Is Mexico Safe?

[Pedro Navaja]

Originally Posted by Bato

The bridge at Sabinas is up the rest of the road to Saltillo is a blast...even more fun if you take the libre let me know if you are going

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Thanks Bato. I know 57 is good. The road I am wondering about is MEX 40 from Monterrey to Saltillo. I heard it was washed out bad, both cuota and libre, but especially the libre. Haven't got dates set yet, was just talking to Chango about it yesterday.

I've taken 57 in three times before. It's a great road. The Zerrweck brothers are there in Monclova too and are the local motorcycle gods. I just like hanging out in Saltillo and some of the other towns like Parras, Cuatrocienegas, etc.

[acejones]

Originally Posted by Pedro Navaja

Thanks Bato. I know 57 is good. The road I am wondering about is MEX 40 from Monterrey to Saltillo. I heard it was washed out bad, both cuota and libre, but especially the libre. Haven't got dates set yet, was just talking to Chango about it yesterday.

I've taken 57 in three times before. It's a great road. The Zerrweck brothers are there in Monclova too and are the local motorcycle gods. I just like hanging out in Saltillo and some of the other towns like Parras, Cuatrocienegas, etc.

Where do you like to stay in Saltillo ?

[ChangoGS]

Originally Posted by acejones

Where do you like to stay in Saltillo ?

Could be wrong but, Legend has it that he might stay at a 200 year old Hacienda . Who knows?????

[Arte]

Originally Posted by divemaster

So the official law in Mexico is helmets are required........as I remember from 2 years ago I rode without one but with it prominently displayed and had no problems.



Any thoughts? Other than that I should be wearing one! :)

it is required by law in al Mexico, but there are many towns where Transitos (traffic police) just let it go.
Here in reynosa I have seen many transitos riding without helmet, and also I have never seen they pull over a biker (not even those without licence plate)

[WakeDude]

The "top tips" I have gotten in regards to travel in Mexico have been...

1. No travelling at night (Animals, Road hazards and Bandidos)
2. Stay clear of large cities.
3. Don't dress flashy. (Might be a problem as my Rev'It gear is somewhat flashy)
4. Don't drink the water (beer tastes better anyways)
5. Go to Mexico, it is a blast...

Am I forgetting anything? I am planning a 3-month trip next year and the only country that is worrying me somewhat is Mexico, the rest of Central America seems tame in comparison. Also, I have been searching plenty but what is a good resource for paper maps in regards to MX/Baja and Central America? Thanks.

-Alex

[going south]

For main land Mexico: I like the Guia Rojo, you can get them on line in english or spanish some of the larger stores in Mexico have them also, for Baja go with the Baja Almanac... the bible.......
The Guia Roja also covers Baja, but not to the extent the Almanac does...

Have fun....

[jimmex]

Originally Posted by WakeDude

The "top tips" I have gotten in regards to travel in Mexico have been...

1. No travelling at night (Animals, Road hazards and Bandidos)
2. Stay clear of large cities.
3. Don't dress flashy. (Might be a problem as my Rev'It gear is somewhat flashy)
4. Don't drink the water (beer tastes better anyways)
5. Go to Mexico, it is a blast...

Am I forgetting anything? I am planning a 3-month trip next year and the only country that is worrying me somewhat is Mexico, the rest of Central America seems tame in comparison. Also, I have been searching plenty but what is a good resource for paper maps in regards to MX/Baja and Central America? Thanks.

-Alex

C.A. way more dangerous than Mexico for the regular guy.

[tricepilot]

Originally Posted by jimmex

C.A. way more dangerous than Mexico for the regular guy.

That's what I was thinking.

Plus disagree with the "stay away from big cities" part.

[PirateJohn]

Originally Posted by WakeDude

The "top tips" I have gotten in regards to travel in Mexico have been...

1. No travelling at night (Animals, Road hazards and Bandidos)
2. Stay clear of large cities.
3. Don't dress flashy. (Might be a problem as my Rev'It gear is somewhat flashy)
4. Don't drink the water (beer tastes better anyways)
5. Go to Mexico, it is a blast...

Point 1: Agreed.

Point 2: I might disagree with some of the guys here because many like to go to small towns but I personally enjoy nightclubs, industry, good food, and so forth. So there are some cities that I really enjoy: Monterrey, Reynosa, Mazatlan, etc. I also like the tourist area of Tijuana, tacky as it may be to some.

I think that most of us would say to be wary (or avoid completely) Juarez right now.

I personally would avoid New York City on a bike but the more that I hear about the DF (Mexico City) the more tempted I am to ride there sometime.

Anyway, my $.02 worth.

Point 3: Go ahead and wear your normal riding clothes; you can't hide the fact that you are a gringo moto tourist. But leave your Rolex and gold chains at home.

Point 4: The water in many Mexican cities is no worse than the water in many small south Texas towns; no one drinks that crap either. It's 2011 and the Mexican water stories are greatly overrated these days but I'd avoid drinking the tap water just the same.

Point 5: Bingo!

[Bato]

Originally Posted by Pedro Navaja

Thanks Bato. I know 57 is good. The road I am wondering about is MEX 40 from Monterrey to Saltillo. I heard it was washed out bad, both cuota and libre, but especially the libre. Haven't got dates set yet, was just talking to Chango about it yesterday.


I've taken 57 in three times before. It's a great road. The Zerrweck brothers are there in Monclova too and are the local motorcycle gods. I just like hanging out in Saltillo and some of the other towns like Parras, Cuatrocienegas, etc.

It should be ok now the cuota I was there in December and they were cleaning it up already read and enjoyed your reports seems you have friends there ...My sister leaves there .

Originally Posted by acejones

Where do you like to stay in Saltillo ?

John Wayne used to stay at EL HUZACHE

[Pedro Navaja]

Originally Posted by acejones

Where do you like to stay in Saltillo ?

I like El Morillo. It's on the south side of the town. It used to be a hacienda. Some of the old buildings are still there, the chapel, etc. Very nice. Not expensive. I see they have redone their website. http://www.hotelsaltillo.com/

As you know there are many abandoned haciendas in Mexico. Ghost towns, not tourist attractions. They just sit out there rotting away. Makes for good adventure riding. Very good book on the hacienda and encomienda system in Mexico is http://www.amazon.com/Society-Coloni...7776542&sr=8-1 You can get a copy at the local library if they have inter-library loan. I've been doing a lot of personal research on that topic and also religious art. The Saltillo cathedral has one of the finest collections of religious art in the world. Much of the religious art of Mexico disappeared during the 1910 revolution, and more again during La Cristiada war.

[tricepilot]

^ Just snagged that book off of Amazon thanks Mike

[tricepilot]

Originally Posted by ChangoGS

Can we get a word from the Sponsor ?????

.

[devil8dirt]

Be very careful filming with helmet cam in Copper Canyon. Don't take pictures of anyone. Personally know of two riders beaten up. Use common sense.

[WakeDude]

Originally Posted by tricepilot

That's what I was thinking.

Plus disagree with the "stay away from big cities" part.

Noted.

Originally Posted by going south

For main land Mexico: I like the Guia Rojo, you can get them on line in english or spanish some of the larger stores in Mexico have them also, for Baja go with the Baja Almanac... the bible.......
The Guia Roja also covers Baja, but not to the extent the Almanac does...

Have fun....

Will look for both, thank you.

Originally Posted by jimmex

C.A. way more dangerous than Mexico for the regular guy.

I might be a regular guy, but how so?