I got to work early in order to post something so JT has something to read today

The day before the race in Costa Rica was rad. We met our International Cohorts! Jason from Florida, who is going to bang out La Ruta (Four day MTB stage race in Costa Rica...legends say the hardest in the world. Maybe....next year?!?!) in the fall showed up in the morning. Breakfast found us sitting next to Danny and Tami from Mexico City. These two have traveled the globe! Whether racing bikes, kayaks, or Adevnture races, they are all over the place! Later this year I will be following their progress as they race the BC Bike Race...a team MTB stage race in Canada! (7 days, 7 stages, you gotta stay with your homie...next year?!?! who wants to be my homie? I stop talking after like day 3...)

The 7 of us were the only racers staying at the host hotel. All our food, transportation to and from each race start, and ride logistics were included in our deal. I would have been LOST and probably still riding through random cow pastures had it not been for this set up!!

We had no idea where the stages were and frankly, did not want to climb a volcano the day before the race. We opted to ride around and check out the grade % of the area, the vegetation and local

set-up. Approximately 13 minutes from the hotel, Justin - left, sheered his rear derailleur hanger off. Yes, it takes four to convert the brand new Super Fly to a single speed. We rolled into Santa Barbara and went to the bike shop. Funny thing, they were at lunch, which turned into a Siesta...lucky!! The little green car housed a fellow racer, Costa Rican national Jose...He was AWESOME!! Perfect English, acted as our guide, translator, protector, and friend!! This guy was such a blessing!!!Maureen NO!!! No touchy-touchy of street dogs!!! Especially right before climbing the stairs to the Pizza Parlor!!The Po-Pos!!

This Pie saved our lives!! I don't think i have eaten pizza since...weird

Then the shop opened!! COOLEST Mechanics ever! The one on the right is an amazing racer as well, and made sure to point out the pictures of him in magazines and on the wall racing La Ruta!! They rolled out the red carpet, found a der hanger for Justin, and fixed everyone elses bikes!

The ride "home" fighting Scooter Traffic!

Amy, Justin and Maureen - scoping the sky for rain, and sizing themselves up to the Banana tree!

These kids were WAY amped to have us ride by! You would have thought we were part of the Giro...

At Home Base, prepping for the Unknown..check out my STACK of tupperware "supplies"! I Brought so many snacks and reinforcements! you never know...