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Skills and Power in the Mountains of Costa Rica

Andres Vargas / 10.10.2005

Skills and Power in the Mountains of Costa Rica


On the contraire to the Cloud Forest Expedition organized by Euforia Expeditions, the race "Between Two Continents, Between Two Oceans: Costa Rica will include several other adventure racing disciplines, providing an adrenaline-filled race with kayak, rope work, mountain bike, swimming, trekking and canyoning, where the ability to proficiently perform land navigation assignations will be a determinant for the top teams to stay ahead.

200+ Km will be the total length of the race, a nonstop expedition with duration of 65+hrs to the finish line. It will also go through, along the way, most the 12 microclimates located in the geographical location of Costa Rica, as for we will go from a cold humid climate, to warm dry reaching the most extreme combinations and climate changes.

Some of the places we'll be going through include mountains, cliff edges, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and extinct and active volcanoes. For which we will see terrains throughout the route such as dirt, mud, gravel, loose rock, volcanic rock, sand, rivers amidst others.

For this race you should have intermediate/advanced knowledge in Land Navigation with Scale 1:50,000 maps as for this will be an essential tool for participants find their way around.

Along the way assistance will be provided only at the PCA (Assisted Control Points) where designated staff will be able to assist participant's needs. (Note: please review the assistance section in the rules and regulation's "II Part: The Team" section on the website).

Competitors may choose from three different categories, the first one being the main category for Euforia Expeditions' races: individual female, individual male and mixed teams of four. Winners will be awarded from an initial pot of USD $12,000.00 in cash. Individual racers will mainly be awarded due to the difficulty of the race.

This daring 'solo' adventure race is an excellent way for competitors to measure their personal competitive level as for it will be a difficult test where you will not only have to put to the limit your physical power but also the mental strength to make sharp decisions in crucial moments.

The chronogram of activities is as follows:

Heredia, Costa Rica
April 2006
April 10
Team Arrivals
Equipment Checkup
Skills Tests
Competition Kits Will be Given

April 11
Team Arrivals
Equipment Checkup
Skills Tests
Competition Kits Will be Given
Departure to Starting Line at night

April 12
Section I
Departure With the Rising Sun

April 13
Section II
Participants fight against the harsh terrain

April 14
Section II continuation

April 15
First teams make their appearance at the finish line
Arrival activities and festivities

April 16
Return to the city
Closing ceremony

April 17
Teams fly back to their countries

Percentage Distribution - Detailed Information and Tips

- 15% Kayak (double sea kayaks will be provided by the organization)
- 28% Trekking
- 50% Mt. Bike
- 5%   Ropes
- 2%   Swimming
- 200 Km. Total
- 60-80 hrs. Approximately

Tips

Knowledge of Navigation techniques is a must, complete understanding of reading coordinates is necessary to be able to find Control Points and
Reference Points which will lead you through the correct paths to make your way to the finish line.

Participants must be prepared to spend the night in the mountains. Since it's a race without obligatory rest stops each racer must be aware of the need to recuperate energy by resting and must judge according to her/his knowledge and experience where it would be best to do so.

Everyone must be prepared for the sun! It's not a surprise that April is a very sunny month in Costa Rican and Central America in general, sun block is a must, radical temperature changes also and should be taken under consideration, excess or lack of clothes for the temperature can be prevented with precise reading of the maps provided.

Natural Spectacle

The areas in which we will be are of incomparable beauty and the blisters that carrying a camera might cause are worth it! Lakes, rivers, vast forests that go far beyond your eye's reach; extinct and active volcanoes,
waterfalls, colorful towns, an impressive show of flora and fauna!

Active Member Within the Society

Euforia Expeditions, by fomenting sports in Costa Rica wants to stand out the effort of those athletes that conform the Special Olympics Delegation in Costa Rica, athletes who have proudly prized our country with bronze, silver and gold medals in numerous opportunities. We see in athletes of both areas (Special Olympics and Adventure Racers), Iron athletes, who love what they do and make a supernatural effort to reach those goals which make them exceptional men and women. 

This is why we will be donating a percentage of the application fees to the organization.

Prizes

A total of $12,000.00 USD in cash for those first three places of each category to teams who officially finish the race.

1st place Individual Masculine USD $4,000.00
2nd place Individual Masculine USD $1,500.00
3rd place Individual Masculine USD $500.00

1st place Individual Feminine USD $4,000.00
2nd place Individual Feminine USD $1,500.00
3rd place Individual Feminine USD $500.00

1st place Mixed Teams - Prizes from our Sponsors
2nd place Mixed Teams - Prizes from our Sponsors
3rd place Mixed Teams - Prizes from our Sponsors

Insurance

As stated in the rules and regulations page in our site, you must purchase a travel insurance in case you would need it in Costa Rica.

We work with a team of experts in mountain rescues, they are known for being some of the best prepared rescuers in Costa Rica, some of them with international experience. They will be tagging along with 4x4 vehicles to make sure things are well.

Where to Arrive

Teams must fly into the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela (only Intl. airport close to the city) where delegates from Euforia Expeditions will be awaiting your arrival to take you to the official hotel
where we will all meet and rest from the flight.

We would need flight information in order to pick you up when your flight arrives.

How much Money should I bring?

Euforia Expeditions will take care of your stay, meals and transportation costs during your stay in Costa Rica. We do not cover alcoholic beverages due to the nature of our events but we do inform you that we will provide
you with a great doze of salsa and merengue dancing to loosen up those muscles at the end of the race and please be prepared to share your past experiences with others, learn from others and have a great time!

In Short

Race: Between Two Continents, Between Two Oceans
Solo Adventure Race
Place: Northern Territories - Costa Rica
Arrival City: Alajuela - Heredia
Date: April 10 - 16 2006
Course Length: 200+Km
Disciplines: Kayak, Mt. Bike, Trekking, Land Navigation, Swimming, Rope Work
Prizes: $12,000.00 USD
Application:  $1,000 USD per individual participant before Jan 1st. $1,250 after. $2,250 USD per team before Jan 1st. $2,500 after
Temperature: 10 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius

Contact

Andres Vargas
Euforia Expeditions
506.263.2752 - 506.849.1271
andres@euforiaexpeditions.com
www.euforiaexpeditions.com