Gallery: La Ruta de los Conquistadores, stage 3

Prior to the start of stage three on Saturday morning, race participants had the option of rafting down a 14-mile stretch of the Pacuare River's class 3 and 4 rapids. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Costa Rican mountain bikers made up a majority of the 500-rider field at the 2012 La Ruta, and this crew made use of every square inch of their pick-up truck to get to the starting line each morning. Photo: Jamie Bate

Todd Wells was the first elite rider across one of two sketchy old railroad trestle crossings. Photo: Jamie Bate

Sonya Looney makes her way across one of the railroad trestle river crossings on the final day of La Ruta 2012. Photo: Jamie Bate

With nearly 500 riders taking part in the 2012 La Ruta, the first river crossing was a slow-moving affair where nerves were frayed by the height and irregularly spaced, old and slippery railroad ties. Photo: Jamie Bate

The elite field took off fast at the start of stage 3 on Saturday, with the front runners riding across the first river crossing. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Nothing like a Costa Rican mutt to up the tempo. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Paolo Montoya speaks to the media after winning La Ruta 2012. He won the race in 2004 and his father, Rodrigo, was a two-time winner in the mid-1990s. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Pua Mata speaks to the media after winning the women's field in her first La Ruta. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Todd and Meg Wells relax at Playa Bonita near Limon, Costa Rica after the last day of La Ruta 2012. Todd Wells placed fourth after finishing first in 2011. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media