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.
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.
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.
