MEET THE TEAM
DAN CASEY
Founder
Active. Adventurous. Travel enthusiast. Hooting with Owls & Soaring with Eagles. Halloween advocate. Vintage Bike and Truck Collector.
Embracing life’s journey has given me the opportunity to train and race in some of the most beautiful places in the world: Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, USA. Road biking through tropical rainforests, climbing massive volcanos and mountains, enjoying a mid-ride coconut drink with local friends, hitting "la feria" (farmers market) as a spontaneous refueling stop, and building relationships in these colorful locales is something that brings me great joy. The Pura Vida Cycling Challenge is an opportunity to share this experience with other athletes who are willing to embrace a new culture, push their limits physically and mentally, and also contribute to a charitable cause that helps those in need.
During my time living full time in Costa Rica, I made some very special friendships with cyclists, triathletes, coaches, managers, TV personalities, mechanics, restaurant owners, bike shop owners, and many others connected to the cycling and triathlon communities in Costa Rica. These individuals are still very special friends to this day. It’s really rewarding to share these friendships with the athletes who are part of the Pura Vida event; the personal connections, and shared meals, shared roads, jokes and laughs are the essence of the Pura Vida Cycling Challenge. I’m thrilled to ride with our athletes through every pedal stroke of the 5-stage event, and to support the Pura Vida athletes as they experience and connect with this beautiful country and people.
Come for the adventure and world class bike riding, leave with fitness, friendships for life, and experiences that you will never forget. We can’t wait to see you in Costa Rica!
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NCAA collegiate swimmer (7 time school record holder). All-Conference swimmer.
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2 time bronze medalist in international swimming competition
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Swimming Finalist at the 1999 Pan American Games
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Former Pro Triathlete. 12 time overall champion in Olympic distance triathlon.
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Overall amateur champion at the 2001 Chicago Triathlon (The World’s Largest)
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3rd place overall at 2011 Vuelta Masters Costa Rica
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4th place overall at 2012 Vuelta Masters Costa Rica
Interested? Sign up for an upcoming event!
JOVEL RAMIREZ
Pura Vida Host & Charity Administrator
Selfless. Hospitable. Caretaker. Mentor. Leader.
Our gregarious local host. Jovel was a professional road bike racer in the late 80s and early 90s. He is truly a Costa Rican cycling legend, and the single best ambassador for the country, the sport, and the Pura Vida way of life. Jovel is the leader of the local cycling club that we ride with every day. This club is a mix of
younger and older riders, men and women, weekend warriors and elite level cyclists. As the local leader of this incredible cycling community, Jovel is also the administrator of the Pura Vida Cycling Charity. He allocates space in his workshop and cycling clubhouse ("el bunker") to ensure that all of the gear that we bring gets distributed based on need and commitment to the sport, Importantly, for the younger riders, Jovel has standards that the athletes must meet to qualify for this outreach, which includes: commitment to education, commitment to a career, and a commitment at home to your family. As a leader with the ability to help guide these younger athletes in sport and in life, he sets a very positive and supportive example. With Jovel leading the way, and the Pura Vida Cycling Charity as the supporting program, together we are providing opportunities and helping to establish life skills that will serve this community for the long term.
Want to be part of this charitable event, ride with this amazing community, experience 5 days of amazing cycling, and help make a real difference? Register for an upcoming event!
ALEX ARCON
Director of Tour Support
Hardworking. Supportive. Festive. Humor. Service. Encouragement.
Alex is a proud Colombian who has lived in Costa Rica for over 25 years. Dan and Alex became fast friends 2 decades ago as their paths crossed through mutual friends in Costa Rica. They have shared many epic adventures over the years.
Alex is always ready to enjoy life and have a good time. This festive Colombian organizes our support efforts for the duration of the Pura Vida Cycling events. He is fully bi-lingual and represents the “Pura Vida” attitude in all aspects of his life. He has a charm that is undeniable, a heart full of generosity and selflessness, and we are very lucky to have him as an integral part of our leadership team. Alex will join us on all 5 stages to support our group of riders; he will have food, drinks, bike gear, and first aid and safety supplies readily available. Alex has supported our event for many years and can also provide guidance regarding the day's route, and what lies ahead.
He's always ready to hand you a banana, a fresh coconut to drink, a snack, or tell you a funny story from the days events! Ready to experience the Pura Vida Cycling Challenge and share a few laughs with Alex? Register for an upcoming event!