“Ride Guide”. - Association for a More Just Society
Transcription
“Ride Guide”. - Association for a More Just Society
2017 January 8-14, 2017 RIDE GUIDE • TABLE OF CONTENTS Introductions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2 An Overview………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Personal Safety………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 The Official Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 General Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6-7 Bike Fit…Body Fit…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8-9 Prizes, Ceremonies & Brotherhood…………………………………………………………………………………………..10 Packing Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………………………………11 Helpful Spanish Words/Phrases……………………………………………………………………………………………….12 The Route………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13 Schedule Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14 Day 1: Tela – Opening Ceremony………………………………………………………………………………………………15 Day 2: Tela to El Progreso/San Pedro Sula………….…………………………………………………………………….16 Day 3: San Pedro Sula to Santa Cruz de Yojoa……..……………………………………………………………………17 Day 4: Santa Cruz de Yojoa to Siguatepeque…………………………………………………………………………….18 Day 5: Siguatepeque to Comayagua……………………………………………….………………………………………..19 Day 6: Comayagua to Tegucigalpa………………………………………………….………………………………………..20 Day 7: Tegucigalpa to San Lorenzo…………………………………………………………………………………………..21 Flight/Travel Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………………..………….22 Contact Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23 A Special Thank You!.....................................................................................................................24 1|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide INTRODUCTIONS What is Costa a Costa? Costa a Costa is the cycling tour that starts on the north coast and finishes in the south coast of the country, accomplished for the first time in 2011 with the objective of bringing more conscientiousness to the movement of Transformemos Honduras. It was during this first year that numerous organizations, churches and individuals united to fight for the transformation of Honduras through societal empowerment and a democratic system more effective and efficient working in areas such as education, health, security, justice, and transparency, especially in the critical area of reducing the nation’s poverty. Since then, Costa a Costa has taken place successfully for the last five consecutive years, achieving the participation of national and international cyclists, all of whom are able to experience an adventure based in the sport of cycling, becoming spokesmen for our mission in favor of education. Our Mission Involve cyclists, students, parents, teachers, organizations, businesses, local authorities, the media, artists and volunteers in this cycling tour unique to our country to demonstrate that united, we can achieve the transformation of Honduras through improving the education system of our country. Who is Transformemos Honduras? Transformemos Honduras is a social movement that is an umbrella for other organizations such as The Association for a more Just Society, World Vision Honduras, Proyecto Aldea Global Caritas Honduras, Compassion International, MOPAWI, Confraternidad Evangélica de Honduras, EROC, FOPRIDEH, ASONOG, among others. Our Accomplishment. To date we have become an organization of high capacity and recognition for our themes in education and health, which have been considered by the decision makers in both government and civil society and international cooperation. Our Strategy. Through social authorities and investigations, we are able to identify and demonstrate faults in the public health and education systems, provoking public and governmental attention to these findings. 