Mountain bike racing – Plastic flip-flops – Karma – Mountain bike brakes? This December 11, 2010 come on down to see for yourself how plastic flip-flops played a major role in inspiring the creation of a world-class event-the San Juan Howler Mountain Bike Race! And at the same time have fun racing the 18K, 28K or 42K series!
How San Juan Howler Began
One person. An adventure lifestyle seeker. Moved to Nicaragua to help stressed-out folks from industrial countries rebalance their lives in the sun… with fun, sports and yoga. While soaking in Nicaragua’s sweet, peaceful living that Nicas enjoy…
the Simplicity… the natural beauty… the warm friendships. Then add freshly picked fruits and produce to grace the dining table. It seemed so idyllic far from the plastic that’s unnaturally molded for mass consumption.
That is, until Larry Thraen, the adventure lifestyle seeker, saw something very surprising. “Many people don’t even have brakes on their bikes. They used their plastic flip-flops,” to slow down or stop their bicycles. Just as amazing, “Was how many people these talented Nicaraguans can put on a bike. I’ve observed five kids on an old three-speed from the 60s,” Larry notes.
“Presto!” Like something karmic, San Juan Howler was born of 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.”
The big question is ‘how will he do this’? “Well, the locals rarely have access to bikes and we are trying to attract sponsors who can get involved to possible help bring down a container of bikes and helmets for each event.”
Fulfilling a couple of benefits. “This serves a two-fold purpose. One, it’s to have a bike for the race. Secondly, after the race, they can use the bike to get themselves to town for supplies or to a job that helps feed their family,” Larry explains.
Harvin winning the bike Tara Walsh donated. Dancesar.com photo
Larry is enthusiastic about this cause and explains “When the kids know they are competing against real professionals and they have a chance to win a new mountain bike or cash – this really gets them stoked up 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 vacations that Brian Richter and Sunamita Lim uncovered in Central America! Indiana Jones could only wish for such an extra-ordinary region for mountain biking. Click on mountain bike action now to discover this virgin region.