Radioman Rides the World.......

[paul56]

Please don't ever apologize for posting too many pics! Loving this report. You guys are inspiring and entertaining. I check in almost every day.
Safe travels to you both.

[WakeDude]

Thanks for the pictures of Dos Ojos. There are many smaller cenotes around that area, unfortunately the last time I was down there last year I was unable to visit Dos Ojos. Continue to have a great time!

Also, I know you guys might not want to do the touristy thing, but there are two great natural waterparks in the area. Xel-ha and Xcaret, both are awesome theme parks that differ greatly from Wet-n-Wild Cancun.

-Alex

[Cheezer]

Hey Radioman, Great report!!!

I am following behind you, I'm 50 miles north of Douglas and will be crossing in the next week or so, after I do some maintanance before I cross. Thanks, your border crossing will help me alot!
I was wonddering if you noticed if there is much camping areas as you went south, maybe the National Parks?
I plan on riding the west coast down and around over to the Yucatan area, never know I might catch up??

Keep having Fun and Safe Travels to you 2!!!!!!

[rjmorel]

Radio, what camera do you use for the snorkling pics and is it the same one you use for all the great above water pics? thanks, rj in walla walla

[1TrackSam]

Great pictures, my wife and I first went to Cancun when there were no high rise hotels, etc. Tulum has now gotten to be a respit, I noted the place where you stayed. Thanks so much, it was 27 and foggy for the Shriners Toy Ride thus AM.
Enjoy the warmth!

[Radioman]

Originally Posted by Sludge

Make sure you stop by Oscar and Lalo's. It is on the west side of the road at the entrance to Soliman Bay just north of Tulum. Have been drooling for their salsa since I left. Look for the big huge palapas.

Sludge, Drove by but did not have time to stop ;(

[iDave]

Good morning Mark . Loving your report! You and Sam look to be having the time of your life . Enjoy this day ( I know you will!) .

[Radioman]

We got back from the amazing Cenote Snorkeling afternoon. Our hut is on the left.



We had met a British woman when we checked in. Her name is Sara and she was very friendly so we asked if she wanted to meet for a beer later. She was working at the place painting the insides of the cabanas with Maya artwork. Very cool.

Sara is engaged to Damaris and they will be getting married when they return to the UK soon. It was one of those evenings that we just had a great time. Not sure that I can capture how it all transpired..... or all the conversations.

Started off with a Bike ride down the main road .... in the dark....





We got to the first place and had a drink and Talked. Meet Sara and Damaris



Really lovely woman. Sara was very direct and to the point. Making it clear what she thought. We heard the story of how they met, and there lives together. Traveling has been good for them. Sara and Sam got along great. Both Woman had personal experience with Alzheimer's Disease, so that we a compassionate conversation. Damaris is Deaf, but reads lips very well, and speaks well too!



We skipped to another place for a bit, and Sam had been talking about getting a drink with an umbrella in it once we reached this area.... So we tried. Bartender did not have one.... So he improvised.





We then had dinner. Sara was helping Sam with Spanish vocabulary ..... and what was on his plate.



Then she was helping cook my dinner.



The music was rolling so......



Then we rode the bicycles back down the road. Fortunately I had my headlamp on...



After a great evening out on the town. Time for some sleep.



We really had a great evening with Sara and Damaris. to both of you. Thanks for the great time!!


.

[Radioman]

Last Day in Mexico for me. Have traveled 4,000 miles, 13 Mexican states, More Topes than I can could in the last 7 weeks. We will ride into Belize this morning for a couple days, then Sam will be turning north toward Idaho, and I will be crossing the border into Guatemala to see Takal.

Before we left Tulum, Sara needed to give my bike a go



Back out the main beach road.



More Topes. Will miss them



The Topes not only slow traffic down, but also are a place from vendors to sell to passing vehicles.





Looks like I am not done with Topes yet....



we rode to Bacalar which was just 130 miles south and only about 30 miles to the Belizean Border......

[tofire409]

Love the report and all the pictures!!

I hope that when you and Sam part ways, that your journey stays fun for you (and Sam on his return).

You have many, many people wishing you well...

Ride safe, and continue the joy


Thank you again for the simply amazing ride report that you are doing!

