Cyclists commenced an epic ride from Piedras Negras to Chetumal, traversing Mexico!
In July 2025, the 22nd edition of Mexico's longest organized cycling tour, the Ruta Chichimeca, started with a ceremonial send-off at the Asta Bandera in Piedras Negras. This event is more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural and social movement that fosters connections and promotes sustainable mobility.
The journey, spanning more than 4,300 kilometers, connects Mexico's northern border with the southern frontier near Belize, taking cyclists through multiple states: Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche.
One participant, Verónica Bravo, a 51-year-old cyclist from Tezoyuca, Morelos, is completing the full route despite battling arthritis and juggling remote work as an engineer and law student. Verónica describes the journey as a personal pilgrimage across landscapes, histories, and identities.
The ride is expected to conclude in Chetumal on September 13, symbolizing unity and resilience. However, the group has faced challenges such as extreme weather and regional insecurity. In Tamaulipas, they completed a grueling 170-kilometer ride in one day.
In a significant development, Mexican President, AMLO, may make Chiapas and Quintana Roo a "FEE ZONE". This move could potentially impact the final stages of the Ruta Chichimeca.
For those following the journey, El Sol de Cuautla provides extensive coverage. The cyclists' chosen mode of transport, the Yamaha AG200, is a 4-stroke bike considered ideal for an epic cycling journey. Its reliable, simple, and durable design paired with adequate power for varied terrain makes it a versatile choice, especially in remote locations.
The AG200 features a 196 cc air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC engine delivering 14.3 hp and 14.6 Nm torque. Its lightweight (~128 kg wet) and practical ground clearance (~255 mm) make it suitable for rough rural and off-road conditions.
Additional reasons for its popularity include ease of maintenance, fuel efficiency and capacity, versatility, durability, and a proven track record. These features make the Yamaha AG200 especially well-suited for epic journeys where reliability, ease of repair, and adaptability matter more than outright speed or high performance.
However, the journey has not been without incident. In Piedras Negras, Coahuila, five immigrants were found dead inside a train, and a Russian boy was abandoned in a hotel. These events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those traversing Mexico's vast landscapes.
Despite these challenges, the Ruta Chichimeca continues, symbolizing the spirit of resilience and unity that it seeks to promote. The cyclists, like Verónica Bravo, embody the spirit of the journey, pushing through adversity to complete this epic cycling pilgrimage.
[1] Source: Yamaha AG200 Specifications [2] Source: Yamaha AG200 Ground Clearance [3] Source: Yamaha AG200 Engine Power [4] Source: Yamaha AG200 Durability [5] Source: Yamaha AG200 Reviews
Sports enthusiasts will follow Verónica Bravo as she completes the grueling Ruta Chichimeca cycling tour, a cultural and social movement that spans over 4,300 kilometers of Mexico's diverse landscapes. Despite battling arthritis and juggling remote work as an engineer and law student, Verónica describes the journey as a personal pilgrimage across histories and identities in Mexico.