2|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide AN OVERVIEW The Ride is a total of 437 km (270 mi) give or take. Average days will be from 70-90 km (45-56 mi). There are a lot of hills (see elevation guide below), and a variety of weather along the way. Some days may be blazing hot, and others chilly and rainy. Train hard for less suffering and come prepared for anything! Food & Lodging We will be staying in a mix of churches, camps, institutions, hotels, and retreat centers along the way. You may be staying in a large dormitory style room one night, and then sharing beds in hotel rooms the next. Bring a set of sheets or a light sleeping bag for the stops that don’t include bedding. Some of the stops have hot water, but be prepared to be flexible in your lodging and bathing accommodations! Every morning breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided- usually a sample of traditional Honduran style meals- something basic, but delicious! Along the route, we will provide service stops with water, Gatorade, granola bars, and fruit. You are welcome to bring your own extra snacks or stop at gas stations/fruit stands. NOTE: You are welcome to buy your own meals along the way and stay with friends or family; please advise us of any of these plans. Quiet Hours Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., whispers only please! Be conscientious of others who are sleeping. Security & Support Security is one of our top priorities. A minimum of one motorized police vehicle will accompany us for every 50 participants. There will also be a minimum of one bus for every 50 participants for those who need to take a day to rest along the tour. You need to bring your own bike, helmet, and gear, but we will have a minimum of three mechanics available to help with any repairs. Medical personal will be accompanying us along the route for any health issues or accidents that arise. All cyclists are encouraged to ride with at least one other person at all times. Riding solo leaves yourself open to greater risk of accident and/or slower response time for any incidents. 3|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide PERSONAL SAFETY One of your concerns especially as you transition from city to city is bound to be personal safety. Difficulty in speaking Spanish or unfamiliarity with surroundings can make you feel more vulnerable than you would at home. It is important to know how to recognize areas of differences between Honduras and other countries, and avoid putting yourself in risky situations. Evenings allow for more free time; the group will not always be together during a scheduled activity, so use the following safety guides to make your experience the best one. Event staff will notify you of any particular safety concerns in each city. Avoiding Risky Situations The best way to avoid being the victim of crime is to lower your own profile. That means: • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables (cell phones, jewelry, etc.) • Keep your money in a safe place like a front pocket or money belt--not in a big purse dangling at your side or a fat wallet in your back pocket • Paying closest attention to what's around you. • Follow your instincts—if someone makes you uncomfortable, walk away. If you see people loitering in front of your room who are not part of the tour, keep going. Try to travel in pairs or groups whenever possible • NO ONE should walk the streets alone. Stay in groups. Do not be out after 10:00pm. • Remember--if you are robbed, nothing you own is worth getting hurt over. Machismo One of the most difficult situations for women will probably be the Latin custom of making innuendoes to women on the street. As difficult as it may be for some cultures to believe, generally speaking, Honduran women are very rarely bothered by this and consider it normal. Their response 100% of the time is to ignore the men. That should be your response as well. It won't be easy but any response you make to the men will encourage them to continue bothering you. If someone makes you uncomfortable on the street or on the bus try to move away or ask someone for help. Heavily Armed Men One of the first things that will strike you as you tour the country will be the heavily armed guards standing in front of every bank and many stores or other businesses. They look dangerous and they are supposed to. They pose no threat at all to you and you’ll soon be used to them. Travel Insurance Insurance is optional. Should you want it, we suggest using Travel Guard. www.travelguard.com or 1.800.826.1300 4|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide THE OFFICIAL RULES All riders will be given a written copy of the official rules and asked to sign a copy to return to the race organizers. Agreeing to the official rules is mandatory for all riders wishing to participate in the cycling tour. 1. I understand that the cycling tour will take place in the main highways of the country. 