November 11, 2005 — The 13th edition of La Ruta de los Conquistadores 2005 begins today in Costa Rica running from November 11-13 and we’ll have daily race coverage at pedalmag.com. Pedal’s Paul Newitt, our veteran TransRockies rider-reporter, is racing at La Ruta and will file daily reports with pics.

La Ruta is not an ordinary race, it’s an epic event with memorable climbing in a land of amazing beautiful volcanoes and single track through coffee plantations. The three stages cover 200 miles and 30,000 vertical feet, crossing from the Pacific Ocean up to the beaches of the Caribbean. Each year, mountain bikers face the challenge to recall the historical steps of the Spanish settlers across Costa Rica.

The highest point in the expedition is Irazú Volcano, which towers over San José at the eastern edge of the Central Valley and reaches 3,432m (11,259 feet). Irazú and its neighbor, Turrialba Volcano, border the old capital city and religious center of Costa Rica, Cartago.

“More than a race, La Ruta is a personal growth journey. That’s the difference with the traditional competitions of World Cup,” explains Roman Urbina, the creator of La Ruta.

“There are some segments that cannot be traveled even in 4X4 vehicles or motorcycles. Imagine what type of event is the one that we organize!!!. The competitors will not have any access to the external support and must trust in his their own tenacity and in some cases in the help of other competitors”, added Urbina.

Among those on the start line are Swisspower’s Thomas Frischnekcht, Spanish Champion Alejandro Díaz de la Peña (Maxxis/MSC Team), Canada’s Roddi Lega, and American pros Walker Ferguson and Jeremiah Bishop.

Despite the international field of competitors that show up annually, the race has never been won by a non-Costa Rican. “We hope that this year will change the history!”, said Urbina. Costa Rica has 193 riders, U.S. has 107 entries, and Canada has 34 riders.

La Ruta de los Conquistadores 2005 – Stages

Day 1 – From the Pacific Coast to the Central Valley
Start at: Hotel Punta Leona. Garabito, Puntarenas
Finish at: Santa Ana, San José.
Distance: 114.1 Km (70 miles)
Max. altitude point: 1,158 meters above the sea (Grifoalto de Mora)
Total ascent: 4,526 meters (15.000 vertical feet)

Day 2 РFrom San Jos̩ to Turrialba
Start at: Los Yoses. San Pedro, San José
Finish at: Historical Church of Aquiares in Turrialba
Distance: 77.9 Km. (50 miles)
Max. altitude point: 3,010 meters above the sea (Irazú Volcano)
Total ascent: 2,729 meters (9,000 vertical feet)

Day 3 – From Turrialba to Caribbean Sea
Start at: Turrialba
Finish at: Mawamba group. Moin Port, Limón.
Distance: 126.4 Km. (80 miles)
Max. altitude point: 898 meters above the sea (Santa Teresita de Turrialba)
Total ascent: 1,785 meters (6.000 vertical feet)

www.adventurerace.com