Beware the bite of the bike bug! A couple of friends were recently bitten and succumbed to the urge to purchase mountain bikes. Both Phil, an avid hiker and long-time resident of Oaxaca, and Doug, who moved here a year ago, are now the proud owners of new bicis. As newbie bikers, both were eager to try out their new conveyances and test their stamina in the saddle. So it was that they and three other amigos set out on a bright Friday morning for a test ride around the Valley of Oaxaca. The group chose an easy route through mostly flat terrain, but managed to put about 20 miles (32 kilometers) beneath their wheels, while gaining and losing about 1000 feet (304 meters) in elevation along the way. The ride was judged a success — everyone survived! — and now Jim, Judy and Helen are talking about buying bikes, too! That is good news for local bike shops.
