Welcome to the exciting trilogy of cycling adventures in Mexico, presented by Velodrom in collaboration with Cuadro. This journey, “Epic Bicycle Adventure: Moctezuma’s Fish Tour,” is the first proposal of a fascinating trio of expeditions designed for lovers of exploration and cycling. Join us in this unique collaboration as we discover the natural, cultural, and historical richness of Mexico, combining a passion for cycling with the expert experience of Velodrom and Cuadro. Get ready for an unforgettable journey that awakens the senses and challenges limits!
Adventure 2: Exploring the Queretan Sierra Gorda on Gravel Bike (COMING SOON)
Adventure 3: Adventure through the vineyards of San Miguel de Allende (COMING SOON)
If you are an adventure and cycling enthusiast, there is a journey that combines the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico coastline with the majesty of the ancient Mexican civilization. This thrilling route will take you from the sunny beaches of Veracruz to the mystical Pyramids of Teotihuacán in two unforgettable stages. Moctezuma Xocoyotzin was the Tlatoani of the Mexicas between 1502-1520; his rule ended with the arrival of the Spanish. Bernal Díaz del Castillo describes Moctezuma in his book “True History of the Conquest of New Spain” as a man of up to forty years, of good stature and proportion. Despite his cheerful face, his expressive eyes could denote love or gravity. He bathed every evening, never wore his clothes for more than a day, had many female friends, and two cacicas as legitimate wives. He had two hundred nobles in other rooms next to his to attend to him, who had to go barefoot when visiting him and address him with the words: “Lord, my lord, my great lord,” without turning their backs and with their eyes down. The nobility of the Tlatoani was such that the form and place where he consumed his food, known as Moctezuma’s Table, became a magnificent ritual. The abundance of dishes at this feast reflects much of what Mexican cuisine is today. Moctezuma’s Table represents more than just Aztec cuisine and the pursuit of good eating; it shows their dominance, as they needed trade routes and agreements with other civilizations on the periphery of the Aztec territory to have the freshest and most exquisite ingredients. A clear example of the power of the Mexicas was Moctezuma’s habit of eating fresh fish, considering that the nearest coast to the emperor was 400 km away. To achieve this feat, Moctezuma had at his disposal a group of elite runners called “painani,” who transmitted information with ceremonial and religious protocol. They were richly dressed, and given the importance and category of the matter, this role was assumed by the children of noble families. The painanis were consecrated to the god Paynal (which some translate as “runner”). This is why the word painani comes to mean “run fast,” “runner who runs,” “run light,” or “light runner.” Moctezuma positioned a series of painanis from the coast of Veracruz to the city of Tenochtitlan to “relay” the fresh fish as quickly as possible to the emperor’s table.
Now Moctezuma calls us!
We prepare with Velodrom.cc and Cuadro.cc for a journey that will allow you to discover the natural and cultural richness of Mexico in a unique way.
Stage 1: From Veracruz to Xalostoc
Our journey begins on the coast of Veracruz, where the scent of the sea and the sound of the waves will accompany us as we pedal. The route takes us through lush jungles and mountains, providing breathtaking views along the way. Picturesque villages with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture welcome us, offering the opportunity to immerse ourselves in authentic Mexican culture.
As you move inland, you encounter beautiful cities, famous for their gastronomy, architecture, and traditions. Here, you can enjoy dishes like chiles en nogada and admire beautiful churches and historic buildings.
Finally, after the magnificent support that Cuadro.cc prepares for us and where we regain strength in the town of El Tajín, being able to enjoy the spectacular pre-Columbian archaeology near the city of Papantla. The city of Tajín is believed to have been a very important center that reached its peak during the transition to the Postclassic period, also known as the Mesoamerican Epiclassic Period, between 800 and 1150 AD. We continue our adventure to the final point of our first stage, where we rest at Hacienda Santa María de Xalostoc as a well-deserved reward before the next stage.
Stage 2: From Xalostoc to Teotihuacán
The second stage will take us through agricultural lands and cactus fields on the way to Teotihuacán. As you approach, the majestic pyramids will rise on the horizon, creating a stunning view that will guide you to your final destination. Once in Teotihuacán, we have the opportunity to explore one of the most enigmatic civilizations in the history of Mexico. Climbing the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the ancient archaeological site. We advise immersing yourself in the spiritual and mystical energy emanating from this place, where ancient cultures paid homage to the gods. After this final stage, we can reflect on our epic journey in one of the local restaurants offering authentic Mexican cuisine.
Practical Tips:
- Make sure to have a suitable and well-maintained bike for long rides. As always, our 3T accompanies us, in this case, the 3T RaceMax Italia model.
- Bring enough water, bike spares, and basic tools.
- Research the best time of year for the trip, considering weather conditions.
- Plan your accommodation in advance and consult with locals about safe routes.
- Respect traffic laws and safety standards on roads.
This bike journey from the beaches of Veracruz to the Pyramids of Teotihuacán has taken us through beautiful landscapes and will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich history of Mexico. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of cycling with the wonder of Mexican culture and archaeology.
Pack your backpack and embark on this exciting adventure!
Want to discover other adventures from Velodrom.cc? You can see all of them here.