2. I plainly declare that I am participating in this cycling tour of my own free will and I know and understand the magnitude, the nature and the scope of the activities, risks, and dangers that are present. 3. I declare that I understand and accept that neither organizers nor collaborators, are responsible for injuries resulting from the different risks and dangers that this activity can entail. 4. I declare that I am fully capable of participating in this cycling tour, assuming all personal responsibilities for myself. 5. I declare that I am competent and that I am aware of the general state of my mental and physical health. I declare that I am mentally prepared to carry out physically intense activities. In case of an accident or sickness during the course of the event, which prevent me from communicating or expressing my decisions, I authorize and solicit the appropriate medical assistance or surgery needed; consequently, I expressly accept to cover the costs pertaining to me. 6. I am conscious that the tour will take place in an environment of automotive transit. 7. I possess my own bicycle, that of road or mountain, which has been through a mechanical check in order to review all fundamental aspects of the bike, such as breaks, gears, tires with a sufficient level of air, etc. 8. I authorize the organizers of the cycling tour to use whatever form of photographic film or video recorded for advertising purposes and the like, without necessarily having to make any specific requests of me or universal or personal successors. 5|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide GENERAL REQUIREMENTS This is the Costa a Costa Safety Pledge. It is very important that all riders adhere to these safety rules in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone. Cyclists who have never ridden in a big group ride need to know a few “rules of the road” to avoid colliding with other cyclists or causing a crash. You can go to the hospital just as fast getting hit by another cyclist as getting hit by a car! I will ride responsibly and follow all the rules of the road. I will wear my helmet at all times while on my bike. I will obey all traffic signs and signals. I will ride single file when a car or truck is close behind me and is preparing to pass. I will never ride more than two abreast. I will not draft on other riders (pace lines are sternly discouraged). I will yield to riders trying to pass me. I will keep a bicycle length between me and the rider in front of me. I will call out my intentions to riders behind me: “Slowing!” “Stopping!” “Turning!” I will use hand signals when appropriate. I will point to hazards and/or call out to riders behind me: “Hoyo! (Hole!),” “Vidrio! (Glass!),” “Arena! (Sand!),” etc. I will pull completely off the road to stop and let others pass. I will not stop in the middle of the road or trail. I will call out to riders that I am about to pass: “Te Paso!” (Passing!) Never pass on the right. I will always ride defensively. I will always be aware of other riders, vehicles and pedestrians near me. I will never assume I know what they are going to do. I will use common sense and courtesy toward motorists, and others while I am on my bike. I will have fun, enjoy myself and thank all those who made Costa a Costa possible! 6|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (Cont…) All Participants should… • Be legal adults or solicit legal permission from their parents/guardians • Sign a Release of Liability form for the organizers of the event • Guarantee that they are in good physical health and physically able to complete the event. • Possess their own bicycle which passes a mechanical inspection, in order to assure functionality of fundamental aspects of the bike , such as brakes, gears, tires, air, etc. • Be able to ride at a speed of at least 9 mph (4 min/km) while with the entire group, and during the course of the entire event. • Possess their own helmet. The use of a helmet is obligatory. No exceptions. • Possess their own water bottle holder or equivalent, with a minimum capacity of 750 ml • Use gloves. The use of gloves is obligatory, and it is recommended use appropriate cyclist clothing • Respect your environment always. • Always obey the rules shared by the Organizing Committee. 7|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide BIKE FIT…BODY FIT… Getting Your Bike Ready Get your bike tuned up and adjusted to fit you before beginning to train. Efficient position and good body alignment will help you feel more comfortable. Have a professional bike technician check your position, including the points between your body and the bike: seat, shoes, pedals and hands. Poor fit is more painful than poor training. To have your bike professionally fit, contact a bicycle shop in your area. Schedule a pre-ride tune-up with your local bike shop a week or two before the ride. Make sure to have them check the condition and adjustment of brake pads, brake cables and gear cables as well as bearing adjustments in your hubs, headset and bottom bracket. Tires should be checked for excessive wear, cuts and nicks. Remember, old tires not only mean more punctures; they may also be unsafe. Getting Your Body Ready Whether you’re riding the Greenway Sojourn for the first time or you’re a Sojourn veteran, getting yourself – and especially your body – ready for the ride is the key to making it an enjoyable experience. Putting in plenty of miles of training is definitely important, especially back-to-back days. However, don’t focus solely on mileage. A well-rounded training program includes strength, flexibility, endurance, nutrition, hydration and rest. The Sojourn should not be your training, but a culmination of your training effort. A major cause of injuries is lack of conditioning. Staying Hydrated Water is important before, during and after every workout. When cycling, be sure to drink at least one bottle of water per hour. Drink even if you are not thirsty – remember, if you are thirsty, then you are already dehydrated! Once you’ve finished your ride, make sure you continue to drink water or sports electrolyte and recovery drinks. 8|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide BIKE FIT…BODY FIT… (cont.) Food Carbohydrates is one thing that you do not need to skip out on during the ride. Your food plan during training should be comprised of mostly carbohydrates (55 – 65%), with the remainder in equal amounts of protein and fat. You’re training hard and burning fuel faster than when you are sitting on the couch changing channels. You need immediate and stored fuel; which is primarily supplied by a diet high in carbohydrates. This is not the time to be on the Atkins or South Beach diet! Strength Training Strength training is a vital piece in any exercise regimen, whether recreation or competition. In order to be strong in the saddle, you need to have strength not only in your legs and heart, but in the rest of your body. A strong core is essential to good riding posture and climbing ability. Try including at least two days-a-week of a full-body strength training program targeting your major muscle groups, with an emphasis on abdominal and back muscles. Stretching Stretching is essential to injury prevention and improving muscle recovery. Focus on all major muscle groups, not just the legs. Stretch after every workout, bike ride, and even if you didn’t do anything that day. Tips to take care of yourself on the ride! • Apply a waterproof sunscreen on exposed skin several times daily. It should become a part of your rest stop routine while on the ride. • Wear padded gloves. • Shake out your arms and legs every couple of miles to avoid soreness. • Drink plenty of fluids – at least one bottle an hour. If you are not thirsty, drink anyway! You can become dehydrated without knowing. The trick to successful long distance cycling is this: Drink before you’re thirsty, and… • Eat before you’re hungry. • Stretch before and after riding and take plenty of breaks during the day. • If you have knee problems – Consider installing a triple-ring crank set, using floating pedals or having your cleats fit-checked. Standing when climbing hills is tougher cardiovascularly, but easier on the knees. • Smile and laugh! Doctors swear by it... 9|Costa a Costa 2017 Ride Guide PRIZES • CEREMONIES • BROTHERHOOD Prizes will be awarded daily to winners during competitive stages of the tour (see chart below). Competing is not obligatory, however those who choose to race will be vying for prizes in the following categories: Juvenile: 15-18 years old Elite: 19-30 years old Master: 31-100 years old Men’s Mountain Bike Women’s Division Non Competitive Groups “Rápidos:” Mixed cyclists with an average speed of 13-18 mph (4.6-3.3 min/mile) “Furiosos:” Mixed cyclists with an average speed of 6-12 mph (10-5 min/mile) Ceremonies Each city stop will include