For the third annual San Juan Howler Race we drew over 60 racers from at least a half dozen countries. From all over Central America and the United States and Canada they came, with racers all vying for a prize and if not, a heck of a good time. Believe me, by the end of the day (and night after a great send off party at the Blue Marlin in San Juan) there were happy faces all around.
This race was, for the first time, the last of the Nicaraguan series of competitive races throughout the country. This was the first year they added our race and showed how professionally the race was organized as well as how the quality of competitors has risen dramatically.
What a race! and, what a turnout!
The anticipation grew as all the racers lined up at 8 AM at the starting gate and boom, they were off in a crowded field that soon began to develop into a long string of riders as the tempo and difficulty of the ride developed.
The course began its true course as they entered El Encanto del Sur, one of the key sponsors of the race. They climbed hills, crossed rivers, sweated up long inclines, rode down breathtaking descents and finally, after reaching the top of El Encanto at over 1000 feet, did they begin the long ride home. Experts rode the course three times, next category two loops and the new riders rode one. I stayed above the fray, in my vaunted role as a sponsor, I was not required to kill myself, just drink beer, eat burgers and heartily congratulate the winners as they staggered in. Someone always has to do the dirty work, and I was chosen.
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