Snapshots of Mexico with Allan Shaw

IMAGES: Allan Shaw

TEXT: Allan with Pedaled

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IMAGES: Allan Shaw

TEXT: Allan with Pedaled

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A year after moving back to Europe to live full-time, PEdALED rider Allan Shaw returns for a month to Mexico City to take a break from the cold winter, reconnect with his former home and rediscover the riding that made him fall in love with the country.

Breaking through the tree line at 4,000 meters above sea level, the air is crisp, cool, and thin. Below me lies a vast valley that could be mistaken for Colorado; above, a rock face that might remind you of Switzerland. But I'm in Mexico. It’s moments like these—when the wild, untamed nature of the mountains here catches me off guard—that I smile to myself. Mexico is so much more than the sunny beaches and bustling cities most people picture. It’s a place of extraordinary landscapes, especially for cyclists.

Its capital, Mexico City, is nestled within the Mexican Transvolcanic mountain range, a high-altitude plateau dotted with towering, still-active volcanoes. This region has long been the heart of Mexico’s population, stretching from Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico to Jalisco on the Pacific. The high altitude brings cooler temperatures, more consistent rain, and fertile soil, which has supported agriculture for centuries. The Aztecs wisely chose this location for their capital Tenochtitlan, taking advantage of the valley’s rich resources—resources that continue to shape the city today.

The outskirts of Mexico City are surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains. From the 3,900-meter Ajusco in the south to the 4,140-meter Monte Tlaloc in the east, and the towering 5,393-meter active volcano Popocatépetl in the southeast—this region offers some of the longest lung-busting climbs you can find. If challenging ascents are your thing (and they certainly are mine) Mexico should be on your cycling bucket list.

After so much experience riding here, I’ve fielded a lot of questions about cycling in Mexico, and I’d say they fall roughly into three main categories, which I’ll outline for you here.

Is it safe?

It's probably the most common question I get about cycling in Mexico—for better or worse… And honestly, it’s one of the hardest to answer. I want to give you an answer that's true to my own experiences, while keeping things grounded in the reality of facts and stats. My goal is to ease your concerns, brush aside the sensationalized stories, and show you the real beauty of this incredible country—without ignoring the risks. So, like pretty much everything else in Mexico, the answer is far more complex than simple.

In the heart of the city, you're mostly protected by the bustling crowds. Safety in numbers. Traffic moves slowly, predictably, and is generally more reactive than aggressive, meaning you can cruise through without getting tangled in too many interactions. But outside the city? That’s a different story. It’s an unknown space, and you take on more risk. To stay safe, most cyclists follow these golden rules: never ride alone, go early to avoid the heat and traffic, and always stay off the roads after dark.

While I wouldn’t say something’s likely to happen, statistically, it’s fair to say that the risks are much higher here than back home. I’ve broken those golden rules countless times and come out unscathed, but here's the thing: when you roll into a remote village, you often can’t tell whether it’s a safe haven or a bit sketchy—until after the fact. I’ve had meals in places that later I found out were considered “dangerous,” but at that moment, felt just fine. Stay alert, keep things low-key, and keep moving if something doesn’t feel right.
The one-word answer to “Is it safe?” is probably “No”—but then, that’s true almost anywhere. It’s all about calculating the risk and reward, and here, the rewards are grand.

How hot is it?

Mexico’s weather is more of a mixed bag than you might think, depending on where and when you’re riding. In the city, you’ll find relatively stable temperatures year-round, with average highs hovering around 25°C (77°F). But don’t let that fool you—up in the high mountains, the weather can be as unpredictable as any alpine landscape. Winters can dip as low as 5°C (41°F) in the city, with freezing temps higher up. And come summer? It's the rainy season, bringing heavy afternoon storms for up to five months. Timing your rides around these downpours is key because when you’re caught in the rain at high altitude, it gets very cold, very fast—so be prepared for anything, and pack extra layers just in case.

For me, I prefer to carry multiple lighter layers that add up to good insulation. For this trip, I mostly used kit from the lightweight Element Collection, and added leg warmers, a merino buff and gloves when I knew it would be cold up high. At these colder altitudes, I wore a short-sleeve base layer up top, the long-sleeve Element Jersey, and my new favorite piece of kit, the Detachable Sleeve Jacket. Without having to carry much bulk or weight, the versatility and useability of this jacket made it a perfect jacket to layer on top when things got chilly, and it was super easy to carry when things heated up.

How far is it?

Mexico is huge. I mean, massive. It’s easy to underestimate how vast this country is until you see it for yourself. So, if you’re planning a tour, prepare for the kilometers to stack up faster than you’d expect. The country is full of hidden gems and stunning landscapes, but getting from one to the next on those winding, dusty mountain trails will take longer than anticipated. My advice? Choose a specific region to explore, set modest distance goals, and give yourself the time to really take it all in.

Mexico isn’t just about sun, food, and culture—it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Get ready for a journey that’ll take you to places you never imagined, with incredible sights, flavors, and warm-hearted locals eager to share their corner of the world with you.

You can keep up with Allan on all his international adventures on Instagram @allanshawphoto