January 31, 2006 (Belize) – Day three started off with some really dark clouds ahead of us. We headed out and within 10 minutes it started to rain – we knew it was going to be one wet and long 110K stage. It rained solid for about 25 minutes and we were all drenched as the kilometers clicked by.

Then came the dirt road and once again it was like a washboard. The rain was now a torrential downpour forcing our group to splinter into two or three smaller ones. A U.S. rider took the lead and slipped away eventually finishing 13 minutes ahead of everyone.

As we rode along the dirt road the visibility got worse as the mud and rain fogged up and covered our glasses. When you tried to drink you were also taking in dirt from the road. Finally we reached the rest stop and took a break, cleaned off whatever mud and dirt we could, and re-lubed our bikes before starting the second leg.


We still had 50K to go but unfortunately for me I could only use one of my gears as the mud and rain had clogged my rear derailleur and I fell behind. I rode alone for more than 40K and then rain finally stopped, however then the temperature began to rise.

After a long, wet, and extremely bumpy 110K ride I finally made it to the finish of Stage 3. Now it’s time to get some much needed food and rest before hitting the road tomorrow for Stage 4 and another 125K.

Temple to Temple 2006

Day 1 – Start at the temples of Lubaantun and finish in Blue Creek – 85K.

Day 2 – Start at Blue Creek and end at Hopkins Village on the Caribbean Sea – 150K.


Day 3 – Start at the Beach in Hopkins and cycle along the Western Highway to Jaguar Paw 0 – 110K.

Day 4 – Start at Jaguar Paw and finish at the temples of Caracol in Pine Ridge – 125 K.

Day 5 – Start at the Mayan ruins of Caracol and finish in San Ignacio – 85K.

Day 6 – Start in San Ignacio and finish at Caves Branch along the Southern Highway – 75K Followed by an inner tube race through the caves.

Day 7 – Start at Caves Branch and finish at the The Placencia hotel on the Placencia Peninsula – 120K

Total distance 750K