Hardcore Cyclists Head for the Hills … Mexico City’s

As the road snakes upward, brief breaks in the trees provide glimpses of the spectacular views. The canyon’s walls, which jut more than 10,000 feet above sea level, muffle out the sounds of traffic on the streets below.

It’s unique to have such wild terrain fewer than 20 miles from the city center but I could not help but worry about my own safety. I knew that a year ago a man on a mountain bike was shot and robbed on the bike path just below the park. A few months ago, the police found a body in the woods below, a killing possibly connected to organized crime.

Cyclists who navigate Mexico City know it is a monster. The largest city in North America, it is famous for its sprawl, smog and the snarled skeins of slow-moving cars that clog its main arteries during extended rush hours. But visitors and locals alike may still be surprised to learn that the city is being recognized in the global community of amateur cyclists as a destination for world-class riding.

Mexico City’s average elevation is 7,382 feet above sea level, and the highest summit in the range that rings the valley floor tops out at 17,802 feet. Not only does Mexico City sit at a higher altitude than Denver, but the tallest mountains in its periphery tower over the tallest peaks in Colorado.

For bicycle commuters, however, Mexico City is mostly flat. The biggest challenge is the traffic. As new bike lanes have been installed in busy areas, it has become easier over the past few years for residents to get around. There is a popular bike-share program, and every Sunday streets are shut down for hours for cycling.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/18/sports/cycling/coronavirus-mexico-city-biking.html