Rides & Events

2006 Aug 17

Biking in Monterrey, Mexico - Trip Report

Not to be confused by it’s namesake in California with one “r”, this Monterrey has two r’s and is pronounced with a rolling “r” to match its beautiful rolling mountains. You won’t find any Sea Otters or Sea Lions, but plenty of Sea-nary of dramatic granite rock and green covered mountains.

Last Memorial Day three GHORBA members drove the 540 mile drive to the closest mountains to Houston. We met up with the owner of Bikes and More owner Jessica Gonzales that showed us some great trails.

The trip started in the Plaza of El Santiago, a small town south of Monterrey on Highway 55 that runs from Monterrey to Ciudad Victoria. After a few wrong turns, we found ourselves riding along a very technical jeep road with plenty of challenging climbs and twisting descents. It was similar in terrain to Porcupine Rim in Moab Utah.

The trail ended at La Cascada de La Cola de Caballo, or Horse Tail Falls, southern Monterrey’s biggest tourist attraction for locals and foreigners. Here we caught a rest and imbibed on the Refrescos (soft drinks).

Starting out here, we found an incredible trail down the side of the mountain along an aqueduct. It was fed from the same natural spring as Horsetail falls. It brought water down to the several villages at the other end of the mountain. On the right was the aqueduct, a small stream two feet wide by 6-8 inches deep.

On the left however was a steep drop-off varying between 6 and 60 feet. The trail that we rode on was only 18 to 24 inches wide. Sometimes on concrete, and over rock, but usually compressed earth.

At the end was a steep descent that paralleled a steep waterfall. It was a beautiful sight and incredibly loud sound that was breathtaking. While used more as a walking and maintenance trail, it was a unique experience and a very different kind of trail.

GHORBA is planning another trip to Monterrey in February, 2007. Watch this site or write President@ghorba.org” for more information.

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  1. I finally got the pix uploaded: GHORBA 2006 Monterrey Trip Slideshow

    Look for a trip in February—but it will be too cold for swimming like in the slideshow.

    By: Veljko
    Sep 15