The pleasant and prosperous village of San Antonino steps into the spotlight twice each year – on Palm Sunday when the residents stage a massive procession from the cemetery to the church in the town square; and again on November 3 when townspeople place lavish floral decorations on the graves of their ancestors in preparation for an all night vigil in celebration of Day of the Dead. Both of these events draw visitors from surrounding places and are social highlights of the year. A round trip bike ride from Oaxaca to San Antonino covers 52.7 miles (85 kms) through mostly level terrain, using a network of unpaved country roads to avoid traffic on highways. (The map below shows the route going just one way.) Riders were duly impressed by the elaborate floral decorations placed on gravesites, and enjoyed lunch at the many food vendors arrayed on the street in front of the cemetery. On this day in early November cyclists managed 15-16 mph riding south, but struggled to make 11-12 mph on the way home due to strong headwinds. The ride got underway at 10 am and wrapped up at 4:30 pm – a long but rewarding outing.
