San Juan Howler = Mountain bikes and racing. A Prelude to San Juan Howler Mountain Bike Race 2010 in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Feb 20 & 21, 2010 in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
There are 4 different race categories based on ability and gender. Riders are coming from Managua, Costa Rica and other Central American countries. San Juan is expecting to see guest as far as Vancouver, Canada.
Prize money is $500. Not a lot.
You question why do people travel from North America down to the bottom south west corner of Nicaragua?
Even if they took the entire pot they could not pay their expenses. So why?
One of the main reasons is the absolute love of the sport. The adrenalin high that comes with pushing your body to the limit and then beyond what you thought you could.
Then there are those that love the pure adventure of taking on these trips just so they can put another notch on their bike of a different country, a different race, different climate. Then adding in how both man and equipment preform under the varying conditions.
What is the common element that helps propel them to an even higher level of performance?
You seen only one small part of the course in the video. One small hill in the entire race. The race which for the hardened adrenalin junkies, is 32 km. Now this doesn't sound like much. But let me fill you in on just a couple small pieces of information.
This day last year was over cast. But it was February and the temperature hit over 32 degrees Celius. 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit for those in the US. I don't know about you but have you ever tried to ride a mountain bike in that heat?
Then have you ever walked on the side of a mountain of slippery shale? Now take that shale and crush it into sharp jagged pieces. Place it on a slippery steep slope. That was the bulk of the trail.
Maybe it has something do to with my 50+ years but that seems like way too much work. Heck my shirt was soaked from perspiration walking only part way down this small part of the course. Let alone walking up. And these guys went 32 km.
Whatever the reason it does not matter. The plain simple truth is it is another great sporting event added to San Juan's sports calendar. while at the same time assisting a couple of worth while local non-profit organizations.
My hat off to all the athletes! Despite all of the pain, sweat, mind games and pure numbness I can remember all to well the addiction to adrenalin I had just 7 short years ago. I trulyenvy your fortitude and passion you have of mountain biking.
Thank you for your selfless participation in not only in building the Holwer Off-Road series. But also the spin off benefits to the community such as micro-financing women-owned businesses, recycling, and help provide school uniforms for children. All funded through the increases in tourism to the San Juan area.
Good Luck to all of you this weekend!
For those of you who where not lucky enough to get things together for this race weekend there are 2 more races scheduled in the Howler Off-Road Series here in Nicaragua.
APRIL 11 HOWLER 5,10k TRAIL RUN JUNE 13 HOWLER XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON
Contact: Larry Thraen – Race Promoter larry@bodhin.com 011.505.8680.6015 larry@bodhin.com
