New Race/Tour links Major Mayan Temple

By Vernon Felton

There’s a new race in town. Well, make that a race-slash-bike tour. The seven-day Temple to Temple will take participants on a 750-kilometer tour through Belize. Participants will ride over mountains, through jungles, caves, villages and over a fair bit of asphalt as they trace the path between the Mayan temples of Lubaantun and Caracol. The race/tour kicks off January 29th, 2006 and runs till February 4th.

Not too keen about riding through a third world country? Support vehicles will ensure the safety of all participants and a bicycle mechanic will be available to service bikes after each day of the race.

Every night along the route, riders and support staff will camp (or upgrade to luxurious lodging) in the wilderness, at the foot of Mayan ruins, or at jungle lodges. The registration fee also includes an all-inclusive stay at The Placencia hotel before and after the race.

For the ultra competitive in the audience, there’s a Gary Fisher X-Caliber mountain bike awaiting the rider with the lowest accumulated time. Riders are also being given the opportunity to just, well, ride the route as a more laid-back tour.

This map shows the Temple to Temple route.

So there you have it: ride it, race it, either way, Temple to Temple will offer riders the experience of a lifetime. Precisely how much does an experience of a lifetime cost. Good question. In this case, you’re looking at an entry fee of $1495.00. This covers meals, water, accommodation (camping some nights), but does not cover alcoholic beverages or your flight to Belize.

RACE FOR FREE?
Temple to Temple’s organizer is also offering one lucky rider a chance to race for free. For more information on this event and the contest, go to Temple-to-Temple Contest or email Temple to Temple, Director