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.
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.
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.
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.
No place in the Valley of Oaxaca celebrates Mardi Gras with the wild exuberance of the village of San Martin Tilcajete. Young people there dress in zany costumes and parade through the streets at mid-day to the accompaniment of brass bands and fireworks. Tilcajete is famous for the production of the fanciful carved wooden figures known as alebrijes. Many of the merry-makers are artisans who use their imaginations and skills to craft their costumes. Camera-toting tourists flock to the event to join in the fun. While most visitors arrive by tour bus, it is a relatively easy 2.5 hour bike ride from Oaxaca to Tilcajete. Cyclists leaving el centro at 8:30 am can easily get to Tilccajete in time to watch the grand parade which gets underway at 11:00 o’clock. The highjinks continue until about 12:30 and then resume with a community dance after dark. While it is possible to pedal to Tilcajete along Hwy 135, most cyclists prefer to use country roads to avoid traffic. The route shown covers a total of 78.8 kms (49.0 miles) out & back from Santo Domingo church, with an elevation gain and loss of 425 meters (1394 feet) along the way. Allow about seven hours for the excursion, which includes 1.5 hours to watch the celebration and enjoy some food and drink in the zocalo.
