Review Date
April 4, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Troy Mandery , from Boulder, Co USA

Summary:
The beginning of the ride drops you through a beautiful canopy of trees & thick vegitation. Almost a tunnel in parts. The terrain is rocky, loose & mossy. Can be a little tricky. Use caution. After this fast technical section, you drop out into an incredible river valley. The road (gravel) winds along the river and is extremely fast in spots. Stop at one of the pulperias along the way and get refreshed, you'll need it. The climb coming up is quite steep in spots. This is also where the road becomes rough again (4 wheel drive only for vehicles). The vistas are well worth the climbing. If you are not shrouded in clouds, you'll see several different waterfalls dropping into the valley. Some dropping as much as 700 ft. If it rains on you here it's a mixed blessing. The cool down is very welcome, the mud is not. The final descent is again quite fast. White knuckles will be the norm here. The end of the ride is near a small bar. Enjoy an Imperial & relax while you're guide loads up the bikes. The bartender will probably try to sell you the bar. He was asking about $15,000 @ the time we rode this trail. I did'nt make the final section to Quepos. We left too late in the day. I would definitely try to do this next time. Riding from 10,500ft to sea level, that's a full days ride! No single track on this ride but it does not lack fun sections & challenges. This is an Epic ride. If you're an upper intermediate or above rider don't miss it if you're in Costa Rica.

Recommended Route:
Contact a Guide. Very remote part of the country.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Turrialba to Escazu or vica versa.

Review Date
August 28, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Gerhard Linner , from San Jose, Costa Rica

Summary:
long, long dowhill. First part is moderate technical, turning into a very fast (50mph!!!!!)second part, then comes a few uphills, that can turn very technical, some river to ford, passing thrugh what we have called the waterfall valley. and on to El Brujo. you can keep going all the way to Quepos, but that part will be more flat than anything. You will defenetly need a guide and assistence to take this ride, because it is a very remote area. This raid can be taken by anybody that has moderate experience.
You can contact B.B.T. (a local operator) at baticsa@sol.racsa.co.cr for any info on this or other trails.

Recommended Route:
take the panamerican highway heading south, turn right at division, get on your bike, hold on as hard as you can and let it go