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fmf racing bikes
DESIRE

I remember a picture in a magazine of mountain bikers. He had suffered in his eyes, was in mud and had a bike slung over the shoulder, while he went chest deep water. For some crazy reason I thought it looked fun, and it soon became the desire of my own. Two months before the event date, I found that I was able to participate in the four-day race as a slugfest media. Before I finished with the words of the invite my body began to tremble with excitement but also fear. I pledged the assistance of local endurance coach Val Burke and began preparations for what would be the biggest physical and mental battle I have before.

The race, or the adventure is called "La Ruta de los Conquistadores." Translated, this means "the route of the conquerors," "or better translated as the toughest mountain bike race in the world. A four-day trip in Costa Rica, it begins on the Pacific coast in the busy little surf town known as Playa Jaco and ends the last stage on the Caribbean coast in the rural and raw surf side town of Limon. What lies between the start-finish line and only the dedicated mountain bike racers know.

THE INGREDIENTS

As the brochure reads, drivers will travel through 8 different microclimates, all flaunting their own characteristics with both natural and man made challenges. The course rises 11,259 feet above sea level on volcanic and passports. Each driver will have successfully completed more than 40,000 feet of climbing by the time they reach the last stretch of wet sand and on the final destination 225 miles later.

Not in the brochure, and only experience in the saddle, are the miles of knee-deep mud often dressed too steep and loose rock infested sites, many knee to chest deep river crossing, temperature fluctuations from 32 to 80 degrees Celsius and a continuous supply Weather at Sun for all-out hail. It's the tail end of the rainy season in Costa Rica, so that the course is prepared for the disaster.

Weather aside, riders also experience gases from the media and support vehicles (like the double the pace for all cars not in their favor). The mental anguish of being with a local driver's home field advantage, misinformation or lost in the translation directions and distances can be taken only if loosely by some locals. Get halfway through the race that Tico is very modest in comparison to the real world. All the ingredients for the challenge of a lifetime.

If you are actually higher than the rates and find on this day the finish line, you still have to deal with the other 800 riders, media and staff. A logistical nightmare for organizers and even worse for those who only rode 50 miles through the worst conditions in which they have ever experienced. To complete this journey is to race more than just a bike ride for 5-8 hours a day, it is a 20-hour test-day mental stability. Fight for the breakfast, the environment is struggling on the bike, in the fight for a seat on a shuttle bus to struggle with the chaotic streets of San Jose. Only the physically and mentally strong will to survive.

PREPARATION

Before I could begin to enjoy that I have the experience of one of the biggest races on 26-inch wheels in the beautiful Central America, I began to panic. I quickly realized that I am a small girl with a DH background mixed with only a modest amount of cross-country riding. I have never seen a serious XC race, only our smaller local races and with many issues, the implementation began to run through my head. Can I use an endurance race of this kind? Is it not just the world's best athletes, who fight against such an amazing 4-day race? Can I be stronger than all the big muscle guys in their spandex Tour team kits that tell me they have been training for years to do this race? Is my bike to survive through the mud, rain, sand and rocks? Finally, and above all, in my opinion can be up to the trip? These and many questions would be about my 2-week-long experience in Costa Rica.

On 29 October 2007 I boarded a plane (3 to be exact) to Costa Rica. With a fresh new team element of the Rocky Mountain Bicycles and dirty in a credit card debt from last-minute race prepared. The plan was for 1 week in southern Costa Rica in a small town called Dominical. The idea was to acclimatize to the heat, adapting to the local cuisine, relax in the surf and especially mentally prepare for the race. After talking with some locals, who seem to enjoy questioning my abilities, with comments such as "" only great men can do, that the race ", my planned relaxation quickly fight against negative energy. Many questions have already been exhausted in my mind.

PLAYA JACO

After my arrival at the Best Western in Jaco, I quickly realized that it was a lot bigger than I thought. The Great Beachside Resort was designed by riders and event staff. The energy was alive and on the verge of running amuck. I was relieved to discover that I was not the only struggle against the "pre-race jitters. You can sense the nervousness and some false confidence in others. It seemed that everyone, even the top professionals, who are increasingly their probe Gage and try only if they fit in. I was no different and again I was struggling, which focused on the next day.

TAG - Distance: 59 miles; Climate: tropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest and tropical dry forest.

On the first day we had to get up early, by 4 clock. The race started in front of the hotel in the dark. For all last-minute preparation, the double-checking, repair supplies, food, beverage, and just dealing with the stress of my first big race, I came to the start line almost last. I was very worried about the first 1 1 / 2 hours climbing and after a short sprint to a bad start for my position I knew I had to pace myself. I took it easy, I stopped at every checkpoint to relax and recharge with a LUNA bar and the fresh fruit. It was clear to me not many people were there and all the people I suffered to the slope, were now up to me while I ate.

