Central Valleys Great Loop

Overview

Bike Flow Oaxaca runs this as a gravel and mountain bike loop through the Valles Centrales, linking country roads with a short stop at Dainzu, time in Teotitlán del Valle, and an hour at the Tule tree. The whole ride runs 5 to 6 hours and starts early: the group meets at 7:00am in the city centre for bike fitting and a team introduction before rolling out. Groups are capped at six riders, with a guide ratio of one guide per four riders, plus mechanical support and accident insurance along the way.

The equipment is proper kit rather than rental afterthoughts. Each rider gets a premium hardtail mountain bike with 100mm of travel and a helmet with MIPS technology, plus snacks, a litre of water, and electrolytes to keep going between stops. Lunch is built into the day at a market, coffee or juice with a tamal or fruit, and the Tule tree access fee is covered in the price. One reviewer who took a shorter version of the route described the bikes as being in good condition and the ride through country dirt roads as pleasant.

This suits riders with moderate fitness who are comfortable on unpaved roads for several hours. The listing rules out riders under 1.50 meters tall and asks for a moderate physical fitness level. Riders who want an active day with market food and valley towns folded in, rather than a bus tour, are the fit here.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet and bike fittingMeet at Mártires de Tacubaya 101, Ruta Independencia, in the Centro at 7:00am. The team fits the bikes and introduces itself over about 20 minutes.
2. Dainzu short stopThe route passes by or makes a short stop at the Dainzu archaeological area.
3. Teotitlán del ValleA 40 minute stop in Teotitlán del Valle. Admission is free here.
4. Tule treeOne hour at the Tule tree. The access fee is included, with an explanation from the team.
5. Return to startThe ride ends back at the same meeting point in the Centro. Total time on the tour is 5 to 6 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from travellers who have ridden with this operator.

• Fitness and pace. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level and does not recommend the tour for pregnant travellers or anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Reviews describe an active ride with loads of spare time for snacks and a knowledgeable experience.
• Rider height. The tour is not suitable for people shorter than 1.50 meters, per the listing. Check everyone in your party against that limit before booking.
• Food and drink. Snacks such as fruit or an energy bar come with electrolytes and a litre of water per rider. Lunch is included at the market, coffee or juice with a tamal or fruit, and one reviewer mentioned having time to try tejate during the day.
• Group size. The maximum group is six travellers, and the operator adds one guide for every four riders. One reviewer described riding in a small group of three plus a guide and found it a pleasant way to travel the dirt roads.
• Start time and timing. The meet is at 7:00am sharp, with 20 minutes for bike fitting before the ride begins. Booking well inside five hours of the start may delay your confirmation.
• Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels for poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund, so a rainy morning does not mean losing your money.

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum of two participants; if that minimum is not met, the operator will contact you to reschedule, upgrade to a private tour with special routes, or issue a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Common Questions