2009 Copper Canyon Classic – “A Million Dollar Ride”
Yes it’s true! Planning for the 2009 Copper Canyon Classic is now in full swing. Four times bigger and even deeper than the Grand Canyon, the “Barranca del Cobre" (Copper Canyon) of Chihuahua, Mexico offers the ultimate challenge and adventure to the Rancho Feliz “Guardian Warriors”. With American and Mexican riders riding side by side to raise funds, this cross-cultural experience will be historic.
Arriving by plane and then traveling by train, the views from the edge of this imposing canyon are magnificent. From verdant pine forests we will descend the serpentine trails deep into the heart of Sierra Tarahumara Indian land. Hidden caves, turquoise swimming holes and spectacular vistas will reward us with each new turn.
Pedaling through Tarahumara villages forgotten by time, the brightly clad and reclusive Indians will drift in and out of our aid stations - noiselessly as illusions floating through different mystical dimensions. Throughout the days we will feel the weightless gaze of their hidden eyes from deep within the forests. It will be a truly magical experience.
Following the “Camino de Plata” (Silver Trail) we will ultimately descend over 7,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon. Here we will pedal through Carlos Castaneda-like tropical desert passing through “La Bufa” and into the ancient mining town of Batopilas. Located on the banks of the Urique River, Batopilas is known for its abandoned adobe missions draped in spackled bougainvillea and most famously the “Lost Cathedral at Satevo”.
Our final day pedaling out of the canyon (9,000 cumulative vertical feet) will be followed by a classic Rancho Feliz “End of the Trail Fandango”. This unique experience will be an adventure to rival anything and everything we have done to date.
Special Note: This Ride will have something for everyone with three levels of riding difficulty being offered daily – each with local guides. The event is custom designed to accommodate everyone, from the most skilled rider to the afternoon cruiser.
Riders and crew will pay their own expenses and be required to raise substantial donations (minimum amounts to be announced). Donations generated will be utilized to complete construction and supply computers and other learning equipment to the new Vecinos Education/Recreation building, provide a computer Learning Center for the Tarahumara Indians, provide funds for the “Guardian Warrior” Exchange Program for American volunteers, fund 100 years of student scholarship positions provided by Rancho Feliz’s “Educación sin Fronteras” (Education without Borders) Scholarship Program, provide funds for the Desarrollo de Pueblos Indios Inmigrantes y Nativos A.C., a consortium of eight northern Mexico Indian tribes as well as supporting other programs along the borderlands.
So leave a week in November ‘2009 open (see the itinerary). The 2009 Copper Canyon Classic – “A Million Dollar Ride” will be a signature Rancho Feliz “extreme sport” and “extreme karma” cultural adventure you will not want to miss!
7-3-08 Copper Canyon Tentative Schedule.doc