In July of 2006 David, Jacob, and Sean, three friends from the University of California, Santa Cruz, embarked on an incredible off-road bike tour along the spiny backbone that stretches over 17,000 kilometers from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. They are "Riding the Spine" on a mountainous route down the continental divide through a dozen countries, a three year odyssey worthy of the Homeric epic.
Sound cool? Why not join them in Costa Rica on a moderate ride along one section of their journey, and have fun while helping them continue their trip. All profits from this inexpensive adventure go directly to the riders, whose biggest challenge on this journey may well be paying for it!
What we've got planned centers around three days of biking on gravel and dirt roads with the Spiners in northern Costa Rica along a chain of volcanoes near the Nicaragua border, each day covering distances from 45-65 kms (28-40 miles) with moderate elevation changes. Our package includes all accommodations with a night in San Jose, Costa Rica's bustling capital, both before and after the trip; land transport to Liberia in the north of the country; three days cycling on the back roads; a day to enjoy the wonders of the world famous Arenal Volcano; then the return to the capital. On our last night in San Jose you'll be treated to the premier of a new slide show about the trip and talks from the boys about their experiences while enjoying a great local-style dinner.
This trip should be possible for even casual weekend bikers. While not on paved surfaces, it is not on wild trails either. The mountain biking should be reasonably difficult but feasible, and bikes are provided by the local outfitter (though you are of course welcome to bring your own). The accommodations will be basic and rough, but clean and safe. It's all about seeing some beautiful country from your bike while supporting this extraordinary venture.
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Day 1, February 3 On arrival in San Jose, transfer on your own to our hotel. Details will be provided in the information packet sent to trip participants. This evening we ll get together at 6 pm with the trip organizers to go over the logistics of the trip and answer any questions you may have. Hotel in San Jose, no meals included |
Day 2, February 4 After breakfast we'll drive to Liberia, where we will meet up with the Spiners and get ready for the start of our biking adventure the next morning. The drive takes about four hours, and covers 210 kms (130 miles) through fields, forest, and rolling hills and volcanoes. The afternoon is free to explore the area. Hotel in Liberia, BF |
Day 3, February 5 Let the riding begin! Today our destination is the Volcan Miravalle, 50 kms (31 miles) away. Today like every day the scenery is enchanting, with sweeping vistas down the chain of volcanoes and spectacular rain and cloud forest ecosystems. We take our time on our way to the foot of the volcano, where we stay in cabins. Every evening there is time to walk, have a few, take pictures, or do whatever you want. |
Day 4, February 6 Day two of the biking will take us further south along the ridge of the volcanoes to Rio Celeste, about 45 kms (28 miles) away. Como siempre, no hay prisa. We ease our way along enjoying the moment, with the reassurance of sag wagon support in case of bike problems, fatigue, or injury. Cabins, all meals |
Day 5, February 7 Our final day on the bikes is a little longer. It's about 65 kms (40 miles) to La Fortuna, the ending point of our two-wheeled adventure. The town is at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. The volcano is a perfectly shaped cone of more than 1,600 meters (5,300 feet). It is considered as the most active volcano in Costa Rica. Almost every night the volcano gives a spectacular show of lights and orange lava flows with its explosive eruptions. During the day you can feel and hear the volcano explode which is already a spectacle on itself. La Fortuna is a popular tourist destination because of the volcano, and has the mod cons like ATM and internet access. Hotel in La Fortuna, B & L |
Day 6, February 8 Free day for activities around Arenal. For a scenic hiking trail and view on the volcano, you can visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. There is an observatory site located in the park from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of both the volcano and Arenal Lake. There are also several hiking trails which you can explore on your own. If you want to do something more adventurous or you want to see other places of interest in the area, you can go on one of the many half day and day trips that are being offered. These range from adventurous ones like rafting and horseback riding to a relaxing visit to the Caņo Negro Wildlife Refuge or the La Fortuna Waterfall. There's an activity to suit everyone. Hotel in La Fortuna, no meals |
Day 7, February 9 Much too soon it is time to start heading home. We drive back to San Jose, settle into our hotel, and in the evening enjoy a gala dinner with the slide show on the Riding the Spine trip. This show is open to the public and may turn into a festive celebration of the accomplishments of the long distance riders. Hotel in San Jose, Dinner |
Day 8, February 10 Transfer on your own to the airport for flights home, or extend your stay to raft, surf, paddle, or hike the many wonders of this diverse and wonderful country. Or maybe just head to the beach to relax in the tropical sun! We can help you arrange any extensions that might catch your fancy. |
Please join us on the Costa Rica Volcano ride and support the three Spiners.
The trip is priced at $795 per person double occupancy for 9 or more participants. If only 6-8 people sign up, there will be a per person surcharge of $150. If you want single rooms, you will be billed an additional $175.
To reserve a spot on the trip, please mail a $200 deposit made out to John Yost, PO Box 1992, Murphys CA 95247. Final payment is due January 3, 30 days before trip departure.
If you cancel your reservation before January 3, a $100 cancellation fee will be charged and the balance of your payments will be refunded. If you cancel between January 4th and 17th, the cancellation fee is $250. After January 18th no refund will be made.
If you are unable to join them and still wish to help out, you can donate money via Paypal:
For more information :
Few people think of bicycling when contemplating the sky-reaching peaks that parade from the northern tip to the southern extremities of the Americas. The normal response to the idea of criss-crossing high mountain passes the length of two continents is, "That's crazy!" It is, but whenever there are challenges there are challengers.
In July of 2006 David, Jacob, and Sean, three friends from the University of California, Santa Cruz, embarked on an incredible off-road bike tour along the spiny backbone that stretches over 17,000 kilometers from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. They are "Riding the Spine" on a mountainous route down the continental divide through a dozen countries, a three year odyssey worthy of the Homeric epic. Check it out on www.ridingthespine.com
Their goal is to ride dirt trails, gravel byways, and paths as much as possible. They ride custom made heavy-duty mountain bikes in lieu of the traditional lightweight touring models, allowing them access to rougher, more isolated routes. They call themselves bikepackers, camping almost every night, cooking their own meals, and stretching their scarce funds while seeking the most scenic places rather than the shortest or easiest routes. For them, the journey is the destination.
They've been chased by a starving wolf in the upper reaches of Alaska, ridden through blinding blizzards, gotten lost in the wilderness, and suffered up steep, endless hills, but they've also experienced the endless sunshine of an Alaskan summer, watched the northern lights in awe, crossed the continental divide over three dozen times, and descended the tallest peak in Central America. There is adventure around every corner, in every village, on every mountainside, down every valley.
They are currently traversing the steep mountains of Guatemala and Honduras, en route to Costa Rica where, for the first time, the public is invited to join them. Without major sponsors or deep pockets of their own, they need to raise money to continue their trip. Interested riders will have a chance to join them for a moderate three day ride across the continental divide alongside Volcano Miravalle, and on to Arenal Volcano and lake. The final night of the tour will feature a dinner with slide show and talks by the three Spiners in San Jose where all will be welcome. Itineraries will be offered both for international visitors and local riders at very reasonable costs.
Please be a part of the Riding the Spine adventure, and ride outside the paved lines with the intrepid three from February 3-10, 2008. For more information, Costa Rican residents can contact Mike Lapcevic at mike@coasttocoastadventures.com, (506) 280-8054; international inquiries should be addressed to John Yost, jbyost@gmail.com.
EDITORS: For more information, photos, or to arrange an interview please contact Jacob Thompson at Jacob@ridingthespine.com or John Yost at jbyost@gmail.com.
Click here for a printer friendly PDF file of the press release.