ULTREÏA !
Awakening to the spirituality of motorcycling
April 15-22, 2024 (8 days/7 nights), Costa Rica
with Fabrice Blée & Franck Dalery
with Fabrice Blée & Franck Dalery
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DESCRIPTION
"Ultreïa" was the word of encouragement used by medieval pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, to go ever further in search of the Source. The journey has always been a place of inner transformation, a space of freedom and spontaneity. Today, many people are rediscovering this space through motorcycling. Since the health crisis and the confinements, a new generation of motorcyclists has emerged, whose dominant attitude is existential and spiritual. Motorcycling has become a means of expressing a need to feel alive, to transcend oneself, to commune with something greater than oneself. Costa Rica is the ideal place to nurture this feeling. Its magnificent, varied landscapes, raw, lush nature, numerous trails and consistently mild temperatures make it a paradise for two-wheelers. It's the ideal terrain for awakening to the spirituality of motorcycling. |
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This is precisely what we propose in this unique initiatory journey: explore extraordinary places to reconnect with life, set off to get to know yourself better. You'll learn how motorcycling can become a meditative practice, a way of confronting your fears, redefining your priorities to feel freer and more at peace, cultivating wonder and joie de vivre, confronting the darker side of your personality, developing a spirituality of travel, identifying its benefits in your daily life, sharing this experience of freedom and introspection.
Motorcycling has long been a symbol of the search for truth. One thinks of the classic Easy Riders (1969), which, in the era of the counter-culture, shows that the American dream is a race to happiness that ends in emptiness. Then there's Pirsig's Treatise on Zen and Motorcycle Maintenance (1974), in which a philosophy professor travels with his son across the United States, reflecting on life, relationships and the crisis of the Western world. Closer to home, Loevenbruck's adventure novel Nous rêvions juste de liberté (2015) plunges us into the emotions reflecting a true friendship against a backdrop of an irresistible desire to emancipate oneself from all forms of subordination. And Sadguru, one of India's most popular spiritual masters, rides 30,000 km solo to raise awareness of the need to preserve the planet's soil. These examples show that motorcycling acquires a special aura when it becomes the expression of a zest for life. Our initiatory trip to Costa Rica allows you to deepen this experience, exploring how riding a motorcycle is akin to meditation, a spiritual practice. For example, it's your eyes that guide the bike, not your arms. Staring at an obstacle means driving straight at it. The motorcycle reminds us from experience that our happiness depends on our conviction that it exists, and on our ability never to lose sight of it. Let's make another point. To ride a motorcycle is to become one with the machine. There is a possible unification of the being that we are, a unity between body, mind and breath that we find in meditation and that allows the deployment of a peaceful and spontaneous consciousness. There are many examples of this, and we invite you to discover them in this unprecedented expedition.
Motorcycling has long been a symbol of the search for truth. One thinks of the classic Easy Riders (1969), which, in the era of the counter-culture, shows that the American dream is a race to happiness that ends in emptiness. Then there's Pirsig's Treatise on Zen and Motorcycle Maintenance (1974), in which a philosophy professor travels with his son across the United States, reflecting on life, relationships and the crisis of the Western world. Closer to home, Loevenbruck's adventure novel Nous rêvions juste de liberté (2015) plunges us into the emotions reflecting a true friendship against a backdrop of an irresistible desire to emancipate oneself from all forms of subordination. And Sadguru, one of India's most popular spiritual masters, rides 30,000 km solo to raise awareness of the need to preserve the planet's soil. These examples show that motorcycling acquires a special aura when it becomes the expression of a zest for life. Our initiatory trip to Costa Rica allows you to deepen this experience, exploring how riding a motorcycle is akin to meditation, a spiritual practice. For example, it's your eyes that guide the bike, not your arms. Staring at an obstacle means driving straight at it. The motorcycle reminds us from experience that our happiness depends on our conviction that it exists, and on our ability never to lose sight of it. Let's make another point. To ride a motorcycle is to become one with the machine. There is a possible unification of the being that we are, a unity between body, mind and breath that we find in meditation and that allows the deployment of a peaceful and spontaneous consciousness. There are many examples of this, and we invite you to discover them in this unprecedented expedition.
THE ANIMATORS
Fabrice Blée is part of a new generation of motorcyclists who are answering the call of the great outdoors with an attitude of self-denial and self-knowledge. He learned to ride in Canada on Yamaha's famous Ténéré 700. In Costa Rica, where he has lived for almost two years, he opted for the Honda CRF300 Rally, perfect for off-road trails. A professor of theology, he combines his passion for motorcycling with his aspiration to share the richness of Christian spirituality in dialogue with the great contemplative traditions. He seeks to apply what he has learned from Christian monks, Tibetan, Zen and Shiva masters to a spirituality in action, a spirituality of travel in general and motorcycling in particular. Fabrice takes you on a journey of initiation, where exploring Costa Rica encourages self-discovery.
Franck Dalérie is a seasoned motorcyclist who has known Costa Rica for over 20 years. During your expedition, he will provide technical assistance at all times to make your stay safe and enjoyable. A motorcycle enthusiast and long-time sailor, Franck brings a unique expertise to our group, particularly in dealing with challenges and the unexpected. A keen adventurer, he loves to pass on his love of Costa Rica, a country rich in nature and culture.
