The Experience
Mountain biking, waterfalls, surfing, SUPing, cocktails by the pool and an amazing group of women to shred with in the tropics. This trip is the ultimate mountain bike getaway for the ladies! Our crew will take you on the trip of a lifetime to ride incredible singletrack spanning from the rainforest to the sea. This trip is equal parts adventure with just the right touches of luxury. Come to enjoy the incredible mountain bike rides, then top each day off with unique rainforest adventures, excellent food, and the best sunsets over the ocean.
Highlights
Elevate your Skills
Surf the Pacific
Amazing Adventures
Itinerary
WOMEN'S RAINFOREST RETREAT | INTERMEDIATE
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WELCOME TO COSTA RICA
Upon arrival to Costa Rica, gather your luggage, make your way through customs and exit the Liberia Airport (LIR). Our crew will be waiting for you as you exit the airport.
We will provide an airport shuttle pick up at 3:00pm, to provide transport to our hotel. For those arriving a night early, the shuttle will also stop by the Hilton Garden Inn (across from the airport) for an additional pick up option.
We’ll head to the coast to kick off an extraordinary week on bikes in the tropics. After getting settled in at our private beach property, we'll walk to the ocean for a sunset happy hour. Now THIS is your Welcome to Costa Rica!
WE COLLECTIVE SKILLS CLINIC
We are kicking this tropical adventure off with a bang and starting our adventure with a weekend of riding with the locals. Imagine a world where mountain biking is a vibrant and inclusive community that knows no boundaries. We're turning that vision into reality with our WE Collective MTB skills event and we can't wait for you to join us on this exhilarating journey!
Our event, The WE Collective (WE = Women Empowerment) is an opportunity to shred with amazing local ladies and provide a platform for women to immerse in the sport of mountain biking. We're bringing together diverse groups of women, from local Costa Rican riders to the members of The MTB Exchange in Canada, to create a collective of cultures united by their love for mountain biking.
Our first day will be full of skills coaching with our team of professional coaches. We will split into smaller groups, based on skill level and interests, and then hit the trails to play on features and elevate our riding.
After a day on the trails together, we will crack open the cold beverages and enjoy a happy hour, workshops, and a Costa Rican-style BBQ to celebrate our love for riding bikes! We will have music, good food, a jersey exchange, and some special gifts for being a part of this incredible experience.
SHREDY LAPS WITH THE LOCALS
We’ll start today with an early breakfast and then gear up for a morning of hot laps with our local lady shredder friends. We will split into groups by skill level and hit the trails for a few hours of fist pumping, high-fiving fun!
After riding, we'll gather together for a picnic lunch on the beach and partake in a panel discussion and Q&A session. But here's where it gets exciting! As we wrap up this multicultural event, we will be awarding one of our local participants a scholarship from Ride the Earth. The aim of this scholarship is to recruit and train an aspiring local woman to provide an opportunity for advanced skills training within the mountain biking industry. WE are so excited for you to be a part of this exciting opportunity!
Let's empower each other, elevate our skills, and feel the stoke of a collective of lady shredders. Together, we'll make this event unforgettable and the impact everlasting.
BIG MORNING RIDE & BEACHTIME
Awake to a Costa Rican style breakfast of champions of locally grown fruits and veggies, farm fresh eggs and “gallo pinto”, a traditional breakfast dish of rice and beans.
Today we will immerse ourselves into our tropical surroundings and head to the beach town of Las Catalinas. We’ll spend the morning riding super flowy singletrack with incredible views of the coastline below. Our ride will end with a refreshing dip in the ocean and then we’ll have the rest of the afternoon to spend as you choose.
With a variety of restaurants, shops, and adventure activities at your fingertips, this day is sure to please. There are stand up paddle boards and kayaks available for rent, for those interested, and this small bay is the perfect spot for it. It is also a great spot for swimming or just relaxing by the sea with a cold beverage.
In the late afternoon, our guides will provide an optional evening ride for anyone looking for more pedal time.
