Category: Mountains

GPS, Mountains, MTBing, Photos

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

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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.

Countryside, Foothills, GPS, Mountains, MTBing, Photos

San Baltazar Guelavila II

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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.

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.

GPS, Hiking, Mountains, MTBing, Trail Info

CdJ / El Punto to La Cumbre

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This four mile section of the Camino de Juárez links El Punto with La Cumbre. It is a very steep and demanding ascent, climbing 1387 feet (423 meters), with descents of 391 feet (119 meters). There are several long sections of steps which present a big challenge to bike riders. In winter months the trail is heavily littered with leaves and pine needles, making the path slick under foot or tire. Given the option, hiking or biking this segment going in the other direction is the better choice. If you want to do this ride as an out & back adventure, consider returning to El Punto via the El Cereso trail, which has some challenging but fun sections. The CdJ runs roughly parallel to the El Cerezo trail near El Punto. The map below terminates at the new ecotourism cabins constructed at La Cumbre.