Adv Riders in Guatemala

[CHAPIN]

Originally Posted by El Explorador

Hola everyone, displaced Guatemalan finally back in mi tierra here and loving it!

Looking to replace the rear on my KLR650, I got a quote for about 160 US for a rear Heidenau. I understand chinese tires are pretty popular and cheap here... I've gotten pretty handy replacing tires (and you can imagine how fun that is on tubeless heide's...) so I don't need longevity as much as value.

Any suggestions? At the moment it still seems like the heide is my best bet, I'll be doing more road than off on the way down to Panama I reckon.

I'm hanging out in Guatemala city for a while getting everything together, and then will spend some time cruising around the country - I want to get to Semuc, Mirador, Candelaria, Coban, and all the fun stuff in between. Anything I'm missing on the way in that loop?

If I've got the bike in one piece next time y'all head out I'd love to join in, I'll be watching the thread!

Suzuki dealer has some good tires at cheap prices. You can get Kenda tires at Repuestos Total, they have a store next to Torre del Reformador.

Also, if you need any tools just send me a message, I'll be more than glad to set you up.

[Catours]

Originally Posted by richsuz

SO, regarding the question, roads to AVOID, none. Guatemala is not more dangerous than any other country, I wouldn't go out with my children if it were. In fact, the only place that I would avoid in this country would be the city, ironically that is were I live...

BTW, I took a couple of riders around lake Atitlan about a month ago. There was plenty of police around the area, no need to request escort. Different patrol cars followed us from Santa Lucia Utatlán to Santiago La laguna, without asking...

Great shots Richard! I can first-hand second this advice. Just went for a great ride around the HueHue/Quiche/Alta Verapaz regions and fell in love with Guatemala all over again!

Check out the ride report in progress here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=852672

[richsuz]

It is my intention to fill this thread with all inclusive reports about Guatemala. So here is an entry from a couple of inmates I met a few months ago, while traveling through Guatemala. If you run into them in SA, have a beer with them. Alex (Anjisan) and Andreea are a wonderful pair.

http://micadu.ro/en/guatemala-hotels/

[richsuz]

Originally Posted by Catours

Great shots Richard! I can first-hand second this advice. Just went for a great ride around the HueHue/Quiche/Alta Verapaz regions and fell in love with Guatemala all over again!

Check out the ride report in progress here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=852672

Thanks Chris. Right back at you! I would love to have a RR with expense details as yours, but this vacation was a family outing and expense records were not a priority. We stayed in three locations only, classified as as "posadas rurales". I highly recommend all three of them for different reasons...

Posada Rural Finca Chaculá (Huehuetenango): is a Community owned/run hotel. NO electricity, Gas lamps are used for ilumination. Running hot water, fireplace, breakfast included. Q150 pp. As remote as you can get with easy access road. All proceeds go directly to Community improvement and Isaias (the current manager) is also the auxiliary mayor. Wonderful and friendly host. If you are interested in a local guide for touring the region, I recommend you ask for Rocael Perez. What a fun guy/guide to hang with.

Posada Rural Unicornio Azul (Huehuetenango): is a very fancy hotel (in terms of posadas rurales), were you can ride horses as well. from Q130 to Q230 pp. Breakfast included. The place is very cold, no fireplace, but hot waterbags are provided to warm up the beds.

Finca Mil Amores (Quiché): is a working Milk farm where the famous Chancol Cheese is produced. Wonderful location near Nebaj. Four bungalow, hot water, fireplace, GREAT and abundant meals and INCREDIBLE hosts. MY FAVORITE PLACE in GUATEMALA!!! Been there five times in one year...Q150 pp, Breakfast Q45 (worth every bite, farm produced milk, cream, butter, eggs and you can taste the difference amongst the three places) Q55 lunch and Q45 dinner.

NO WIFI at any location....

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by richsuz

SO, regarding the question, roads to AVOID, none. Guatemala is not more dangerous than any other country, I wouldn't go out with my children if it were.

Great pics , BTW !!!

[CHAPIN]

So what about the Guatemalan ADV meeting? Are we going to organize one?

[El Explorador]

Hey everyone,

The Shoei site doesn't seem to list Guatemalan dealers - any chance I can find a visor around here or am I SOL?

[richsuz]

Originally Posted by CHAPIN

So what about the Guatemalan ADV meeting? Are we going to organize one?

I don't see why not. Guaterider said he had a few ideas but he hasn't shared them, yet. Whe are all .I have a son visiting from overseas until Mid Feb, so I have to make the most of my time with him until then.

[richsuz]

Originally Posted by el explorador

hey everyone,

the shoei site doesn't seem to list guatemalan dealers - any chance i can find a visor around here or am i sol?

sol

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by richsuz

I don't see why not. Guaterider said he had a few ideas but he hasn't shared them, yet. Whe are all .I have a son visiting from overseas until Mid Feb, so I have to make the most of my time with him until then.

I had my sons in from overseas as well, the last one is flying out on Sunday . So starting next week I am available and happy to share my ideas

[CHAPIN]

I believe the guys at Motopolis should be able to get shoei shields.

[El Explorador]

I will look into that right away, thanks!

Originally Posted by CHAPIN

I believe the guys at Motopolis should be able to get shoei shields.

[MarGyver]

Originally Posted by Catours

Antigua is a great town, you will definitely enjoy it. As far as safety, Antigua is probably one of the safest towns here in Guatemala. It is a big tourist destination.

As for hotels, there are tons of options depending on budget. El Hostal (http://www.elhostal.hostel.com/) is a great budget option w/ free breakfast included. On the other end of the spectrum is El Marques (http://www.elmarquesdeantigua.com/), higher end but very nice with plenty of secure parking. A lot of other options.

Let us know when you decide to come, always welcome in Moto Cafe!

Thanks! I will let you know. that really sounds great,

[GuateRider]

My sons are gone, in 2 days I move in to my new house,by then my flu should be gone as well...so no more excuses left for not getting this meeting set up
A few questions before I put my ideas and suggestions out for discussion:

Should it be done on a weekend? Or the whole week?
Should the location also have camping facilities?
The more we are,the cheaper food and housing will be,if we negotiate it in advance. How can we assure the assistance of everybody who says so?

Looking forward to your ideas!


Julio

[CHAPIN]

Originally Posted by GuateRider

My sons are gone, in 2 days I move in to my new house,by then my flu should be gone as well...so no more excuses left for not getting this meeting set up
A few questions before I put my ideas and suggestions out for discussion:

Should it be done on a weekend? Or the whole week?
Should the location also have camping facilities?
The more we are,the cheaper food and housing will be,if we negotiate it in advance. How can we assure the assistance of everybody who says so?

Looking forward to your ideas!


Julio

Weekend works best for me. But I can adapt