a ceremony honoring students and celebrating our day of cycling. Ceremonies include concerts, cultural presentations, awards and recognitions for top students and top cyclists in the day’s events. Participation and engagement in these ceremonies is vital to the mission and energy of the Costa a Costa event. It can be easy to forget that although we see a ceremony each day, it is the first experience for those living in the current town we are visiting. A Culture of Brotherhood Cyclists come to represent their cities and cultures from all across Honduras and the world. Although there may be differences in language or custom, we all come for a common purpose. This brother/sisterhood is an integral part of Costa a Costa. Whether competing or not, we embrace the opportunity to spur one another on and finish strong. Evenings are a time of resting, learning, and growing together. Some nights may have specially scheduled events, others are free-flowing exchanges of living in community. We encourage all participants to join in this community and engage with the incredible group of people who have traveled the world for this event. You may be asked to share a room (or maybe a bed!) with a stranger, or you may have the chance to offer tire-changing assistance to someone who doesn’t speak your language. This is all part of the experience that is Costa a Costa. 10 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS o Passport with at least 2 copies o ATM/Debit Card (easiest way to get the needed currency) o Bike: Mountain, Road, or Hybrid o A good helmet (to be worn at all times when riding) o Bike gloves (2 pairs- one should be long fingered for colder days) o Bike bell and mirror o One long-sleeved biking shirt o Small bike bag (or a sling bag you can wear on your back)- large bags can be stored on bus o 2 water bottles or camelback o Sunglasses/Eye protection o Shoes that will work for cycling o Padded biking shorts (at least two pair). o Anti-Chaffing Cream/Bag Balm o Hand pump w/ Schrader/Presta adapter o Spare tubes, patch kit and basic bike tools o a couple cycling jerseys o Socks/underwear for 9 days (The wet climate makes it hard for socks to dry, so bring extra) o Comfortable clothes to change into after cycling- shorts, sweatpants, jeans, t-shirt, etc. What NOT to bring: o Computer, tablet, IPad (it will be harder to keep that stuff safe while we are biking.) o Large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry, or valuables o Large bottles of anything o Too many clothes o A giant suitcase :-) o Swimsuit (something more conservative, or you will draw more attention than you’d like) o Light jacket or sweatshirt o Light winter hat (some evenings are wet and/or cold) o Rain Gear (Jacket and Pants) o Something decent to sleep in (we will mostly be in large dorm rooms) o Travel pillow (or roll up some clothing) o Twin bed sheets or light sleeping bag o Small camp towel (no large bath towels) o Flip-flops for the shower o Travel size shampoo, soap etc. (Dry shampoo optional) o Travel size hand soap/Hand Sanitizer/Wet Wipes o Sunscreen, lip balm & bug spray o Flashlight/Headlamp (for evening usewe will not be riding at night) o Notebook & pen for journaling o Ziploc/garbage bags o Camera/GoPro (optional) o Anti-malaria medicine (optional) o Any personal medication All bags must be under 40lb. Buses will be used to transport luggage between each city. Riders must deliver their luggage to the buses by 7 a.m. each morning. Once luggage has been loaded on the buses, riders will not have access to it until it has been unloaded in the next city. This is a “group effort” type of trip! Upon reaching the next city, everyone pitches in to unload the luggage. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow rider. We recommend that riders make sure they have their sunscreen, money, camera, meds, rain gear, etc. with them for the day’s ride. 11 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e HELPFUL SPANISH WORDS/PHRASES Adjustable Wrench – Ajustable (m) ATM Machine – Cajero Automatico (m) Ball Bearing – Bola de Rodamiento (f) Bathroom—Baño (m) Broken – Roto (m) Chamois – Gamuza (f) Damage – Daños (m) Dirty – Sucio to Disassemble – Desmontar Downhill – Descenso (m) Dry – Seco Failure (Mechanical) – Avería (f) Glass—Vidrio (m) Gloves – Guantes (m) Gravel—Grava (f) Grease – Grasa (f) Helmet – Casco (m) Hole—Hoyo (m) I am lost – Estoy perdido Inches – Pulgadas (f) 12 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e Injury (Hurt) – Herido (m) Inner Tube – neumático (f) Legs – Piernas (f) to Lubricate – Engrasar to Measure – Medir Oil – Aceite (m) Presta Valve – Válvula Fina (f) Pump – Bomba (f), mancha, (f), infilador (m) Quick Release – Cierre Rápido (m) to Remove – Sacar Sand—Harena (f) Schraeder Valve – Válvula Gorda (f) Screw – Tornillo (m) Seat Bags – Bolsas de Sillín (f) Size – Tamaño (m) Tired – Cansado (m) Water—agua Water Bottle – botella con agua (m) Wrench – Llave (m) THE ROUTE Day Monday, Jan 4 Tuesday, Jan 5 Wednesday, Jan 6 Thursday, Jan 7 Friday, Jan 8 Saturday, Jan 9 Sunday, Jan 10 • • • • • • Location Tela Tela El Progreso San Pedro Sula* San Pedro Sula Santa Cruz de Yojoa* Santa Cruz de Yojoa Siguatepeque* Siguatepeque Comayagua Comayagua Tegucigalpa* Tegucigalpa San Lorenzo* Total Distance (km) Ascent (m) Descent (m) Registration & Opening Ceremony 94 620 520 84 990 610 46 1370 710 33 540 1060 90 1790 1400 90 1300 2260 437 6610 6560 *Competitive Stage There will be a daily description of the route announced ahead of time to cyclists. Everyone leaves together on a false start for the first 20kms. From there out, bikers re-start in their categories by level of competitiveness. The point of arrival is about 5 km before each main entrance of each city. During the tour there will be 3 refuel stations at strategic locations along the route. There will be accompanying transport trucks, buses, cars and motorcycles along the tour. A team of 5 Cyclist Guides will oversee the platoon (which will be identified with special vests), with the aim of ensuring that no rider is left on the road or has a mishap and is unable to be helped. 13 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e SCHEDULE OVERVIEW (subject to change) Monday, Jan 8 7:00-8:00am 8:00am 12:00pm 3:00pm 4:00-6:00pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:30-8:30pm Friday, Jan 12 Arrival of cyclists at UPNFM Bus leaves from Tegucigalpa Lunch on the go Arrival in Tela Opening Ceremony, Tela Dinner Welcoming remarks for Cyclists Tuesday, Jan 9 6:30-7:30am 7:30am 11:30-1:00pm 1:00-3:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 6:00pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:30-8:00pm Breakfast (Hotel Sherwood) Departure from Tela Lunch Ceremony, El Progreso Depart together for SPS Ceremony, San Pedro Sula Arrival at Apart-Hotel Villa Nuria Dinner Cyclist info meeting Wednesday, Jan 10 6:30-7:30am 7:30am 12:30pm 1:30-3:30pm 4:00pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:30-8:00pm Breakfast Departure from San Pedro Sula Lunch (Restaurante La Estancia) Ceremony, St. Cruz de Yojoa Arrival at Hotel Brisas Del Lago Dinner & Community time Cyclist info meeting Thursday, Jan 11 6:30-7:30am 7:30am 12:30-1:30pm 1:30-3:30pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:30-8:00pm 8:00pm Breakfast Depart Santa Cruz de Yojoa Lunch (Siguatepeque) Ceremony, Siguatepeque Dinner (Campamento Cerro de Luz) Cyclist info meeting Campfire 7:30-8:30am Breakfast 8:30am Depart Siguatepeque 10:30-12:30 Ceremony, Comayagua 12:30-1:30pm Lunch (Casa de la Cultura) 2:00pm Arrive at Comayagua Golf Club & Hotel 6:30-7:30pm Dinner 7:30-8:00pm Cyclist info meeting Saturday, Jan 13 5:30am 6:00-7:00am 7:00am 7:00am 12:00pm 1:00-2:00pm 2:30-3:30pm 3:30-5:30pm 5:30-6:30pm 6:30pm Departure of Rápidos and Furiosos Breakfast for Competitive Group Departure for Competitive Group Breakfast for Rápidos and Furiosos All groups ride together to Cascadas Mall Lunch (Cascadas mall) Ride together to Central Park Ceremony, Tegucigalpa Departure to Lodging Site Dinner & Cultural Night Sunday, Jan 14 5:00am 6:00-7:00am 7:00am 7:00am 12:00pm 3:00-5:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 14 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e Departure to Cascadas Mall Breakfast (Cascadas Mall) Competitive Group Departs Rápidos and Furiosos bus to the edge of the city (Cerro de Hula) Celebration lunch (Bella Mar) Closing Celebration, San Lorenzo Bus back to Tegucigalpa Arrive in Tegucigalpa (UPNFM) DAY 1 • TELA • OPENING CEREMONY Monday, January 8 7:00-8:00am 8:00am 12:00pm 3:00pm 4:00-6:00pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:30-8:30pm Arrival of cyclists at UPNFM Bus leaves from Tegucigalpa for Tela Lunch on the go Arrival in Tela Opening Ceremony in Tela Dinner Welcoming remarks for Cyclists Lodging: