After mountain biker and adventurer Roman Urbina read about Spaniard Juan de Caballon’s expedition through Costa Rica over 400 years ago he decided to retrace his steps. Today, more than a decade later La Ruta de los Conquistadores (The Route of the Conqueros) is considered done of the most difficult races on the international circuit. Participants cross from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast in a grueling three-day trip through mine of Costa Rica’s twelve microclimates. While the original expedition lasted 20 years, this year’s winner, Colombian Leonardo Paez, completed the journey in total of 14 hours.
What attracted you to the sport?
Mountain Bikes can get to many places other forms of transportation cannot, plus they are clean and quiet – ideal for nature watching.
What got me hooked was the adrenaline you feel when you’re going fast on a treacherous downhill and having to make important decisions almost automatically. You become one with your gear and ready for battle.
Where are you favorite places to ride and why?
I like rides with some degree of challenge and punishment. An easy stroll won’t cut it for me. I enjoy riding around the world and it’s like trying to pick the most beautiful flower when there are incredible ones everywhere. Some memorable rides are TransAlp in Europe, Cape Epic in South Africa, TransRockies in Canada, Mega Avalanche in Peru, and Brazil’s Power Biker race.
Do you to be a little crazy to do this type of hard-core biking?
A few years ago doing a marathon was a bit crazy but now there are millions of people running. I think that sports and fitness have evolved exponentially and in the future it won’t be viewed as CRAZY. I think that you have to be special person to want to even take part in event like La Ruta. It takes many hours, and a lot of dedication and monitory investment, but it’s an event that changes your life in ways hard for others to comprehend. Personally, I think that you have to be crazier for being 30 pounds overweight, having stress as a daily companion, and having to take medications for conditions that are avoidable by doing things like La Ruta.
Is La Ruta about brains or brawn?
Brains. You have to monitor your body like great pilot on a mission who never lets the engines overheat or cool down, and makes as few mistakes as possible. You won’t make it on courage or because you’re super tough. It’s about how you manage the race.
Why do you enjoy doing extremely difficult things and what have they taught you?
There is a brainstorming, observation, and planning process, and at the end if you did things right there is a great sense of accomplishment. If you didn’t do it right you always learn something that can bring you closer to your goal the next time round. The hard things. A cold glass of water is way better after 20 miles uphill than one un the office. You have to pay your dues to get your reward. Its painful to fall, but you can’t quit or else you would never enjoy anything. Life is a not all about comfort.
Activities and Sports 
