Huatulco has always been a bicycle friendly town by virtue of size. Everything is within reach and automobile traffic is never too scary. Recently, as shown in the previous post, http://alackofcleardirection.blogspot.mx/2015/10/playa-organo-revisited-fantastic-new.html, accessibility by bicycle to various points of interest has taken a huge leap.
Avid cyclists should consider renting themselves some wheels while on vacation here. There is more to be seen in our beautiful resort than the pristine beaches.
Having learned of this trail through a tourist map, this great trail has been on my to-do list for months. The number one cause for delay was I didn't want to go alone. Sure, it looks more like a representational map and the actual trail might not be as long as the map shows but that is still a long stretch of lonely wilderness to be stranded in if you suffered an accident or attack by wildlife.
Take a look at the map. The trailhead begins at the end of the residential area near Santa Cruz and extends way past UMAR Huatulco. From downtown to UMAR is about 15 - 20 minutes, depending on the rider so this looked to be a satisfying little adventure. But what maps can't show you is the condition of the trail and the jungle reclaims itself very quickly around here without regular maintenance.
Not too many people I know have bicycles. Fortunately for me, Romeo was available and keen on taking the trip. We agreed to be on the road before dawn and I convinced myself that I would be ready so early that I'd be knocking on his door and hustling him along but It was the other way around. The alarm had been ringing for an hour before I opened my eyes and Romeo showed up, ready to go, while I was still trying to remember everything I needed to bring and slugging down at least one cup of coffee. Another advantage besides the safety factor of having a buddy along is that other people can help push you out the door a little faster.
The sky was just starting to turn light when we arrived at the trailhead.
Below is Romeo with his super deluxe camera.
What a revelation! That trail is so well-maintained. Either park maintenance is constantly on the move or they'd just finished cleaning it the night before.
This shaded shelter is about 10 minutes in. The sign provides a guide to the flora and fauna you may or may not see.
Look at that the trail! You could easily drive a car through there if you were allowed. It's certainly more than adequate for cyclists. We were psychologically prepared for rough terrain, maybe even crossing a river and this is what we got.
By the time you see this building for park rangers, the end of the trail is just around the bend. I had broken a pedal about 2 kilometers back.
There it is. The highway is just beyond those trees.
One last look back at the highway entrance. Most people driving by would never see this gate.
Heading home down the smooth highway, straightened and widened all the way to the airport.
It didn't seem to take us long but it turns out the map was surprisingly accurate. We made it back to town around 9 AM.
Update: January 2, 2017 Recently friends and I took the same trail but took a left fork to Playa Cacaluta.
Update January 1st, 2033. Posted a youtube video startimg from the highway end of the trail to Cacaluta.
2 comments:
Hey Ed. I like your blog. cool photos and good bike riding. let's do it again!!!
Hi Romeo, That was a great ride. Name the day and I'll set the alarm.
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