Lessons were learned quickly. The others were smarter and probably more experience than I do. Most ate their food during the journey and the result is not much time to lose. Me, a rookie, but adjusted the day and began to eat and drive, as the day continues. We went to hell (almost) the day at the crossing muddy creeks deep enough to wash my bike and body. I thought it would be a unique thing, but it became routine to clean my front derailleur and chain every time I have a Bach. On-course bicycle maintenance would be an important ingredient in the mud-themed races. I would be spending at the end close to 2 hours washing in the creek crossings on the first day. Throw in a few hike-a-bikes and we were on a good start!

After leaving the forest we were on the tarmac. Up, up and up more, a steep road, accompanied by extreme clock Sunday 12 crowd in our eyes. La Ruta is coast to coast and all roads and trails are available to the public during the race, the locals live their lives and vehicle traffic continues as if no race is. On the big road to climb the town decided, some spice. On the way to the top of the slope of a road crew was using fresh, sticky and wet tarmac for what seemed like miles. We have first tracks through. It was as if we are riding in molasses. Curses ensued, but nothing could be done except suck it up (literally with the smoke) and keep riding.

"" Home field "advantage a bit annoying after a while: The Tico (and other top teams), the motorcycles and ferrying drinks and food to them on a section, they could access with a vehicle - the other drivers have to suck in the smoke of their vehicles during battle with our own loads of supplies on their backs. Fortunately for me, as people from Garmin supplied me with a GPS. Small things like the GPS in my opinion helped to keep the exhaust gases and the observation of some drivers flex the rules. I was able to check how far I had also just how much I had to go. Most importantly, I knew if I could dream about the finish line.

If I only the time to covert miles on the locally used kilometers. When I thought we were done, we close another 15miles to go. The driver next to me does not find it funny when I said: "We're almost done, less than 10 km to go! "" He gave me a look unimpressed and said: "Are you kidding me, we have at least 2 hours ""... OOPS. That was a rough one. I thought it was almost too late and I did not bother to water at the last checkpoint. I managed to be up to the end, exhausted, but so stoked that after the first day.

I knew that many people at this day can not come to an end. I did it and I was 15 Lady cross the finish line. I knew I could be better, because I had it relatively easy for most of the day. I realized I had to slow my pace and has a few too many breaks. It was my first day something like this and I quickly learned my less than 5'5 ' "body capable of more. Some drivers do not have it so easy, and unfortunately the wrong way near the end and characters followed by earlier races. Instead, make a part of the steady rise in the road, they had to create a bicycle for an hour, a tough break for a few conversations and from what could have been revealed by the mentally after drivers.

DAY TWO - Distance: 46 miles; Climate: Sub-tropical rainforest, Template

Another early start, it was starting to feel like the army. My body felt like it was war. Quickly, I have all my equipment and go with the rest of the soldiers in the line for the breakfast buffet. At the end, I just want a settlement with a banana. My stomach had no desire to eat this kind of fair food early. Instead, I jumped in the first shuttle to return to the starting line. Every day after your bicycle is equipped with hand-set, a quick conversation about what is wrong and local mechanic to repair your bike. I hope that my Spanish / French / English slang worked a day before and my bike would be in order. I sorted through hundreds of bicycles and found me as good as new! Although she only speaks very little English, the mechanics were great.

This was the 15th Anniversary of La Ruta organizers and celebrate an extra day - "Day Two" to the original 3-day format. An additional 46 miles of hell! It all started with a beautiful view while ascending and descending valleys. Life was good! I have a couple drivers from my home town and I could finally talk to someone. It was our first time with the race and proved to be a conversation pleasant time killer.

Cruise through the rural villages, people on their balconies and in the streets. To my surprise I found myself alone, with no other riders around. I have a story to get lost in our local races in Whistler, so I knew I had to be careful. I had the feeling that I had a turn, so I stopped and asked if all was biker. My Spanish and Spanish does not quite make a game. In return, I received a big smile. I led at a slower pace, until another driver captured and confirmed, I went in the right direction.

Apart from feeling lost, I had a really good day. It was fun. A Costa Rica girls began racing against me, and they went with someone who, as it could have been her coach. He kept screaming, or to encourage them go faster. So we raced each other to get on a big down in the mud! I knew it was my time. I thought I was on my downhill bike and it just went. I have the loading of the downhill and hope for the best. I have only a few people struggling to stay on board in the loose and greasy conditions. I also have my Costa Rica counterparts far behind.

