If you plan to ride anywhere in the Tlacolula valley it is hard to avoid going through Santa Maria el Tule – the charming village just east of Oaxaca famous for the very old, gargantuan tree in the church yard. Today’s Sunday ride set out from central Oaxaca to reach Tule by way of the rocky jeep road that runs from Rosario over a ridge of hills and into the Tlacolula valley. Just four riders turned out for this moderate excursion, but they had the enthusiasm to match a larger group. Once again the weather was perfect for such an outing, with bright skies and mild temperatures. The only negative was finding part of the route under water about halfway to Tule. While the jeep road over the hills is never affected by rain, the lower sections of trail which runs parallel to Hwy 190 can flood after heavy thunderstorms. When the water and mud got as high as the brake rotors, the group decided to turn back and find a different route to Tule. From there it was easy pedaling to Santo Domingo Tomaltepec and then back through Tlalixtac and Huayapam to Oaxaca. All told, riders traveled 44.0 kilometers (27.4 miles) and gained and lost a bit over 431 meters (1400 feet) in elevation on the excursion, which lasted a total of about four hours, counting a stop for lunch along the way.
Three of today’s four riders pose for a photo. 
One of the gnarly sections of the jeep road near Rosario. 
Stopping to admire the view. 
Rolling downhill toward Tule. 
Toñio’s first ride after suffering a broken hand in a bike accident last spring.