Belgian Waffle Ride Mexico returns to Santiago de Querétaro on Sunday 23 November, rolling out from the vineyard-dotted hills near Bodegas Vaivén for a finale worthy of the series. Expect a thousand-strong mass start, mariachi-and-waffles energy at the finish, and a course that fuses fast tarmac, rough cobbles and ‘unroad’ gravel into a proper day out.
Route overview
Three distances keep the experience accessible yet demanding: the flagship Waffle typically spans 166–180 km with substantial climbing (historic totals range roughly 2,000–4,000 m), the Wafer sits near 100 km, and the Wanna around 50 km. Surfaces switch frequently—hardpack, rocky farm tracks, ancestral cobbles, and brisk asphalt links—so tyre choice and pacing matter. While the exact 2025 GPX and elevation profile will confirm details, you can bank on repeated short, steep ramps; some cobbled pitches kick into double digits (10–15%) and bite hardest late in the day.
What makes it special (and tough)
- Highland setting: riding at ~1,800 m adds a subtle altitude tax to every effort.
- Cobbled sectors: 1–3 km stretches of rough, uneven stones demand traction, smooth cadence and patience—think Strade Bianche grit meets Mexican hacienda lanes.
- Punchy, stacked climbs: short ramps recur, sapping snap if you surge; save matches for the final hour.
- Variety: fast road transitions sling you into technical gravel and rock gardens where line choice and lowered pressure pay.
- Scenery and culture: vineyards, maguey fields, colonial towns like Tequisquiapan, and long views toward the Peña de Bernal monolith. The finish festival—waffles, tacos, local wine and tequila—keeps riders lingering.
Getting there
Fly into Querétaro International (QRO) for the shortest transfer; Mexico City (MEX) offers more flights with reliable express buses or car hire to Querétaro (about 2.5–3 hours). The rural venue is best reached by rental car; limited public transport serves the area. Parking is signposted near the start/finish—arrive early to avoid queues.
Accommodation
On-site boutique lodging at Bodegas Vaivén is the convenience pick (book early). Nearby options within 15–30 minutes include Hacienda Tres Vidas, Altamonte and Matian. Querétaro’s historic centre (about an hour) offers wider hotel choice. An official camping zone has been offered in past editions—check the athlete guide for 2025 availability.
On-the-day logistics
Expo and packet pick-up run on Saturday; bring photo ID and your signed waiver. Expect a 07:30 mass start with waves by category. Aid stations are well-stocked and typically spaced to suit the terrain; confirm exact kilometre marks on the published GPX. Neutral mechanics, medical cover and sweep vehicles support all distances.
Pacing, kit and nutrition
- Tyres: 45–50 mm tubeless with reinforced sidewalls; start around 28–35 psi depending on rider mass and conditions.
- Gearing: aim for a sub‑1:1 low gear to stay seated on steep cobbles.
- Hydration: 500–750 ml per hour; add electrolytes (aim 500–700 mg sodium/h) as temps rise.
- Fuel: 60–90 g carbs per hour from a mix of bars, gels and real food; eat early on the fast road sections.
- Clothing: cool start (~7 °C) warming to ~25 °C—layer with arm warmers and a light gilet; sunscreen and clear-to-tinted glasses for dust and glare.
Typical times: Waffle 6–10 hours, Wafer 4–6, Wanna 2–3, depending on conditions and experience. Ride even, stay relaxed on the rough stuff, and keep something in reserve for those final sting-in-the-tail ramps. Confirm the official GPX and aid map before you roll—then enjoy one of the series’ most characterful courses.
