LA RUTA MADRE
“The Mother Route”

Last week, Team CrossFit Fort Vancouver completed “Mexico’s Toughest Race” in northeastern Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains. Covering well over 500 kilometers and and 16,000 meters of elevation, Adam, Ski, Andrew, and Steph crossed the finish line in 158 hours and 33 minutes (~6.5 days), which earned the team a third place finish.

The magnitude of the towering mountains and bottomless canyons were unlike anything we have ever experienced. The race included lots of technical trekking and mountain biking, but what really made La Ruta Madre unique was the canyoneering and caving: rappelling, ascending, jumping, sliding, swimming, hiking, crawling, and climbing up and down iconic canyons and caves were a staple of the race from start to finish.

While the extreme diversity of the rugged landscape was more than enough to take your breath away, what left the most lasting impression were the Mexican people themselves. The generosity, compassion, and grace of the people we met absolutely blew us away time and time again. It’s difficult to put into words, but the race staff and volunteers, people of the mountain villages, and even other team members have changed us all for the better forever. Our hearts are so full of gratitude. Thank You All!!!

Stay tuned for a full race report and more in our next CFV Newsletter!

Epic Photos by:
@_guillermogutierrez