[busdriver803]

I look forward to every update and have enjoyed every word and photo. Hope someday to be able to follow part of your trail. Looking forward to your exploration and feelings about Belize, I hope to visit this area in the near future.
Wishing both you and Sam continuing safe and exciting journeys .

[Cal]

Radioman
You will have a short rest from the topes in Belice and then come Guatemala they return as Tumulos and are generally higher!

remember to buy insurance at the Belize border they will ask for it at a police check point futher down the road I crossed at Chetumal on a Sunday and the insurance office was closed so I bought the cop lunch at the check point.

[Patrick46]

Originally Posted by tofire409

Love the report and all the pictures!!

I hope that when you and Sam part ways, that your journey stays fun for you (and Sam on his return).

You have many, many people wishing you well...

Ride safe, and continue the joy


Thank you again for the simply amazing ride report that you are doing!

Well said!

[Radioman]

Thoughts about our ride through Mexico.

As we have traveled the length of Mexico we have seen difference with the terrain, climate and the people. In the North or the “Frontier States” the concern for violence is more evident and the people a bit more reserved with us. We really noticed when we hit the State of Oaxaca that the towns were neater, the people friendlier and the Indigenous people more plentiful and interesting. Just our observations, but we had this discussion with two Australian brothers we met in San Cristobal. They had a very similar experience and view.

Infrastructure: It feels like we are back 40-60 years ago in the USA where out of the big cities the roads are dirt in the towns and villages. Not much plumbing.

Responsibility: again it feels like 30-40 years ago in the US, where people used to be responsible for themselves. If you ride in the back of an open Pick up and fall out, it’s Your issue, no one to sue. Same with riding with two-three- four people on a moped. We saw families together Dad, Mom small Child all riding no gear or helmets. We kept saying, not like this in the US. People are responsible for themselves. No money for safety gear, so you make due with what you have.

People: The people of Mexico have been wonderful. We had been warned so much about the dangers of the Cartels and Narco’s, so you are focused on this. But as you spend time, and you get to interact with the locals you begin to see it differently. The Mexicans have been friendly and helpful the whole trip. We kept to the off the road by 3PM, so we could relax and explore a bit.

Travelers: We have had time that we have not seen many other travelers, only met up with Lars and Harrietta for lunch (ADV couple riding to TDF). We have also met some other travelers from around the world in the Hostel we stayed in. It has been fun to share stories and experiences. Douglas from the UK was great to meet and talk with as we talked about the world, politics, religion etc.

Drivers: The truckers turn on their blinkers to let you know it is clear to pass. (of course we are cautious lest someone is coming the other way but so far they have been correct). The other drivers turn on flashers if they are driving slow, and they also move over to the right edge to let you pass. Some flash their headlight, some in greetings, others to tell us of an issue ahead on the road. Very interesting.

Roads. Lots of variables with Road conditions. You can have great road, then up comes a Tope (speedbump), potholes, really uneven pavement, gravel, Donkeys etc. Best to keep the speed down, and stay alert. We rode many great twisty roads through the mountains, awesome vista, and scenery. But not too many pull outs to get photos. We had many Military and Police checkpoints. Never had any issues, mostly just asked where we were going, couple times they asked for paperwork but mainly waved us through. At first they seem intimidating, but we got used to them, and they are just doing their jobs. We felt Safe the whole trip. Again we were cautious about not putting ourselves in anyplace that would be a problem.

Food: Mexican feed is nothing like the US Mexican food. That is obvious. In the north there was not too much variety. Although, we got hooked on stopping at roadside Pollo Asada stands. Yummy! As we got further south we had excellent Seafood, and other varieties. Other than me being really sick once, we have done fine with all the food even from roadside food stands. Yummy.

As a quick summary: We had a good trip of our 7 weeks in Mexico. More Spanish on our part would have helped when asking questions, directions or just trying to interact. The heat and humidity in the pacific coast was a bit hard on us PNW riders, we enjoyed the mountains and the Yucatan for climate ☺

[cbmma1969]

Originally Posted by paul56

Please don't ever apologize for posting too many pics! Loving this report. You guys are inspiring and entertaining. I check in almost every day.
Safe travels to you both.

+1 The pictures help tell the story.