Category: Videos

There are many miles of interconnecting farm access roads in the part of the Etla valley lying between Monte Alban and the mountain ridge that forms the western boundary of the valley. These are a constant delight to mountain bikers in any season of the year. The rolling hills offer both scenic beauty and a moderate challenge to adventurous riders. So it was on this bright Sunday in early February that Jim and Larry set out from the plaza in front of the church of Santo Domingo in central Oaxaca on a four-hour, twenty-four mile excursion. Pedaling south from el centro, the duo passed through the Candiani neighborhood and Xoxocotlan, then proceeded on to Cuilapam on paved roads before taking dirt lanes into the countryside. This area has some of the most fertile soil in the area and so is heavily farmed – hence the numerous access roads. The riders elected to make this an out-and-back ride, rather than completing a loop back to the city through San Pedro Ixtlahuaca and Atzompa. On the return leg the pair stopped at the church of Santiago Apostol in Cuilapam to watch a troupe of young people in full costume performing the Danza de la Pluma. While doing so, they were treated to drinks of mezcal and cold beer by some of the onlookers. The GPS track showed a total distance of 24 miles (38 kms) covered, with 1272 feet (388 meters) of uphill and 1112 feet (339 meters) going down. It was a perfect day for such an outing, with mild temperatures in the upper 70’s Fahrenheit (low 20’s Celsius) and blue sky from horizon to horizon.