There are plenty of activities at Chan Chich Lodge that will expose you to a variety of forest wildlife and immerse you in the nature of Belize, such as the walking tours, horseback riding, canoeing, or the driving tours. But one of the lesser known activities that can also provide the same thrill as the other ones is bicycling.

I went on my first bike ride along the main road a week ago.  For the first mile starting from the compound area, the paved road offered a smooth ride past the suspension bridge and up until the “Y” intersection. I turned the handlebar to the left and my bike dropped a half-inch to the lower, limestone gravel road. The gravel pebbles started out small, boosting my confidence that I would make it to edge of cattle pastures of Gallon Jug estate, about five miles out. My legs pumped fervently and I cruised through first several dips and hills that I encountered. However, little by little the limestone pebbles became larger and before I knew it I was huffing and puffing up a rocky knoll that any regular mountain cyclist would consider an skimpy challenge. The fist-sized rocks crunched and churned under my gruff pedaling and my desire to reach the top of the mound peaked with the sound of circling mosquitoes awaiting my surrender. I reached the top with a heavy breath and then let gravity do all the work to propel me down the descent.

Shortly thereafter, I stopped before the second bridge crossing to look at a Roadside Hawk, and I decided to turn back to the lodge. I did not want to overestimate my physical endurance (since I had already underestimated how tiring the bike ride was going to be) and my stomach was beginning to grumble. As I turned my bike around, I set myself a goal to reach the Gallon Jug stables (which are almost a mile more from the edge of the cattle pastures) the next time I rode and made my way back to the lodge.

After having my bicycle goal nag my ego for several days, I walked over to bicycle rack behind the guides’ station, got on the bicycle (and put on a helmet of course!), and went on my second bicycle trip. The second time around, I paced myself so as not tire myself out too quickly. After the “heartbreak hill,”* the road flattened out and I only had to pedal comfortably for five more minutes to reach the cattle pasture. I could not believe I had been so close the first time. I outstretched my arms for brief moment and smiled at the roaming cattle. Adding to my feeling of elation at that moment, enthusiastic cows started trotting and jumping as passed by. I was surprised and curious to understand their sudden fervor. At the same time, I felt like a rockstar and the cows were simply cheering me on.

*Disclaimer: I am not saying the rocky knoll is in any way as physically demanding as the actual “heartbreak hill” in the Boston Marathon, I am just using it as a metaphor to portray what I imagine is the mental challenge of traversing that real hill