Ruta de Malpais

August 21, 2019

 

I just finished a great bike ride with friends, run by Pura Vida Ride - the new outfitter business at Las Catalinas.   Here is my report!

Day 1 - Santa Cruz to Nosara

This is the hardest ride I have ever done.   Or should I say not done - I chose to complete rather lengthy stretches of it while riding in the car.   But Markham, Howie, and Jerome - not to mention Pablo - rode it all.   It was just too bloody steep for me.   But I did get to see some of the highest land on the Nicoya Peninsula, which I have long been curious about.   It was as I suspected it would be, beautiful, lonesome, and cool.   Here is the GPS file and the video:

 

 

Day 2 - Nosara to Punta Islita - Ah, nice!   Riding on the beach, quiet roads, the nice little town of Samara, river crossings...   Here is the GPS file and the video:

 

 

Day 3 - Punta Islita to Santa Theresa - the queen stage   for enjoyment.   Many miles on the beach, beautiful isloted countryside, DEEP river crossings.   The GPS file is coming. Here is the video:

 

 

Day 4 - Santa Theresa to Montezuma - great ride through the Cabo Blanco forest and ending at the cool little town of Montezuma, with a short hike to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall and pool.   (GPS file forthcoming).

 

 

People often ask me why I choose Costa Rica.   Part one of the answer is that the people here are so great.   Part two is because it offers so many adventures like this one!   Thanks to my friends and riding companions Markham Smith, Howie Rosen, and Jerome Grilhot.   Thanks also to Jake, and Pablo and the whole Pura Vida Ride team for organizing a great trip for us!

- Charles