Author: Larry

GPS, Mountains, MTBing, Photos

Ride The Rails

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This is a wonderful back-country ride in remote hills following the old railroad line which once linked Oaxaca to México City. You will see sections of railroad track all along the way, and the trail crosses numerous old wooden trestles. The grade of the trail is consistent, with a moderate 2-3% slope throughout. The downhill runs continuous for 24 kms (15 miles). Fun! However, your butt will get sore on the seemingly endless uphill coming out – though the climb can be accomplished using just mid-range gears. This outing is best accomplished using a shuttle to haul bikes and riders 39 kms (24 miles) to San Francisco Telixtlahuaca (as shown on map) or somewhat further to San Sebastian Sedas. The route shown covers 62 kms (38.5 miles) round trip, with 823 meters (2700 feet) of elevation gain and loss. Allow an hour for the shuttle drive each way and 4-5 hours riding time. Enjoy!

Jeff and Darryle pedal happily along a mountain road.
Beginning the long descent from San Sebastian Sedas.
The trail variously runs alongside or on top of the old railroad line.
Cattle now wander where locomotives once ran.
There are numerous stream crossing on old wooden trestles.
Derelict rail cars appear scattered along the route.
The remote village of Olivera was once a stop on the rail line.
Only a few dozen people still call the place home.
The town does still have a miscelania serving cold drinks and snacks.
Streams from several mountain valleys converge
to form the Rio San Antonio downstream from Olivera.
Crossing yet another of the many old wooden railroad bridges.

GPS, Mountains, MTBing, Photos

El Punto to Zoquiapam One & Two

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If you are hankering for some serious mountain climbs and descents, then this outing should tickle your fancy. Shuttle bikes and gear from Oaxaca to El Punto, then set out for the two Zoquiapams – San Matias & Santiago Nuevo – tucked away deep in a valley in the Sierra Norte mountains. You will be pedaling at an altitude between 1950 and 2195 meters (6400 to 7200 feet). The route is paved the whole way now, thanks to the construction of an Amlo road in recent years. But while the pavement makes for a smooth ride, there is no getting around the work of long, hard climbs – about 1280 meters (4200 feet) of elevation gain on the round trip. The descents are fast and fun, but the uphill sections will surely test your mettle. Expect to spend four hours or more in the saddle to accomplish the out and back. Then when you get home pop some Ibuprophen and take a nap. You will have earned it! To see an animated rendering of this ride, see: https://www.strava.com/activities/15158134576/flyover?origin=shared&utm_source=ios_share&utm_medium=social&share_sig=7E794BCA1753055821&_branch_match_id=1475831318919557885&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy4pSixL1EssKNDLyczL1q9wdTQzCzaoTAxLsq8rSk1LLSrKzEuPTyrKLy9OLbJ1ywSK5VcAAMeq3c4%2BAAAA

Three of the four hearty cyclists on today’s mountain adventure.
One of many mountain vistas along the way.
Purchasing some apples to snack on.
Passing the village church in San Pedro Nexicho.

Monument to a local hero of the Mexican Revolution.

This was a gravel lane until villagers constructed an Amlo road in recent years.
Arriving at the destination for today’s excellent adventure.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

Cascada of Mazaltepec

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There is a charming waterfall in the hills to the west of Santo Tomas Mazaltepec which was the destination for this Sunday group ride in mid-June 2025. Thirteen riders took part in the outing, which was accomplished under overcast skies with occasional light drizzle. The final eight-tenths of a kilometer (.5 mile) of the footpath to the cascada presents a challenge for hikers and is not suitable for bikes; cyclists are advised to stash their mounts along the trail when the going gets rough and continue on foot.

Riders pedaling merrily through the countryside.
Rest stop.
Stocking up on water and fruit snacks in Mazaltepec.
There are multiple shallow stream crossings along the route.
This creek could not be ridden across.
Bushwhacking along the footpath to the cascada.
Party time at the waterfall.
Cooling off.
The narrow trail to and from the cascada.
On the way back to Mazaltepec.
Heading for home.

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La Cumbre Double Loop

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This is a delightful, moderately difficult 16.4 kilometer (10.2 mile) ride on the trails in the ecotourism park of La Cumbre Ixtepeji. The route begins and ends using the Cabeza de Vaca trail, but then takes advantage of inter-connecting logging roads in the area to form a double loop through the mountains at an elevation ranging from 2807 to 3046 meters (9210 to 9993 feet) above sea level. This ride was accomplished in 2.5 hours on ebikes, but can just as easily be done on any pedal-powered mountain bike. Skies were overcast and the temperature hovered around 18°C (65°F) with just a slight breeze. Altogether a wonderful experience! 

Darryle cruises the Cabeza de Vaca trail with his drone following faithfully behind.

Here is a YouTube video showing a portion of the Cabeza de Vaca trail: https://youtu.be/RNv2rF1CqnM?si=wfblNb-Fr7-GVPDd

GPS, MTBing, Photos, Videos

Mountain Parks of Derivadora & Zautla

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The mountain parks of Lachixolana (Derivadora) and Zautla abut each other, so it is an easy matter to ride trails in both areas on the same day. The map attached shows the final half of a ride on the first Friday of April in 2025 which began in Zautla’s park and then ran for several miles in Derivadora. Total distance covered amounted to a bit over 15 miles (24 kilometers), with total elevation gain and loss in the neighborhood of 1800 feet (549 meters). Note that the trails in the area are a combination of little-used jeep roads and single tracks, many of which are quite overgrown with grass and shrubs. Riders can expect to collect a good number of stickers, burrs and other things which adhere to their shoes and socks. Except for some electric transmission towers, there are no other signs of civilization to mar the serene vistas of rolling hill country. This is an excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and lose oneself in nature.


Transmission towers parading through the hills are the only signs of settlement in sight.
Wind-whipped grass cascades over a hillside.
A small lake nestled in the valley.
Cacti and other prickly vegetation abounds.
Tall grass obscures the narrow trail.