Hotel Sherwood Tips & Pointers Arrive early, because you won’t want to miss the opening ceremony for Costa a Costa 2016! During registration, you will be able to pick up your welcome kit, which includes your registration receipt, sling bag, water bottle, Costa a Costa 2016 decal, granola bars, and event T-shirt. You will have the option of purchasing a Costa a Costa 2016 Cycling Jersey at this time as well. Room assignments with keys will be given out during Registration as well. 15 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e DAY 2 • TELA • El PROGRESO • SAN PEDRO SULA Tuesday, Jan 9 6:30-7:30am Breakfast (Hotel Sherwood) 7:30am Departure from Tela 11:30-1:00pm Lunch (Municipality, El Progreso) 1:00-3:00pm Ceremony (Central Park, El Progreso) 3:00pm Depart together for San Pedro Sula 4:00pm Ceremony (Central Park, San Pedro Sula) 6:00pm Arrival at lodging & Dinner 7:30-8:00pm Cyclist info meeting Distance: 94 km • Ascent: 620 m • Descent: 520 m Finish Line: One km before Megaplaza Mall Lodging: Apart-Hotel Villa Nuria Tips & Pointers With a total of 94 km in cycling, this is one of the longest days on the road. The good news is that your riding will be broken up into two sections: Tela to El Progreso and El Progreso to San Pedro Sula. The race portion of today’s tour is only between Tela and El Progreso. Today’s course is very flat in comprasion to the rest of the tour, so take advantage of the long stretches of flat highway, but save your energy for tomorrow, that’s when the climbing starts. It can be rainy at Tela during this time of year, but but by the time you get to San Pedro Sula, temperatures can climb drastically. 16 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e DAY 3 • SAN PEDRO SULA • SANTA CRUZ DE YOJOA Wednesday, Jan 10 6:30-7:30am 7:30am 12:30pm 1:30-3:30pm 4:00pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:30-8:00pm Breakfast Depart San Pedro Sula Lunch (Restaurante La Estancia) Ceremony (Santa Cruz de Yojoa) Arrival at evening lodging Dinner & Community time Cyclist info meeting Distance: 84 km • Ascent: 990 m • Descent: 610 m Finish Line: 1 km before the detour to Santa Cruz de Yojoa Lodging: Hotel Brisas Del Lago Tips & Pointers This is where the big hills begin. San Pedro will start off flat and hot, but as you get closer and closer to the lake, you will find larger and larger hills, with a slowly cooling temperature. It may or may not rain today- if there is precipitation, it can get chilly in the mountains, so prepare with layers. Pace yourself, as today is only the first of many hilly days! Bike defensively and alertly while leaving San Pedro Sula. There is a lot of traffic, so remain conscientious of vehicles at all times. 17 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e DAY 4 • SANTA CRUZ DE YOJOA • SIGUATEPEQUE Thursday, Jan 11 6:30-7:30am Breakfast 7:30am Depart Santa Cruz de Yojoa 12:30-1:30pm Lunch (Siguatepeque) 1:30-3:30pm Ceremony (Plaza La Amistad, Siguatepeque) 6:30-7:30pm Dinner (Cerro de Luz) 7:30-8:00pm Cyclist info meeting 8:00pm Campfire Distance: 46 km • Ascent: 1370 m • Descent: 710 m Finish Line: In front of Restaurante El Chef Lodging: Campamento Cerro de Luz Tips & Pointers Today is a much shorter day than the previous, but still full of lots of hills. Exercise caution on descents, and remain conscientious of traffic. Temperatures will continue to drop slowly as you ascend in elevation. Rain will mean even colder temps, so be prepared with layers if necessary. If you get tired today, keep your mind on the awesome Camp Cerro de Luz where you’ll get to enjoy the refreshing scenery and community time around the campfire that evening. 18 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e DAY 5 • SIGUATEPEQUE • COMAYAGUA Friday, Jan 12 7:30-8:30am Breakfast 8:30am Depart Siguatepeque* *(No Competition today) 10:30-12:30 Ceremony (Central Park, Comayagua) 12:30-1:30pm Lunch (Casa de la Cultura) 2:00pm Arrive at evening lodging 6:30-7:30pm Dinner 7:30-8:00pm Cyclist info meeting Distance: 33 km • Ascent: 540 m • Descent: 1060 m Lodging: Comayagua Golf Club & Hotel Tips & Pointers Today is by far our shortest day, and the only day there is no competition. Riders are encouraged to take extreme caution as there is a large amount of steep descent today. Take your time and watch out for passing trucks and cars. Although today can be a nice chance to catch your breath, it is important to remain aware of your terrain and surroundings, especially on the downhills. 