Is Mexico A Must Visit Cycling Destination?!
Phil Gaimon & The Agave Fields of Tequila
Mexico has some of the most diverse cyclings in the world. The one resounding thing we hear from our guests is that Mexico is one of the best places they have ever cycled. It is one of the favorite destinations for pros to come and train!
The proximity to Canada and the USA is especially ideal. Many cities have direct and non-stop flights with a total travel time of under 5 hours. I know many people that go to Hawaii, and Europe, or even drive to the Okanagan from Calgary. A direct flight to Puerto Vallarta cuts a lot of hours off the travel time. Flights have been as cheap as a $500 return from Calgary!
The way to experience what Mexico offers is to embark on an epic multi-day cycling adventure. Whether you keep it local and explore the “Valle” of Bucerias, venture into the vast mountain range of the Sierra Madre, or embark on the epic Vuelta de Jalisco to Tequila and beyond. There is certainly a multi-day ride for every skill level!
La Vuelta de Jalisco with Phil Gaimon
La Vuelta de Jalisco is Truly a bucket list trip. This is a BEYOND EPIC multi-day loop through the state of Jalisco that rivals anything around the globe. This cycling camp is for an intermediate cyclist looking to push the boundaries to the advanced cyclist looking for an epic training camp. In addition, all days will be fully supported with VeloGuides at your side as well as vehicle support all along the way.
Cycling in Tequila?
Everyone has heard of the drink Tequila but many don't know that Tequila is an actual town in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. While Tequila is home to the magical blue agave, it is also home to some of the most incredible riding in the entire country of Mexico. This challenging tour will not only force you out of your cycling comfort zone but will also give you a wonderful opportunity to discover parts of Mexico that are unknown to most tourists.
The trip starts outside of Bucerias at sea level and takes you to heights in excess of 2400 meters while you ride through some of Mexico's most beautiful terrain and iconic "Pueblo Magicos"
The price of the Tour is based on Double Occupancy (Inquire about single occupancy premium) and includes the following:
4 Nights Accommodations (Bucerias, Tequila, Magdalena & Mascota)
All meals and beverages (non-alcoholic as well as local national beers included)
Ride snacks (fruit, hydration, electrolytes and local Mexican snacks)
One riding VeloGuide per 4 customers
Minimum of two vehicles providing ongoing support
Mechanical support
Transport to start of ride + return transport to Airport or Bucerias on the final day
Airport pick up including bike transport $50 USD Per person*
Day 1 | Arrival
Hotel check-in
Bike setup
Short into ride
Welcome dinner & week in review
We will start you off on a short into ride to San Juan de Abajo. This is our intro tour into riding in Mexico. All riders will have options to ride in the countryside east of Bucerias. Lush farmland, patient and courteous drivers. We even may hit some gravel if the group is up to it. This is a perfect way to get acclimatized to riding in Mexico. The tour can also be extended to the 3.0 or the 4.0 version.
Day 2 | Playa Platanito To Tequila | 260 km 4199 Meters
This is a big one!
The day will start early as we have a 90-minute drive to the start of the ride. We begin the ride at Playa Platanitos and start riding toward Tequila. Throughout the day we ride through the valleys of Mexico and across an old volcano. As we just hit the tail end of our rainy season, riders will be treated to lush and magical vistas. You will start at sea level passing through the jungle, and banana plantations and then eventually to higher altitudes where you will see pine forests and finally end up riding through the blue agave fields into the town of Tequila! This will be one of the biggest days but this ride can be adjusted to fit all skill levels. There will be options for all riders to start at a later point or end their ride earlier and finish with a cold beer or two in the SAG.
Check out the Strave route here:
Day 3 | Tequila to La Yesca | Gran Fondo De Tequila
This is by far one of the most incredibly beautiful and diverse rides in the world. This ride starts out in the town of Tequila and up toward the town of La Yesca. Experience a magical sunrise through the vast fields of the famous blue agave. Riders will end up at a massive dam at the foot of the climb. While the day is much shorter than the previous day, be ready for a non-stop challenge with relentless grades as you make your way up the La Yesca climb. An empty highway with zero traffic ends in the small town of La Yesca. This ride will test your climbing abilities to the max!
Riders will have the option to turn at earlier points during the ride with the final finish in La Yesca or finish at an earlier point with a ride in the van back to the finish.
Check out the Stave route here:
Day 4 | Magelana to Sierra Lago | 198 km 3877 meters
Another beast of a day! A lot of climbing and majestic vistas will help you pass the time before you arrive at what will be one of the toughest climbs of your life. Riders will have the option to skip the climb to Sierra Lago and check in early to accommodations in Mascota.
Check out the Strave route here:
Day 5 | Mascota to San Sebastian de Oleste | 95 km 2326 meters
This is our final day! We leave Mascota for a beautiful morning ride through the valley heading towards the first climb of the day. La Virgen is a relentless and all-category climb. right out of Mascota, this majestic climb will show you the true nature of the Sierra is an up-and-down profile that accumulates extra elevation. Finally, we ride to the magical town of San Sebastián del Oeste. The last major challenge. While the distance is only around 40 km, you are tested with some significant elevation gain as well as double-digit grades and 3km of cobble to reach the final summit. We end with a wonderful lunch in this Pueblo Magico.
The ride will finish at San Sebastian. Transportation will be provided to the airport or back to Bucerias. Ask us about extending your trip to Bucerias or adding a night stay in San Sebastian.
Check out the Strava route here:
