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Belize Real Estate - Belize Resorts Placencia Hotel, Condos and Residences - Part 6 - Temple to Temple Race

By Everard Korthals

Services for Real Estate Pros with - Castellum Realty LLC - Carribean Resorts Specialists

February 15, 2009 10:40 PM

TEMPLE TO TEMPLE RACE 2008

"From the Creator of the Largest Bicycle Race "Tour D'Afrique"

Following the path of the ancient Mayans more than one and a half thousand years ago, Temple to Temple is the world’s first bike race/tour linking the great temples of Lubaantun to Caracol, Belize. In association with the luxurious Placencia hotel on the Caribbean Sea, we have plotted a 7 day, 750 kilometer, race that takes challengers on and off the pavement through rugged mountains, steaming jungle, caves, local villages, and, of course, Mayan ruins!

OVERVIEW

Following the path of the ancient Mayans more than one and a half thousand years ago, Temple to Temple is the world’s first bike race/tour linking the great temples of Lubaantun to Caracol, Belize. In association with the luxurious Placencia hotel on the Caribbean Sea, we have plotted a 7 day, 750 kilometer, race that takes challengers on and off the pavement through rugged mountains, steaming jungle, caves, local villages, and, of course, Mayan ruins! Support vehicles will ensure the safety of all participants, while we will also have a bicycle mechanic available to service your bike after each day of the race. Every night along the route, riders and support staff will camp (or upgrade to luxurious lodging) in the wilderness, at the foot of Mayan ruins, or at jungle lodges. The registration fee also includes an all-inclusive stay at The Placencia hotel before and after the race , where closing ceremonies will be held. The winner of Temple to Temple is determined by the lowest accumulated time over the seven day course. Temple to Temple isn’t about winners or losers. It’s about a mental and physical journey through a magical corner of the world that’s rich in ecology, culture, and history. We hope to see you at the start line!

THE COURSE

Day 1. Start at the temples of Lubaantun and finish in Blue Creek - 85 Km.
Day 2. Start at Blue Creek and end at Hopkins Village on the Caribbean Sea - 150Km.
Day 3. Start at the Beach in Hopkins and cycle along the Western Highway to Jaguar Paw - 110Km.
Day 4. Start at Jaguar Paw and finish at the temples of Caracol in Pine Ridge - 125 Km.
Day 5. Start at the Mayan ruins of Caracol and finish in San Ignacio -- 85Km.
Day 6. Start in San Ignacio and finish at Caves Branch along the Southern Highway -- 75Km. Followed by an inner tube race through the caves.
Day 7.Start at Caves Branch and finish at the The Placencia hotel on the Placencia Peninsula --120Km.

Total distance: 750 Km.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. I would like to ride the Temple to Temple but am worried that I am not fit enough and have never participated in a bike race.
A. The Temple to Temple has been designed so that both casual riders and racers can be on the same course. The non racers can start at the mid way point of the course thereby reducing the distance cycled by half each day.
Q. What kind of bike is best for this ride?
A. We recommend a mountain bike with front suspension (rear optional depends on the riders choice)tires that have a slick in the middle of the tire and knobs on the side. This tire is ideal for the Temple to Temple as there are sections paved and unpaved on each of the seven days.
Q. I want to bring my bike on the plane what is the procedure?
A. You can bring your bike on the plane. However, one should pack up the bike in a bike box which you can get at your local bike store (the very card board box your bike came in when the bike store received the bike in from the manufacturer).
Q. Do you have a bike mechanic.
A. We have a bike mechanic who can fix your bike. However, we do not have many spare parts other than bike cables housing spokes etc. Broken bottom brackets crank arms etc would be hard to stock as there are many different configurations. Its best that you bring some spare parts as suggested in the registration kit.
Q. How do I get to the Placencia Hotel with my bike?
A. You can reach the Placencia Hotel by small plane which takes about a 20 minute flight from the International airport. However, you will not be able to take your bike on that plane. You will have to drop off your bike at the airport (once you register and pay you will get complete instructions on how and where).
Q. I do not want to camp every night
A. Belize is a beautiful country and the Temple to Temple winds through some of the best spots. However, there is not always a hotel or lodge nearby the finish line day. On three of the seven days there is no option to upgrade to a hotel. You will be rewarded by the splendid scenery at the camp sites. The other days you can upgrade to a hotel/lodge prices range between US$ 50 to US$ 125 a night depending what you are looking for. We will provide a list of all option once you have registered and paid in full.
Q. When would I be expected to arrive at the hotel prior to the race starting? This way I can start to look for flights from the UK.
A. We recommend that you get there a day or two before as you will be able to rest from your jet lag and get used to the climate. It also helps to be there earlier in case your bike misses the plane or you need to get some bike issues sorted.
Q>. Does all the equipment (tents etc) get moved from place to place by support vehicles or do we need to carry it?
A. The support staff carries all gear from camp to camp all you need to do is ride your bike.
Q. Can i extend my stay at the hotel after the race as my wife may join me at the end for a holiday?
A. Of course you can stay longer, just contact the Placencia Hotel.

WHAT TO BRING

The Bike Because the terrain encountered on the Temple to Temple varies from paved to unpaved, we recommend mountain bikes with a “town and country tire” that can effectively handle both paved and unpaved roads. If you require a new bike and accessories for this adventure, contact our shop to get outfitted. gear@templetotemple.com We carry a full inventory of bikes and bike accessories.

Mountain Bike or Hybrid bike with on/off road tires
Cycling attire (shorts/shirts for 7 days).
Cycling tools to fix flats and minor repairs while on the road. We have a bike mechanic on staff who can fix your bike at the end of the day
Spare parts such as inner tubes extra spokes, etc.
Tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag.
Once you register, we will send you a full information package that will detail recommended gear.

REGISTER

To win a free entry into the Temple to Temple register online with Visa or MasterCard. We will be drawing the free entryand will notify the winner by email.

The race registration deposit is $100 (USD)

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable.

After we have received the application fee, you will be sent a complete information package.

The full cost of the Temple to Temple is $1,795 USD with a 10% discount for those participants that register and pay in full by the 5th of December 2007. The registration fee also includes an all-inclusive stay at The Placencia Hotel before and after the race all food camping fees, energy bars, rehydration fluids and support staff and vehicles.

Please note: The fee does not cover the cost of airfare to Belize.

Temple to Temple runs from January 27th, 2008, and February 2nd, 2008. Mark it in your calendar! Also be sure to check what to bring!

The Placencia hotel offers a host of activities, including deep-sea fishing, jungle hikes, and snorkeling and scuba diving along the world’s second largest barrier reef (directly in front of the hotel!). You may also choose to relax on the beach or enjoy a massage at the spa.

To register Online with a secure line go Here:

Contact:

Tel: (416) 893-1283 Fax: (416) 934-9573 email: info@templetotemple.com

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