Author: Larry

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

Pedaling to the Presas of Tomaltepec

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Oaxaca received 2.5 inches of rain Friday into Saturday, with another quarter inch Saturday night into Sunday. The precipitation was most welcome, as rainfall has been sparse this summer. But while farmers rejoice at thundershowers, cyclists less so. However, skies were clearing on Sunday morning as a group of intrepid bikers set out at 9 am for a ride to the presas of Santo Domingo Tomaltepec. Along the way we spotted a large contingent of roadies in a race going to Huayapm. Outbound, our route took us through Tlalixtac and Santo Domingo. Stopping for a rest and some photos at the second of the presas, we found an enterprising couple had set up a small comedor there and were serving memelas and offering cold drinks. There were a good number of other cyclists there, along with a handful of fisherman. From the reservoir the group continued up the valley, crossing the steam which feeds the lakes a half-dozen times going each way. Again we were passed by a significant number of bikers heading back to the city, some in racing attire. One group of about a dozen were youngsters of around fourteen years old who came flying down the trail, obviously having a great time. On the way home our group split, with some retracing our route through Tlalixtac and the others passing through Tule and then taking the bike path to Oaxaca.

  • It was a beautiful morning once the rain clouds dissipated.
  • Dozens of road racers took to the highway.
  • Lots of mud in a construction zone in Tlalixtac.
  • Into the open countryside.
  • The upper reservoir above Tomaltepec is one of the prettiest in the area.
  • The five bikers on today’s ride.
  • Plenty of other cyclists at the lake this Sunday.
  • The comedor set up at the presa – memelas were the specialty.
  • There were six stream crossings in the final two miles of trail.
  • Splashing merrily along.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Ride Routes

Looping Through Life On A Bike

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Sunday, 31 July 2022 was (another) gorgeous day for a mountain bike ride. Our route was one of our favorites – a long loop from Oaxaca to San Felipe Tejalápam to San Andrés Ixtlahuaca and back to Oaxaca. We zig-zagged a bit and wound up crossing the same stream multiple times just past Tejalápam. There are at least three roads that snake over the ridge of hills separating San Felipe and San Andrés. We chose the longest because it was the least steep of the lot, though still a formidable climb. The Ixtalhuaca valley was especially beautiful, with the farm fields and hillsides a vibrant green. All told, we pedaled 50.9 kilometers (31.6 miles), with an elevation gain and loss of 493 meters (1618 feet). There were no mechanical problems or flat tires to mar the ride, which ran five hours from 9 am to 2 pm. The weather forecast was for rain in the Valles Centrales sometime after two o’clock, and we saw dark storm clouds developing along the Sierra Norte. Happily, we stayed dry – except for those stream crossings. Sorry, no one in the group took any photos along the way to share with you.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

Dancing With The Danzante

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The last two weeks of July are a festive time in Oaxaca because that is when the Guelaguetza takes place. The Guelaguetza is the largest festival of indigenous dance and music in Mexico and attracts spectators from far and near. Today’s ride (Sunday, 24 July 2022) was, appropriately, an excursion to the giant statue of the Danzante of Zimatlan. Nearby on the same hill is a small outdoor theater where a troup of local dancers were rehearsing for a show to take place later. Our bikers enjoyed watching the performance after climbing to the top of the hill for a closer look at the Danzante and to admire the view out over the Zimatlan valley. A total of eight riders – four gringos and four natives – took part in the excursion, which covered a round-trip distance of 56 kilometers (35 miles) with an elevation gain and loss of about 152.5 meters (500 feet). As happens frequently on rides that pass by Zaachila, the group opted to stop at the local mercado gastronomic for either a late breakfast or early lunch. From that point it was an uneventful ride back to Oaxaca, except for a light rain that dampened our jerseys but not our spirits. All in all, it was a good day’s ride!

  • Today’s group was composed of four gringos and four natives.
  • Pedaling through Xoxocotlan on the way to open countryside.
  • A beautiful day to ride!
  • One of our seniors is also one of the strongest riders.
  • A hitchhiker on today’s excursion
  • Keep those pedals moving!
  • Local dancers from Zimatlan practice their dance steps.
  • Climbing the hill to the Danzante statue.
  • Relaxing at our destination.
  • Great view of the Zimatlan valley.
  • Guelaguetza bikers and dancers.

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Photos

Tooling To Teitipac

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Andy B. planned this outing for our weekly Sunday bike ride. He laid out a long loop to take riders deep into the Tlacolula valley and back. Cyclists would take the bike path to Tule, then ride backcountry roads through Rojas de Cuauhtémoc, Santa Rosa Buena Vista and San Sebastian Teitipac before arriving at San Juan Teitipac, our destination and turnaround point. The group rested and purchased food and beverages at the Sunday market behind the old Dominican monastery in the center of town. Following a slightly different route home, the group pedaled through Santa Cruz Papalutla, San Sebastian Abasolo and Santa Maria Guelacé before once again passing through Santa Maria el Tule on the last leg of the journey. There were eleven riders in the group, which consisted of seven men and four women. Three of the cyclists were newcomers to the band and handled the ride quite well. Moving at a leisurely pace, the riders covered a total of 61.5 kilometers (38.2 miles), with a modest 286.5 meters (940 feet) of elevation gain and loss on the circuit. With several stops along the way for refreshments, it took 6.5 hours to complete the ride. The weather was perfect for such an excursion through the countryside, with overcast skies that kept the temperature below the 26º C (80º F) mark.


  • The group gathers for the Sunday morning ride.
  • A beautiful day to be out on a bike.
  • Obligatory group photo in Tule.
  • Andy leads the pack.
  • A tangle of bikes at a rest stop.
  • Lots of good food on display in San Juan Teitipac.
  • Tacos made to order.
  • A happy bunch of bikers chow down.
  • Cheers!
  • A local musician on his way to . . . what? . . . probably a wedding or funeral.
  • Heading for home.
  • Passing through another village in the valley.
  • Every time Dave washes his bike it shrinks a bit more.
  • Lots of smiles on today’s road trip.
  • Back in Tule, it is time for an ice cold nieve. Pick your flavor . . . .
  • Biking buddies.

Countryside, Foothills, GPS, MTBing, Photos, Uncategorized

Mil Rios Redux

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As noted previously, the Mil Rios trail a few miles from Tlalixtac is a popular destination for Oaxaca cyclists. Getting from the city to the trailhead is an easy ride on mostly level dirt roads and takes about 90 minutes. There is a toll station at the trailhead where riders have to pay 20 pesos each. Once past the graded dirt road that serves the several dams built along the stream, the trail becomes a single track that winds through the woods and crosses the creek multiple times. Since the Mil Rios trail begins in the high Sierra Norte mountains not far from La Neveria, riders can go as far up the valley as they want or can manage. The further you go, though, the steeper the trail gets. And when cycling uphill you have to keep a careful watch for bikers screaming down the trail. On today’s ride – Sunday / 10 July 2022 – ten bikers set out from Santo Domingo at 9 am. Two had to turn around before leaving the city, and another two turned back at the trailhead, leaving just six to complete the ride. It was a lovely day, and everyone enjoyed the outing.