Lael Wilcox, Conservation International Partner to Establish Bikepacking Route through Colombia’s Chingaza National Park
The Ruta Chingaza Helps Bikepackers Connect with Colombia’s Páramos Ecosystem
In February, legendary ultra-endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox, Joe Cruz, and the filmmaker Rugile Kaladyte traveled to the Colombian capital, in partnership with Conservation International, Wahoo, and Bikepacking.com, to launch the Bikepacking for Conservation Program. The project was designed to explore and scout a bikepacking route that would connect the bustling metropolis of Bogota with rural communities and the Chingaza National Park. The resulting route — Ruta Chingaza — will help cyclists connect to nature and better understand the ecosystems upon which life and livelihoods in this area depend.
A full documentary about the project was released on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. The film showcases this singularly beautiful part of the world while demonstrating the utility, fun, and light impact of ecotourism by bike.
Chingaza National Natural Park is currently closed to cyclists, but Conservation International is collaborating with park authorities to make cycling a part of the park’s tourism strategy, and anticipate that cycling experiences (including bikepacking) will be permitted by sometime in 2021, though it is hard to anticipate when exactly due to COVID-19.
The Bikepacking for Conservation program is an initiative born at Conservation International. The documentary film was produced in partnership with Conservation International, Wahoo, and Bikepacking.com.The Ruta Chingaza aims to help bikepackers experience a wide range of Colombian life, ecosystems, points of interest, and areas of historical significance in 5-7 days. The centerpiece is the páramos ecosystem, which surrounds Bogota and provides and regulates the water supply for the city of eight million people.
“La Ruta Chingaza complements Conservation International’s commitment to create a sustainable landscape in which biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and the well-being of communities can help support the water supply for Bogota and 22 municipalities,” said Natalia Acero, Water and Cities Director at Conservation International-Colombia “We believe that biking through this landscape will create a bond between the mountains, its people, and the water. A bond that will protect the paramos and all the benefits that we get from them.”
Found mostly in the Andean mountains, the páramos contains unique plants called frailejones that absorb moisture directly from the clouds and release water into the soil, where it finds its way into aquifers, rivers, and ultimately the reservoirs that supply drinking water for the city.
Protecting páramos is a pathway to long-term water security and sustainability for the city and broader region. By establishing a new bikepacking route, Conservation International and its partners help to connect cyclists to this ecosystem, allowing people from all walks of life to acknowledge and care for this important natural feature.
“The terrain through Chingaza is otherworldly. Less than 30 miles from Bogota, a city of eight million, you climb into a cloud forest above 10,000 feet. It’s wide open and undeveloped,” said Lael Wilcox.” At sunset, the fog rolls in and you can’t see anything. The landscape is a sponge, the plants capture the humidity and this is what provides drinking water to the city. It’s like no other place I’ve ever ridden.”
Colombia is also undergoing a tourism boom, which presents a significant economic and sustainable development opportunity. The Bikepacking for Conservation Program is poised to help support the development of sustainable ecotourism in the country.
“At CI, we seek innovative ways to solve global environmental challenges,” said Nathalia Penton, manager for the Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at Conservation International. “Bridging bikepacking and nature conservation will allow the global cycling community to play a part in preserving valuable, remote landscapes.” For further information refer to Bikepacking for Conservation Program
About Wahoo
Located in Atlanta, GA, Wahoo Fitness has created a full ecosystem of sensors and devices for runners, cyclists, and general fitness enthusiasts. Wahoo’s award-winning line of products includes the KICKR family of smart indoor riding equipment and accessories, the ELEMNT family of bike computers, the TICKR family of heart rate monitors, as well as Speedplay dual-sided pedals, and The Sufferfest structured training software to help you become the most complete cyclist. Learn more about Wahoo’s full line of products and apps at wahoofitness.com.
Conservation International
Conservation International works to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to people. Through science, partnerships, and fieldwork, Conservation International is driving innovation and investments in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, supporting protections for critical habitats, and fostering economic development that is grounded in the conservation of nature. Conservation International works in 30 countries around the world, empowering societies at all levels to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. Follow Conservation International’s work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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