19 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e DAY 6 • COMAYAGUA • TEGUCIGALPA Saturday, Jan 13 5:30am 6:00-7:00am 7:00am 7:00am 12:00pm 1:00-2:00pm 2:30-3:30pm 3:30-5:30pm 5:30-6:30pm 6:30pm Departure of Rápidos and Furiosos Breakfast for Competitive Group Departure for Competitive Group Breakfast for Rápidos and Furiosos (Gas station Lo Palillos) All groups ride together to Cascadas Mall Lunch (Cascadas mall) Ride together to Central Park Ceremony (Central Park, Tegucigalpa) Departure for El Picacho Park Dinner & Cultural Night Distance: 90 km • Ascent: 1790 m • Descent: 1400 m Finish Line: In front of El Durazno Cemetery Lodging: Campamento en el Parque El Picacho Tips & Pointers Today has been deemed by many as the most difficult day of the tour. There is both a large number of uphill and downhill, and it is one of the longer distances. There will be a staggered start today, allowing more time allowing more time to complete the ride for those who need it. Riders are encouraged to choose a starting group that matches their pace, so as not to get left behind. Riders are also encouraged to take caution on the downhills once again, as it could be easy to lose control of your bike. 20 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e DAY 7 • TEGUCIGALPA • SAN LORENZO Sunday, Jan 14 5:00am 6:00-7:00am 7:00am 7:00am Departure to Cascadas Mall Breakfast (Cascadas Mall Food Court) Competitive Group Departs Rápidos and Furiosos bus to the edge of the city (Cerro de Hula) 12:00pm Celebration lunch (Restaurante Bella Mar) 3:00-5:00pm Closing Celebration (In front of Casa de la Cultura, San Lorenzo) 5:00pm Bus back to Tegucigalpa 7:00pm Arrive back in Tegucigalpa (UPNFM) Time for farewells! Distance: 90 km • Ascent: 1300 m • Descent: 2260 m Tips & Pointers Those racing will have a significantly longer and hillier course to ride today. For those part of the “Rapidos & Furiosos,” the start of your ride will begin in an area very cold and windy, but you will quickly warm up as you begin to descend into the desert. Take along extra water today, and refill frequently, as temperatures can spike, and the sun is very strong. Today has the most downhills, and the road is not as smooth as it has been between San Pedro and Tegucigalpa. Take extra caution looking for potholes and areas of the highway that are in disrepair. Maintain a safe distance between other cyclists, and stay in control of your bike. 21 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e FLIGHT/TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS Those arriving from outside of Honduras have several options for flying into the country. The event will begin in Tela and finish in Tegucigalpa, so it is up to you as to how you would like to fly in/out. The following airports are located along and near our route: La Ceiba, Honduras (LCE-Goloson Intl.) San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP-Ramon Villeda Morales Intl.) Tegucigalpa, Honduras (TGU-Toncontin Intl.) The tour begins on Monday, January 4 at 3:00pm with an opening ceremony in central park of Tela. We will be arriving back in Tegucigalpa on our last day, Sunday, January 10 around 5/6:00pm. There is bus transportation available through Hedman-Alas Bus Company, which can provide transportation to/from Tela, San Pedro Sula, and Tegucigalpa. Hedman-Alas Bus Company: http://www.hedmanalas.com/ For help with flight planning/transportation, contact one of the event coordinators. 22 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e CONTACT INFORMATION Costa a Costa 2016 www.costaacosta.org www.facebook.com/costaacostahonduras Coast to Coast Event Coordinators Natalie Acosta: +(504) 9578-0337 nacosta.asj@gmail.com Speaks English & Spanish Ari Clowney: ari@ajs-us.org Speaks English Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa-Transformemos Honduras +(504) 2235-2291 Mechanical Assistance Bike Friends Club Colonia Lomas del Guijarro, Avenida República de Costa Rica, Centro Comercial Plaza Las Lomas, Local#14 Gerente General: Pablo Briceño: (504) 9462-5443 Event Judge Mauro Salgado (504) 9781-3750 Transportation Coordinator Leonel Portillo (504) 9452-9606 Security Chief Police Officer María Ortiz (504) 9460-8332 US Embassy of Honduras 2236-9320 or 2238-5114 irctgu@state.gov A SPECIAL THANK YOU! 23 | C o s t a a C o s t a 2 0 1 7 R i d e G u i d e