Is Mexico Safe?

[dcstrom]

So I'm riding through the mountains toward Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, when I spot 2 big ADV bikes on the side of the road. I pull over - one's a 1000 Strom, the other's a Caponord. Introductions all round - John from Atlanta on the Caponord and this other guy with an unpronounceable name from Ontario on the V-Strom. It was something like "Sjoerde"... well pretty soon the penny dropped and I realized I was talking to THE Sjoerde, I just didn't recognize him without the "well used" KLR.

MikeMike, I'm sorry mate, Sjoerd asked me if I had his book of hotels, I had to tell him yes, and MikeMike gave it to me.

I told him I'd plug it here to make up for the lost sale

Excellent general travel info and cheap hotel guide for Mexico and Central America - go here
http://advrider.com/forums/showpost....9&postcount=93

Once I'd hooked up with Sjoerde and John, I didn't need the guide book - for that night anyway. We followed Sjoerde to a nice hotel a few minutes walk from the Centro in Quetzeltenango, $10/night.

When we got to the lobby there's a couple sitting there in street clothes. After cursory introductions, they seemed to know all about us. Turned out it was Hectoglider from Ontario and wife Rosie, riding 250 Sherpas south. They'd used Sjoerde's book to find the hotel. (hope to see you again on the road somewhere)

Next morning we lined up for the obligatory pic, then I headed to the beach at Montirrico and they turned back toward Mexico. Great meeting you guys.

John, me, Sjoerde

[Turkeycreek]

It is great meeting other riders, especially other inmates. You are looking good, Trevor

[tricepilot]

Outstanding

[Hektoglider]

It was great meeting you. I wondered how did these 3 bikes manage to find the hotel? The must have "the"guide.
I had planned to post and tell Sjeorde how good his book has been for us, but it was much better to tell him in person as well as have him show us stuff on the map. I hope to see you further down the road.
Is Mexico safe? You can make your own choices eh. Is it safe to fart if your stomache feels funny? Heh.

[jimmex]

Very cool. I know Hecto from the transsierra off road trips we used to do. (Following Gaspipe around). I met dcstrom in Oaxaca this last New Year's trip.
Small world. Of course I have Sjoerd's treatise as well.

[Hektoglider]

Jimmex that's some crazy riding up in the Tres Rios-Madera area.
I am still stunned by the stuff in Veracruz that MikeMike sent us through.
One of these years there needs to be a reunion of riders in Huachinera or Creel. Kinda a repeat of 06 or another Chabochis( which I missed )

[jimmex]

Originally Posted by Hektoglider

Jimmex that's some crazy riding up in the Tres Rios-Madera area.
I am still stunned by the stuff in Veracruz that MikeMike sent us through.
One of these years there needs to be a reunion of riders in Huachinera or Creel. Kinda a repeat of 06 or another Chabochis( which I missed )

Mos def. That ride from the border to Huchinera, Mesa Tres Rios, Madera, Creel is just magical. I'm looking forward to doing it again.

[miguelito]

Originally Posted by dcstrom

John, me, Sjoerde

Those are the two guys I met near Pena Blanca in the Sierra Gorda a few weeks ago on my ride back to SMA from Xilitla :We met two other gringo cyclists there, one on a black 2009 VStrom 1000 from Canada, and the other from Alabama, (I think), on an Aprillia Caponord."

[Pedro Navaja]

I just got his books a few of weeks ago. More out of curiosity than anything. But now that I've got them, what a great set of books! He's combined the Mexico and Central America editions now into one book. I've actually stayed in a few of these hotels. His descriptions are very good. I would highly recommend the purchase to any riders here, noob or experienced wrt Mexico and Central America.

Originally Posted by dcstrom

... I realized I was talking to THE Sjoerde...asked me if I had his book of hotels...

John, me, Sjoerde

[Pedro Navaja]

Originally Posted by patched

You seem pretty familiar with the Piedras Negras crossing. Is there any advantages to crossing there instead of Ciudad Acuna as far as early office hours for paperwork? I was going to cross in Acuna just because i can get out of the van and on the bike 55 miles sooner. I found a RV park in Del Rio where i can store the van for $80.00 a month. But nothing set in stone yet. Thanks

I've used P.N. and Acuna.

If you get your TVIP via the internet, then you can get your tourist card right there at Acuna. If you cross at P.N., then you have to wait until you get to Allende before you can get the tourist card. Allende is also where you get the TVIP if you did not get one via internet. The road from Acuna to Allende is not considered as "safe" as just heading straight down from P.N., but I have never had a problem. Watch for animals on the road from Acuna to Allende, and be advised you will go through several towns with topes.

[tricepilot]

Did you pick anything up from Boys Town in Cd. Acuña?

[PirateJohn]

Originally Posted by tricepilot

Did you pick anything up from Boys Town in Cd. Acuña?

Penicillin? I presume they have a farmacia - Nuevo Laredo used to ;)


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[rockymountainoyster]

Rode one of MikeMike's routes today, the "Jimmy Ride" Phenomenal! 300 miles round trip from the Rivoli Select. Great breakfast stop that some of you have also enjoyed.

Someone posted about knocking out 450 miles in Mex in one day. Why?

[PirateJohn]

Originally Posted by rockymountainoyster

Rode one of MikeMike's routes today, the "Jimmy Ride" Phenomenal! 300 miles round trip from the Rivoli Select. Great breakfast stop that some of you have also enjoyed.

Someone posted about knocking out 450 miles in Mex in one day. Why?

A friend of mine who was active in the Iron Butt Association told me that he did a 550 mile day in Mexico or Central America one day. He said that he'd never do it again.


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[acejones]

Why would anyone roar through Mexico ?