December 28, 2008 – The land of Volcanos, Avocados and Cardamom welcomed Adam and Sean on a 10-day, mountain bike vacation courtesy of Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures. While Matt was slaving away in the office gazing at the blustery winter weather, we were rocking singletrack, climbing 1000m climbs and enjoying refried beans in quaint Antiguan cafes.

Our vacation was based in part on a possible future desire to run a stage race in Central America, but the notion of escaping the darkness of an Ontario December and replenishing our Vitamin D was enough impetus for our journey. Mike Brcic of Sacred Rides, the mountain bike adventure company, was gracious enough to invite us on his second Guatemalan trip, based out of historical Antigua. 3 days lead up allowed us to chill in Antiguan cafes, warm the legs up on long, steep climbs, and prepare for 6 days of riding towards lovely Lake Atitlan. Whether hammering fast singletrack, Jeep trails, or slickrock, one theme remained the same; longs ups, and downs. Consider a 1,400 foot climb with an average 20% grade on cobblestone, or a 10 minute descent flying by farmers, donkeys, and tropical plants, and you get an idea of a typical ride through Guatemala. Dramatic scenery abounds, especially overlooking the freshwater Lake Atizlan, with volcanoes and steep hills surrounding it’s depths.

Accommodations throughout the trip were superb, from the quaint hotel in Antigua to the breathtaking scenery from our hotel on Lake Atitlan. Food was plentiful, and could range from Westernized to local fare, with the typical plate containing guacamole, beans and homemade tortillas.

Special thanks to Mike Brcic for an unforgettable trip. For more information on this, and many other of Mike’s trips, including destinations such as Peru, BC, and now New Zealand, log onto www.sacredrides.com. For a pictorial and article on “La Ruta de Maya”, the Guatemalan trip, check out the December edition of Mountain Bike Magazine.

Another special thanks to Barry at the Trek Store Toronto for getting our Trek’s ready for the trip, and a shout out to our new friends who enjoyed the trip with us, including Lisa and Wilco, Mack and Shanty, Kingston, and Matt and Luisa of Olde Town Bike Tours.

Sean’s highlights: Rocking out Metallica’s One in a tequila bar in Antigua, and enjoying the view of Lake Atitlan from a wood heated hot tub.

Adam’s highlights: The scenic ride down to Lake Atitlan, and when Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek’s Riker) tried stealing his Vanity Fair from the airport in Mexico City.

For those of you looking to get away on our trip Mike has a couple of spots available for January 10-17, 2009 visit Sacred Rides for more info.

Also check out a New Zealand trip he has 2 spots available for February 16 to March 1, 2009.