine riding scene.” Edrie wishes for better discipline and rider education—two things that could transform not just safety, but the overall culture of riding in the country. For newcomers to the off-road and outdoor riding world, his advice is straightforward but carries weight. “Any bike can be an adventure bike—but make sure to learn the basics and gear up properly,” he says. “Most important of all: rider safety and confidence. With those, you can go anywhere.”
The Adventurer
In Edrie Ocampo, you see the complete picture: a man who can set up the perfect shot, build the perfect jump, and ride the perfect line—not because perfection is the goal, but because the process is the point. Whether he’s behind the camera capturing a brand’s vision, in the dirt shaping a trail, or on the saddle chasing the horizon, his work and his rides are driven by the same truth: the best adventures are the ones you share, the ones that challenge you, and the ones that leave both you and the trail better than before.
