FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT BIKE DO I BRING

Road bikes are required and we suggest a 32 tooth rear cassette at a minimum, but HIGHLY suggest 34 or 36 tooth gearing.

eBikes are fine too.

WHAT ARE THE LOCAL RIDERS LIKE?

Pura Vida Cycling Challenge is about embracing and experiencing the local riding community. All rides are done with the local cycling community. Here is what you can expect:

Ages from 18 - 65, male and female. Weekend warriors, local group riders, aspiring pros, up and coming young riders, masters riders, and age groupers
Loose and fun group, always joking
We have an unofficial group cycling clubhouse, repair shop, and support family. It’s one of the best parts of the entire experience.

WHAT BIKE SET UP DO YOU SUGGEST

Set up your gearing for long, steep climbing. We would recommend a rear cassette that has the largest cog at 32 teeth or larger. A rear cassette setup of 11-32 would be the bare minimum recommended. A mid-compact crankset with an 11-32 cassette would be a very good option. Make sure your brakes are in good working order, as you’ll need them on the long descents. Also, gatorskin (or equivalent) tires are recommended, and lightweight climbing wheels. Beware that you will encounter potholes, and some rough roads at times, so your carbon race wheels are not recommended unless you can accept the risk of cracking them. Think lightweight and sturdy when it comes to wheels.

HOW DO I GET MY BIKE THERE?

We require that you bring your own bike for this challenge. A bike case is needed for air travel. We will have local support to help you with bike assembly and disassembly if needed. You’ll want every advantage that you can gain, and having your own bike that fits just right will give you a needed edge.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

Mid 60s at night, low 90s during the day. The mornings are usually dry, but rain is possible, especially as you climb up the mountains. Some rain gear will be needed just in case (keep it in the support vehicle). You can tell if we’ll get rain just by looking at the sky before departing.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Costa Rica is known for its high quality healthcare system, and offers both public and private options. In the event of an emergency there are outstanding private hospitals near our home base. Make sure you have a photo of your passport stored on your phone, and that will be sufficient for any needed medical attention. You will need to confirm that your health insurance plan covers you in Costa Rica, or you can pay cash for private medical care. The public system will provide free care as an option for non-life threatening situations.

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?

No vaccinations are required to enter into Costa Rica from the United States.

DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?

Nope. You will get by just fine with English.

IS THERE A PLACE FOR LAUNDRY?

There are local laundry facilities. Plan on a 24hour turn around time.

CAN I DRINK THE WATER?

Yes, the water is potable everywhere. This includes public water fountains, sinks, hoses, and most waterfalls.

CAN I USE DOLLARS AND/OR PAY WITH A CREDIT/DEBIT CARD

Yes, you can pay with dollars at most places, and 99% of the places where we stop will accept credit/debit cards.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY

If you cancel your registration more than 60 days prior to the start of the Pura Vida Cycling Challenge you can choose to receive a 50% refund, or you can transfer your registration to the next Pura Vida Cycling Challenge. If you cancel your registration less than 60 days prior to the start of the Pura Vida Cycling Challenge, no refunds will be given. You have the option to transfer your registration to the next Pura Vida Cycling Challenge.

WHAT AIRPORT TO I FLY INTO?

Yes! There is 50m outdoor pool and track near the hotel. Both are open and accessible. The roads are also great for hill repeats.

CAN YOU ACCOMMADATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?

Yes, our local chefs will be able to accommodate all dietary requirements. Just let us know.

I AM TRAVELING WITH SOMEONE THAT IS NOT INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE CYCLING CHALLENGE, CAN WE SHARE A ROOM?

Yes! Please let us know and we can set you up with the appropriate room.