Pursue Your Thrill: Oaxaca MTB Trails: A Local History by Buca
Written by Kyle von Hoetzendorff
An important first step in fully immersing yourself wherever you travel is understanding its history. In our case, that meant understanding the history of Oaxaca and the Sierra Norte trails a bit more before we hit the ground running. So, we got a rundown from local fixer and our guide for the week, the one and only Buca.
Q: What were the trails before they became mountain bike trails? What’s their history?
A: The trails were originally used by local mountain communities to connect with the valley and neighboring villages. People would travel on foot or with pack animals, using these paths for daily life, trade, and communication. What we ride today are the same routes that have been part of their culture for generations.
Many of these communities have existed for centuries, and some trails are believed to be very old, even pre-Hispanic. They were likely used for trade and exchange between regions, though the specific goods and dynamics varied over time.
Q: How long have people been mountain biking in the area?
A: Gravity mountain biking has been present for at least 15 years, and there were downhill races happening around 20 years ago. Overall, MTB history goes back further, but it’s not very well documented.
Q: What’s on the other side of the mountain from Oaxaca City?
A: The Sierra Norte extends all the way toward Veracruz, with many remote communities scattered throughout the mountains. It’s very likely that there are extensive trail networks connecting these areas, although many remain unexplored today. On the southern side, the mountains continue toward the coast, also connecting different regions and cultures.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the recent history of the trail system?
A: I don’t have a complete historical record, but I do know that mountain biking has been present in the region for quite some time. In earlier days, riders would traverse the Sierra from one community to another, combining dirt roads and trails. The XC scene was also active.
The more defined story comes from the gravity MTB scene. A key figure is Alberto “Beto” Rasgado, a local rider who began rediscovering and restoring these trails in collaboration with the communities. With a deep respect for their traditions and “usos y costumbres,” he worked closely with locals to bring these routes back to life. In 2013, the first enduro event on a trail called “Mil Ríos” took place, connecting Benito Juárez town to the valley. From there, development expanded into areas like Ixtepeji and the Etla region.
Q: How does trail maintenance work? Does it work differently in Ixtepeji vs. Etla and other spots in the region?
A: Trail maintenance varies by region. In Ixtepeji, the community has developed strong trail-building skills and actively maintains and builds new trails, especially in the upper mountain areas. Tour operators sometimes support with funding or labor. At TSN, we have a trail crew led by Beto and we contribute every year by maintaining existing trails and helping develop new zones.
We work closely with local community members, hiring locally and collaborating to expand the trail network. We also develop a new area or a new part of the existing trail system every year for the race, so we always have something new to offer.
In the Etla region, local riders also play a key role in maintaining trails, often working together as a grassroots effort.
Q: Who’s in charge of the maintenance and how are decisions made to open, update, or build new trails??
A: Primarily, each community should be responsible for its own trails. External support, like TSN and other groups, contributes when possible.
All decisions are made in collaboration with the local communities. We scout areas together, but ultimately they decide where and how trails can be developed.
Q: Who owns and manages the land where the trails are built?
A: The land is communally owned. Each community manages its own territory under traditional systems.
Q: Can you speak about the development of the fee system? How it works, how it’s enforced, and where the fees are spent?
A: Each community manages its own fee system. Income generated from trail access or tourism is distributed among community members and reinvested locally, supporting their economy and way of life.
Well, there you have it, straight from a local legend. Get a feel for Oaxaca and the Sierra Norte trails in our latest short film, Pursue Your Thrill: Oaxaca.
