Xalapa (Jalapa) bypass toll road is now open
 

Head's up. The much needed and long anticipated bypass of Xalapa (Jalapa) is finally open. It will cost you $60 pesos and save you up to an hour of time and frustration as the traffic is a pain through the city, delays even on a bike are inevitable, the roads are in bad shape with no shortage of massive potholes, in short, you will save by taking the bypass. The views are fantastic, particularly in the south to north direction, you are parallel to the canyon and at a decent elevation. Bring your camera, the panoramas are great.
I did Perote to my garage in Boca del Rio (beside Veracruz city) in 1 hour and 15 minutes on Sunday afternoon. I took the toll route from Perote to Banderilla and just kept to the left and road the new libre to Plan del Rio.

Traffic through the city is a pain indeed, 4 years ago at a mid town set of traffic lights I ended up with a couple of dislocated shoulders and a fractured femur. On the good side the medical treatment over the next 5 weeks was unbeatable but the medical care, great as it was will not stop me paying the toll. Ride safe.