Nice to be back on the road again. Today a shorter and relatively flat ride along the valley east from Oaxaca.

Obligatory shot of two of us now riding together as we left the hotel. We had a later start today and overall planned a shorter day to see everything was set up.

It wasn’t too busy on cobblestone streets of Oaxaca. We passed Walmart and “Suburbia” on our way out of the city following the major highway east. Less traffic than the Friday afternoon I entered Oaxaca and also fewer buses to watch out for.

We were at ~1500m at interesting climate boundary where I could see a few pine trees, some palms trees and cactus all at the same time. At end of the day just a little higher at ~1700m and over next few days will be descending into warmer regions.

The local oil refinery helps the environment.

We saw multiple signs that we were on “Camino del Mezcal” as well as several Mezcal factories such as this one. Mezcal is made from Agave plants that are also planted around this factory.

I could practice my Spanish. Find it interesting to have signs like this that are not only prescriptive (don’t drive tired) but also try to motivate (your family awaits you).

Another example about “don’t drive tired” because “your life is valuable”.

We had lunch at a small comedore and after this a slight headwind.

Somewhat more interesting cliffs as we reach end of the valley.

Two bikes on the road now.

At 41km, the road split from the main path to archaelogical site Mitla and headed to Santiago Matatlan which bills itself as Mezcal capital of the world.

The main street in Matatlan has a few Mezcal factories as well as a few shops and comedores.

Otherwise nice to be on the road again.