Mountain bike racing karma – How did plastic flip-flops play a major role in inspiring the creation of a world-class event-the San Juan Howler Mountain Bike Race? Come on down to see for yourself this December 11, 2010 and have fun racing the 18K, 28K or 42K series!
Origins of the San Juan Howler
It all began with Larry Thraen, an adventure lifestyle-seeker who balances dynamic living with yoga and fitness, moved to Nicaragua to help stressed out ex-pats re balance their lives in the sun with fun sports and yoga. While soaking in Nicaragua’s sweet, peaceful living that the Nicas (as the locals are called) enjoy.
Fresh fruit and produce everyday to adorn the dining table. The friendships are warm, the beauty is natural. Total simplicity! Without the mass consumerism.
Upon Larry’s arrival – he saw something most surprising. “Brakes on the bikes was virtually un-heard of; they were using their plastic flip-flops” to slow down or stop their two-wheelers. Larry also noted that it was truly amazing! ” I have seen fives kids on an old three-speed bike from the 60′s; they are indeed talented.”[I:http://www.meditationmethods.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/SunamitaLim14.jpg]
“Voila!” Like all things worth while, San Juan Howler was born. A simple idea.
Howler Karma-Having Fun While Doing Good
To this end, Larry was inspired to organize a a sporting event that was top-notch. “We want to serve the community that in-turn serves us by building a tourism mechanism to support in need. “Not only does this give the national and international athletes a chance to compete in a world-class event – but it also helps to build and promote the sport of mountain biking in Nicaragua.”
Now consider this…”Locals hardly have access to bikes.” How is he going to do it? ” We’re trying to attract sponsorship involvement to help bring down a container of bikes and helmets for each event.”
Larry also explains “This serves a two-fold purpose. The first is for the competitors to have a bike for the race and second – after the race they can use the bike for themselves for transportation to town for supplies or get to a job that ultimately feed their families.”
[I:http://www.meditationmethods.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/SunamitaLim13.jpg]Harvin winning the bike Tara Walsh donated. Dancesar.com photo
“In an event as this, I want to get more kids involved in a great sport. Having to compete against real professionals for cash prizes or a chance to win a new mountain bike get people stoked to compete.”
“If anyone is looking to get out of the cold? a vacation? and/or want to support a good cause? Howler’s it. I’d love to see more travelers doing Howler. Opening their hearts to support a deserving cause,” Larry urges, adding, “last race, many praised the organization of the race and the awesome volunteers.” What goes around comes around. Mountain bike racing making a difference.
Author: Uncover the mountain bike adventures that whereintheworldareyou.com and Sunamita Lim uncovered in Central America! You could only wish for such a fascinating region for mountain biking. Click on mountain bike action now to discover this virgin region.