Did you know that Cozumel hosts an Ironman triathlon? I didn’t either and to my utmost surprise there is a dedicated cycling lane around the Island. Now I’m being generous when I say dedicated; it’s more like a suggestion. For the most part it was just us and the odd cyclist but in some spots there were scooters, cars, trucks, police cars….you get the picture.

The route loops the southern half of the Island with a main artery cutting through the centre. It is about 65km in total. We set off around 9am from the busy west coast and cut across to the east side which was about a 15km ride. Then there is nothing. Just miles of beach and not a soul in sight. We rode along and stopped to swim and cool off in a few places. It was so pretty but we did need to keep an eye out for animals. Only one close call with a hedgehog looking thing and a few iguanas running across the path.

We had bought a giant bottle of water for 15 pesos before we set off thinking it would be enough. It wasn’t. Even Nick was thirsty and he’s like a camel. We ran out of water at about 30km and finally found a tienda at roughly 45 km where I paid 40 pesos for the same damn water. The lady knew she had me, I had no choice and she was the only place for another 15km. I hesitated for half a second and then bought it anyways. It was the best water I’ve ever had! Once refreshed, we set off for the home stretch. By the time we got back to town it was 3pm. We were starving, still dehydrated, and cranky. It was time to find food.

We cycled up into the town proper and found a Cocina economica which is a family style restaurant where you can order off the menu or get the meal of the day. We did a little of both and had a fish fillet, pozole (delicious Mexican soup), and enchiladas verde. So amazing. Afterwards, it took everything to get out sore backsides back on the bikes for a slow crawl to the hotel to shower and have a siesta.

Nick slept and I studied for a few hours and while we were getting moving to go out again a halloween car parade went past our hotel. I don’t know if this is a regular thing or a Covid thing but it was fun to wave to all the kids in their costumes. We did go down to the square and there was a big street fair and entertainment for Day of the Dead festivities. Another fun fact: kids run around trading candy. The parents give them a big bag and off they go to trade with the other kids. No door to door trick or treating.