Is Mexico Safe? - Page 712

acejones · 10-13-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSAragazzi

Hey Craneguy,
I have a Q 4 u. Years ago I did a ride from DF to Acapulco via the (then new) autopista Del Sol. I did stop in Cuernavaca (used it as a base), visited Tepoztlan, Taxco and finally got to Aca. My Q is: I would like to do it again but....is it safe? My plan is to rent a GSA and take my wife with me. I am fluent in Spanish and know the roads very well. My worries are military "reten" and touring around say Tepoztlan's back roads and be ambushed just like the Embassy car was in Tres Marias.
Any input highly appreciated. I am plying with the idea of doing it this December, taking 2 weeks to explore.
Thanks

Unless you are involved in the drug business or you are a high placed employee of the Mexican or U.S. Government, you don't have much to worry about other than livestock and pot holes and poorly marked construction sites. Don't worry about having a good time ;because you will.

GSAragazzi · 10-13-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craneguy

I can't anticipate future events, but we ride the area all the time and have never seen anything to worry us. Traffic to Tepozlan is bad at the weekends as it's a hugely popular place now. There are no checkpoints and I have yet to see a cop.

I actually didn't know about the embassy car in Tres Marías... The only thing you have to worry about there are MC parts and clothing vendors who won't haggle and stunting squids.

Get in touch when you get here and we'll show you some routes.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Gracias hermano. I will take you offer and contact you if I do go ahead and fly/ride. Story on the Embassy car (I'm a green badger ex Special Warefare op). Embassy cars are GM black, this one was a Toyota Gold Landcruiser. Picked up an admiral or captain I believe from the base (Ejercito base entrance to cuota) in Mex City on 95 to Cuernavaca. They got to 3Marias and exited on a side road going NE.a reten noticed and gave pursuit. On the dirt road they got reached and the Army opened up. The only reason they were saved (bulletproof car) was that the Mexican captain had a radio and he echoed that he was taking fire. Yes, they got ID confused. Reten thought they were trying to avoid them. Big mistake and very quick (read nervouse) triggers. I like to stay away from that.
Cheers

MikeMike · 10-13-2012, 06:10 PM

I thought it was Federales that shot, and that is why some of them are stll locked up here.
Mexican government admitted it wasnt a mistake.

Steve, you still got time tomorrow for another try? Or shall we do it with Doug sometime
later?

BobLoblaw · 10-13-2012, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craneguy

I'm up for it!

Everyone, we need to convince MikeMike that buying waterproofs is a better policy than "drip-dry"

I'm starting a collection: it's called the "damp crotch fund"

Here's my donation to the MikeMike damp crotch fund

l

SchizzMan · 10-13-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricepilot

Had to call Jacques to make sure he was ok with you using this reference

fixt

MikeMike · 10-14-2012, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSAragazzi

Gracias hermano. I will take you offer and contact you if I do go ahead and fly/ride. Story on the Embassy car (I'm a green badger ex Special Warefare op). Embassy cars are GM black, this one was a Toyota Gold Landcruiser. Picked up an admiral or captain I believe from the base (Ejercito base entrance to cuota) in Mex City on 95 to Cuernavaca. They got to 3Marias and exited on a side road going NE.a reten noticed and gave pursuit. On the dirt road they got reached and the Army opened up. The only reason they were saved (bulletproof car) was that the Mexican captain had a radio and he echoed that he was taking fire. Yes, they got ID confused. Reten thought they were trying to avoid them. Big mistake and very quick (read nervouse) triggers. I like to stay away from that.
Cheers

Here's the link that shows a gray Toyota (used by embassy people and not just DEA) and it was Mexican Federal police and not "the army".
And no, it wasn't a case of confused ID.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/...6b2_story.html

Hey Bob Loblaw, I think she's the poster girl for that Salt Spring ride video! You've got some real hardcore riders up there.

MikeMike · 10-14-2012, 03:52 AM

Note to Andres, plan the next rally in November! Tlaloc is usually sleeping then.
Steve, the way back was fun, they delayed flights and rerouted some planes, that's how intense it was.
See you in a couple of hours, we'll make it this time.
The password is "Give me La Esperanza, or give me a dry crotch". LOL!
Los retachan!

13 Octubre, 2012 07:22:00

Por el mal tiempo imperante en el Golfo de México, que afecto la visibilidad por intensa lluvia en el aeropuerto internacional ´General Heriberto Jara Corona´, de Veracruz, Ver., cuatro vuelos fueron desviados a terminales alternas y otros dos retrasados en su despegue, confirmo la Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de la SCT.

