Bike Magazine runs a
piece on riding through Costa Rica along La Ruta de Los Conquistadores (ah, what a great name!). The arduous route
is relatively new as a biking haven, but is itself centuries old. The route follows the path of the 16th century
Spanish conqueror, Juan de Caballon, who it is said, took 20 years to complete from beginning to end…perhaps a bit of
an exaggeration. No matter racers now do the route in three days. Riders must deal with all manner of obstacles and
terrain including river crossings, dense jungles, jarring rocky roads, torrential rains, hiking sections, dangerous
suspension bridges, miles of rough train tracks, and high altitudes.
All for the fat tire fun of riding in a strange exotic place. But hey, sounds worth it.