Category: Uncategorized

Both the city and the state of Oaxaca have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. The first two confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on 16 March 2020 and that number grew slowly over the next few weeks. As in cities around the world, steps were taken here to limit the spread of the pandemic. Most public venues (schools, movie theaters, ball parks, concert halls, etc.) were shuttered and gatherings of more than 10 people were banned. People were urged to avoid groups and distance themselves from others. Everyone was encouraged to stay in their homes. As a consequence, the city is eerily quiet, with little pedestrian or vehicular traffic about.

Mountain bikers have been affected, too, as local bike clubs cancelled their weekly group rides. However, individual riders continue to pedal trails in the mountains and around the Valles Centrales as a way of staying in shape and to keep from going stir crazy because of forced isolation. If anything, there seem to be more bikers on the Libramiento and the trail network in the hills above San Felipe del Agua than usual on weekday mornings. 

This post was put up on 1 April. It is hoped the pandemic will peak sometime this month and that the number of infections will begin to taper off in May and June. In the meantime, mountain biking serves as a way to keep one’s sanity in a world gone crazy.

A bright Sunday morning beckoned members of the Nitos Ciclistas en Movimiento bike club to pedal 64 kilometers out and back from the center of Oaxaca to Teotitlan del Valle in the Tlacolula valley. Fifteen riders took part in the day’s excursion. Leaving from the plaza in front of the grand Santo Domingo church at 8:15 am, the group arrived in Teotitlan two hours later, where they visited the dam and reservoir just north of town before stopping for a late breakfast at the city market.

Marco and Carlos, two great guys with a lot of bike experience between them, have opened a new bike repair shop seven blocks south of the zocalo in Oaxaca. Assisting them is their mechanic, Antonio. They also sell used bikes on consignment, so you should check them out if you are in the market for a used bici. You will find their shop at Vega 121 between Bustamante and Armenta y Lopez. They are open Monday thru Saturday from 10 until 2 and again from 4 until 8. You can contact them at 951-206-8497 or on Facebook at “La Cleta y el Cafe”. 

There is a new staff at Summit Cyclery to serve you and your bike. Pictured above are Raul, mechanic, Arturo, manager, and Bernardo, sales. The shop is still at the same great location at Calzada Porfirio Diaz 230 in Col. Reforma. They can be reached at 951-132-5897.