Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Mayor Arturo Peña Dávalos joined more than 70 cyclists for the first few kilometers of last weekend's "Puerto Vallarta-San Sebastian del Oeste Challenge," a bike ride from the coast to a mountain village located at 1,480 meters above sea level.

At 7:00 am last Saturday, the riders gathered near the humpback whale sculpture at the entrance to Marina Vallarta, where they began the 70 kilometers journey to San Sebastian del Oeste, the Pueblo Mágico nestled high in the Western Sierra Madre, from whence they returned on Sunday.

Astride his bicycle, the Mayor, alongside the Director of the Municipal Council of Sports (COMUDE), José Amador Hernandez Madrigal, led the squad to just a few meters shy of the Las Juntas intersection, where he left the group just as they were beginning to glimpse the first rays of dawn between the mountains.

The event's organizer, Ricardo Murrieta, explained that the Puerto Vallarta-San Sebastian del Oeste Challenge is a recreational sports activity orchestrated by Pro Móvil de Bahía de Banderas, A.C., better known as 'Vallarta en Bici.' He said this time they had a greater participation of women and also a few minors, all of whom trained rigorously in preparation of the ride.

In addition, they adopted safety measures such as mandatory use of helmet and gloves; supplied road, mechanical and vehicular support, and provided hydration and nutrition for the riders.

This year, the COMUDE is promoting a series of events for both beginners and experienced riders to encourage the people of Vallarta to take up cycling in its various forms - like the mountain biking contest that is scheduled to be held next weekend.