This weekend marked the 20th anniversary of Costa Rica’s famed cross-country cycling race, La Ruta de los Conquistadores. Each year, brave souls mount their bikes on what most would call a terrifying, yet thrilling, journey from the Pacific to the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The race takes place in three grueling stages that test competitors mentally, physically and emotionally.

To say the race covers a variety of terrain and climate would be an understatement. Costa Rica boasts some of the most biodiverse climates in the world, and these racers get to experience many of them: hot and humid coasts, muggy yet beautiful rainforests, mountain ranges and, of course, the epic, freezing climb to the top of Volcan Irazú. Terrain includes asphalt, single track, gravel and, we’re guessing, plenty of volcanic ash. For this it’s apparent to us why “La Ruta” made Time Magazine’s Top 10 Endurance Competitions.

Obviously, we here at Outward Bound Costa Rica are always excited to learn about adventure activities, but these resilient cyclists take it to a new level. We’d like to offer a huge ‘congrats’ to all finishers and especially to 2012’s La Ruta Champion, Paolo Montoya of Costa Rica. Way to kick some asphalt (and all those other terrains)!