Is it critical that you get a room In Ajijic ? It is after all a notorious tourist burg rife with housing developments for aged ( possibly horny ) snow birds and ex- pats from up north and (ditto) executive types from Guadalajara (ditto )who drive prices up. Consider looking a few km west in Jocotepec which is more of a regular Mexican working town with several good hotels which are less likely to have such expensive ( and "") tastes . You will still be in the lake side area close enough by Ajijic.
Sorry, but being a bit dense, I do not understand the "Francis" reference. I suspect it was not meant as complementary. Oh well. Carry on.
I'm guessing it's a Stripes reference. But I could be wrong. Now to things regarding the theme of "Is Mexico Safe". Would I be "safer" traveling 45D out of Zac to Guadalajara or 54? thanks! 54 looks more interesting/safe for riding.
45D ZAC to GDL ????Not even close to safe . Because neither the 45D nor 45 LIBRE runs to Guadalajara. You might ride the 45 as far as Aguascalientes where you could trade it for Mex 70 west to Mex 54 or Mex 71 south and eventually connect onto Mex 80 to Guadalajara . At Zacatecas you do have the choice between Mex 54 and Mex 23 , both excellent routes where the 23 is somewhat less busy in a higher valley system .Both are interesting motorcycle roads . At Zac you would start south on 54 and after 30km turn west on the cross connector from Malpaso to Jerez . If you have ridden one then now is the time to ride the other . If you have ridden BOTH then now you are obligated , NO exception!, to ride to JEREZ and take the state highway 358 NORTHWEST to Mex 44 which you can then follow southwest and west to Estacion Ruiz and eventually to Guadalajara by using Mex 15 . This will take a few days more , but ,hey, why not . ? I hope you didn't think I would let you off with just trying to skulk down some slacker roads did you? All of these routes are safe and can be ridden on pavement with only a 15km of gravel on the 44 which any bike can do . "Stripes reference".... Leaves me thinking of the chain of gas bar-convenience stores in Texas
Thanks again, Sjoerd. I think I might end up taking 23 and then heading west the next day to Lo de marcos for some beach time! Always appreciate your input.
Consider stopping briefly to look around Teul, about 3 hours SW of ZAC on 23. Interesting swing-door bar (La Colmena) just off the central plaza, especially if you need to drain the 'little tank'. You'll understand when you see it. Los Jorges, across from the Pemex leaving town is a great lunch stop for meat lovers. Expect to encounter a few miles of road construction along this route. No biggie.
Hey, what's wrong with horny snowbirds? To stay with the safe theme, we had a spectacular ride up 175 from Oaxaca and then took a dirt road southwest to Benito Juarez at 9500'. Nice little village hoping for some eco tourists. Then down 5000' to a famous restaurant in Teotitlan del Valle Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Ha! Ya, Ajijic was not exactly what I had in mind.....!!! A little different scene than hanging on the beach in Zipolite Having said that....I went down to the malecón, had a few beers/dinner and met some really nice people. As expected, the La Nueva Posada was sold out...checked a few other places which were sold out....and Cal's suggestion was my plan C. Luckily, I was able to talk the receptionist of a "highbrow" place down to $70 for the night....the most I've paid for a room in 2.5 months on the road!!! An interesting experience and I met some nice people...but I think I'll move on to another town (Tequila for example) in the mañana....!!!
Take 54 all the way to Guadalajara. Tons of curves right before you cross into Jalisco. Take it easy, as curves are extremely dangerous and drivers coming the opposite way tend to use both lanes. Fun ride though! Stop by in Moyahua (last town in Zacatecas) at Fonda Los Burritos and enjoy their tasty tacos if you happen to ride by during the day. It's open 24/7 and at night there's always "burritos" and tasty hot chocolate. I recommend a quesadilla with a smear of beans as well! Carretera Guadalajara Saltillo km 106, Moyahua, 99980 Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico
Yep, and there's an interesting side story to that which can be told over a beverage. And my sentiments on thread name changes on ADV haven't changed.
I appreciate all the route suggestions. Only 15 more days before I hit the road. Hoping to run across some of y'all on the road!
Any hotel suggestions in San Miguel de Allende would be appreciated . Riding Oaxaca to San Miguel tommorow. Max
My go-to in SMA for years has been Posada de Las Monjas, on Canal. Just a stone's throw from El Jardín and priced super reasonable. Huge, gated parking area. Here's a Google Street View of the scene in front Another view of the front door Click up and down the street image as you like. The arch to the right is the overpass of Quebrada St. That's the direction of the Jardín 2 blocks away. Typically you just pull over at the front door and honk. Someone will come out and wave and then the large door to the parking area will open. Just ride on in and then check in. FYI the bus station is right down the street. You can walk or cab there and take a cheap bus to Guanajuato and not have to worry about your bike. If you really want to study the Guanajuato underground maze then do it by hiring a taxi.
Speaking of SMA, here's a scene near and dear to all GS Adventure riders worldwide. The Starbucks on the corner of Canal and Hildalgo, the NW corner of El Jardín. I usually wear my SIDI boots with my shorts and a EZLN t-shirt in there. LINK By the way, you IMS thread advice givers can provide Google Street Views of much of Mexico simply and quickly. All you have to do is just choose the scene in Google Street View you like and then copy the string on the HTTP address line above it (in its entirety) and paste it to the standard thread link URL box (not image box) here on Adventure Rider.
