Stage 2, Terramall, San Jose to Catie, 80 km, two volcanos – Irazu and Terrialbo

• Starting point: Tres Ríos, Cartago.

• Finish point: Turrialba, Cartago.

• Distance: 80 km (aprox)

• Elevation Gain: About 8000+ feet / 2500+ mts (aprox)

• Altitude change: 1291m to 3025m to 607m

• Climate: 5°C-8°C expect wind and rain. Be prepared for drastic climatic changes this day, is very cold and hypothermia might be a problem.

• Terrain: Pavement 20%, volcano, rocks, and ash 20%, very steep uphills 30%, and very technical downhill 30%.

Day 2 also starts at the crack of dawn and you have until 5pm to finish. The 80 km features a fearsome climb of about 6,000 feet from Tres Ríos straight up the Irazú Volcano, with the high probability of bitterly cold weather much of the day. Starting at 1291 meters above sea level, the ride is a never-ending ascent until you reach 3025m (about 10,000 feet). Then it levels off, passes the Turrialba Volcano, and starts one of the fastest and longest downhills in Costa Rica, finishing in the town of Turrialba at an elevation of 607m (about 2,000) feet. On this day, it is very important to have well-functioning brakes and be prepared for cold weather riding. At 10,000 feet with wind and rain, hypothermia is a risk, as it can get near freezing. 

This was the most fun I had on a bike in a long time.  They gave MTBers a chance with long technical downhills on both dirt / rocks, and pavement.  There was an incredibly long climb, of course.  I finished strong, 5 hrs 09 mins. 

I did not use a camelbak, decided to go light.  That paid off, I think.  There were 4 rest stops, super-efficient helpful people. 

Potatoes and salt are insanely good.

Concept of local support:

The locals are helped by their own chase crew, who may or may not help you if are riding with them.  They follow the riders in their own cars, change bottles, pour cold water on them, give them pushes after refueling, etc.  It’s a pretty good benefit, as they don’t have to stop ever.  A neat thing they do is ice cold Coke in a like plastic baggy, you tear it open with your teeth, and it’s like heaven.  Also some kind of mystery juice, but when you’re craving ice cold liquids, you don’t care what it is. 

I had good climbing legs today, and it helped that a local guy pulled me up the hills.  Sad I had to drop him on the downhills, as he was very nice. 

It’s amazing how tentative these guys are on anything not involving climbing.  I made up a ridiculous amount of time just blasting through, having a great time. 

Evening – at a very remote Guyabo Lodge, on side of the volcano.  Very beautiful.  Buffet dinner, I sit at a table with a pro MTB rider, Alex Grant and his support staff.  Very friendly guy, so this year will be 5^th year he takes 2^nd at La Ruta.  We talked about other Epic events.  My next one (shhh don’t tell Inna) is the Cape Epic, a 7 day MTB race in South Africa.  Or maybe something in the US.  

LINKS
Stage 2 pics
Garmin 

La Ruta de los Conquistadores, Stage 2 from Ilya C. on Vimeo.