60 Kilometers By Gravel Bike

Overview

This ride from Bike Flow Oaxaca loops roughly 60 kilometres through the Central Valleys, linking Oaxaca City to Teotitlán del Valle and Santa María del Tule on a mix of cycle path, backroads and gravel trails. It starts at the operator's store in the Centro, where bikes and helmets are fitted, then follows a cycle path out of the city before turning onto country trails. The outbound and return legs use different routes.

The middle of the day belongs to Teotitlán del Valle, the weaving village known for its rugs. Riders stop at the market for lunch, with time to look around before the second half of the loop. The final stop is the Tule tree, described by the operator as the biggest in Mexico, with an explanation of its history and environmental importance before the cycle path carries the group back into the city.

The tour runs about six hours and suits riders with an intermediate level of mountain biking, though several reviewers with little off-road experience said they managed fine, walking the occasional climb. A hardtail bike with a 100mm fork, a MIPS helmet, snacks, electrolytes, lunch, the Tule entrance and accident insurance are all included. Pickup is not, so plan to make your own way to the meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Bike Flow OaxacaThe ride starts at the store on Mártires de Tacubaya 101 in the Centro, where bikes and helmets are fitted. There is no pickup or transfer.
2. Ride to the countrysideAbout 20 minutes on a cyclist path leads out of the city, followed by a photo and sightseeing stretch of off-road riding through backroads and agave fields. Roughly 1 hour.
3. Dainzu Archaeological ZoneA short break at the archaeological site, about 20 minutes, with photo stops and time to take in the ruins.
4. Teotitlán del ValleAbout 1 hour here for lunch at the market, free time, shopping and a look around the cultural center before the return leg.
5. Tree of TuleAbout 80 minutes total on this leg, ending at Santa María del Tule. Entrance is included and the team explains the tree's history and environmental importance.
6. Return to Oaxaca CityThe group rides the cyclist path back to the Bike Flow Oaxaca store, where the tour finishes after roughly six hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this ride.

• Fitness and pace. The listing asks for an intermediate level of mountain biking, and reviewers mention hills, gravely climbs and one shallow water crossing. That said, several travellers with little or no off-road background said they finished comfortably, and one noted you can walk the climbs if needed.
• What to wear. Bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle, per the listing's packing suggestions. One reviewer pointed out there is not much shade on the trail, and found the overgrowth not bad enough to require long sleeves.
• Food and drink. Lunch at the Teotitlán market is included, the listing specifies cafe or juice plus a tamal or fruit. Hydration during the ride, electrolytes, water and a banana or energy bar, is also covered. Anything beyond that you pay for yourself.
• Group feel. The ride needs at least two riders to depart. Reviews describe guides as relaxed, safe and caring, and one reviewer said their guide was willing to speed up or slow down to match the group's comfort level. A second guide joins groups larger than four.
• Two different routes. Outbound and return use different trails. When a guide offered one reviewer the choice between the bike path and a countryside trail for the return, the country trail was the highlight, quieter and away from road noise.
• Season matters. One rainy-season rider found sections of trail overgrown but manageable without long sleeves. Conditions on the trail will vary with the time of year you ride.

Common issues. The ride requires a minimum of two riders; if that is not met, the operator contacts you to reschedule, upgrade to a private ride or issue a full refund. One reviewer found the country portion rougher than expected, with more hills and a shallow watery culvert crossing, and another noted there is not a lot of shade on the trail. Extra food and drink beyond the provided snack, hydration and lunch are not included, nor are souvenirs. There is no pickup, so you must get yourself to the Centro meeting point.

Common Questions