Bienvenidos, gravel cycling enthusiasts, to the grand finale of the Belgian Waffle Ride Quadrupel Crown of Gravel — the Belgian Waffle Ride BWR Mexico in Querétaro, where ancient history and undulating landscapes conspire to create the ultimate gravel racing experience. Monuments of Cycling (MoC), a premier cycling events producer best known for its iconic Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego), with this event brings its popular format to Mexico, this November with the inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride BWR Mexico (aka Infierno Del Sur).
What sets the BWR Mexico apart is not only its rich tapestry of culture and history, set in the heart of Mexico, but also its promise of the largest prize purse of the series at a whopping $10,000. Riders are beckoned to traverse the cobblestone streets, rural terrains, and the architectural marvels of a bygone era, all under the perfect climate that November’s embrace brings to this enchanting location. Cheapest lodging and direct flights are the cherries on top, making this event a practical choice for international competitors.
Event & Course Info
The starting and finish line buzz with excitement at the Ex Hacienda del Lobo, a historic venue offering a dive into Mexico’s rich heritage, now serving as the epicenter for the day’s endeavors.
The Belgian Waffle Ride BWR Mexico routes are a cyclist’s riddle, combining elevation, terrain, and distance to test endurance and willpower. The flagship Waffle route extends over 180 kilometers, a gauntlet thrown down for those seeking to claim a share of the lucrative cash prize. With a mix of terrain, from smooth hacienda paths to rugged unroads, the profile challenges riders with significant elevation gains, ensuring that only the most resolute waffleurs will emerge victorious.
The Wafer route offers a slightly less daunting yet still challenging 100 kilometers through the natural and urban landscapes of Querétaro, with elevation gains that require tenacity and resolve, yet still accessible for riders of varying capabilities.
Lastly, the Wanna route is a 50-kilometer journey, perfect for those wanting a taste of the BWR experience without the full day’s commitment, but still through a picturesque and challenging course.
The Belgian Waffle Ride México venue is at The Ex-Hacienda del Lobo, also known as The Hacienda del Lobo. The hacienda has been beautifully restored and now serves as a hotel and event venue, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and colonial architecture. The main building of the hacienda is a grand, two-story structure made of stone and adorned with traditional red tile roofs. The property also features several smaller buildings, such as guesthouses, stables, and a chapel, that are beautifully restored. It is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including lush forests, hills and rivers, cobblestones, and unroads that the BWR course will cover.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Querétaro is a central Mexican state celebrated for its deep historical roots, splendid colonial architecture, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal spot for cyclists and tourists alike. Its capital city boasts UNESCO World Heritage status, inexpensive accommodations, and accessible travel connections. Cyclists, are particularly drawn to the challenging and scenic gravel routes through the Sierra Gorda national parks and quaint villages. Additionally, Querétaro’s rich culinary offerings range from traditional local dishes to international cuisine, enhancing its appeal as a top-notch destination for the Belgian Waffle Ride event.
The host venue for Belgian Waffle Ride BWR Mexico, Hotel Ex Hacienda del Lobo, is right where the event Expo, start and finish line will be, so this is a great lodging options for those looking to be right where the action is. Other recommended hotel options include the Fairfield Inn & Suites Querétaro Juriquilla and Four Points by Sheraton Queretaro Norte. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals available that will suit a variety of needs from contemporary homes to Historic Center digs.
Querétaro, Mexico, boasts a diverse culinary scene that marries traditional Mexican cuisine with a variety of international flavors, all served amid the region’s rich cultural and historic backdrop. Visitors can enjoy everything from savory street food to gourmet dining experiences in the state’s charming colonial settings.
As November ushers in mild weather and clear skies, Querétaro, Mexico becomes a playground for outdoor athletes seeking adventure and challenge. It’s the perfect time to explore the Sierra Gorda, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, on two wheels. Cyclists can tackle the rugged terrain on the gravel routes that cut through the heart of the mountains. These paths are not only physically demanding, with elevations that test even seasoned riders, but they also offer stunning vistas of the lush Mexican wilderness. The Reserve is home to an extensive network of trails, where athletes can immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity and potentially clock in anywhere from a challenging 50-kilometer ride to an epic 100-kilometer journey, depending on their experience and endurance levels.
Querétaro is home to the third-largest monolith in the world, Peña de Bernal. Outdoor runners looking for a high-altitude experience can embark on a trail running adventure starting from the quaint town of Bernal. The trails around Peña de Bernal offer varying degrees of difficulty, with some leading to the base of the monolith, while others wrap around the imposing rock formation. The changing elevations and terrain types make for a thrilling run that combines physical exertion with some of the most breathtaking views in central Mexico.
After pushing their limits, athletes can find restoration and relaxation in the natural hot springs near the small town of San Juan del Río, located in the outskirts of Querétaro. The thermal waters, renowned for their restorative properties, are a welcome respite for sore muscles. Visiting these springs offers a dual benefit – a serene environment to unwind and a natural therapy session. The La Laja springs, for instance, feature a series of pools with different temperatures, surrounded by nature, offering a tranquil setting to reflect on the day’s achievements.
Related Events
Monuments of Cycling is a purveyor of classic one-day bicycle races in the United States. They are best known for the Belgian Waffle Quadrupel Series, challenging races in the spirit of the great European one-day Spring Classics, all with a Belgique theme. Belgian Waffle Ride BWR Mexico not only offers diverse and challenging courses but also serves as a required race for those vying for the Quadruple Crown of Gravel Series. The Quadrupel Crown, comprised of all the BWRs, is billed as the largest gravel series in the world, which will be contested in a points-based omnium format across all the 2023 BWRs. Riders competing for the Quadrupel honors and prize purse will be able to take the points of their top four (Quad) races to vie for the win. The series will recognize professional riders and age groupers alike. Their namesake event, Belgian Waffle Ride California, started ten years ago. These events are unique because they are classic, long bicycle races featuring various off-road sectors emulating the pave or cobblestones of Europe, making the varied terrain challenging for riders’ technical skills, equipment, endurance, luck, and versatility.
Like other BWR Series events in Kansas (also part of the Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel), California, N. Carolina, Utah, Canada, Michigan, Mexico and Arizona, you can expect a deep field of professional riders and an expansive list of hungry amateur riders drawn to the unparalleled opportunity to race alongside some of the best. Each event consistently makes it in to our list of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in California, the Northwest, Southwest, and the Southeast.
