Oaxaca Day 15 02/23/23

4.5 miles walking, 8.2 miles mountain biking

My morning HRV (heart rate variability) reading today was good, given the level of focus and physical activity that today will demand. I’m scheduled for a guided off-road mountain bicycling adventure up high on one of those towering ridges that encircle the city.

I signed on for a one day guided ride with Coyote Adventures.

Oaxaca is becoming a Mecca for MTB enduro riding. There is a current boom of the sport, with the trails free of traffic. New trails are being built, allowing for rides of different trails every day.

Coyote Adventures offer a Full Enduro Day, which includes flow, speed, jumps, drops, rock gardens, and technical teaching sessions.

Good riding is found both on the mountains and in forests, with Oaxacan culture present close-up look in some of the towns and communities. These small towns are tucked-in between the mountains, each with its own distinctive take on adventuring and hospitality, service, delicious food, and a comfortable and unique stays. Multi-day mountain biking happens here too.

PRICING

$4,500 MXN (Includes bike rental ). $3,000 MXN (Does not include bike). In US dollars—>$244 for complete 1 day guided excursion with rental bike or $163 if you already have a bike.

INCLUDED:

– Certified guide
– Transport
– Drinks: Water, coffee, tea
– Breakfast: Fruit, memelas, hot chocolate and coffee
– Lunch: Vegetable soup, tostadas and refreshments (vegan and vegetarian options will be available)
– Trail Mix: organic snacks
– Access to protected natural areas
– Insurance

I needed a helmet, gloves and knee pads, which were loaned to me for no additional fees. Two guides and a late model 4WD pickup truck were part of the package.

After driving out of the city into steep winding mountain roads we had a light breakfast at 9AM freshly prepared in the village of La Cumbre. It was tiny, with a population of 81. La Cumbre is the 7th most populated town in the municipality and is at 8,900 feet of altitude. Some of the other villages with mountain biking trails are Martinez, Corralito, Venezia, and Cabezade de Vaca.

From there I rode out of the truck accessing loops criss-crossing the access road on downhill flow trails. We moved the truck three times so I experienced 6 different downhill trails, some including a bit of cross country travel.

I rode behind the guide who shouted out advice about upcoming obstacles as he rode in front of me. I was in a 29” full suspension Scott. Here is a video of me descending a segment recorded by lead guide Ramses on a GoPro video recorder mounted on his back.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SU31tqiq_MGURRVe15lqtNB0uFBpCZN_/view?usp=drivesdk

I also tracked down a wealth of information about mountain biking in Oaxaca here: OaxacaMTB.org . There are over 100 off road rides listed for the Oaxaca area, as well as maps, gps coordinates, elevation profiles, and recommendations.

I plan to return to Oaxaca next year and should be much more able to get out and ride more with the information that I obtained on this trip.