Author: Larry

GPS, Mountains, MTBing, Photos

Ride The Rails, Part Two – San Sebastian Sedas / Olivera / Huauclilla / La Rosa & back

by  •  • 0 Comments

On a subsequent visit our intrepid cyclists managed to complete the challenging 34 mile (54.8 kms) lollypop loop ride shown below, which required a long, steady grind climbing 1690 feet (515 meters) to get up and over a ridge of hills before a thrilling downhill run back into the river valley to hook up again with the abandoned railroad line. This time our excursion began at the old railroad station in San Sebastian Sedas, eliminating the miles of riding the narrow highway from Tlelixtlahuaca. From the old railroad station there is an uninterrupted 8.6 miles (13.8 kms) descent to Olivera; thence a long climb to Huauclilla, followed by a screaming descent. With a drive time of 75 minutes from Oaxaca to San Sebastian Sedas and a minimum of five hours of steady pedaling, this excursion will take most of the day – say nine am to 5 pm start to finish. Add another hour if you want to stop for lunch on the way back home. Yes, this is an arduous outing, but the scenery in this remote area is worth the effort.


Today’s ride began at the old railroad station in San Sebastian Sedas
and proceeded eight miles downhill to the village of Olivera.
Coasting for eight miles downhill was a treat.
One of many stream crossings along the old railroad line.
An old boxcar used to house workers back in the railroad’s heyday.
There are several streams which converge to form the Rio San Antonio.
After leaving Olivera the trail climbs steeply up the mountainside for several miles.
From a vantage point up the mountain
one can see the old railroad grade running down the other side of the valley.
Great view of the mountains from a spot near the highest point on the route.
Where the long uphill slog required nearly two hours of pedaling, the ripping descent back into the river valley took just 30 minutes.
It was no challenge to cross the river to get back onto the old railroad line.
Unnamed ruin along the way.
Enjoying some liquid refreshment at a miscellanea in Olivera on the final segment of the ride.

MTBing, Photos, Uncategorized

San Agustin Etla

by  •  • 0 Comments

The Sunday group of 15 cyclists rode to San Augustin Etla and back from Santo Domingo via the Ferrocarril. A familiar ride for this group that included breakfast at the local market. A pleasant 48 KM (29 miles) ride with rains and no other surprises

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos, Uncategorized

Diaz Ordaz and Yagul

by  •  • 0 Comments

Expecting to ride trails in Llano Grande, four riders shuttled into the mountains only to find the weather cold and drizzly. Delicate as they are, the riders decided to do a short out and back from Diaz Ordaz to Yagul instead. A rocky ride along a river bed followed by well packed sandy trails took us into the valley around the Yagul reserve. The group encountered several caves, ancient rock art, spiny single track, finger wagging officials and herds of animals. A nice ride leaving the group wanting more miles and more time in the saddle.


Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos, Ride Routes

Presas of San Lorenzo Cacaotepec

by  •  • 1 Comment

This is an unusually challenging route for the Sunday morning bike group. While the total distance of 28.2 miles traveled is rather typical, the numerous steep hill climbs on loose and rocky roads, with some sketchy single track on top of that, gives this outing a difficulty rating of 3 or 4 out of 5. The weather was ideal and the scenery quite nice, with a stop at the ruins of an old monastery in Cacaotepec as an added bonus. The map shown below is incomplete, as the battery on my GPS unit gave out well before the end of our journey. Extrapolating from the data that was recorded, the round trip distance should amount to 28.2 miles (45.4 kms), with an elevation gain and loss of around 1300 feet (396 meters). There were four newcomers to the group today, a welcome addition which brought the total number of participants to fifteen. The lunch stop at the market in Cacaotepec was particularly festive, with lots of beer and mezcal consumed. A good time was had by all.

Riders eager to hit the trail.
On the way to Cacaotepec.
Taking a break in a shady spot.
Arriving at the ruins of the old monastery of San Lorenzo.
View of the interior courtyard.
Reaching the first of two presas on today’s route.
View of the small lake.
Scrambling up a steep and rocky road on the way to the second presa.
And we are there!
Spectacular view of the hills west of Cacaotepec.
King – er, Queen – of the hill.

Countryside, Foothills, GPS, Mountains, MTBing, Photos

San Baltazar Guelavila II

by  •  • 0 Comments

Another visit to the hill country surrounding San Baltazar Guelavila. Larry, Dhruba, Jeff and Memo were led today by a local guide, Emanuel, on a nearly twenty mile (31 km) lollipop loop ride. Lots of ups and downs on this route, with a total of 2349 feet (716 meters) elevation gain and loss. Gorgeous scenery along the way, with a stop at Las Salinas to hike a short distance in the slot canyon to a small waterfall.
Lunch afterwards at El Milenario restaurant in Tule on the way home.

Emanuel, a young man from San Baltazar, was our guide on today’s excursion.
Fluffy clouds crown the mountaintop.
Pedaling hard to keep up with our guide.
Skirting around a cliff.
Hiking through the slot canyon at Las Salinas.
Lovely mountain views in every direction.
Grinding up and out of yet another valley.
Cruising back to San Baltazar.