The 65km Holiday Detox: Riding Through a Festive CDMX on Sunday.
The Weekend Agenda: No bike? No excuses. Here’s how to hit the pavement like a local.
If you thought December 28th was for staying in bed, think again. The city is officially yours.
Let’s be real: after all the holiday parties and recalentado, what your body actually needs isn’t more leftovers—it’s a massive dose of fresh air and endorphins. The December Ciclotón isn’t just a casual bike ride; it’s the 2025 grand finale, and it’s coming at you with a distance boost: 65 kilometers of pure urban freedom.
From Paseo de la Reforma to Río Churubusco, the city’s most iconic avenues are cleared of traffic so you, your skates, or your bike can take center stage.
The Vibe: Picture thousands of people riding under that crisp winter sun (it burns, don’t be fooled), many rocking Santa hats or full-on festive gear. It’s a massive event but surprisingly chill. It’s the perfect time to soak in the city’s architecture without the stress of a microbus honking behind you.
No bike? No excuses. Here’s how to hit the pavement like a local.
If you thought you couldn’t join the December Ciclotón because you didn’t pack your bike from Brooklyn or Cleveland, think again. Mexico City has you covered. You can officially stop using “I don’t have a ride” as an excuse to miss out on 65 kilometers of pure urban bliss.
The “No-Bike” Solution (How to get wheels)
The Passport Hack (Free Loans): Right on Paseo de la Reforma, you’ll find official loan stations (usually run by Indeporte). All you need is your original passport (or a valid ID). They’ll lend you a bike for a set amount of time for free. It’s the perfect move if you just want to cruise the main strip for a couple of hours.
Ecobici (The Savvy Move): If you want more freedom, download the Ecobici app. You can sign up in minutes with a credit card. They offer 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day passes. It’s the largest bike-share network in LATAM, and the new black bikes are actually pretty smooth.
The Hard Data
When: Sunday, December 28th.
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Route: Reforma, Calzada de Guadalupe, Patriotismo, and beyond.
Cost: The event is Free (Ecobici has its own sub fee).
Insider Tips for the Ride:
Ecobici Strategy: During the Ciclotón, stations near Reforma fill up or empty out fast. Keep an eye on the real-time map in the app to find an open dock.
Passport Security: If you’re doing the free loan, bring a fanny pack or a secure spot for your passport once they hand it back. Don’t let it bounce out of your pocket halfway through the ride.
The Early Bird: Free bikes are limited. If you show up at 11:00 AM, you’re probably walking. Aim for 8:30 AM at the latest.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable: Even if the air feels cool, the CDMX midday sun is relentless. Apply it early or you’ll end up looking like a holiday shrimp.
Hydration Stations: There are water spots along the route, but it’s always better to bring your own bottle. Look for the mechanical service stations if you hear your chain screaming for mercy.
The Holiday “Fit”: Festive attire is highly encouraged. A Santa hat is the bare minimum to match the energy.
Morning People Gets the View: At 8:00 AM, the light is incredible for photos and the heat hasn’t kicked in yet. By noon, it’s “expert level” chaos.
🇲🇽 Survival Spanish: The “Ciclotón” Edition
Handle the route like you’ve lived here for years:
1. On the Road
“¡Aguas!” (ah-gwahs): The most important word. It means “Watch out!”. Use it if someone cuts you off or if you’re about to pass.
“¿Hay un puesto de hidratación cerca?” (aye oon pwehs-toh deh ee-drah-tah-syohn sehr-kah): “Is there a water station nearby?”
“Se me ponchó una llanta” (seh meh pohn-choh oo-nah yan-tah): “I have a flat tire.” Essential for getting help at the mechanical tents.
2. Socializing & Fuel
“¡Qué chula tu bici!” (keh choo-lah too bee-see): “Nice bike!” A classic icebreaker.
“¿Aceptan efectivo?” (ah-sehp-tahn eh-fehk-tee-boh): “Do you take cash?” (For that life-saving orange juice halfway through).
“Un jugo de naranja, por favor” (oon hoo-goh deh nah-rahn-hah): The official fuel of the Ciclotón.
3. At the Loan Station
“¿Me prestas una bici?” (meh prehs-tahs oo-nah bee-see): “Can I borrow a bike?”
“Aquí está mi pasaporte” (ah-kee ehs-tah mee pah-sah-pohr-teh): “Here is my passport.”
“¿A qué hora la tengo que entregar?” (ah keh oh-rah lah tehn-goh keh ehn-treh-gahr): “What time do I have to return it?”
4. Mastering the App
“No puedo liberar la bici” (noh pweh-doh lee-beh-rahr lah bee-see): “I can’t unlock the bike.” (Just in case the app is glitching).
“¿Hay una cicloestación cerca?” (aye oo-nah see-kloh-ehs-tah-syohn sehr-kah): “Is there a bike station nearby?”
⚠️ ⚠️ Pro-Tip: CASH IS STILL KING Even in 2025, the street vendors selling fresh juice or tacos de canasta on the corner of Patriotismo probably won’t have a card reader. Bring $20 and $50 MXN bills.
