CCompetitive mountain bike event, created by cyclists for cyclists, with start and finish line at Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, San Carlos. The event will encourage competitive sports in the area and test the capabilities of our participants. The route will travel through different areas with great beauty and high physical demand. Arenal Epic MTB race was born in 2018 when a group of 50 friends went cycling around Arenal Lake. Once they started this journey, they realized that these amazing surroundings would provide a perfect setting for an annual event of this sport. This is how on March 30, 2019, the first competitive edition was launched. It was limited to 400 participants. Our main goal as an organization for this event is directly focused on the participants, providing them a high-quality service and making this experience as rewarding as possible. We selected the San Carlos area as our starting point because of its wide selection of options for lodging and courses with different distances and demands. San Carlos also offers five different access points (San Ramón, Ciudad Quesada, VaraBlanca, Tilarán and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui), short travel time (average trip 2 1/2 hours), and a variety of recreational activities for families (canopy, horseback riding, national parks, 4 wheeling, bike tours, hot springs, etc.).

Arenal Epic MTB race was born in 2018 when a group of 50 friends went cycling around Arenal Lake. Once they started this journey, they realized that these amazing surroundings would provide a perfect setting for an annual event of this sport. This is how on March 30, 2019, the first competitive edition was launched. It was limited to 400 participants.

Our main goal as an organization for this event is directly focused on the participants, providing them a high-quality service and making this experience as rewarding as possible.

We selected the San Carlos area as our starting point because of its wide selection of options for lodging and courses with different distances and demands. San Carlos also offers five different access points (San Ramón, Ciudad Quesada, VaraBlanca, Tilarán and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui), short travel time (average trip 2 1/2 hours), and a variety of recreational activities for families (canopy, horseback riding, national parks, 4 wheeling, bike tours, hot springs, etc.).

Social responsibility

We as an organization it is very important to give back to these communities that each year receive us with such love and support, not only by providing direct and indirect employment opportunities but going the extra mile with donations.

Our donation day is a very special day for us, we get to share with young boys and girls from the area, go on a bike ride, have a snack, provide cycling gear and encourage sports and education.

Since our first edition in 2019 we have made our best effort to collect as many donations as possible and it is extremely gratifying to see how this has increased year after year with each edition.

· It provides 100+ direct employment in a variety of areas such as: security and medical personnel, route guides, drivers, staff, and many others.
· Indirect employment in areas such as: hotels, tourism, restaurants and others.
· We collect, select and classify new and in good condition cycling gear and implements (jerseys, bib shorts, helmets, footwear, lenses, bike parts and others). All donations are collected from sponsors and participants and then are given to different youth teams of Tilaran, La Fortuna and Cuidad Quesada.
· The group donates food and beverages not used during the race to the different surrounding communities, cycling teams, and volunteers.
· Teamwork with regional committees to collaborate in the different requirements for the event, is also an important part.
· Encourage and support sport in this area.
Thank you to all people that cooperate to make this happen.

Environmental responsibility

For the Arenal Epic team it is extremely important to plan and conduct an event that respects our environment. We closely monitor each detail before, during and after the race in order to affect as minimally possible the race routes that we love so much. We are deeply committed on going that extra mile to preserve our flora and fauna.

This includes:

· Good event waste management done in coordination with local community and responsible entities.
· Collect and recycle all materials used for route signage.
· Use of environmentally friendly materials as much as possible.
· Environmental policy included in the event rules. No participant is allowed to dispose of or leave trash during the event.
· Garbage containers in each check point and event area.
· Avoid as much as possible single-use plastics.

Gender equality

As an organization we have the opportunity and responsibility to take into consideration the needs of women and men for equality. We hope to provide them what they need and break down harmful stereotypes.

Gender equality encompasses the equalization of responsibilities, rights and opportunities for women and men of any age to participate in our race with fair conditions. This is why we carefully work on the selection of our categories and awards, opening options for our female participants in all our distances

Both women and men become the inspiration and role models for future generations. The female figure has overcome many barriers in sport in recent years, however, there is still much to be done. We can all contribute to make a difference.