Riding with Chicas - Exploring Costa Rica by Mountain Bike

As an intermediate level mountain biker at best, with a little trepidation and a lot of excitement, I signed up for an all-women's bike and yoga retreat with Sacred Rides down in Costa Rica last winter. Leaving the early December ice storm and -30 C temperatures far behind, I found myself quite suddenly under blue skies on a beautiful beach resort. The inestimable Johanna Weintrager presented us with some new challenges right off the bat, at one of her custom-made bike clinics for women.

We headed out to the trails that afternoon. We found them buffed and immaculate, with epic views of a tantalizingly cool ocean below.

What a striking transition from the Canadian winter!

We cruised through the Costa Rican jungle behind our guide down bermy, winding singletrack, the leafy canopy overhead providing some blessed shade from the mid-day tropical sun

Exploring the extensive and scenic trail system of the Pura Vida Mountain Bike Park was definitely one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Back at the beach, we aimed straight for the cool outdoor shower. It would take a few days to adjust from Canadian winter temperatures to the humid tropical climate.

Delicious tropical fruit smoothies followed by a hearty meal featuring local Costa Rican fare.

A quick swim in the warm ocean waves was irresistible before returning to the singletrack.

The bike maintenance clinic went through all the basics for us, including yes, fixing a flat. Something I'd always embarrassingly relied on the guys I ride with to fix for me.

The trails and the scenery continued to impress as the trip went on.

Johanna is all smiles riding high above the Pacific with the Catalina Islands scattered in the background.

The evening outdoor yoga sessions were a godsend to tired legs and bodies in need of a little quiet stretching and meditation

The trails here were perfectly suited to beginner to intermediate level riders, with easy climbs and fantastic downhill flow.

OK seriously, is there any better way to shuttle up the mountain than on horseback?

At the top we change up beast for bike...

Some muddy, rooty and rocky trails with the odd creek crossing thrown in provide some fun challenges for our small group.

We pick up a random trail dog that's all drool and wagging tail, stoked to tag along for the ride.

We dart under rainbows with the summit of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano shielded in shifting mists behind us

Hot and sweaty from the ride? Jump into a deliciously fresh pool that flows down from the flanks of the volcano above.

If you're feeling adventurous you can traverse in behind the rushing waterfall and then dive off the mossy rocks on the far side.

Volcanic mud facials...

A visit to the El Bosque Nuevo Butterfly Farm has us all playing and chasing butterflies for an hour while giggling like schoolgirls

Riding through the countryside we get a feel for the local culture and lifestyle as we wind through small villages and farms.

We bike up and over the mountain in the rain soaking up the sights as well as the monsoon downpour.

I guess one mud facial wasn't enough for us

The final day was spent relaxing on the coastline. Morning Yoga - a perfect way to start the day - and then swimming in the sea. Here's the exact millisecond before Johanna accidentally dives straight into a small school of jellyfish... ouch.