How the EuroMonkeys see brotherhood, travel and legacy

Often riding cross-country in Europe, the EuroMonkeys have visited Germany, France, Italy, Prague, Greece, and more, all while enjoying local food and drink. “Our Europe rides must be among the best trips we’ve done together. Aside from exploring scenic views and learning about new cultures, we also visit the birthplaces of the road machines we’re passionate about. Of course, the drinks and memories we share will stay with us forever,” says Banno.

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The group recently travelled to the UK, riding from London to Norwich, Hull, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Birmingham. Opting out of a tour guide and being in a foreign land, the EuroMonkeys revelled in getting lost. Every gas station and rest stop they visited was pointed out by Google Maps and Waze, and they often had to remind themselves to stay on the left side of the road—being accustomed to a right-hand drive country. 

“Bong Suntay convinced us to plan the ride ourselves… Sometimes, we worried if our gas would last until the next station, and one of the hotels we booked was so intimidating that some of us had to share rooms because they were too scared to sleep alone. The adventure, memories, and bonding experiences were priceless. In retrospect, we were all glad we did it, and this trip was one for the books,” shares Banno.

Despite having witnessed many different sights in Europe and all over the Philippines, Banno still considers Tagaytay to be his favourite destination. “Tagaytay is our go-to riding destination. Its accessibility, cooler temperatures, sprawling landscapes, and top-notch coffee make every ride worth it,” he shares.

More than just a motorcycle riding group, the EuroMonkeys value family. While what brought them together was their love for bikes, the members’ wives and children also got together and formed a solid bond over breakfast, coffee, or even big holidays. “Family is given top priority. The wives enjoy each other’s company, and the kids grow up together,” adds Atienza, a collector of vintage motorbikes.

When riding a motorcycle, there is always a sense of danger. But for some EuroMonkeys members, it gives them a sense of thrill. Whether you’re cruising around the beautiful landscapes of Europe or the Philippines or running top speeds on an uncrowded freeway and hearing that motor purr, these experiences can’t be matched by a car. But Atienza has a specific mindset when he rides: “A pilot makes sure that he’s in the moment, [mentally] fit, and that everyone is safe when he lands the plane—same thing with a motorcycle. You think to yourself, ‘Today, I’m going to be on this motorcycle safe. I’m going to my destination safe, and I’m coming home to my wife and kids safe.”

As an everyday biker since 2015, Atienza has a few vintages and workhorses in his stable. The pride of his fleet are his vintage 1962 BMW R50 and 1976 BMW R75. He also loves to restore old bikes, such as the iconic Honda CB750 and Harley-Davidson’s 1940 Knucklehead. “I like collecting motorcycles because they’re like sculptures you can ride. The more iconic the motorcycle, the more history you can read and discover behind it,” Atienza shares.

Motorcycles are often met with contempt on the road by those in cars. For Banno and Atienza, both parties have a responsibility to keep each other safe while travelling. “Motorcycles significantly outnumber cars and are one of our country’s primary modes of transportation. Those in cars should be more aware of riders and give them enough space to manoeuvre. On the other hand, riders should also give way to pedestrians and take advantage of available training spaces in their area,” says Banno.

“It’s about mutual respect. Car riders should be able to respect motorcycle riders no matter how small or big the bike is. In the same way, motorcycle riders should know traffic rules, stick to them, and respect those on four wheels,” says Atienza.

While the EuroMonkeys is still an invite-only group, they’re no strangers to building a bigger community. “We’re looking to develop a sub-brand under EM to serve as its public persona. Of course, we value our tight-knit relationship and our members’ privacy, but at the same time, we’d like to play a more active role in society and forge our legacy sometime soon,” Banno shares.

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