Mata Atlantica Bike Route (N3): Capixaba

Bikepacking.com has recently highlighted the Capixaba section of the Mata Atlântica Bike Route, a monumental undertaking stretching nearly 5,000 kilometers across eight Brazilian states. This extensive route, primarily traversing unpaved roads and paths from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul, offers an immersive experience through Brazil's diverse landscapes. The focus on the Capixaba segment underscores the granular effort required to map and promote such an ambitious, long-distance cycling corridor.

This initiative is significant within the burgeoning bikepacking community, reflecting a global trend towards adventurous, self-supported cycling. While Europe and North America have established long-distance routes, the Mata Atlântica project positions Brazil as a major player in this niche, offering a unique blend of challenging terrain and rich biodiversity. Its sheer scale and commitment to unpaved surfaces cater directly to the core ethos of bikepacking, promising an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience far removed from traditional road cycling.

Mapping 5,000 kilometers of unpaved Brazilian backcountry is no small feat. One suspects the "Capixaba" section is merely the tip of a very large, very muddy iceberg for those brave enough to tackle it.