Particpants were from Nicaragua, Cista Rica, Honduras, Canada and the US. Many more women this time and many semi professional teams entered. Then, we handed out prizes and there was a prize for almost everyone. Five bikes were given away, bike swag and money donated to Communidat Connect for their good work in San Juan.Congrats to El Encanto, GrupoMax, Bodhin, “Have Fun” Bob Bombardier and Ruth Obando, our translator and go to woman. The race is sanctioned by the Nicaraguan Racing Organization and the officials said out course is definitely the best in Nicaragua. Hurrah! See videos on www.sanjuanhowler.com

Less than one week later came the Pitayah Fest, now in its fourth year. While there are great surfing contests, pool parties and other events, the big event is what I call “Woodstock” in the Campo….and you wouldn’t believe it until you see it. Seven miles from San Juan, set back 500 meters from the road is a wide field and at one end is a raised band stage, complete with rotating lights, smoke and LOTS of live music from Nicaraguan bands and Gringo bands alike. When you first see it, it is not unlike the reaction people had when they saw Woodstock from afar with half a million people. Here in San Juan more than 500 people gather to eat, dance, imbibe, enjoy kids playing and eat more burritos, nacatamales, tacos, plantanos and more – all supplied by the local people from Carizal, the local small community nearby. An all day affair, it raises money for the local community and allows a great opportunity for locals and gringos to mix and share cultural activities – even the “rave” until 4 AM. All fun, sponsored by the Casa Llanta fund, it is an annual fest that we all look forward to.

Now, it’s time to relax, soothe aching muscles, headaches, sunburns and be glad that the next week of such entertainment is a year away. Be here next February. Start exercising: the legs, the stomach or your dancing feet!

Saludos! To next time

Fred

Happy New Year from the team!

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.

At one point I did help in offering water to dehydrated riders at the top and at another I encouraged those who had just come down a hairy descent that many of the wiser riders chose to walk. The trails had been hand carved by the Maestro of Trailing Building, Mr Bob “Bomber” Bombardier, another key sponsor. Will Pattison of GrupoMax personally led crews of workers as they fine tuned the course – and during the race he and Bob were constantly on the move looking for errant riders lost in the steep valleys and jungle. (most eventually located)

Of course the Producer of the Race was everywhere coordinating our moves like a conductor controls an orchestra.  Though this may have been more like the Siberian Philharmonic, Larry Thraen of Bodhin Adventures, organized all elements of the race like the pro he is.

Behind the sidelines we had our translator, Ruth Obando, who speaks many tongues (some forked) busy with registration, T shirt sales and more. Her open smile and cash management expertise drew in racers – and tracked down every penny!

It was a beautiful day for San Juan and Nicaragua as well. The champion walked off with $500.00 in prize money and it was fitting, as the winner was from Nicaragua.
Big smiles throughout, donations to Fundacion Tierra and Communidad Connect – two wonderful non profits – very few injuries, and later, lots of good food and refreshing drink. A lot of Flora de Cana helps!

Next year, another competition, check our website  www.sanjuanhowler.com for the actual dates and meanwhile to help as you ramp up your training, call up Lance. He’ll do a little coaching, but hesitant to enter such a challenging course, I understand.  Stay Tuned and see you next year!

Also, “return on investment” is always an important consideration for some. The Casitas de El Encanto offer an answer for those people who want the tranquility of the country, the ocean views, close proximity to San Juan as well as to nearby beaches and finally, excellent rental income. With homes this close to town, convenient and well designed, the rental prospects are excellent – close but away from the occasional clamor of festive San Juan. Monthly HOA and security fees at only  about $60/month provide you with peace of mind at a very affordable rate.

Casitas will represent one of the best values in San Juan Del Sur

With the benefits of underground electricity and a high output well for all your family or gardening needs all you need is a cold drink and a hammock, and the benefits of being part of a 350 acre first class development are yours. Trails from the top of the continental divide to on-property streams enable you enjoy the 50% undisturbed “green” area we have set aside replete with wildlife. Ranchos are scattered throughout the property as comfortable rest areas for shade, catching your breath – or quiet yoga.

The open floor plan easily encompasses a full living room, kitchen and dining area with one, two or three ample bedrooms, one, up an elegantly designed circular staircase. This bedroom can overlook the living and dining area as well as has views to the ocean and hillside. There will be some additional design options available Finally, we designed a large exterior patio that will accommodate a dozen people if your inclination is to socializing. Best of all, beautiful views of Nacascola Bay and the ridge of Pacific Marlin shields you from any city noise.

On lazy days, watch the kids practice soccer or softball at the intramural Campo del Sueno just to your south. The field was a project between El Encanto, our foundation The EARTH Fund, and the local community.  If you should make a purchase we put $300.00 of that towards our fund. But really, you have free centerfield bleacher seats!

If you are intrigued, please ask about our special pricing as we open this mini-phase.  They normally list for $129K-159,000. There are only 8 homes and 2 are already reserved. Construction begins this fall.
If interested, let’s talk and we’ll try to help you find your piece of paradise right here!