Named after “the route” (la ruta) followed by the New World conquerors, the Conquistadors led by Juan de Caballon, who discovered a new shortcut from the Pacific to the Caribbean in the 1540’s, this adventure race is one of total extremes. Riders experience energy sapping jungle humidity on mud drenched trails one day and freezing rain on grueling, volcanic ascents the next. Riders have 10-12 hours to complete each stage and many never make it past the first day.
Yet the race is so popular it attracts over 150 riders every year including the best in the world, Thomas Frischnecht, who famously won the race in 2005, the first non-local to conquer la Ruta.
Whether attracted by the prize money of $15,000 in total or the lure of Costa Rica itself, described by National Geography magazine as “the most biodiverse place on Earth,” la Ruta now carries an unrivalled prestige among the international mountain biking community. Whilst the Trans Alp is twice as long, la Ruta offers a far greater challenge to the mind and body with its multitude of microclimates and ever changing typography.
La Ruta Race Stages
Stage One:
- Riders race for 100km from Jaco on the Pacific coast to Civdad Colon through the Carara national park, a steamy tropical paradise full of howler monkeys.
- The tough first day includes a grueling slog through muddy terrain, numerous river crossings and a cruel total ascent of 4400m.
- Time limit is 12.5 hours.
- 20% of riders usually fail to make the cut.
Stage Two:
- A shorter stage over 75km through sub tropical rain forest from Civdad Colon to Tres Rios.
- Extremely steep climbing, in some cases over 20% gradients, on part paved roads.
- Long technical descents through coffee plantations.
- Time limit is 10.5 hours.
Stage Three:
- The highpoint of the race is reached on this 67km stage from Tres Rios to Turrialba.
- With an ascent to the top of the Irazu volcano there is less mud and humidity but riders have to contend with rain, cold and mist followed by a heart stopping technical descent off the mountain.
- Time limit is 10.5 hours.
Stage Four:
- The race finishes on the Caribbean coast at Bonita Beach; the longest section at 125km but probably the easiest terrain.
- Except that is for the dreaded train tracks, a bone jarring section of the ride that saps every last ounce of energy.
- Every finisher truly feels like one of the Conquistadors as they tumble onto the sand at the end of the ride.
Extreme Mountain Bike Race
La Ruta has to be the muddiest, stickiest, steepest and most extreme cross-country mountain bike race on the planet. Everyone who finishes is a winner.
If downhill mountain bike racing is more your thing, try the world's craziest downhill MTB race instead.
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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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