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MotoAdventures "Best of Both Worlds" Costa Rica tour (Left) There are, however, easier routes that are often just as beautiful. (right) Some of the roads in Costa Rica can be a IltUe rough - or non-existent and simply dirt - but they'll often lead back to good pavement. This bridge from the early 1920s connected some fun back roads. In the more mountainous areas closer to San Jose and the volcanoes, we found it quite tight and twisty. Closer to the coast, the roads tended to open up more - something the Triumphs really liked. (A word of caution: When approachjng villages, be aware that Costa Rican dogs are like canines everywhere, and they will try to chomp motorcycle tires. Dogs are like that just about anywhere you go in the world, of course, but for some reason we always had that in the back of our mind. And don't think that being in back of the line gives you immunity from wildlife stepping into your path.) MotoAdventures runs these $2495 "Best of Both Worlds" combo tours from May through September in order to avoid the really wet season. Since it gets pretty warm and very humid near the coast, ventilated leathers are a good idea, though we made do with Aerostitch suits by opening all the vents possible. The Tabacon Lodge at the base of Volcan Arenal proved to be a great place to stay overnight. There are hot springs to soak in, and we could hear what sounded like rumbling from the volcano late at night. Due to fog, we just couldn't see any volcanic activity. While Larrabure does set a brisk pace, there's little worry of getting lost, and he permitted plenty of stops for photo ops. That's something you'll want to take advantage of - not because of fatigue or running out of gas or something, but because you'll be going past some amazing scenery. Besides the runs up the sides of several volcanoes, there are hillside coffee plantations, the occasional waterfall, and especially the various lunch (Left & below) Whether on the street or on the trail, you can bet that guide Larry Larrabure will stop at some point during the day for lunch. While choices are sometimes more limited off the beaten path, we didn't complain. The locals were just as hospitable, If somewhat shier at first. Here's something you don't run into very often In the United States while trai/riding. stops. As with the trail tours, MotoAdventures makes sure you eat well during the day as well as before and after the ride. We found the eateries to be charming examples of Costa Rican culture that served very tasty meals. But it's amazing how quickly the trip is over. You're left feeling that there's a lot more to be discovered, either on the Triumph RS955is or on the Honda XR400R - especially on the XR, because there seems to be so much trail to explore in Costa Rica. Obviously, the only solution is to plan a return trip, and that's something that we're looking forward to in the fu~re. ~ I'!ll[j{]@ !l@ @@[][}!l§J@!l MotoAdventures 9715 Johnnycake Ridge Road Concord, OH 44060 440/392-0926 (phone) or 440/3544911 (fax) dbowers@motoadventuring.com (email) www.motoaventura.com n III _ S