Por ANTONIO MARIN
Reportero de NOTIVER

Los pasajeros resultaron afectados por las inclemencias del tiempo, ya que su vuelo correspondiente a la línea Viva Aerobús y Aeroméxico procedentes de Monterrey y la Ciudad de México, fueron desviados a la terminal de Villa Hermosa, Tab., donde permanecieron hasta que mejoro la visibilidad en la terminal local.

El síntesis el atraso fue de aproximadamente de dos horas, debido a la lluvia que azoto con rudeza en la demarcación del aeródromo lo cual perjudicaba las condiciones de seguridad para los aterrizajes y despegues clorrespondientemente.

GSAragazzi · 10-14-2012, 07:56 AM

[QUOTE=MikeMike;19813579]Here's the link that shows a gray Toyota (used by embassy people and not just DEA) and it was Mexican Federal police and not "the army".
And no, it wasn't a case of confused ID.

[URL]http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/ap-exclusive-official-says-organized-crime-possible-in-attack-on-cia-officers-in-mexico/2012/10/02/c07d0df2-0ccc-11e2-97a7-45c05ef136b2_story.html[/

Hey thanks for the clarification! I feel much better now knowing that it was Federales bullets and not Army! What a relief, those hurt way less plus have a number of bullet fired to kill ratio way lower than the Army's! Oh yeah, good to know the car was grey not gold too. That makes a big difference, never mind that the Embassy only uses GM and black as standard.

but you are right MikeMike I should not have posted w/o knowing all the facts, all I knew was from word of mouth. My bad.

On a serious note, feel bad that such a great part of the world is turning into a place to avoid. If it was me riding solo i would take the chances but my wife/ kids not worth the try. This is why I'm asking for people's views of the situation on the ground.

SchizzMan · 10-14-2012, 08:27 AM

We try to keeps the facts straight around here.

Turkeycreek · 10-14-2012, 08:53 AM

On a serious note, feel bad that such a great part of the world is turning into a place to avoid. If it was me riding solo i would take the chances but my wife/ kids not worth the try. This is why I'm asking for people's views of the situation on the ground.[/QUOTE]

GSAragazzi, I won't try to minimize the events in Tres Marias but per the WaPo article, the agents had been traveling back and forth to the camp many times and they were specifically targeted. A solo rider or even a small group is likely not going to be noticed if they are passing through an area. No one is going to pay some bad cops to go after a few turistas. But in the final analysis, you must make your own assessments and use your own judgement about the risks to you and your family. But please make them based not only on the facts of this situation (facts often being a hard thing to come by in Mexico) but on the broader picture of how the violence happens and where.

As the article says, the cartels have lost their top guys and the second and third tier guys who have taken over are not as business savvy and don't understand that, as Don Corleone said, blood costs money.

I'm fortunate to be in a very safe area in the very safe state of Sonora.

Saludos

tricepilot · 10-14-2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turkeycreek

I'm fortunate to be in a very safe area in the very safe state of Sonora.

Sounds like a hotel owner

Turkeycreek · 10-14-2012, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricepilot

Sounds like a hotel owner

But I'm a rider and I love Mexico. I want the best for this country and for visitors here. I can say honestly that I have never sugarcoated the situation here.

Saludos

tricepilot · 10-14-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turkeycreek

I can say honestly that I have never sugarcoated the situation here.

I have proof that you have:

Turkeycreek · 10-14-2012, 09:43 AM

That would be Mrs. TC, she is much sweeter than I am.

MikeMike · 10-14-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSAragazzi

Hey thanks for the clarification! I feel much better now knowing that it was Federales bullets and not Army! What a relief, those hurt way less plus have a number of bullet fired to kill ratio way lower than the Army's! Oh yeah, good to know the car was grey not gold too. That makes a big difference, never mind that the Embassy only uses GM and black as standard.

but you are right MikeMike I should not have posted w/o knowing all the facts, all I knew was from word of mouth. My bad.

Schizz, the big bad gringo man with the special warfare badge made me cry!

Hey, it's all good! Maybe if he comes down he can meet mi Tia "Tuchi".

And in other news...photo up date from the 1st Annual Rally La Ruta del Cafe in La Esperanza coming up.
Craneguy and I are going to make the evening news out of Xalapa.

Andres and Arte did a helluva job along with all the great people in La Esperanza to put on a really good motorcycle event!