FULL DAY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Today we will wake up to a healthy breakfast, then load into the vans and head into the mountains. We're headed to the heart of Guanacaste and will spend the day on the flanks of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
Our morning will be spent on bikes, riding a series of loop options through the rainforest. We will jump in waterfalls, catch views of volcanoes, and shred these fun mountain trails.
After our morning rides, we'll have a farm-to-table buffet lunch and then head out for an afternoon of exciting adventures. We'll zipline through the rainforest, tube down rivers and soak in hot springs.
Now this is true PURA VIDA!
SUNRISE SURF & SUNSET SHRED
Surf's up! Today we are hopping on boards and surfing the Pacific. After a relaxing breakfast, we'll head to the beach for surf lessons and some fun in the sun. For those that don't want to surf, there are boogie boards available or you're welcome to relax on the beach and enjoy a lazy morning.
We'll top off the day with a sunset ride and cocktails on the beach. Ooo yeah!
MORNING TECH LAPS & BEACH SUNSETS
Today we'll have an early breakfast and then hit the trails for a long morning session on our bikes. We'll play on technical features, explore a series of trails, and feel the stoke of another day on bikes in the tropics.
After our ride, we'll head to a local lunch spot and then spend the rest of the day on the beach. There will be options for those who want to wander local shops, or just plop yourself by the sea, lather on some sunscreen, and soak up some life-giving Vitamin D!
HOT LAPS & BEACH BBQ
Today is our "Chef's Choice" day! Our guides will choose the rides for the day based on everyone's energy levels and interests. We will split into small groups and head out for a morning of riding and then flow to the beach for an afternoon by the sea.
Tonight is our last night together, so we are celebrating with a special dinner on the beach. We will fill the night with a delicious dinner, cocktails, dancing, and so much laughter!
AIRPORT SHUTTLES & TRAVEL HOME
We have reached the last day of our amazing trip in Costa Rica and it's time to say Hasta Pronto! There will be an optional morning yoga class offered today for those who would like to get in a stretching session before travel. After yoga, there will be time for a quick breakfast and then we’ll pack up for our group shuttle to return to the Liberia International Airport.
Our team will have the group at the airport for a 12:00pm check in. Most departures return to the US and Canada in the afternoon, so this shuttle time generally accommodates most groups. If you need a different shuttle time, just let our team know and we can make the appropriate arrangements. Note: Shuttles outside of the scheduled time are available at an extra charge.
Claim Your Spot
Project Rad
The MTB Exchange x RTE Shred Costa Rica
$2,995.00/pp
Extras
Details
What's Included
8 Nights Boutique Private Lodging
Private Guides
Private Transportation
Multi-cultural Women's Skills Clinic
1 Surf Lesson
River Tubing
Breakfast Daily
3 Lunches | 2 Dinners
Purified Water
What's Not Included
Equipment Rentals (Bike, helmet, pedals)
Dinners, most alcohol & snacks
Gratuities for guides & drivers
Dates
November 2024
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
29 November - 07 December 2024
FROM$2,995.00/pp
Destination Info
Getting There & Away
Trip Start/End: Liberia, Costa Rica
Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
Airport Code: LIR
Arrival Day Shuttle Time: 3:00pm at Liberia International Airport (LIR)
On day one, there are no scheduled activities until late afternoon to allow time for all the riders to arrive via their international flights.
Departure Day Shuttle Time: 10:00am for arrival at LIR by 11:30am
On the final day, there is a scheduled shuttle to the airport in the morning allowing proper time for departing flights. Shuttles on the last day to other locations in Costa Rica can be arranged for an additional cost.
Accommodations
The lodging on this experience is a private boutique hotel with a private pool. We will have a large shared space to relax, refuel, and unwind.
The basic package is based on shared occupancy with 2-4 people per room. You may request to share rooms if you are traveling with friends. There is a private queen room upgrade available at check out, for those who wish to have their own room.
Visas & Entry
All travelers require a current passport that is valid for 6 months after your return date in order to enter the country. Citizens of most countries (ex: USA, Canada, UK) will receive a tourist visa upon entry and don’t need to apply for any approvals in advance.
