As a roadie looking for road cycling options while in Mexico, I kept coming up short when looking what was out my front door in San Miguel de Allende.
From everyone I spoke with and what I’ve seen, road biking only happens on highways – some of which are designated as bike highways – and mostly only ever in groups for safety.
Trucks tend to drive half way in the shoulder so cars can pass them halfway over the center line. This means the already cruddy shoulder you might mistake for a bike lane will be shared with trucks.
Even in checking Strava segments and routes, there simply isn’t anything for road cycling in the city.
“Why?!” you may wonder? Well. San Miguel is mostly all cobblestone roads and hills and is a rough ride even by car. Anyone riding in town is typically on a mountain, gravel, or fat bike, and even then is typically heading out of town vs around town.
That being said, outside of town there are some good segments, and there’s even a local road race every year.
Bike Rentals and Tours in San Miguel de Allende
If you’re just here a short while or didn’t bring a bike, heading out on an organized bike tour in town is a great option.
Beto (Alberto) of Bici Burro runs a number of great local bike tours that include transportation from his local shop to various trail heads, mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, water, and wonderful local history.
His father open Bici Burro as the first bicycle shop in San Miguel and Beto was literally born behind the bike shop.
Of course if you’re looking to buy a bike, need a great mechanic, or just want to pickup parts, his shop has every you need for that, too.
I’ve enjoyed heading out with Beto on a few rides and have met some other like minded cyclists visiting or relocating to SMA.
Bike Riding Routes Near San Miguel de Allende
If you have your bike and a car, there are actually some pretty great options near SMA.
Querétaro – the biggest city just southeast of San Miguel – has a ton of great cycling.
South of SMA is an incredible volcano – Cerro El Picacho – with a few great climbing options.
Riding down to and through Comonfort is another common route.