Racing the Ultimate Dirt Challenge, Rincon, Puerto Rico

After race STOKE!

Our trip to Puerto Rico was capped off with a gratifying double team win this past weekend at one of our long standing favorite races, the Ultimate Dirt Challenge.  It was a hot and dusty affair that took place in the twisty jungle trails directly overlooking one of the islands premier surf destinations and best known surf town, Rincon.  

One of the most striking things about this venue is that it takes place within the shadow one of the oldest (now defunct) nuclear power plants in existence, a strange and erie backdrop for any sporting event.   Here local cyclists/hikers have painstakingly hacked  an impressive flowing 7k trail network into what couldn't be much more than a  square kilometers of jungle.

The town of Rincon was literally swamped with people who came out to be a part of what developed into a radically busy festival that encompassed whale watching, a carnival and of course the bike race.   With thousands in attendance all the athletes came out feeling like super stars even if we may not have been the main attraction for some. 

This was our fifth time racing at this venue which amounted to Mary's fifth consecutive win and continued her puerto rican winning streak.    Though I have given my all for a win here in years past it has been a long haul to the top step of the podium at this venue and I am thrilled to have finally pulled it off.

Post race jungle hike

Puerto Rico with its particularly kind community of mountain bikers has started to take on a sort of home town feel for us.   Mary and I have had the opportunity to race along side many great athletes here and had the time to meet up with the same friends and fans for many years on end.  In no place have so many individuals gone out of there way or done as much to make us feel at home and welcome. Visiting Puerto Rico as a mountain bike racer has been a great experience both for the racing and for the the connection to this great group of people.  We really feel the love here and look forward to many more chances to explore and get to know the island.    

Next stop Bogota, Columbia for Continental Championships!!!

Mas tarde,

MnM

But first it's time for a leg soak

Share this post