Spring has officially arrived in Oaxaca, though the weather is as perfect today as any other day of the year. Only the Jacaranda trees blooming in all their purple majesty are indicative of a change of seasons. Fourteen riders gathered this Sunday morning to avail themselves of another day of gorgeous sunshine to go for a ride through the countryside. As the group was an eclectic mix of experienced cyclists and newbie riders, the day’s outing was an easy one. Pedaling at a leisurely pace, the band traveled from el centro through Tlalixtac, Tomaltepec and Tule on the way to Tlacochahuaya, which was the turnaround point. Almost all of this distance was covered on dirt roads. After pausing for refreshments at the market, the group retraced their route to Tule where three of the group broke off to take a more adventurous route back to Oaxaca while the rest opted for the paved bike path into town. All told, riders covered 29 miles (46.6 kms) and gained and lost 666 feet (203 meters) in elevation on the outing, which lasted almost exactly four hours.
The group gathers before the ride. 
Pedaling through town. 
Little traffic on a Sunday morning. 
Into the countryside. 
Plenty of blue sky and sunshine. 
Lots of other bikers out today. 
On the way home. 
Jacaranda tree in full bloom.