Category: Countryside

Countryside, GPS, MTBing

Teotitlan del Valle

by  •  • 0 Comments

Thirteen cyclists took advantage of a beautiful day in early August for this excursion through the countryside of the Tlacolula valley. We pedaled out to and around the lake in the valley above the town, then stopped at the mercado for a healthy breakfast/brunch. The return trip carried us past the ruins of Dainzu and then through Tlacochahuaya. Distance: 66 kms / 41 miles. Elevation gain and loss: 460 meters / 1509 feet. Rating: moderate on account of distance traveled. Elapsed time: four hours in the saddle, with an additional 90 minutes for breakfast and other stops along the way.


Some of the thirteen cyclists taking part in today’s ride.
Children in Santa Maria el Tule held a bicycle parade this Sunday.
Boys and girls decorated their bicis for the occasion.
The young lassies were also in elaborate costumes. What fun!

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

Ride to La Raya

by  •  • 0 Comments

Five cyclists showed up for this Friday group ride from Oaxaca to La Raya and back, using a combination of roads and trails which formed a large loop through the countryside of the Zimatlan valley to the south of Oaxaca. It was a great five hour ride of a bit over 56 kms (35 miles) on a warm spring day.

Passing by the monastery ruins in Cuilapam.
On the paved road south of Tlanichico.
Riding through the hills.
Taking a breather on a hot day.
Consulting the map.
A couple of happy bikers.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos, Ride Routes

Hidden Valley

by  •  • 0 Comments

There is a lovely, secluded valley situated between the villages of San Antonio Buena Vista and Santa Cecilia Jalieza in the outer reaches of the Teitipac region of the Tlacolula valley to the southeast of Oaxaca city. Well off the beaten path, few people venture this way. The valley is most beautiful in the summer and fall when the hillsides and farm fields are a vibrant green. But the area has an austere aesthetic even in the driest part of the year, when the blue sky contrasts with the various shades of brown and grey vegetation. This loop ride covers 75.2 km (46.7 miles), with an elevation gain and loss of 437 meters (1435 feet). Expect to spend five to six hours in the saddle to finish the course, riding at a moderate pace and with a stop in San Juan Teitipac for brunch.

Nine cyclists took part in this March excursion into the countryside.
There were just five cyclists on board for the same ride in September.
Riding on pavement is fine, but the real fun is had on dirt roads.
Happily, there are miles of unpaved country roads in the area.
The landscape is dry and brittle deep into the dry season.
Contrast that with lush green fields in September.
It is a worthy climb over the ridge to Santa Cecilia Jalieza.
Reaching the top of the hill reveals a great view of the Tlacolula valley.
Time for some refreshments and relaxation in San Juan Teitipac before heading home.
Back on the open road on the return to Oaxaca.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

San Juan del Estado

by  •  • 0 Comments

Our Sunday group ride this week took the gang to the obscure town of San Juan del Estado, located in the northeastern portion of the Etla valley. The out & back distance amounted to 66.8 km (41.5 miles), with an elevation gain and loss of 389.5 meters (1278 feet) along the way. A total of eight cyclists – seven men and one woman – took part in the outing.

The ceremonial entrance to San Juan del Estado.
The municipal building in San Juan.
A girl’s drill team marched down main street . . .
. . . to the music of a drum and bugle corps.
Sunday cyclists at San Juan del Estado sign.
On the way home.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

San Andres Zautla

by  •  • 0 Comments

San Andres Zautla is a small community situated 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) northwest of Oaxaca city. It was the destination for a Sunday group ride on 25 February 2024.

Sunday morning cyclists eager to hit the trail.
Heading north and west through rural countryside.
Free samples of mezcal lured bikers to Zautla’s anniversary celebration.
Nearing Oaxaca at the end of the ride.