SOMETHING DIFFERENT
The Jurassic 3-Day Trial in Costa Rica was advertised as an adventure as well as a trial. This event was the brainchild of one man and his passion, Felipe Koberg. Yrjo Vesterinen records his travels
Felipe had ridden in Europe and even participated in the SSDT and now wanted to introduce trials in his home country. To make this trial happen, he needed riders from all around the world, as there weren’t enough riders for a trial of this calibre in the whole of the Central American states put together. Another problem that needed to be addressed was that there were not enough machines there for the riders who wished to hire one for the event. Felipe’s solution: buy as many new ones as required. This would create a second-hand market of nearly-new machines at a more affordable price to the local riders.
For those who wanted to have their machines shipped out, this was also organised by Felipe. The course had to be set in pristine jungle as no other suitable areas were available. Felipe obviously knew that he needed help from experienced people to set the course out. Very sensibly, he teamed up with Robert Crawford initially and then with Andy Perry and Carlos Casas, who did an incredible job. The observers came from the local community and had to be trained in the rules of trials.
Myself and Robin Luscombe – and our wives – set off early one cold November morning to start our adventure. After a long flight, we arrived at a warm and sunny San Jose airport in late afternoon.
The following morning we drove to Playa Carillo, the trial headquarters, and the next day we were taken by coach to a town some 40 kilometres away to pick up our rented machines. Robin and I were given new TRRS 300cc models, which was a bit daunting after riding Pre-65 ones for the past few years! There was then a parade and introduction of riders watched by a large crowd of locals.
Friday morning welcomed 30-degree heat and high humidity for an early start and a 120km ride with 20 sections. Before Robin and I managed to get to the first section, we got an idea of what
was to come.
Very steep mountain paths were barely wide enough for one motorcycle; riders getting stuck in the ruts and not enough room to get past them. By the time we got to the first section, I was already knackered and pouring with sweat! The 20 sections that we did on the first day were mainly waterfalls. Some of them were huge and scary, at least for me. I decided to try and just make sure that I wouldn’t hurt myself. On some of the sections you had no choice but to attack them as there was no other way out, the sides were far too steep to try to go around and the vegetation was far too dense. Needless to say, I was extremely tired after the first day. On the way to the car park, Robin said he might not be able to ride the next day as he was too tired. I lied and said I was just fine! Luckily we were both able to carry on.
The second day started with the biggest waterfall so far. Thankfully it looked much worse than it rode. Still in one piece, I was slowly getting the hang of my 300cc TRRS. In fairness, you needed the power of a modern machine for these types of sections.
The second day went mostly okay, and we were also very grateful to the local lads who manoeuvred the raft carrying our machines over deep water – not the usual way of getting between sections!
The third day was a lot easier and less physical. There were a lot of smiling and happy faces at the finish, including me; I had survived. Sense of achievement, yes; lasting memories, definitely.
The trial was a great success; congratulations to Felipe. You have made something virtually impossible a reality. You have made history. Credit also to Carlos Casas and Andy Perry for excellent sections under difficult conditions.
On a final note, it is well worth mentioning that Costa Rica is a lovely, unspoilt and true piece of paradise with very welcoming and friendly people. After the trial we managed to see some spectacular wildlife and scenery as well; happy days.