Grasshopper November, 2018 | Page 20

LA RUTA DE LOS CONQUISTADORES (COSTA RICA) The route from Pacific to Caribbean coasts, the route is a 270 km long stretch across Costa Rica. The length is surely lesser than the Friendship Highway but is no less arduous.The route goes through mud paths, rainforests, coffee plantations and to your surprise, even dead volcanoes. The ride derives its name from the annual mountain bike race that takes place in November and can be completed in three days. For those who are not interested in the race can spend as much time whenever and wherever they want to explore the route of the 16th-century Spanish conqueror Juan de Cavallon. Costa Rica packs a very vast range of natural wonder in an area roughly the size of Switzerland. The route which starts from Jaco Beach turns soon into climbing roads with mud and dirt. The climb is 3000 meters La Ruta course on the very first day. After which is passes near an extinct volcano peak of Irazu and comes down to mangrove forests and sand beaches. The traditional end of the ride is a dip in the Caribbean. NORTH SEA CYCLE ROUTE EUROPE The New Sea Cycle Route has its importance as it goes across eight countries and is said to the longest signposted cycle route on the planet. The route also goes by the name Euro Velo 12. The route runs from Scotland’s Shetland Islands to Norway along Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Sweden covering a total distance of almost 6,000 km. It may sound exciting but there is surely no need for anyone to attempt the whole package and those who do, mainly in summer. The route is a big no no during winters as the wart\mest spot you would find is somewhere near ostend, on the coast of Belgium. One can also visit the official NSCR website for some useful tips the ride. 18 g November, 2018