With group bike rides happening every Sunday year around, it is quite unusual to latch onto a route and destination never explored before. Such was the case on this day in the fall of 2026. Seven cyclists – including a visitor from Vancouver on an ebike – took part in this outing which covered 36 miles (58 kms) on a track leading from the center of Oaxaca city into the hills above San Gabriel Etla. Most of the route was fairly level, following an old railroad right-of-way through open countryside. However, once at San Miguel Etla the gang had some serious climbing to reach the waterfall deep in a lushly forested valley. All told, the elevation gain and loss amounted to 1378 feet (420 meters) on the round trip. Riders stopped at the Rancho San Antonio on the way home for a delicious late morning meal. The ride got underway at 7:30 am and lasted seven hours, with folks getting home at 2:30 in the afternoon – having to ride in light rain the last few miles into town.
