The archeological site of Dainzu lies about fifteen miles east of Oaxaca in the flatlands of the Tlacolula valley and is easily accessible either from the main highway or via a network of connecting dirt roads in the countryside. The ruins themselves consist of a temple platform built into a hillside; a tomb; a nicely restored ball court and the foundations of several homes. The most unique element is a frieze of eleven carved stone panels lining the front of the temple platform showing ball players in various postures. These are believed to be Zapotec in origin, though one of the panels depicts a player with Mayan characteristics. The agricultural settlement around Dainzu was probably at its peak from 600 BC to 200 AD.
Ten mountain bikers set out for Dainzu on a fine morning in early March. They made use of the paved bike path to Tule, then took unpaved farm roads through Lachigoló and into Tlacochahuaya, where the group stopped at the local market to pick up tomales for a picnic lunch in Dainzu. The riders reached their destination after pedaling in a leisurely fashion for two hours. After eating, the band retraced their route back to Oaxaca. The round-trip distance amounted to 29.2 miles (47.0 kms), with a moderate elevation gain and loss of 1538 feet (469 meters) along the way.
