BLAZING SADDLES MEXICO 2008
THE VOLCANOS & AZTEC BIKE ADVENTURE

MEXICO CITY-PUEBLA-CUERNAVACA-ACAPULCO

ITINERARY

www.ncbi.ie & www.irishcycling.com

Blazing Saddles Mexico 2008
The Volcanoes and Aztec Bike Adventure.
Mexico City - Puebla - Cuernavaca - Acapulco April 19th - May 4th

Day 1. Saturday, April 19th, 2008.
Early morning departure from Dublin with Lufthansa/Frankfurt/Mexico. On arrival to Mexico City (same day) transfer to the nearby historic and famous town of Puebla, our first cycling location. Puebla is known worldwide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as for its amazing scenery, its tree clad volcanoes and for its diverse wildlife and famous Pyramids.
Check in at the Fiesta Americana Hotel.

Day 2. Sunday, April 20th, 2008.
Ceremonial Stage 1. "La Puebla de los Angeles - Puebla, City of Angels" (25 kms evening stage)
Late breakfast and bike fitting session in the afternoon.
In the evening Ceremonial Opening Stage: "The Colonial Corners of Puebla". "Welcome Dinner" on return.

Day 3. Monday, April 21st, 2008.
Stage 2. "Matlalcueitl Volcano" (95 kms)
Matlalcueitl (also called La Malinche after Hernán Cortés' interpreter and mistress) is the name of a dormant volcano in Tlaxcala where the rain goddess was thought to dwell. Matlalcueitl is the sixth highest mountain in Mexico.

Day 4. Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008.
Stage 3. "The Pyramids of Cholula and Popocatepetl Volcano". (60kms)
Today we cycle to the archaeological town of Cholula, which has a group of seven pyramids. The most impressive pyramid is the Chiconahui Quiahuitl, which has a 400-meter base, making it the largest foundation in the world.
Our cycle takes us along the southern pine clad, slopes of the stunning Popocatepetl Volcano, the second highest in Mexico undulating terrain.

Day 5. Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008.
Day visit by coaches to the Aztecs Pyramids of Teotihuacan
In the morning Blazing Saddles transfer to the site of Teotihuacan, north of Mexico City for a visit. In the past it was one of the largest and most complex metropolises in prehispanic Mexico. Its main structures include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. We stop for a relaxing lunch on the way back, before heading to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the day using the facilities and some pool time!

Day 6. Thursday, April 24th, 2008.
Stage 4. "Pico de Orizaba Challenge" (105 kms)
Orizaba Volcano is the highest point in all Mexico. On the way to this stunning spot we will also cycle by a lagoon that was a former Volcano in Aljojuca and the amazing salt plains in the small village of El Carmen. The cycling is undulating, demanding but achievable.

Day 7. Friday, April 25th, 2008.
Transfer day to Cuernavaca "The Town of Eternal Spring".
Check-in TX Hotel Resort on Lake. (Coach transfer 3 hours)

During our stay in Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos, it will seem as though Blazing Saddles are visiting a city that lives in an eternal spring. Life transits in the midst of gardens with such beautiful flowers as orchids, bougainvilleas and jacarandas. We'll see historical monuments, churches and squares, where hosting various cultural events and festivities. In Cuernavaca's bohemian bars and restaurants, which lie in the city's streets, Blazing Saddles can have a refreshing beer while enjoying friendly conversation. You can also visit the museums and explore the surrounding areas, such as the green archaeological zones, where you'll get a fascinating panoramic view of the city.

Day 8. Saturday, April 26th, 2008.
Stage 5. "Cuernavaca". (80 Kms)

Today we cycle to the town centre of Cuernavaca and the Palace of Cortez, after a refreshing lunch in one of Cuernavaca's bohemian restaurants continue on to Taxco, which has been declared a national monument. It is a veritable treasury chest!

Day 9. Sunday, April 27th, 2008.
Stage 6. "The Home of Emiliano Zapata - Vuelta de Yautepec y Cuautla" (90 kms)

For today's cycle Blazing Saddles have an amazing route that will take us thru the home land of Emiliano Zapata, one of the most important heroes of the Mexican revolution. We will be riding along typical small villages soaking up the true Mexican lifestyle as well as absorbing the local culture and local traditions.

Day 10. Monday, April 28th, 2008.
Stage 7. "The Ancient City of Xochicalco" (80 Kms)

Xochicalco in the State of Morelos, Mexico, is located 38 kms southwest of Cuernavaca; it is one of the most exciting and richest archaeological sites in all Mexico. It was an area developed during the period 800 to 900 A.D., between the destruction of Teotihuacan (Aztec) and the beginning of Tollan (Toltec).
Our cycle then continues across the hills to the towns of Miacatlan and San Gabriel before returning to our hotel. This is an undulating day in the saddle for the team; but very rewarding!

Day 11. Tuesday, April 29th, 2008.
Transfer - Acapulco. Crowne Plaza Beach Resort Hotel.
After breakfast we depart from the Cuernavaca area and transfer to the world known beach location of Acapulco. On arrival we check in at the magnificent Crowne Plaza Hotel on Acapulco beach and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the tropical beach of the Pacific or by our superb pool!

Day 12. Wednesday, April 30th, 2008.
Stage 8. "Vuelta La Playa Ixtapa" (100km)
The Blazing Saddles will cycle north along the white sandy beaches around the peninsula and north to Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. Described as a "Routa de Paradiso" a route to paradise! Sounds good for Blazing Saddles; and its beach after beach!!

Day 13. Thursday, May 1st 2008
Stage 9. "The Sights and Sounds of Acapulco". Ceremonial Stage. (30 kms)
After a relaxing morning the Blazing Saddles take off on our last ceremonial stage around Acapulco, visiting the famous bay, beaches, harbour and the amazing diving cliffs at the world famous La Quebrada Cliff face where local divers hurl themselves into the air for 45 meters dive to the sea. We return to our hotel for lunch and Blazing Saddles party line finish.

Day 14. Friday, May 2nd, 2008.
R+R in Acapulco. Gala Awards and Farewell Dinner at the Crowne Plaza @ 8.00pm attend by Guest of Honour Mr. Dermot Branagan, Irish Ambassador to Mexico. We return to the old custom of our Gala Dinner, which has been sadly missed by all in recent times. However it's back!

Day 15. Saturday, May 3rd, 2008.
R&R in Acapulco - you can enjoy the "sights & sounds" of this action packed city that never sleeps!

Day 16. Sunday, May 4th, 2008.
Depart for Ireland. After lunch depart by coaches for transfer back to Mexico and international flight home. (transfer 4 hours approx by coaches).

Tour sadly ends!!!

Download the Brochure for our upcoming NCBI Blazing Saddles Mexico Cycle Challenge - (PDF - File size 920K) [ Download/View File ]

Download the Application Form for the NCBI Blazing Saddles Mexico Cycle Challenge - (Word Doc 72K) [ Download/View File ]

" Please note: You arrive home on Monday, May 5th - the May Bank Holiday weekend.

IMAGES COPYRIGHT:
Any pictures included in this article remain the property of www.mexperience.com by whom all rights are retained, 2007 ©. Use of these pictures for electronic or print purposes is may be possible with the permission of www.mexperience.com