I looked at my GPS and I had 5 miles to go! In what would be a daily routine, water started from my eyes. The realization that I soon after the second day of many emotions. As the tears collected a tough law. And then he began, 5 miles from a wild, steep, knee-deep mud ascent. I have never seen something like that, and I could not even drive it, nor could I lift my weary body mud wraps bike on my shoulder. Sliding backwards with my bike, and then continued to fall on them for what seemed an eternity. Near the top a nice guy helped a few of us in this last steep climb.

But it was not over. We had to negotiate a narrow single track with steep drop-offs. The road was muddy, muddy and muddi. Struggles, as I never, I asked one of Costa Rica, "" How long until the end? "" He said: "" 5 minutes to reach the goal! "I asked another and he said:" 40 minutes "." Were they kidding me? It was very difficult, even for me who like to ride in the mud. I was physically and mentally unable and drained to a clear answer. I began questioning the health of the organizers, they did this on purpose? Did they ride bicycles? Are they crazy?

I was so tired I could not believe I managed to lift my light 24 pound bike over my shoulder. Finally, I have until the end. Upon arrival, I remember cleaning up Andreas Hestler at the finish line. I saw him with a face and struggled desperately with my words when you try my displeasure with the wrong and the questioning of the last legs reason. He agreed, and it took a little edge of my mental state.

How would it be from the last 5 miles would be the most talked highlight (or lowlight - depending on how you deal with IT) of the race. A real test for the Conquistadors! I was happy to end 11. I was always better, faster, and my last days in the classroom pace and food intake have been paid.


TAG - Distance: 41.4 miles; Climate: rain forest and rain forest, wind and rain, drastic climate changes

I knew the third would be my glory day. Everything we had to do climb is 22 miles and then descend for another 22 miles. I started with a slow pace, because we were in the unpredictable streets of San Jose and road is simply not my thing. As soon as we sat on the ground I get in motion. I started to groups of people and for the first time during the race I encourage people with comments like ";" Go Girl "and" they go, you are strong! " "I suddenly felt like a star. With my new fuel, and I have enjoyed every minute of the ride and the fresh scent of the vegetation along the roads.

I enjoyed the ride until we are behind the leaders. It started to rain and most people more to talk about their rain gear. I knew that the climb was soon over and that I soon killing on the downhill. I opted for the warm-up with a peanut butter sandwich, I think could be a descent 22 miles in 30 minutes. I was wrong, so wrong, it was a cold 3 hours downhill.

As we all warned me to slow descending. We were in the clouds, and we could hardly see a foot ahead of us. It was very slippery and haling. I have to tell them they are "" It's ok, I'm a girl DH. I'm okay. "" It was very patchy, about people, but I had a great time. The temperature was just above freezing, it was raining, and nearly 10,000 meters of altitude and I was frozen. I had only my sleeveless jersey on and my fingers were numb. Out of nothing I crashed on a slippery rock, which broke my iPod, anxiety, my knee and broke my front brake. Oops!

I knew I was in trouble, so I decided to back out of the mountain down, favoring it to the finish line. Since I have just a rear brake, slicing between horses, dogs and cows was a real challenge. A driver was not so lucky when a support vehicle had to be cut off. He arrives at the end of the vehicle, while his brother was in a cow. Both were in the back of an ambulance.

I until the end of the 9th at the end of the day. I was a little muddy, and I do not believe that someone could tell if I have a girl or boy, when I cross the finish line. A local ran over to me and to my surprise, ran for a few liters of water over my head. Rinse clean my face, I could hardly breathe, but it was welcome and funny.

DAY FOUR - Distance: 77 miles; Climate: Sub-Tropical Rain Forest, Montano Rain Forest and forests

The fourth day was very expected. Presentations by endless train tracks, riding on the beach, walking by the sea and a long, flat road were on every head. That was the goal, the last goal.

The night before I stayed in a higher than usual accommodation. I was setup on a very nice bed and breakfast. In the middle of rolling hills was the Swiss Chalet style. I was a guest at all the leading media and race. It was a little out of the way, but this a good way to spend the night before the race ended. Unfortunately we still have to search up to 5, so that we can not take full advantage of the situation.

As we waited for the shuttle it poured rain and the morale was low. Seasoned Pro with motivation to fight, while many of us wondered if the bus will ever show. The driver was on time and Tico as a result most of the top group came too late for the last stage. Fortunately, they delayed the launch and all the way to the last trip, many with a smile dismissed. You can sense many were anticipating the last day of suffering.

