The Gap Year complete

It's finally here. After years of dreaming and months of planning, I am on the road. Saying goodbye to friends and riding away from a comfortable life was daunting. I'm still asking myself, what the heck have I done? My friend, Ken, and I left LA Friday morning and headed South to Julian, where we ducked in to the pie shop since we were being tailed by a CHP.
From Julian we took the Sunrise Highway south to Jacumba Hot Springs, a funky little border hotel that served us way too much tequila. Saturday morning, hungover, we said out goodbyes in Ocotillo and Ken went North and I went East.... droning...for over 450 miles...on a fricking Interstate... in 107 to 109f temps. 109f on a bike is survival mode. I kept my camelbak filled with ice water and just clicked off the miles. When it dropped down to 103, it was a welcome respite! Then the thunderstorms came. My last 50 or 60 miles was in the rain but the heavy storm was moving ahead of me... going right where I was going. Lightning storms on a bike are unnerving but the terrain was rolling hills so I felt I had some cover. Except for the last 5 miles...flat, treeless, open space with just me and the lightning bolts. Luckily the storm stayed just ahead of me and had passed thru Douglas, AZ by the time I arrived.
This morning, I cross The Wall and head toward Banamichi and Tom's place.

Ahh, the pie... if you're in the neighborhood

I'll be following along. That was a big day 702 miles! Crossing the border you will be in Km and a chance to slow it down a little.
cheers

There must be an entrance here somewhere

I have ridden that fence road near Bisbee and Naco.....the Border Patrol was glassing me the whole time.
You look so clean and new....

N!

Yeah and Mexico is going to pay for it!

I’m following, George. It’s gonna be epic!

Departure was fun...pouring rain. It was a welcome change from the heat but not the way I wanted to start the day. So I hung out in the hotel lobby for a little bit until I couldn't wait any longer and just got on with it. Once I was fueled up I followed the signs and was across the border. No cars, no traffic, no red light to see the Officer. There was nobody else but me in the Aduana so even with my lack of Spanish it was friendly and straightforward. Got my FMM, paid a dollar for copies of my license, registration and visa, went to the Banjercito counter and paid my tourist visa. (I already had my TVIP from the LA Consulate.)

Had to stop and pay my respects as I nearly drowned in a thunderstorm and there was a vado ahead with algae bottom and swift current. But after the terrifying thunderstorm the algae crossing was a non event.

And now I'm relaxing at the Hotel Los Arcos. Not sure why my tracks aren't showing on the map (and I forgot to activate the REVER app.)

Beautiful hotel eh!

Glad you made across with no problems !

Keep sending reports, the rest of us are living vicariously!!

After the wonderful ride South thru the rolling hills of Sonora, the major downpour and a couple of very muddy, wet vados, it was a real treat to settle in at the Hotel Los Arcos and the warm welcoming hospitality of Tom and Lynn. I don't want to leave...

Subscribed! Keep posting when you have time/internet!

Ride well and enjoy yourself, you're going to have a blast! Saludos.

Pictures of Los Arcos look great! Enjoy it man!!

Welcome to Mexico! I'll be following along.

Truly a pleasure to host you at Los Arcos and be a tiny part of your story.

St. George slew a dragon, you 're taking on 2 continents. Bien Viaje.