Challenge
The challenge
A breathtaking 500km cycle ride from the Pacific to the Caribbean cost in Costa Rica. Costa Rica means ‘Rich Coast’ in Spanish. The country is endowed with beaches of fine white sand, and tropical rainforest with rare flora and fauna. The ride will take us through traditional Costa Rican farmlands, bustling colonial cities, stunning mountain ranges, smouldering volcanoes and tropical lowlands. The itinerary talks of a first relatively flat section through cattle ranching communities, to get us warmed up for the challenge ahead. Riding old paved trading roads, then gravel tracks towards the first ascent (of many) and the foothills of the Santa Maria volcano. And then to a day themed ‘Volcanoes’! 106km. At the highest point the views are breathtaking; Lake Arenal and an active volcano in the background. The reward for the days toil is a dip in the Tabacon naturally heated hot springs to sooth muscles aching after a tough day. Then onto undulating roads with frequent but manageable hills, through Costa Rican villages, across rivers, and sections of dirt roads. There will be monkey troops and exotic birds, lush vegetation and coffee crops, corn, cardamom, bananas, and tropical fruits. And the final stretch, the hottest part of the journey, through banana plantations, along a disused railway line towards the Caribbean coast and the finish. Then traditional cyclist victory salute, a well earned dip in sea and a celebratory diner. Simples!!!!!! The adventure starts on April 3rd 2014. Of course you will have noticed a flaw in the plan. Although training we start seriously in January, the British winter. Costa Rica is tropical, dryer on the Pacific coast, humid on the Caribbean. Oops. |
The aim and the cause
We are a team of three from Poole raising money for the Dignity in Dementia trust fund at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Poole, Dorset. Penny, the trio's most experienced member of the team, is doing her second cycle ride having completed the Vietnam Cycle in 2012. Amanda said it seemed like a good idea! It’s a perfect opportunity to push the comfort zone, stretch the boundaries and put determination to the test. For Mark, he is celebrating 25 years of priesthood and has been dubbed the ‘pedalling priest’. All the money we raise will go to support the refurbishment of the Lytchett ward activities room. This will provide a light, bright airy room for the elderly patients on the ward. It will be used for activities and rehabilitation before the patient returns to their home. The outside area will be decked and shaded to provide seating areas during the summer. Now ....
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