Fabrice Blée is part of a new generation of motorcyclists who are answering the call of the great outdoors with an attitude of self-denial and self-knowledge. He learned to ride in Canada on Yamaha's famous Ténéré 700. In Costa Rica, where he has lived for almost two years, he opted for the Honda CRF300 Rally, perfect for off-road trails. A professor of theology, he combines his passion for motorcycling with his aspiration to share the richness of Christian spirituality in dialogue with the great contemplative traditions. He seeks to apply what he has learned from Christian monks, Tibetan, Zen and Shiva masters to a spirituality in action, a spirituality of travel in general and motorcycling in particular. Fabrice takes you on a journey of initiation, where exploring Costa Rica encourages self-discovery.
Franck Dalérie is a seasoned motorcyclist who has known Costa Rica for over 20 years. During your expedition, he will provide technical assistance at all times to make your stay safe and enjoyable. A motorcycle enthusiast and long-time sailor, Franck brings a unique expertise to our group, particularly in dealing with challenges and the unexpected. A keen adventurer, he loves to pass on his love of Costa Rica, a country rich in nature and culture.
FORMULA
This is a 8 day (7 nights) tour.
Each day includes:
● up to 3 hours on the bike
● a time of meditation
● 3 hours of teaching and discussion
● sightseeing and tourist activities
● free time for rest and introspection
● meals together
This is a 8 day (7 nights) tour.
Each day includes:
● up to 3 hours on the bike
● a time of meditation
● 3 hours of teaching and discussion
● sightseeing and tourist activities
● free time for rest and introspection
● meals together
FOR WHOM AND IN WHAT SPIRIT?
This activity is for anyone wishing to combine self-discovery and self-knowledge.
The spirit of expedition is not about speed or overcoming great obstacles. On the contrary, it's about taking the time to savor the colors, the smells, the sea breeze, the warm wind and the freshness of the jungle, to appreciate different microclimates and different types of terrain, to admire panoramic views and to be attentive to everyday scenes.
This activity is for anyone wishing to combine self-discovery and self-knowledge.
The spirit of expedition is not about speed or overcoming great obstacles. On the contrary, it's about taking the time to savor the colors, the smells, the sea breeze, the warm wind and the freshness of the jungle, to appreciate different microclimates and different types of terrain, to admire panoramic views and to be attentive to everyday scenes.
BIKES AVAILABLE
We prefer lightweight motorcycles, ideal for Costa Rica, and suitable for both on- and off-road riding. If you require a larger-displacement bike, please let us know.
We prefer lightweight motorcycles, ideal for Costa Rica, and suitable for both on- and off-road riding. If you require a larger-displacement bike, please let us know.
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Honda XR190L
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Honda Tornado250
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Honda CRF250
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Formula Hawk250
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Honda XRE300
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COSTS AND REGISTRATION
Package from US$2,195 per person. Get a 10% discount (1995 US$) by registering before September 30, 2024.
Costs include:
. Shuttle bus to and from San José International Airport
. Accommodation and meals
. Motorcycle rental
. Insurance
. Gas and tolls
. Activities
. Major incident assistance (24/7)
. 24/7 mechanical assistance and motorcycle maintenance
. Pick-up support (24/7) to drop off your belongings and/or motorcycle if necessary
. Daily meditation sessions and teachings
. Spiritual guidance as required
Please contact us for a quote and our terms and conditions. Places are limited.
Package from US$2,195 per person. Get a 10% discount (1995 US$) by registering before September 30, 2024.
Costs include:
. Shuttle bus to and from San José International Airport
. Accommodation and meals
. Motorcycle rental
. Insurance
. Gas and tolls
. Activities
. Major incident assistance (24/7)
. 24/7 mechanical assistance and motorcycle maintenance
. Pick-up support (24/7) to drop off your belongings and/or motorcycle if necessary
. Daily meditation sessions and teachings
. Spiritual guidance as required
Please contact us for a quote and our terms and conditions. Places are limited.
ITINERARY
The itinerary begins and ends in San José. The proposed stages and stopovers are subject to change depending on the number of participants and availability. In all cases, we strive to find the best opportunities.
After one (1) night in San José, near the international airport, and an initial debriefing, we'll head for Arenal, Costa Rica's largest volcano, passing by the Poas volcano to contemplate its majestic crater.
The itinerary begins and ends in San José. The proposed stages and stopovers are subject to change depending on the number of participants and availability. In all cases, we strive to find the best opportunities.
After one (1) night in San José, near the international airport, and an initial debriefing, we'll head for Arenal, Costa Rica's largest volcano, passing by the Poas volcano to contemplate its majestic crater.
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We'll stay two (2) nights in Arénal to enjoy this extraordinary volcanic setting and its hot springs.
Ensuite, nous mettrons le cap sur la côte pacifique, destination : Playas del Coco. Une (1) nuit.
We continue south along the Pacific coast, via dirt roads, to Samara, famous for its white-sand beaches. One (1) night.
We then head to the southern tip of the Guanacaste region to discover the flora and fauna for which the country is famous.
We cross the Gulf of Nicoya by boat to Puntarenas, then Monte Verde, famous for its jungle and canopy walks. One (1) night.
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We'll end this exploratory and initiatory journey in San José for one (1) night, where we'll attend a performance by local singers committed to peace and spiritual renewal in connection with nature and ancestral native traditions.
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