My goal was to get to Monte Verde, a village located in the Costa Rican mountains. I visited Monte Verde twelve years earlier and my recollection was that the road to Monte Verde was really bad. Road conditions have not improved in those twelve years. The roads were still rough.
From the Pan American Highway turn-off to Monte Verdre is approximately 38 kilometers. By bus or car it normally takes approximately two hours to travel that distance. I rode that distance in a little over an hour. My concern was traveling in the dark. Like many places in Central America, road signs are not always correct, if they are there at all. The last thing I wanted to do was get lost in the Costa Rican mountains at night.
As I rode up a hill or down a hill I was bounced around a lot from all the rocks and potholes on the road. I also encountered strong winds that would seem to come out of no place. Maintaining balance was difficult. The strong winds could push the GS over toward the edge of the road with high cliffs. I had to maintain focus at all times because traveling in these conditions could cause one to make mistakes easily. It was difficult. I became very creative with my language traveling on those roads.
I have to admit, the vistas along the way were spectacular.
Monte Verde in Costa Rica is best known for its rain forest. When I visited there twelve years earlier it was a small village with a handful of lodges and restaurants. On this visit I discovered that the area had exploded with new development. It had become a major tourist destination with lots of traffic. I would still recommend a visit if you have not been there before. The ride getting there is worth the trip.
