Over the past three years or so the folks who manage the La Cumbre Ixtepeji ecotourism camp have done an incredible job building a great network of new downhill trails which are now attracting lots of enduro enthusiasts. On today’s outing three riders from Oaxaca sampled five of these luscious offerings. The trails ridden, in order, were Tierra Negra, Hawaiana, Linces, Raices and El Cerezo. For the most part these trails have great flow, along with a good many challenges like rock gardens, drops and some ramps. The notable exception is the Linces trail, which is being heavily modified to offer a large number of serious ramps, gaps and tables for those bikers who like to spend a lot of time airborne.
Tierra Negra – 2.0 miles / 3.2 kms length 970 feet / 295 meters descent Swoopy and fun with some moderate jumps
Hawaiana – 1.6 miles / 2.6 kms length 896 feet / 273 meters descent Great fun and the most user-friendly run
Linces – 2.0 miles / 3.2 kms length 1119 feet / 341 meters descent Was originally a fast and smooth track through the forest, but is being heavily modified with lots of ramps, jumps, table-tops and berms
Raices – 1.43 miles / 2.3 kms length 804 feet / 245 meters descent As the name implies, this trail has more than its fair share of exposed tree roots, often on a steeply off-camber slope. Use extra caution when the trail is wet or muddy.
El Cerezo – 3.45 miles / 5.55 kms length 1730 feet / 527 meters descent
One of the longest trails in the network, El Cerezo is a popular last-run-of-the day ride for bikers spending the day shuttling back up the mountain after each downhill run. El Cerezo begins just across the road from the Cabeza de Vaca trail, providing a continuous run for those who start heading down on Raices and then switching to Cabeza de Vaca. El Cerezo concludes in the small town of El Punto on Highway 175.
Ready to hit the trail. 
New trail signs at La Cumbre. 
Heading for a six-foot drop. 
Air time! 
Lots of bikers at La Cumbre. 
Biking buddies. 
Another jump. 
Talking about the trails. 
Deep in the woods.
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