I went to Costa Rica several years ago but not for the bicycling, although I'm happy to hear that bicycling is picking up. I just want to tell you to be sure to visit the Sloth Sanctuary a few miles south of Limon. You'll be so glad that you did. Here's the link. http://www.slothrescue.org/

My apologies for not directly answering your questions, but I just had to tell you about this place. :-)