Ride of a lifetime: Beaufort man competed in Costa Rica's Adventure Race

Last November in Costa Rica, Jeff Wolfson experienced a strange mix of emotions. He had just embarked on a mission to complete La Ruta de los Conquistadores (The Race of the Conquistadors) Adventure Race, a grueling, four-day mountain bicycle race that extends from Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean coastline to its Caribbean Ocean coastline.

Although mostly a mountain bike race, the 235-mile trek travels over steep mountains and other terrain that is impossible to ride on, so to many riders, it is more like an endurance match. Wolfson remembered the first day of competition, which took him through a muddy rain forest.

"Some people describe it as a death march," said Wolfson, 42. "The sun's just beating down on you, and it wasn't just mud. It was a lot of steep climbs. You had to put your bike on your shoulders and literally just walk. Mentally, especially the first day after you've been riding for over eight, nine hours, it breaks you down mentally more than physically. You're just like, 'When is this ever going to end?' "

Wolfson's father, Bob, accompanied his son on the race and drove the support car, carrying extra bicycle parts and beverages. Bob has been traveling to Costa Rica for about nine years, and he decided to buy property there about three years ago.

"The scenery is breathtaking, but they say it's the toughest bike race in the world," said Bob. "The big question is, 'Can you finish the race?' Because they say 25 percent of the riders drop out the first day, and that was true this year, too. They were riding as much as 10, 11 hours a day. It's grueling, especially in that climate right at the equator."

Over 450 bikers took part in last year's race, with around 320 finishing. Some of the competitors included teammates of Lance Armstrong as well as professional cycling teams that compete in the Tour de France.

Jeff said he placed around 160 overall, but out of about 85 riders in his age group of 40 to 49, he finished around 30. He said his age was never a factor and added he is in better shape and is more energetic now than he was 10 years ago.

"I was ecstatic when it was over," said Jeff. "I was proud that I was able to complete it. I had a great feeling of self satisfaction, but it was kind of weird because I felt sad, too. Even though I was happy it was over, it was probably four of the greatest days of my life."