This is an intermediate ride of 51 kilometers (31.7 miles) that takes advantage of some unpaved country roads which loop through the hills located between San Andrés Ixtlahuaca, Jalapa del Valle and San Felipe Tejalapam. Quite a scenic adventure when the hillsides lie green beneath an azure sky. Be advised that the hill climbs are numerous, but not too long or steep. There is an elevation gain and loss of 630 meters (2069 feet) along the way. A group of Sunday riders finished the course in five hours, counting time out for snacks (memelas, tacos & empanadas) at a street vendor’s stall in the zocalo in San Andrés Ixtlahuaca on the way back to Oaxaca.
This hill is steeper than it appears in the photo.One rider’s chain snapped from the strain of the climb.
This is the fourth in a series of weekday rides exploring the little-used back roads and trails in the hills to the west of the Mexico cuota some 20-40 kilometers (12 to 24 miles) north-northwest of Oaxaca. The town of Matadamas was the jumping off point for today’s excursion. Similar expeditions have departed from San Andrés Zautla, Santa Cruz Lachixolana and Santiago Suchilquitongo. All offer a generous amount of hill climbing in the midst of great scenery. All of these routes can be accessed on rides originating in Oaxaca as well as by using a shuttle to the designated starting points. This particular outing was a short one of 23.8 kms (14.8 miles) that lasted just 2.5 hours. It could well have been extended by riding more of the trails that crisscross the area. Be advised, though, that accessing these trails can be difficult. When looking out from the top of a ridge, one can see a number of trails off in the distance, but finding and following them is challenging, as many wind up dead-ending in a farmer’s field. Nevertheless, this is a great area for riders with a whimsical spirit of adventure.
Some local maps show a La Derivadora mountain bike park in the rolling hills to the west of the village of Santa Cruz Lachixolana on the far side of the cuota to Mexico City. There is no signage to speak of to designate the park location or point out various trails, so riders are on their own to find their way. The landscape in the area is lovely and the trails are a delight to explore. All the trails can be rated moderate and there are no technical challenges to speak of. Using a GPS to map one’s route is recommended so you can find your way back to your starting point. The ride shown on the map below was accomplished using a shuttle to Lachixolana. The park may also be the destination of a longer bike ride from Oaxaca, which would add about fifty kilometers (thirty-one miles) to the round trip distance.
It is obvious trails in La Derivadora park do not get a lot of use. Following a faint jeep track in the mountain bike park. Where does it lead?In places you just make your own trail.There are miles of hills and valleys with no sign of human habitation.Another beautiful part of the Valley of Oaxaca.
Looking for a new off-the-beaten-path route for a challenging mountain bike ride? If you can manage a shuttle, then this scenic loop ride may be just the ticket! Park your vehicle in La Lobera – the destination for many an out & back ride from Oaxaca city – then do the long, demanding 8.7 km (5.4 mile) climb to Santa Ines del Monte, which will take you uphill 580 meters (1904 feet). Stop there to catch your breath, admire the view and perhaps get a drink or a snack before skimming up and (mainly) down a patchwork of dirt roads through a series of small villages scattered in the valley below. Wonderful scenery on the downhill stretch! You can also make the loop ride longer by starting and ending the ride in Zaachila – see second map below – which means you will pedal 50 kilometers (31 miles), with an elevation gain and loss of 1169 meters (3836 feet) along the way. Quite a nice workout!
Cycling through Santa Ines del Monte.Wide angle view of the Valley of Oaxaca, with Cerro San Felipe at the far left running past Zimatlan on the right.We are going to ride that road down yonder!
The village of San Andrés Zautla boasts an extensive Parque Recreativo in the hills northwest of that town. There are miles of jeep roads and single track trails in the area, all of them rated moderate in terms of steepnesss and technical challenges. This is a fun area to spend several hours exploring. On the map below the park is the 10.8 km (6.7 mile) loop in the upper left corner. Zautla is located 24 kilometers (15 miles) northwest of Oaxaca city, just west of the cuota to Mexico City. There is a toll-free exit from the cuota at Zautla, making for easy access by vehicle. Those pedaling to Zautla from Oaxaca can choose from several rural unpaved roads to get there.
Today’s out & back ride covered 72.4 kilometers (45 miles), with an elevation gain and loss of 565 meters (1853 feet) along the way. Moving at a leisurely pace, the ride took six hours to complete.
Here is another map of the same area showing a continuous loop ride along the three major trails in the park, with a few detours to explore intersecting trails. This ride took three hours.
A festive wall mural in Zautla.Pedaling into the recreation park at San Andrés Zautla.Two gringos on bikes.Riding through rolling hills in the park.There are many lovely vistas to be enjoyed. This being the rainy season in Oaxaca, the trail became a watercourse at this point.An altogether excellent day and place to be out mountain biking!
