Las Americas Ep3 – Mexico Alto

The trip goes on! After leaving the coast of Michocan, we entered the land. Exploring the hills and the mountains to finally ride the first volcano in Toluca. The last episode finished with a trip in ancient city of Teotihuacan.

THE LOVING VOLCANOES

In this episode we take you for the final part of the trip in Mexico, we are going to ride a lot more and add some altitude! With the main goal of the trip in Mexico: Iztaccíhuatl. A beautiful volcano facing the impressive Popocatepetl, this perfect cone of black sand culminates at 5426 meters high. The place is just incredible and peaceful. A ancient legend tells that Iztaccíhuatl was a princess, she was in love of a brave warrior, the Popocatepetl is the warrior. But their love story turn into a drama and they changed into those giant mountain. Looking each other for centuries and guardians of the city of Mexico and Puebla. The story got a lot of legends and details, but you pictured it.

Trough the culture is vibrant and the stories are fascinating, but on another end the riding is EPIC! The trails are incredible, fast and fun under the 4700 meters line. But above that it’s another story! Tito and Charlotte had a few days up there waiting for the good weather, shooting and riding. But one day Tito climbed to the summit, a harsh task. With some gnarly section, detours and cliffs, … Arriving at 5030 meters under the last ridges and traverse he decided to stop and enjoy. Reflecting on life, achievement and risks. At this point it’s easy to understand why people walk that summit with ropes and ice pic. Life is not always about the further you get but for me it’s about the deepest, and with this journey we are deep into it. Deep in our concept of freedom, in the adventure, in our relationship. Living this life is a chance and I’m grateful. After spending a few on top of that ridge, I decided to start the downhill. This facing the Popocatepetl volcano witch was erupting at the moment! It was incredible, dangerous, wild, slow, fast, sketchy, crazy, … One of the strongest mtb moment in my life.
After the refugio of the Hundreds the trail was more fun and rideable, I enjoyed the fast section a lot! Riding full gaz surrounded by this beautiful landscape was feeling so good and reminded me a bit of the alpine riding I chase back home.
After the last kilometer of sandy trail I eventually reached the van, kissed my wife and we left for another destination.

Looking for more riding in Guanajuato with some local, we had a few cultural stops on the way.

GUANAJUATO AND THE LOCAL

After a few stop we entered this mountainous area, it was cooler than the Mexico city area and all the rest of the spots, and villages we’ve visited. Thanks to Jack a local from the Mexican gulf but he lives now around Guanajuato with his family, we had a bit of knowledge of the place. Jack told us to go sleep by this nice lake in the mountain and the next day he came with his family for a ride. Good time in the hill with smiles and turns!
We stayed in the area for a few and I had the chance to spend a sunday we the boys, doing shuttles and riding local and secret trails around the beautiful city of Guanajuato.

THE VAN AND ALFREDO

The trip was going on and our journey was taking us to the north, hoping to be back in California sometime in May. So we drove to San Luis Potosi, for a stop. We had some oil on the rear right wheel, so we drove to some garage and finally found Alfredo. He was interested in our trip and wanted to help us quickly so we could hit the road. Appeared that the bearing was broken has well as another important part. So we stopped for a few days waiting for the van in a simple hotel.
Alfredo is a mechanic but he is also a biker, and has his biker association. They help kids who have bad social conditions, so we gave them our last stock of colouring books. Convinced that Alfredo will do a good use with that.

Back on the road, we visited a few lakes, holes and waterfall and slowly headed north. And on a quiet Sunday crossed the border and entered in the US in Texas!
Really happy about the trip in Mexico, surprised by the friendly people and tremendous country. Reflecting about the trip, the beauty and the happiness.
Now we were facing a long road full surprises and hopes. Driving toward the sun, to the west!

Follow us on facebook and instagram @titotomasi and stay tuned for more episode as we drive to California, than north!

Thanks for supporting us and for your interest. Hope you like the show and adventure!
Huge thanks to my wife Charlotte for her patience and growing talent behind the lens!

And of course a big thank you to my sponsors: Rossignol and Rossignol Bikes, @urgebikeproducts, Julbo, @shimano, @hutchinsontires, @foxfactory, @raceface, @Royal-Racing, Fabric.

ALOHA
Tito