Biking from La Ropa

I think people's perspectives on this will vary according to the conditions that they are used to riding in. I think nothing of biking down Pembina Hwy in Winnipeg, but have heard several people say they would never do it. My son is a competitive rider/trainer in Ontario. He would think nothing at all of that ride to Ixtapa.

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Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com

Our neighbor, and often his girlfriend, ride their bicycles extensively every morning. One of their regular rides is from home at the south end of La Ropa, to the Marina at Ixtapa. Next time we see him, we'll ask him to post.

I've done it many times on my electric bike. Don't know what it would be like now La Ropa road is dug up. Take it slow there and you should be all right.

From La Ropa Road straight across at Kyota Circle.
Where that road joins in a right merge to the main road heading to the to 200.
Wait for a break in the traffic and get across the three lanes and make the left that takes almost 180 degrees onto the inbound road from the 200.
As you make that left keep to the right lane so you are in the right lane at the light.
From that inbound road keep to the right lane and turn right at the next light. It should be signed for Ixtapa. This will take you out to the 200 at the traffic light near Bodega
Cross the 200 at the light and head north using the lateral.
When you get to the Pemex, the lateral finishes. Cross infront of the Pemex and at the north end you will find the cyclopista to Ixtapa.

The Cyclopista will take you through an area called the Vivaro (photo). At the end of the Vivaro the Cyclopista disappears and you are on the street. Keep going and you will find it though you can connect a bit earlier by turning left after a few blocks. I got lost there a few times but it's wasn't too hard to get back on track.

When I cycle in Mexico I don't cycle as most Mexicans do; getting off the road even sometime dismounting in the ditch when traffic come! I "own the road" riding not on the last few inches of the pavement but at least a foot or two to give myself some wiggle room.

Two good mirrors, a real bright white flashing light at the front, a bright flashing light at the rear. Sometimes I have one on each side as well.
even more so than at home, stay well aware of traffic and make eye contact with drivers when possible. I have found that most drivers are quite courteous when the know what you are planning to do; Lots of arm (turn) signals. I frequently found drivers to wave me on at turns etc.

Here is a link to our Blog page covering part of one of my rides.