Vassago team rider in La Ruta de los Conquistadores in Costa Rica. Below are a few shots to enjoy!








Trolling through the rivers on a nasty jabber. Watch out for the candiru fish gentlemen!










What does a muddy Jabber look like in Costa Rica!

Receiving a few texts from our rider - we would like to share a bit with you!

Day 2 - Kevin was able to finish the course at a good pace until the last 2 miles of mud. Feeling really strong he rode in at 46 miles in 7 hours. Ending at about mid-pack of 200 out of 400.

Day 3 - Kevin sends a text message to his team manager - "Day 3 done - 41 miles in 7 hours. Had to show the locals how to ride the rocks downhill. One more day - should be good! Currently in 98th overall!" Kevin took his JabberWocky down for the race and by day 3 the only issues he had were the front brake pads! Once they were changed he was back in business. Kevin sends one more message, "you should see the geared guys struggling in the mud! Rides are brutal but fun". The volcano climb happened on the 3rd day. 12,000 miles up and 12,000 miles down, brutal conditions, people getting hypothermia and it rained the entire way down.

Day 4 - FINISHED...made it through with no problems...other than a twitchy eye and sore ribs from a slide down a mud hill! Racing in Masters A class on a rigid singlespeed..."Most difficult thing I have ever done. So many crazy stories. Spoke with TeamDicky - he says it's absolutely the hardest race he has ever completed!" Kevin continues with the following: "Mud, sand, waist deep water, raging rivers and railroad beds - best ride I've ever had. PS: Jabbers float in deep water!"

Thanks for the tip Kevin. We're glad you're heading back and we've enjoyed the journey with you! Congrats again. You kicked ass!

Congratulations to Namrita! She was picked to represent MTBR for 2008 as part of Beyond Clothing's gear ambassador campaign! Beyond Clothing is a small Seattle-based company.

Current gear picked by Namrita includes:

- Cold Fusion Womens Jacket
- Steel Action Shirt
- Cold Fusion Soft Shell Pants
- Grid Pant

Kevin made it to Costa Rica this past Saturday. His missing bike was found the next day and he was ready to take a few pre-runs in before the big start on Wednesday.

We talked with Kevin yesterday after the 1st big day of racing:

"Day 1 is down. 60 miles, 10 hours, 14000 feet of climbing. Massive, massive climbs. 10 mile climb took my 2 hours up a mountain. Crazy mud. Mud like I have never seen, stuff they make pots out of. Probably had 10 pounds on at one point. Day 2 is easier. 41 miles and only 8000 feet. I have 11 hours to do it. Bike is working good, body is bruised but still working. Legs hurt. Going to get food and beer now."

Congrats Kevin - enjoy the journey. Keep us posted.

For more news on La Ruta - check out Cyclingnews.com

GOOD LUCK KEVIN!




Kevin Clark left Friday for La Ruta De Los Conquistadores, November 9th, from Virginia to Costa Rica. La Ruta is a 4 day "hard core" adventure race. With some of the most difficult terrain and extreme climate conditions this race is sure to test Kevin's mental stability and physical capabilities! La Ruta crosses the Central America country from West coast to the Caribbean beach of Playa Bonita. In the middle of this West to East jaunt is a volcanic chain of mountains that rise 11,259 feet above sea level.








The highest point being the Irazu Volcano.












In the end, riders will have climbed over 40,000 feet in total.








Check back for updates. We wish Kevin the best and may the force be with him!

Namrita, a Masters Student in Nutrition at Georgia State University, was recently interviewed by SCAN. With more than 5,300 members, SCAN is one of the largest and most prestigious dietetic practice groups within the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Our members are Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered, with an expertise in the role of nutrition in:

Sports performance
Cardiovascular health
Wellness and weight management
Disordered eating prevention and treatment

Namrita, tell us about yourself and your education.

After earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1998, I worked in software consulting for 8 years before deciding to change my career. Always interested in physical activity, I started adventure bicycle racing in 2001 and endurance mountain bike racing in 2004. While I raced primarily for fun, I knew I wanted to become better. Read more here!

Team Vassago riders Namrita and Eddie have been notably recognized by Ergon Grips. Both riders were sponsored by Ergon for the 2007 season. Namrita joined forces with Vassago Cycles in April of 2007 and had an amazing season. Eddie will join her for 2008 as they conquer the national circuit!

"Ergon Grips are the bomb!" exclaims Eddie. "They give your hands a greater contact area (29er riders can appreciate this) and the shaping is like they molded my hand. The bottom line is that we get less numbness and fatigue than with any other grip out there.....and we've tried them all!"

Article from Ergon:

Husband and wife combo wins with Ergon

2007-11-07

The endurance combo of Namrita & Eddie O'Dea (Atlanta, GA) have finished off yet another successful racing campaign. Both racers saw many podium appearances in the Southeastern USA and across the Nation. Read more HERE!

Congrats to a great season!