I’ve now been in costa Rica since end of November. Doing some bike touring and teaching yoga at Auberge de Alma.
January 9
Today I had a breakthrough in my riding. I have been slowly making my way a little further up to San Isidro de el General. This was my 3rd ride. It’s only a 34 km ride to San Isidro, but almost 1400 meters of climbing up to 1100 meters. The first two times I rode only 17 km’s and had to walk 2 or 3 times. Today I made it – 18 km’s with no walking. I felt much stronger. It is amazing how just a little bit better conditioning can result in your being able to handle the load. I wanted to make it to a little town another 4 km’s, but stopped in Platanillo. My hamstrings were getting tight and I knew I would be pushing it. I had breakfast before it got hot. It was cooler even at this elevation of 436 meters with a lovely view looking down over a valley with the mountains in the distance.
I climbed a total of 508 meters with a maximum grade of 13.1 % according to RideGPS. My top speed descending was 60.5 – almost 2 hours to get up and less than an hour to come back. I think next time I can make it to San Isidro, but consider this. I still have another 700 meters to climb in the next 8 km’s. The last 8 are downhill or flat into San Isidro. Coming back should theoretically be easier but there will be some climbing including a couple of climbs right near the end. But it was very satisfying to notice improvement and to have hope that I can now make it.
Next post will be some thoughts on travelling as a life style.
for images of Costa Rica – go to –
Flickr photos – https://www.flickr.com//photos/yogipeter/sets/72157649341551209/show/