Nice shorter ride today and the last third was even fairly flat!
Tamalazulapam was a nice little town. In the morning, I filled up on water and set off. The first 25km were generally uphill though with more gentle grades than yesterday. I’m still surprised at how many of these road side restaurants one passes and this morning even saw them used.
I stopped at small shop around 17km. The horse had just arrived with a load of wood. They had untied it and let it fall to ground on either side. After that the last 8km and I was at 2490m (8170ft). The road was occasionally rough both on climb and descent.
Signs for protest on recent ~20% gasoline price hikes (gasolinazo). The Morena political party is protesting these hikes recently announced as part of deregulation of energy industry and letting prices reach world market prices. Drop in value of the peso also doesn’t help since oil is priced in dollars.
Santa Domingo had a huge church and convent. After this point, the route also became noticeably flatter.
Nice to see the sign on entry to Nochixtlan. Found a hotel and then walked downtown to the plaza.
Many of these little shops around.
Local bike repair. I’ve seen quite a few locals on bicycles these past few days. Also noticing more internet cafes here than before. Otherwise relaxed in this small town. Now about 80km until Oaxaca where plan is to take my Spanish class next week.
Category Archives: Oaxaca
Tamalazulapam del Progreso
Shorter ride today with some hills.
Next larger town after Huajuapan is 93km away. However, also 1600m of climb. Since I have some time until Oaxcaca, elected to split this hill region into two shorter days. Today was 914m of climb in 40km. Several small villages along the road today, though no services until the end.
The road had many bends and multiple memorials giving reminders of the dangers. However, overall traffic was light and gave plenty of room.
These donkeys right along the road. Continue to see goats along the way as well.
Town of Santa Maria Tutla below at 30km. After this a good descent and then last climb back to 2200m elevation.
Tamazulapam looked like small town, though had at least two hotels.
Hotels typically post their prices. At 22 peso per dollar, not too expensive and nice to have bed and shower as well as hot water and wifi.
I had dinner at the restaurant associated with the hotel. It was a fixed price menu including:
- Soup
- Mole Verde
- Rice
- Beans
- Corn Tortillas
- Jello
Price was 50 pesos.
Wandered through town to see the church and the main square.
Behind was a whole shopping district.
This guy had a stack of birds in cages for sale.
Also interesting enough “moto taxi” seen in Oaxaca which those from India will recognize.
Huajuapan
Hilly ride but overall easier than yesterday.
Started off at this store to get a few breakfast items. Climbing started very quickly after that. Grades were rarely steeper than 6% but there wasn’t much flat terrain today. Only 65km of riding with 1225m of climb.
Good example of the road ahead.
At 21km the village of Petialcingo was down and to the left. I came past several such villages today.
Good example of the landscapes and plants along the way.
These Canadian cyclists from Montreal started in Mexico City and were headed to the Yucatan Peninsula.
I’ve seen more goats here. These were clearly trained to come investigate when someone stopped by their fence. By end of my rest break, I had an entire herd interested in watching me.
No hunting.
At 48km, I entered into Oaxcaca. A few more climbs after this, but the majority was definitely done. Stopped 3km later at small village for a snack.
Good descent into Huajuapan and then surprisingly crowded little streets. Found a good hotel and carried the bike up to the third floor. Plotting out my remaining rides to Oaxaca (the city). Most likely make it three easier days since Spanish class doesn’t start until Monday.