After a roundabout detour from Mexico City northwest to Queretaro and then San Miguel De Allende, now headed south again. After a good rest in Oaxaca, time to be back on the road soon. Some pics of the last stretch of the ride.

The old highway from Queretaro to San Miguel de Allende. Google lists this route only under hiking directions, which were fairly accurate, until I either missed a turn or the road just disappeared and I ended up in the middle of a farmer’s cornfield. He was a little surprised to see me there, but gave me directions down a network of driveways back to the actual road.

Cobblestone practice. Fatbike time?

San Miguel de Allende. Hometown of Ignacio Allende, one of the important leaders of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Another beautiful colonial center, one of many such towns in this part of central Mexico.

Also in San Miguel: lots of murals.

Cyclist fuel: carnitas, salsas, Coca-Cola. Mexico’s pretty alright.

Onto some smaller roads through the mountains from San Miguel, crossing from the state of Guanajuato through Morelia to Queretaro back to the State of Mexico. The State of Mexico is more or less a high plain, surrounded all around by mountains.

An abundance of camping spots.

Entering into Toluca, capitol of the State of Mexico.

Some company for a few kilometers, Pino, Rafael, and David, all out for a ride.

Right off the free highway to Oaxaca City. Smaller than the toll highway, and longer, but beautiful winding up along the pines and oaks before descending into the city. More mountains, more camping spots, just watch out for the cacti. Note: cyclists in Mexico are allowed on the toll highways for free, just ride around the toll booths and ignore the “no bicycles” signs. This is the Mexican way.

So much goodness to eat in Oaxaca. Pastries abound in the bakeries, if it has a fruit filling it’s generally a pineapple jam, delicious. Try too the tejate, a corn and cocoa drink, cold and filling. Walk around in all the markets, some open everyday, others, such as the big one in nearby Tlacolula, only held on Sundays, though even on off days there will be some vendors in a few of the stalls.

Or maybe just buy a slab of raw meat and sweet onions, which will then be immediately grilled in front of you. Good to go with friends.

Aussie Cam takes over grilling duties.

Oaxaca is also known for its traditional crafts. Teotitlan is a nearby center of Zapotec weaving, local sheep’s wool is made into thread and dyed with the area plants, to be woven into beautiful rugs or clothing, of every color, shape, and design.

Will from Oakland on rug hunt.

Oaxaca City center by night. Great place to grab a bite to eat, people watch. Great city to relax in, but hard to leave. Hostel Azul Cielo just a few blocks from the center a great base. Next up, just gotta get across the dreaded Isthmus, where Mexico is squeezed between the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. Winds are rumored to be quite strong at times…