La Ruta is famous worldwide for being one of the most epic rides in the world. It’s not the longest – only 161 miles – but it traverses the whole of Costa Rica from the west Pacific coast to the east coast on the Caribbean over an altitude of over 6,300m.

It originally came about after an adventurer called Roman Urbina decided to follow the steps of the Spanish Conquerors on his mountain bike for fun. He decided it would make a cool international event – and so La Ruta was born.

Think snakes blocking the singletracks, gnarly crevices, rocky terrain through the jungle and a total disregard for health and safety. As with many of these races, if you don’t make the check points within 12 hour time slot, you’ll be carted to the finish line. Better get training then!

Find out more information here.