Real Survival Stories: "Swept Downstream: Mountain Biker in Costa Rica"

Episode Release Date: June 11, 2025
Hosted by: John Hopkins
Produced by: Joel Duddell, Ed Baranski, Luke Lonergan, Miri Latham, Jacob Booth, Liam Cameron, Rob Plummer, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Cody Reynolds-Shaw
Music Composed by: Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Real Survival Stories, host John Hopkins delves into the harrowing ordeal of Mark Lyons, a seasoned mountain biker who finds himself battling nature's extremes during the infamous La Ruta de La Conquistadores race in Costa Rica. Released on June 11, 2025, this episode captures Mark's struggle for survival after being swept away by a powerful river current deep within the dense rainforest of Carrara National Park.

Background: Mark Lyons and the La Ruta de La Conquistadores

Mark Lyons, a 55-year-old avid cyclist from Colorado, co-owns a family-run pizza business and has been passionate about mountain biking for nearly four decades. Seeking new challenges, Mark and his five friends decide to participate in La Ruta de La Conquistadores—a race renowned for its grueling 135-mile course through treacherous terrain, including muddy trails, steep hill climbs, and unforgiving whitewater rivers.

Mark Lyons (07:47):
"I've been cycling almost 40 years now. I've done a little of everything... I love it. I've been doing it forever. It's done a lot of good for me."

Despite his extensive experience, Mark admits feeling nervous about the race's reputation.

Mark Lyons (10:25):
"It was noted as at one point the hardest race on the planet... I was a little nervous about it."

The Race Begins: Initial Struggles

The race kicks off early in the morning from the town of Jaco on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Mark and his friends find themselves quickly faced with the race's brutal demands as the route transitions from paved roads to steep, muddy jungle trails.

Mark Lyons (14:22):
"I live in the mountains, I'm in the mountains all the time. But this was completely different... I thought I was going to drown because I was underwater for so long."

The Accident: Swept Away by the Rapids

As the race progresses, Mark's bike encounters trouble—a muddy section forces him to push through, leading him to clean his bike at a shallow, fast-flowing river. Attempting to cool off, Mark inadvertently slips into a hidden chute between two rocks, plunging him into the river's powerful current.

Mark Lyons (20:45):
"And in that second or two that I did that, there was a little chute between two rocks and I shot down that chute."

Swept downstream, Mark loses control, finding himself battling against the relentless river flow. Despite his efforts to stay afloat, the sheer force of the current drags him deep into the rainforest, far from the race track and his fellow competitors.

Mark Lyons (22:12):
"I wasn't slowing down and so I let go of my bike. That was definitely a turning point... this is getting kind of serious."

Survival in the Jungle: Alone and Exhausted

Alone in the vast and perilous rainforest, Mark faces numerous challenges:

• Dehydration and Fatigue: Exhausted from the ordeal, Mark struggles to find the strength to survive without water, adequate shoes, or a means to navigate back to the race route.

  Mark Lyons (26:19):
  "By then I was really beat up... the least amount of energy I've ever felt in my life."

• Navigational Errors: Attempting to follow the river upstream, Mark inadvertently circles back to his starting point, realizing the difficulty of navigating without proper tools.

  Mark Lyons (37:30):
  "I realized I was just like everybody in these survival shows... I spent like half the day getting back around and I was back where I started."

• Endurance and Mental Fortitude: Despite immense physical pain, Mark's positive mindset keeps him pushing forward, even as his body reaches its limits.

  Mark Lyons (39:57):
  "I think people don't understand how strong your mind is... I was able to stay positive and I was drained. But I just turned the pain off."

Rescue and Recovery

After enduring two nights in the unforgiving jungle, Mark's perseverance pays off. Hearing faint sounds of a motor, he finally reaches a narrow dirt road where a police officer rescues him. Mark is swiftly taken to a field hospital, where his injuries are treated. Despite the severe dehydration and physical trauma, Mark is reunited with his friends and returns home to Colorado after nearly a week in the hospital.

Mark Lyons (46:47):
"My kidneys were ready to shut down. I was having a liver issue... if I spent a second night out there, I probably wouldn't have made it."

Aftermath: Changed Perspectives

Mark's near-death experience profoundly impacts his relationship with mountain biking and life in general. While he continues to ride, Mark decides to step back from competitive racing to prioritize his family's future and his personal well-being.

Mark Lyons (48:06):
"I almost feel like in a way, I'm living on borrowed time. I came so close to it then. It's all bonus time now."

Conclusion

"Swept Downstream: Mountain Biker in Costa Rica" serves as a compelling testament to human resilience and the will to survive against all odds. Mark Lyons' story is a vivid reminder of the thin line between adventure and peril, and how inner strength can make the difference between life and death in the wildest of circumstances.

Upcoming Episode:
Next time on Real Survival Stories, join Paul Rogers in 1989 as he faces a life-threatening glacier shift in New Zealand's Southern Alps.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode, highlighting key moments and personal reflections that underscore the themes of survival and perseverance.