I am leaving Nelson to head to Costa Rica in a few days and WOW am I ever excited! This will be my first trip out of North America. I get to bring my bike and race. How sweet is that?!.

For those that haven't heard about the race, here's the short of it.

I will be racing across the country from the west coast to the east coast in four days.  I will pedal about 400 km and I will be climbing up and around 2 volcanoes. With roughly 40 000 feet of climbing involved, this race is considered the toughest mountain bike race in the world. Right up my alley, I think...

I am really excited. I am fortunate to have this opportunity to challenge myself and race with some hard core international pro racers. I am also glad to know Leighton Poidevin and Jonathan Firth, two fellow racers and friends from Canmore, Alberta will down for the race.

This adventure wouldn't have been possible without help from Will Muecke. I met Will last winter cat skiing up at Baldface lodge with my friend Rain Harrison. Rain told him that I like to ride bikes and Will liked my energy, so he invited me to come down to Costa and race La Ruta de los Conquistadores.

I also need to thank Colby Large and Giant bicycles for helping me get the right bike for the race. Big thanks Ross and the crew at Gerick Cycle and Ski for all the support and the time off work. Thank you NRG Enterprises for the great Cliff food products, awesome Maxxis tires, Nuun hydration, and Hope parts.  Thanks Kootenay Mountain Culture and Nelson Cycling club. Lots of love and thanks to all of my friends and family. Love you Tobi. I'm gonna miss you.

Follow the day to day results on http://www.cyclingnews.com/ and wish me luck.