TECHNICAL GUIDE 2018 BELIZE CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC TUESDAY MARCH 20 – MONDAY MARCH 26 BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA SETTING Belize is the crown jewel of Central America. Just to the south of Mexico, it's bordered to the west and south by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. With 22,800 square feet of land, and measuring approximately 180 miles long and 68 miles wide, it is nearly identical in size to New Jersey. That said, the population is small; the size of a small major US city, at just 347,000 (think Anaheim or Honolulu). Though its growth rate is the second highest in the Western Hemisphere, it still has the lowest population density in Central America. The inhabitants are made up primarily of the Garifuna and Mayan cultures, along with a large contingent of American ex-pats seeking a comfortable retirement destination. Cycling is their most popular sport, and they have a thriving community of recreational and racers, with a huge passion for it. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BELIZE -While Belize is tropical and inviting, it is still a third world country, and suffers some issues that reflect that. So despite the natural beauty and inviting culture it offers, it lacks in some of the comforts normal to a first world country. -English is the official language, along with Creole, and is widely spoken. -As with any international destination, a passport is required to obtain entrance . -US dollars are widely accepted, and there is generally no need to exchange currency. If you'd like to exchange, the rate is generally 2:1; and there are several large banking institutions with branches accessible in every region. -Health care is on par with other Central American countries, but below the standards of the US and Europe. There are a few larger hospitals in the city, and nearly every region has very basic medical services available. Costs are generally quite low; often, payment is expected at time of services; and insurance acceptance varies according to your provider’s guidelines. -Phone service is some of the best in Central America, with good cell service in most regions. Some cell phones may work, if they are unlocked and have a new SIM card installed. Additionally, pre-paid phone cards are available, and quite inexpensive. That said, be sure to check with your cell service provider for details on international rates. -Internet service is also available in most regions, and at our home base (though, from experience, once you step out of the rooms, it can drop out on you). -The average temperature for April ranges between 76-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and, as it’s into the dry season, rainfall is less than 4 inches for the month. It's a sub-tropical climate, so sunscreen is a must! SPF 50 is suggested. -As its sub-tropical, there are also some bugs. Insect spray is another suggested item to bring. -As with most Central American countries, the tap water is hit and miss. Some places in Belize do have good drinking water from the tap, but the best bet is sticking with bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, etc. Bottled water is cheap and easy to get, so that is always the best bet to be safe. COSTS: $975 per person WHAT’S INCLUDED -Airport pick-up and drop-off -Bike assembly/bike tear-down -All bike maintenance/cleaning -Housing -Race entry -DS and full race staff -Professionally supported event WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED -Airfare and bike fees -Food -Ride food/drink LOGISTICS We will spend most our time based out of San Ignacio, in the Cayo District. San Ignacio is one of the western most towns in Belize, 115km from Belize City, and just 15km from the Guatemalan border. Often characterized as a ‘wild west’ sort of town for its dry and dusty feel, it’s one of the safest places in Belize and has a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. San Ignacio is the home of most of the country’s ex-pats, and is also where most of the country’s tourism is based from Burns Street, downtown San Ignacio San Ignacio in the foreground In San Ignacio, we’ll be staying at one of the favorite local spots, Hode’s Place. Hode’s is a small family run restaurant and hotel tucked away on Savannah St, and is just a 3 minute walk to the center of town. Hode’s restaurant view from Savannah St. The hotel portion is just out of view to the rear right. The bedrooms are simple, quiet and very clean. They have daily cleaning available, and laundry. All rooms have A/C, TV, and wireless internet. Dining area at Hode’s is relaxed. Friday evenings, it’s the hotspot in town: cheap food, cheap rum, and Belikin Beer. On Sunday the 25 th , we’ll stay at the Radisson Fort George in Belize City. The Radisson is managed by one of Belize’s most successful master’s cyclists, and Michigan native, Jim Scott. The Radisson sits just blocks away from the race finish on Marine Parade Blvd. View of the main entrance. Among several of their dining options are Le Petit Café, with some of the best coffee and baked goods in the city, as well as Bayman’s Tavern which offers great food and deck seating with a relaxing view of the ocean. DIRECTOR Bill Elliston- Bill has over 30 years of cycling and racing experience, spending several years as a professional, logging victories home and abroad, including the 2005 Holy Saturday Cross Country in Belize. He also has over 10 years coaching experience, working with clients of all abilities, beginner to professional. Additionally, he’s run multiple USA Cycling Talent ID and Development Camps; directed multiple teams at UCI events; and co-headed a US State Department Program on Cycling Training for the Belize Cycling Association. Bill has extensive experience riding in Belize: he’s competed in 6 editions of the Cross Country (winning in 2005; 13 th in 2015; 5 th in 2016; 6 th in 2017 ), 2 editions of the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize (winning a stage and the overall KOM Jersey in 2006), and the Loma Luz Circuit Race. He’s also led a week long training camp for the Chicago based PSIMET Women’s Racing Team. ADDITIONAL STAFF Giovanni Alamilla- Giovanni is an experienced service crew leader, and headed our crew last year. A Belize native, Giovanni is the President of the Belize Triathlon Association and secretary of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth games Association. He’ll be driving our team caravan car. Zahir Figurea- Zahir is another Belize native and former elite cyclist who’s won medals at the Junior Caribbean Championships. Zahir will be driving car 2 in the caravan. Combined, their intimate knowledge of the roads and terrain will aid us greatly for feeding and any service needs. SCHEDULE Tuesday March 20: Arrivals in Belize. Flights generally arrive early afternoon, so we’ll collect all the bikes and luggage and head west to our lodging in San Ignacio, with a lunch stop at Cheers (31 miles/50km west of Belize City) along the way. Wednesday March 21: Ride the entire race route; approximately 5.5 hrs total time / 4.5 hrs actual ride time. This will give us an intimate and up-close look at the course, and preview of what to expect along the way including identifying QOM sprints, premes, and places of critical note. We’ll have a follow van with coolers and plenty of bottles and food (as well as a few stops along the way). The van will also provide us with transport back to San Ignacio with a lunch stop at either a location in the city, or once again at Cheers. Thursday March 22**: Rest day. Optional easy spin for anyone looking to shake the legs out a bit. Also optional are massages: there is a great local massage service right by Hode’s that can be arranged at athlete’s expense. Friday March 23**: Explore some of Belize’s great attractions. Some options are: -Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins. These are very close-by, located on the southern side of San Ignacio town, high above Victor Galves Stadium -Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. These are a short drive west of San Ignacio, towards Guatemala, in the Village of San Jose Succotz -Belize Zoo. The zoo is approx. a 1 hr drive from San Ignacio. It offers some very rare animals native to Belize, including the infamous howler monkeys. -Hopkins. Hopkins is approx. a 2 hr drive from San Ignacio, and offers some of the best beach areas in Belize. The added bonus is the beauty of the drive along the Hummingbird Highway, which travels the lower slopes of the Mayan Mountains. **: we can switch Thurs and Fri dependent on the group mood. Saturday March 24: Openers. Length optional, as this is based on each athlete’s personal preference and needs. Team meeting, including: tactics, expectations, review of support, etc. Sunday March 25: RACE! Race will start at 8am, so we’ll plan breakfast accordingly. Monday March 26: Departures. As we’ll be staying at the Radisson right in the city, just 11 miles from the airport, we can have a relaxed morning before heading to the airport. PACKING TIPS: -It’s warm. You don’t need anything…anything…long sleeved. Casual wear: -shorts -t-shirts -flip flops -sneakers (for potential tours/hikes) Riding gear: -team will race in Amy D kit, so please be sure to bring at least one of those -bib shorts (2-3 pr) -ss jerseys (2-3) -socks (2-3 pr) -cycling shoes -sunglasses (a must with the sun!) -gloves (some bumpy roads) -sunscreen.