For more information, or if you’re from a country not listed above, check with your local embassy or passport office for detailed travel requirements.
FAQs
Do I have the skills for this trip?
The following outlines the minimum skill level and fitness base required for this specific experience.
SKILL LEVEL - All Levels: We are stoked to provide this incredible all levels experience for The MTB Exchange and Project RAD. All are welcome!
Fitness Level - 3/7: We will accommodate a variety of fitness levels for this trip, however, a moderate level of fitness is recommended to best enjoy this experience. For an example, you bike or exercise at least 2-3 times per week all year long for 1-2 hours each session. You are comfortable biking for 3-5 hours at a moderate pace. You can comfortably ride for four days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1000-1500ft per day.
How do I know if this trip is right for me?
This experience is for members of The MTB Exchange only. This is an all levels trip, with skills coaching built in. There will be one full day clinic with the local women of the area and then the group will break off to ride each day after that. This trip is for anyone looking to mountain bike, surf, relax by the ocean, and hang out in the tropics with a group of rad women.
How much riding will we do each day?
There will be a ride offered each day on the trip. The rides will mostly be half day rides with additional activities available in the afternoon. This itinerary takes place in Guanacaste, which is a very hot region of the country. For the most part, we will ride every morning and do an activity around water in the afternoon (SUPing, relaxing by the beach, river floating, etc.).
What should I wear for riding in Costa Rica?
In general, you can expect hot sunny days in Costa Rica. Typical year round temperatures range from 80-90F (26-32C) during the day and only dropping a few degrees in the evenings. You will need very light, quick drying biking clothes for each day. Refer to the suggested packing list for detailed information on what to bring. You will also be able to leave items in our van each day so you can have back up supplies if needed throughout the day.
Do I need a hydration pack for this trip?
Yes, it is very hot and humid in Costa Rica. We recommend all riders should be prepared to carry 2-3L of water on them each day.
Will there be quality snacks available?
Our crew will have some snacks available, however, it is up to each participant to provide their own personal snacks and electrolyte replacement tabs and/or chews while riding. There are stores in Costa Rica where these can be purchased, however, it is recommended that you bring a supply of your favorite items from home as the selection in Costa Rica can be limited.
Are their gluten free, dairy free, or vegan food options available?
All of our trips can cater to most dietary needs, however, make sure you tell us in advance so our team can be properly prepared. After you book your spot, we will ask you to complete your profile to notify us of any dietary needs or allergies.
Once you’re in Costa Rica, there are a variety of food options available at all restaurants to cater to most diets. The typical plate in Costa Rica is called a Casado and is a plate with rice, beans, salad and a protein (beef, chicken, fish, or fresh cheese for vegetarians). Whole foods, fresh meats, fruits and vegetables are easy to come by everywhere you go. When eating at restaurants, our group will always choose venues that are happy to cater to a variety of dietary needs.
Can I book a private room?
When you book your trip, there will be an option for a private room upgrade. There are limited private room options available.
I'm coming with a friend, can we share a room?
Absolutely! After you sign up, there will be additional questions to complete in your profile where you can tell us who you're traveling with and we'll be sure to put you in the same room.
I’ve never travelled with my bike. Will there be someone available to help me assemble my bike?
Absolutely! Our guides will be there to help you build your bike at the start of the trip and pack it up at the end. We will have tools available and we’re very experienced in assembling and packing bikes. We’ll gladly give you tips and help you out during the entire process.
What do I need to know about trip insurance?
Note that trip insurance is required for all riders on any Ride the Earth tour. You must provide proof of policy prior to departure. We recommend World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. They offer excellent coverage for mountain bikers.
Is gratuity for guides and activities included?
Although tipping is completely up to your discretion, it is customary to provide gratuity for guides and drivers. A typical gratuity for your expert mountain bike guides is 5-10% of your trip cost per person and 2-5% for drivers. This may be given to the lead guide on your trip or to each person individually.
Are there any additional fees for booking?
There is a 4% booking fee applied during checkout, which covers payment processing fees.