A Wild Ride

After watching the "alebrije" parade with our out-of-town guests, Al and Stew, we wanted to go out for lunch.  However, it would be a while before the streets would be opened and we could take a taxi or Uber.  However, there were a couple of "ciclotaxis" parked near us.  The drivers were obviously hoping to pick up a fare.

The "bicitaxis" or "ciclotaxis" are sort of like rickshaws.  The carriage, which has room for two passengers, is attached to a bicycle or motorcycle.   You will find them primarily in the "Centro Histórico".  The ones that were waiting near us were powered by electric motorcycles.

Alejandro asked one of the drivers how much it would cost to go to the restaurant in Condesa where we wanted to eat... about 2 1/2 miles away.  He said 300 pesos (16 US dollars), which is quite expensive for such a short ride.  Since there were four of us, we hired both of the "ciclotaxis".  Alejandro and Al got into one; Stew and I got into the other.

Al took this picture of Stew and me in the other carriage while stopped at a red light.

We took off down Paseo de la Reforma which was still closed to traffic.  We almost caught up with the parade which was still headed down the boulevard.

Alejandro took this short video from their "ciclotaxi".

We turned onto Insurgentes Avenue, and came to the barricades that closed the street off to traffic.  I didn't think we would be able to do it, but we managed to slip through a narrow gap in the barricades.  Then we were in the heavy traffic, and we darted in between cars.  It was a wild ride.  At times we felt like we were on an amusement park ride, and at times I felt a little scared.

I had read that the drivers of these "ciclotaxis" are not very honest, and we experienced it for ourselves when we arrived at the restaurant.  They had told Alejandro that the fare was 300 pesos per "ciclotaxi", but upon arrival they wanted 300 per person.  Highway robbery!  But Alejandro didn't feel like arguing, and we paid the exorbitant amount.

I will never use a "ciclotaxi" again, but I have to admit that it was quite an experience.