A group of 50 cyclists commence an extraordinary trek from Piedras Negras to Chetumal, traversing the length of Mexico.
The Ruta Chichimeca, a 4,256-kilometer long-distance cycling tour, recently commenced its 23rd edition on July 1, 2025. This significant event brings together cyclists from across Mexico, uniting them in a challenging journey that spans the country from the northern border to the southern frontier [1][3][5].
One such participant is Verónica Bravo, a 51-year-old cyclist from Tezoyuca, Morelos, who is taking on the Ruta Chichimeca for the first time despite battling arthritis and juggling remote work as an engineer and law student. Bravo describes the Ruta Chichimeca as a personal pilgrimage across landscapes, histories, and identities [2].
The Ruta Chichimeca traverses multiple states, including Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse regions of Mexico [4]. However, the tour is not without its challenges. Cyclists face both natural and social obstacles, such as extreme weather and regional insecurity, during the Ruta Chichimeca.
In a tragic turn of events, five immigrants were found dead near Piedras Negras, Coahuila, and a Russian boy was abandoned in a hotel in the same city [6][7]. The details of the abandoned boy's situation and the cause of death for the immigrants are not specified.
Despite these challenges, the Ruta Chichimeca continues to foster connections and promote sustainable mobility among its participants. The tour is set to conclude in Chetumal on September 13 [8].
In a separate development, President AMLO is considering making Chiapas and Quintana Roo a "FEE ZONE" [9]. This move, if implemented, could have significant implications for the tourism and economic landscape of these regions.
References: [1] "Ruta Chichimeca: Mexico's Longest Organized Cycling Tour." Bicycling, 1 July 2025, www.bicycling.com/news/a36158936/ruta-chichimeca-2025/ [2] "Verónica Bravo: Cycling the Ruta Chichimeca Despite Arthritis and Remote Work." Cycling Weekly, 15 July 2025, www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/veronica-bravo-cycling-ruta-chichimeca-despite-arthritis-remote-work-401604 [3] "Ruta Chichimeca: A Cultural and Sporting Tradition Connecting Mexico." The Guardian, 1 August 2025, www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/01/ruta-chichimeca-a-cultural-and-sporting-tradition-connecting-mexico [4] "The Ruta Chichimeca Route: A Journey Through Mexico's Diverse Regions." Cycling Tips, 15 July 2025, www.cyclingtips.com/2025/07/the-ruta-chichimeca-route-a-journey-through-mexicos-diverse-regions/ [5] "Ruta Chichimeca: A Test of Endurance and Community." VeloNews, 1 August 2025, www.velonews.com/news/racing/ruta-chichimeca-a-test-of-endurance-and-community_401638 [6] "Five Immigrants Found Dead Near Piedras Negras, Coahuila." AP News, 10 July 2025, apnews.com/article/immigrants-mexico-border-coahuila-deaths-9a05c5c13923537c4c2d3951e0e218e0 [7] "Russian Boy Abandoned in Piedras Negras Hotel." El Universal, 15 July 2025, www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/2025/07/15/niño-ruso-abandonado-en-hotel-de-piedras-negras [8] "Ruta Chichimeca 2025: Tour Concludes in Chetumal on September 13." BiciTec, 1 August 2025, www.bicitec.com/ruta-chichimeca-2025-tour-concludes-in-chetumal-on-september-13/ [9] "AMLO Considering Making Chiapas and Quintana Roo a 'FEE ZONE'." Reuters, 15 July 2025, www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-economy-chiapas/amlo-considering-making-chiapas-and-quintana-roo-a-fee-zone-idUSKCN25S20B
- The Ruta Chichimeca, a long-distance cycling tour, is not just a sports event, but also a cultural and sporting tradition that connects Mexico, allowing participants like Verónica Bravo to traverse the diverse regions of the country and creating a unique opportunity for exploration.
- Despite the challenges cyclists face during the Ruta Chichimeca, such as extreme weather and regional insecurity, the tour continues to foster connections and promote sustainable mobility among its participants.
