February 4, 2006 (Belize) – Yesterday’s Day 6 was the easiest stage so far as it was only 60K with some rolling hills. On this short stage the attacks started at around 5K and did not stop. Once again I said goodbye to the lead group and enjoyed the scenery. The stage only took two hours and I finished about 15 minutes behind the leaders.

Day 6 was so short that our legs were just getting warmed up as we hit the finish line. But the highlight for the day was not the route, but the post-race activities. Running through the area near our camp is a very beautiful river and we took a quick dip and feasted on lunch. Then we got back on our bikes and headed to an underground river cave. We all had to wear headlamps and used inner tubes as we fought our way upstream, then turned around and floated back. It was a very impressive experience and something I will never forget.

Our last night of camping is upon us as the final stage takes us back to Placencia. The final stage departs tomorrow (Saturday) at 8am and my body is ready to hit the road for one last ride of 120K (my bike is saying otherwise). So look for my final report and hopefully everything will still be intact.

Temple to Temple 2006 – January 29-February 4, 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