The Tour de Tulum Two, a Cycling Adventure!

Objective
To support our key partners, Amigos
de Sian Ka'an, by generating vital
funds
for
ongoing
marine
conservation works in the Sian
Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
Summary
During a 30km challenge-laden bike
ride, 18 volunteers and 4 staff from
Pez Maya (along with 5 Playa
Community guests) participated in
the Tour de Tulum Two. Over
US$1,600 was raised to support
Amigos de Sian Ka'an in buying
monitoring equipment for ongoing
marine research in the reserve.

On the 27th of February, volunteers and staff from both the

Pez Maya and Playa Community projects in Mexico joined
forces to embark upon the challenge of the century; our
Tour de Tulum Two.
Excitement levels were high. After weeks of anticipation,
participants had still only heard rumors of the challenges
and scavenger hunt that lay ahead. The 30km bike ride
along the reserve road and into Tulum seemed daunting
enough.
At the stroke of 9.00am, the 6 teams were given the details
of our first challenge: designing top-of-the-range costumes
for the race. Materials including paints, sharpies, old sheets
and some slightly damp cardboard were strewn across our
communal area, and after a chaotic 15 -20 minutes
everyone was dressed up and ready.

As each team was marked and signed off on the challenge, they
received the first half of our photo-based scavenger hunt and a
map of the road ahead. Scavenger items could be found
anywhere form base to the site of Challenge # 2, and included
tasks such as burying a team member in sand, sunbathing with a
crocodile, and discussing philosophy with a toucan. Points could
only be received by capturing a photo of each item, with at least
one team member featured in the image.
Figure 1 Volunteers getting their
costumes ready

And so our riders were off! They went flying from base at top
speed, on bikes that would make Cadel Evans weep with
jealousy. Their fury upon the road couldn't be dampened by
torrential rain, lake-sized puddles or a lack of mud guards.
(Our paper maps were sadly less resilient).
Eagerly hunting for each item on their list, volunteers had two
hours to collect as many as possible, before arriving at the
site of the second challenge: a local cochinita restaurant.

Figure 2 Challengers leaving base despite the

rain

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A flat tyre and some mild toe damage later, and our teams
began to appear, looking tired, stressed and muddy, but ready
for more adventure. Upon arrival, each team was handed
details of the second challenge; eating three mystery tacos,
filled with chapulines (fried crickets) and a very spicy salsa.
Milk was on hand to put out any emergency belly fires.

Not until the plate had been licked clean could participants
receive the next half of the scavenger hunt and continue the
race. The second list was filled with items to be found in
Tulum center. Once collected, teams made a final mad rush
for the finish line: The Ayuntamiento. Extra points were given
to reflect arrival times.
Figure 3 Cricket tacos!

When the challenge was over, we had a picnic lunch together.

There was a lot of excited chatter and team banter. Accusations of cheating were thrown around
like celebratory confetti. Injuries were few and laughs had been many. Best of all, every
participant had completed the race successfully, and
had had a lot of fun doing so.
After a weekend of recovery and point-counting, our
winning teams were announced. Gag and the Bivittatus
had won! An impressive feat, as their team had
remained struggling at the back for the whole race
(claims of a child's bike are still being investigated).
However, team members Nic, Lucas, Kirsi and Craig,
were able to go the extra mile, after gaining 80 bonus
points by taking up the shaving challenge, which
other teams had shied away from. As we'd said all
along, it was a test of courage, not speed!

Figure 4 The winning team: Gag and the Bivittatus

Our second champions, The Blues Brothers, were

awarded the prize for best fundraising effort. Emma,
Jonny, Elli, Marcos and Blue were absolute heroes,
raising over US$600 between them.
In total, we managed to raise US$1,680. This money
will be given to our key partners, Amigos de Sian Ka'an,
so they can improve their science monitoring
equipment.
Figure 5 Second place: The Blue Brothers

The funds raised are key to our marine conservation project here in Mexico, as they ensure that
our work can continue long-term. Investing back into the community with which we work is
essential if we hope to create and stabilize community-based conservation action. By supporting
and empowering groups like Amigos de Sian Ka'an the reach and impact of our efforts is far
greater.
Finally, we would like to thank all those who participated in the Tour de Tulum Two, including
those racing, involved in the organisation, and especially to our donors. Without you, projects
like this can't happen you are the difference!
If you would like to know more about the GVI Charitable Trust please visit: www.gvi.org

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