I began to feel a cold coming on and began to drink straight oregano oil (not the tastiest). With such a rush to the start I have to check if my bike last days problems were resolved. Thank God, I had a front brake again for what would become one of the toughest tests of my will and determination.

77 miles The day started quite well. I was a little under the weather, but still strong feelings. My first test came with the mark 5 miles of the stage. My SPD cleat unscrewed from my shoe. I thought it was the end, and I had to pull out of the race. I ask myself "How am I to drive 70 miles with only one cleat? It is at this long and boring. "" How stupid, I'm all I ask on the way, if an extra cleat in its pocket, as if they are!

I think I wanted the world know that I was fighting for the next 7 hours and that I am not at my best. After 2 hours I saw my friend for the first time that day. He, a photo journalist was always at the end of the tour so when I saw him on the road I was so happy! But all I could say (or scream), when he attempted to find a picture of me was, "I forgot my cleat! Can you give me? "" Of course in the middle of nowhere, there was not a chance, he would.

I refused to stop and find an alternative solution, I did not want to lose more time, since I already too late to fix my lost Camelback nozzle as well as with a lost pair of sunglasses lens. I looked and felt like a warrior. I have tried out and, positive. I come too far and suffered too much to let any of this spoil my day, or this race.

My mind was on the verge of entering into uncharted waters. As we were going downhill, I saw an option for a possible jump. Once plagued by a long flat ride I decided to direct for him and he jumped. Oh God! I think I have a good show to my fellow drivers with a random one-footed air (stupid cleat). He looked at me and said. "" You're crazy! I do not think you would be in the ground that "."

The boredom of the flats would be out and replaced with fear for the next mile. The infamous train tracks, which meant 5 miles from bouncing around on a 3-inch-wheel drive, with frequent bucks (train bridges) to the heart near failure. I almost quit at this point, really believe they wanted to kill us. We had too many major rivers cross and after the visit of the huge alligators in other rivers in Costa Rica, I could not shake the idea that they were waiting in the brown waters. The other problem with the bridges, it is not. They are by far the place of wood planks, a few so far that we to get our bikes on our shoulders and jump from board to board, at the already oily and rain soaked wood.

I was worried? Yes! And to us even more unpleasant locals watched us like zoo animals, as we danced to avoid near death. Perhaps they were not, but at this point, with fatigue, I believe more in the worst results. I too had tears in my eyes, but I knew that was close to the end with only about ten more bridges to treat. I have refused to quit. I knew I could get through this.

If I back on the road, I was happy to work with my friends from home. Following is the Trans-Rockies, I knew that they experience with multi-day bike race. If I could stick with them, I would like to be in good shape. They let me in their pack for the last 40 miles of the road. Since we have potato fields local pickers cheered for us. The extra was a little encouragement as we see more train tracks. I was so close to the end, but all I could think about was when I flatted now it would be gone. I've never flatted or modified tubeless tires, and if I could, I mustered the strength to peel the tire from the rim? With each stroke of the track, I prayed, "Please, no home. Please, no home. "

I have my friends in the last 5 miles. Now on my own, I found myself driving in the sand and flooded in neck-deep water next to the sea. The sounds of the Caribbean were in the air, and I knew I was close. The sounds of waves crashing and happy music, my ears and heart. Feelings flowed through me, and I knew I will be until the end. The last one was left, and I prayed my friend would be waiting with a Pina Colada. I pedaled to the sea, a small ramp over some stairs, and I went to the last 60 feet on the beach, in Limon, to the last goal. A gallery of locals and supporters lined the sprint. I crossed and it was gone.

I received a medal and I found my friend waiting with Pina Colada. I'm not even sure if I said HI to him. I screamed, "" I'm ready! "" And dumped my bike and ran into the sea with my spandex, gloves and boots to single cleat. I could feel the atmosphere. The people were so proud of their achievements.

STOLZ

I am, and I have the hardest mountain bike race in the world. I'm so happy, and it gave me a stronger person. With everything else I do, nothing is quiet in comparison to what I went through. I can not the amount of time I had to say "keep going it could be worse" or the wonderful memories of school children along the streets cheering for a complete stranger. I find life so much more satisfying and for each new challenge that I face, I remind myself of these 4 days in Costa Rica. Nothing is comparable, if you know that you do not have to drive 225 miles in the next 4 days.

I still have moments, months after the race, if energy supplies and the feelings again. My heart starts to beat faster and tears fill my eyes and covered my cheeks. I am so grateful I was able to complete La Ruta de los Conquistadores. It is something that I always referred to in my life. I'm so proud of me.

9. I have a whole in the female category!

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