10-14-2012, 07:56 AM	#10673
GSAragazzi Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2012 Location: The Purgatory of Suburbia Oddometer: 432	[QUOTE=MikeMike;19813579]Here's the link that shows a gray Toyota (used by embassy people and not just DEA) and it was Mexican Federal police and not "the army". And no, it wasn't a case of confused ID. [URL]http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/ap-exclusive-official-says-organized-crime-possible-in-attack-on-cia-officers-in-mexico/2012/10/02/c07d0df2-0ccc-11e2-97a7-45c05ef136b2_story.html[/ Hey thanks for the clarification! I feel much better now knowing that it was Federales bullets and not Army! What a relief, those hurt way less plus have a number of bullet fired to kill ratio way lower than the Army's! Oh yeah, good to know the car was grey not gold too. That makes a big difference, never mind that the Embassy only uses GM and black as standard. but you are right MikeMike I should not have posted w/o knowing all the facts, all I knew was from word of mouth. My bad. On a serious note, feel bad that such a great part of the world is turning into a place to avoid. If it was me riding solo i would take the chances but my wife/ kids not worth the try. This is why I'm asking for people's views of the situation on the ground. __________________ "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday"

10-14-2012, 08:27 AM	#10674
SchizzMan del siglo XX Joined: Dec 2009 Location: Austin, Tx. Oddometer: 5,850	We try to keeps the facts straight around here. __________________ '09 WR250R, '12 R1200GSA "As long as there's a horizon and I can see it, then I want to know what's there, mentally, physically and visually" - rtwpaul

10-14-2012, 08:53 AM	#10675
Turkeycreek Gringo Viejo Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Banámichi, Sonora, Mexico Oddometer: 461	On a serious note, feel bad that such a great part of the world is turning into a place to avoid. If it was me riding solo i would take the chances but my wife/ kids not worth the try. This is why I'm asking for people's views of the situation on the ground.[/QUOTE] GSAragazzi, I won't try to minimize the events in Tres Marias but per the WaPo article, the agents had been traveling back and forth to the camp many times and they were specifically targeted. A solo rider or even a small group is likely not going to be noticed if they are passing through an area. No one is going to pay some bad cops to go after a few turistas. But in the final analysis, you must make your own assessments and use your own judgement about the risks to you and your family. But please make them based not only on the facts of this situation (facts often being a hard thing to come by in Mexico) but on the broader picture of how the violence happens and where. As the article says, the cartels have lost their top guys and the second and third tier guys who have taken over are not as business savvy and don't understand that, as Don Corleone said, blood costs money. I'm fortunate to be in a very safe area in the very safe state of Sonora. Saludos __________________ Mexico - Dream, Discover, Ride Hotel Los Arcos, Northern Sonora's Motorcycle Haven http://www.losarcossonora.com

10-14-2012, 09:43 AM	#10679
Turkeycreek Gringo Viejo Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Banámichi, Sonora, Mexico Oddometer: 461	That would be Mrs. TC, she is much sweeter than I am. __________________ Mexico - Dream, Discover, Ride Hotel Los Arcos, Northern Sonora's Motorcycle Haven http://www.losarcossonora.com

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10-13-2012, 06:10 PM	#10668
MikeMike Beastly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2009 Location: South east Mexico Oddometer: 2,425	I thought it was Federales that shot, and that is why some of them are stll locked up here. Mexican government admitted it wasnt a mistake. Steve, you still got time tomorrow for another try? Or shall we do it with Doug sometime later?

10-14-2012, 03:52 AM	#10672
MikeMike Beastly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2009 Location: South east Mexico Oddometer: 2,425	Note to Andres, plan the next rally in November! Tlaloc is usually sleeping then. Steve, the way back was fun, they delayed flights and rerouted some planes, that's how intense it was. See you in a couple of hours, we'll make it this time. The password is "Give me La Esperanza, or give me a dry crotch". LOL! Los retachan! 13 Octubre, 2012 07:22:00 Por el mal tiempo imperante en el Golfo de México, que afecto la visibilidad por intensa lluvia en el aeropuerto internacional ´General Heriberto Jara Corona´, de Veracruz, Ver., cuatro vuelos fueron desviados a terminales alternas y otros dos retrasados en su despegue, confirmo la Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de la SCT. Por ANTONIO MARIN Reportero de NOTIVER Los pasajeros resultaron afectados por las inclemencias del tiempo, ya que su vuelo correspondiente a la línea Viva Aerobús y Aeroméxico procedentes de Monterrey y la Ciudad de México, fueron desviados a la terminal de Villa Hermosa, Tab., donde permanecieron hasta que mejoro la visibilidad en la terminal local. El síntesis el atraso fue de aproximadamente de dos horas, debido a la lluvia que azoto con rudeza en la demarcación del aeródromo lo cual perjudicaba las condiciones de seguridad para los aterrizajes y despegues clorrespondientemente.