Category: GPS

Items containing GPS data (either the downloadable KML/Z or GPX file) &/or a map that displays such data.

Foothills, GPS, MTBing, Outing, Photos

San Felipe – East Side Loop

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This is the second and more difficult loop ride utilizing various elements of the trail network in the hills above San Felipe del Agua. Our purpose here is to illustrate how a great ride can be had by stringing together some of the smaller trail segments described in the “Trails” page of this web site.

The paved (but never completed) road called the “Libramiento Norte” (LNR) is the main access to the entire trail complex. The jeep road labeled “Toro, Toro, Toro” (TTT for short) is the principal dirt trail leading up and into the trail network. The singletrack trail we call “High Flyer Ridge” (HFR) leads to the many steep, downhill-specific trails that plunge down into the forest from the ridge. Finally, it should be noted that none of these trails are in “Benito Juarez National Park,” which is located higher up the mountainside and may be closed due to an ongoing land dispute.

This loop, which stays in the forest on the east side of the Libramiento, offers a terrific ride – with lots of elevation gain, challenging runs through thick forest, technical, rock-strewn descents and several scenic overlooks. The loop covers 9.8 miles (15.8 km) and accumulates a total of 2482 feet (765.5 meters) of elevation gain & loss. The highest point on the trail tops out at 6906 feet (2105 meters). This outing is rated “Difficult” because of the terrain. Expect to complete the ride in from 2.5 to 4.0 hours, depending on the level of your strength, skill and stamina.

If you want to reference this loop with the trail segments listed on the “Trails” page of this web site, you will want to connect the following sections:  (start) LBR to LNR to TTT to R to LNR to HFR to Ma to (unnamed) to M to LNR to LBR (finish).

 

Foothills, GPS, MTBing, Outing, Photos, Ride Routes

San Felipe – West Side Loop

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Colonia San Felipe del Agua is a favorite neighborhood for mountain bikers living in Oaxaca – whether gringo ex-pats or natives – because of the proximity of a network of great singletrack trails in the hills just above the community. It is a quick (if not exactly easy) ride from one’s front door to any of a number of satisfying trails. These are remnants of old jeep roads connecting San Felipe with Viguera; various pedestrian and animal paths; and some access trails created during the installation of a high-voltage power line across the mountains. The trails are often badly eroded and overgrown with vegetation, but they are generally rideable – if you can find them! And that’s where this web site comes into play. We’ve mapped the area so you can locate the trail that tickles your fancy on any given outing. Be forewarned, though: the trails are not marked, and can be difficult to find in heavy brush, even with a map. Your best bet is to download trail information into a GPS unit and have that with you when you go exploring the territory – or hook up for a ride with one of the locals who knows the area.

This particular ride is a loop that connects several of the individually-named trail segments found on the “Trails” page of this web site. It begins and ends at Colosio Park (intersection of Primero de Mayo and Loma Oaxal), covers 7.9 miles (12.7 km) and has an elevation gain & loss of 1750 feet (533.4 meters). While some sections are fairly steep and riding in the woods can be tricky, this outing is rated “Moderate,” as there are no serious technical challenges along the way. Expect to finish the loop in 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your biking ability and riding style.

Specifically, this route uses the following trails segments, which are detailed on the “Trails” page of this web site: (start) LBR to LNR to TTT to R to LNR to RR to WFR to SP to CM to LBR (finish).

 

Foothills, GPS, MTBing, Outing, Ride Routes

San Pablo Etla Mountain Park – Loop 2

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Here’s another loop ride in the foothills above San Pablo Etla. Similar to Loop 1, but a bit shorter and less strenuous, it utilizes some of the many trails that flow over the hillsides and through the valleys nestled up against the mountains that form the eastern rim of the Etla valley.

You will pedal your way 8.6 miles (13.8 km) around this loop, with your legs and lungs working to accomplish 1851 feet (564 meters) of elevation gain and loss in the process. This ride is rated “Moderate” for physical exertion and technical challenges.

 

GPS, MTBing, Outing

Outing – 2012-12-06 Ride (Yet Another CO Gringo)

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Quick (morning) ride to introduce new amigo Judah to a sampling of some of the singletrack of the SFdA area. I.e. Trails TTT, R, MMD, and LP

 

Countryside, GPS, MTBing, Outing, Ride Routes

San Lorenzo Cacaotepec to Jalapa del Valle

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A favorite area for mountain bikers in the countryside around Oaxaca is the western side of the Etla valley. The rolling terrain there is very scenic, with myriad backcountry roads to explore. This particular outing is a ramble on paved and dirt roads – though a very short portion of the route shown actually runs in a creek bed.  The adventurous biker will find many roads and paths diverging from the main track, which can be followed or not, depending on one’s taste for adventure and time frame.

The route as shown is basically an out & back ride, with a couple of loops along the way to make things interesting. It runs for 17.2 miles (27.7 km) and the gentle ups and downs along the way will help you accumulate 1166 feet (355.4 meters) of gain and loss by the time you return to your starting point, which may be either in the village of San Lorenzo Cacaotepec or Jalapa del Valley. This ride is rated “Easy to Moderate” for the amount of physical exertion it requires; there are no technical challenges to be met. (Note: if this ride is begun and ended in San Felipe del Agua, then the distance traveled will be 43 miles (69.2 km) and the gain/loss will amount to 3228 feet (984 meters).  Any way you slice it, this is a very pleasant day ride.