Quito by Bike

Ciclopaso

I love this city! I’ve never lived in such an urban area before…there is so much going on at all times, yet it doesn’t feel chaotic, crowded or noisy.

Every Sunday, the main street of Quito (going from North to South) is closed to all traffic and open to bicyclists, runners, walkers. It’s known as the Ciclopaso. Yesterday, I rented a bike with a friend and we rode a large length of the city. Quito is very long but narrow, stretching about 40 miles or so. Most of us on the ciclopaso are not really bicyclists, more just going along for a Sunday stroll without having to worry about cars or busses. But there are a few cyclists in their spandex and cycling shoes, zipping past us slow pokes! The cool thing about exploring a city by bike is passing through all the little neighborhoods, people watching and just taking it all in. One of the funniest things I saw was an older man on his bike with his frou-frou doggie sitting in his lap. The doggy was wearing bright red aviator-style sunglasses. It made me laugh out loud.

So, the ciclopaso starts in the north of the city, beyond the airport. This is Quito moderno, where I live. There are nice restaurants, shopping malls, modern apartments, basically middle to upper class living.

Then after 10 miles or so, you get to the Centro Historico, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. I haven’t spent too much time in Europe, but Centro Historico de Quito reminds me of what I think a European city is like with cobblestone streets, white buildings, balconies. Every Sunday, since the main street is closed to cars, people come out and stroll the city streets. There are artisans, musicians, dance troupes. I love the atmosphere.

Further past the Centro Historico is Quito Sur. This is more industrial, working class, dirty, etc. Not really a place for tourists. Just nitty-gritty life. I turned around at Centro Historico for the hilly ride back to Quito Norte.

The ciclopaso is well organized with water stops along the way, folks in neon green outfits to guide you incase you get lost, well marked signs, police directing traffic, etc.

Just another great thing about Quito is all the cultural events that are happening. For example, right now in the large city parks there is an outdoor exhibition of photography. The themes vary-I think there are about 500 pieces on display at parks around the city. One very impressive exhbit is photographs taken by a woman of life in South Quito, the working class neighborhoods. Her photographs of daily life were on display at Parque Carolina (the main park near where I live). Really beautiful pieces of art, on display for all to see.

This week, I’ll probably be taking care of stuff in Quito, maybe climbing a volcano or two (J). Love, Rachel