In July 2025, over 50 cyclists embarked on an epic journey across Mexico, pedaling from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, as part of the 22nd edition of the Ruta Chichimeca, the country’s longest organized cycling tour.
The route spans more than 4,300 kilometers, connecting Mexico’s northern border with the southern frontier near Belize. Participants hail from diverse regions, including Baja California, Morelos, and Mexico City, and range from seasoned athletes to newcomers embracing the challenge. Among them is Verónica Bravo, a 51-year-old cyclist from Tezoyuca, Morelos, who is completing the full route for the first time despite battling arthritis and juggling remote work as an engineer and law student.
The journey began on July 1st with a ceremonial send-off at the Asta Bandera in Piedras Negras. Cyclists travel through multiple states—Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche—facing natural and social challenges such as extreme weather and regional insecurity. In Tamaulipas, for instance, the group rerouted to avoid high-risk areas, completing a grueling 170-kilometer ride in one day.
More than a sporting event, the Ruta Chichimeca is a cultural and social movement. Cyclists stay in community centers, schools, and local homes, fostering connections and promoting sustainable mobility. The ride is expected to conclude in Chetumal on September 13, symbolizing not just physical endurance but unity and resilience.
For many, this isn’t a race—it’s a personal pilgrimage across landscapes, histories, and identities. As Verónica Bravo puts it, “The pain is bearable, and the dream is worth it.”
You can follow the journey and learn more from El Sol de Cuautla’s coverage.
Source: El Sol de Cuautla
