The border-to-border bicycle trek across Mexico, “Ruta Chichimeca 2022”, stopped in Puerto Peñasco on July 6th as part of its 4705 KM journey to promote bicycle awareness.
Now in its 19th year, this year’s group of 70 cyclists arrived in Puerto Peñasco between 1 pm – 5 pm on July 6th. This was their 6th stop on the route, which is expected to last through September 10th.
Route spokesperson, Luciano Alvear Rodríguez, cyclist from the Mexican state of Morelos (just south of Mexico City), detailed the group’s arrival in Puerto Peñasco was the first true rest stop after six days of cycling. Prior to Puerto Peñasco, the cyclists had already ridden through Tijuana, Tecate, over La Rumorosa pass, Mexicali, San Luis Rio Colorado, and the Golfo de Santa Clara. Despite weather, wind, and heat, the group successfully made their way to Puerto Peñasco where they were warmly received by local cycling group Astilleros Cabrales.
What first began along the routes of the Chichimecas, or rather various nomadic and seminomadic indigenous groups in north central Mexico, the “Ruta Chichemeca” cycling event has been in place for the past 19 years. The border-to-border ride aims to motivate others to see bicycles as a means of transportation.
Alvaer Rodríguez added the route is also known as “the happiness train.” After starting with approximately 70 cyclists, each of them decides whether to complete the whole journey or to get off or on “the train” along the way.
After kicking off “Ruta Chichimeca 2022” on July 1st at the US/Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California, this year’s route will cross 10 states before winding up at the Mexico/Guatemala border on September 10th in Talismán, Chiapas. The 72 day itinerary, which includes 13 break cities and 58 days of riding, covers 4705 KMs across the states of Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
