Category: Photos

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Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

Huijazoo Archeological Site

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The Zapotec archeological site of Huijazoo sits on a hilltop just north of the town of Suchilquitongo, Oaxaca, México. Dating from between 300 and 800 AD, the site was first excavated in 1985. There are several temple platforms, a ball court and a central plaza. The most notable feature is a burial chamber containing the tombs of 60 individuals, with wall paintings, carved lintels and ceramic pottery. For more information see: https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/en/node/4417. The bike ride from Oaxaca centro to the site entails a round trip of 45.0 miles (72.4 kilometers), with an elevation gain and loss of 1765 feet (538 meters), most of which occurs on the climb from the valley floor to the hilltop location of the ruins. The final several hundred feet of trail is both steep and rocky, persuading some cyclists to walk their bikes up. The archeological site itself is rather small, but affords impressive views of the valley below and mountains off in the distance. Expect the ride to last about seven hours, with time for a brunch stop in Suchilquitongo.

Zapotec spirits at Huijazoo enjoy cycling in the Land of the Dead.
Modern day riders on the way to Suchilquitongo.
Photo op for the nine bikers on today’s excursion.
Pedaling along the old railroad right-of-way linking Oaxaca and Huitzo.
The principal temple platform at Huijazoo. Threre is still a lot of excavation work to be done here.
It is a steep climb – either on foot or by bike – to reach the summit.
The view looking west from the hilltop towards the Etla valley and mountains beyond.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

San Antonino Castillo Velasco

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The pleasant and prosperous village of San Antonino steps into the spotlight twice each year – on Palm Sunday when the residents stage a massive procession from the cemetery to the church in the town square; and again on November 3 when townspeople place lavish floral decorations on the graves of their ancestors in preparation for an all night vigil in celebration of Day of the Dead. Both of these events draw visitors from surrounding places and are social highlights of the year. A round trip bike ride from Oaxaca to San Antonino covers 52.7 miles (85 kms) through mostly level terrain, using a network of unpaved country roads to avoid traffic on highways. (The map below shows the route going just one way.) Riders were duly impressed by the elaborate floral decorations placed on gravesites, and enjoyed lunch at the many food vendors arrayed on the street in front of the cemetery. On this day in early November cyclists managed 15-16 mph riding south, but struggled to make 11-12 mph on the way home due to strong headwinds. The ride got underway at 10 am and wrapped up at 4:30 pm – a long but rewarding outing.

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.

MTBing, Photos, Uncategorized

San Agustin Etla

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The Sunday group of 15 cyclists rode to San Augustin Etla and back from Santo Domingo via the Ferrocarril. A familiar ride for this group that included breakfast at the local market. A pleasant 48 KM (29 miles) ride with rains and no other surprises

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos, Uncategorized

Diaz Ordaz and Yagul

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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.