Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Sep 2006
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 3
Road to Batopilas

I'm riding from Ohio to Creel soon. My question is about the road down into the Canyon. First I heard it is only for off-road bikes, and I've also heard it is regularly traveled by buses and trucks.

We reserved a rental Nissan 4X4 for the canyon, but now I'm wondering if my BMW RT will make it down the trail. Once down there I'd like to ride to Parral, and on south.

What is this canyon road like? How likely am I to spill along the way? Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Sep 2006
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 61
Thumbs up Do It

You should have no problems on your RT, just don't be in a hurry. Trying to go too quickly down that road could easily end up in tears. It's such incredible country along the route that you should take your time anyway!
Try to get a room at the "Hotel Mary" in Batopilas, It's very cheap (about $10 to $15 if I remember correctly) they have a small restaurant on site and secure parking at the rear.
Also, take a ride to the "Lost Mission" in Satevo about 10 kms past Batopilas. It's a very cool place!

The dirt portion of the road from Creel to Batopilas is only about 65kms, and it will likely take about 3 hours on an RT, but it is certainly do-able. You should try it - you'll love it!
A word of caution though, I wouldn't think of doing it on road tires if it looks like rain, it can get pretty greasy on smooth rubber in the wet.

Have fun!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Sep 2006
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 10
Hotels in Batopilas

Hi msg996,

Thank you about the Hotel Mary as one of the hotel in Batopilas. Do you know how to find the telephone number or e-mail address of this hotel to make a reservation in English ? I don't even know where to begin to find information about this Hotel Mary.

Thank you again,
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Hotel Mary's phone number is 649-456-9097. I put in a yahoo search for hotel batopilas and 4 options came up. Enjoy the trip the most difficult part is right at the beginning but don't get put off after about ten minutes it gets much easier.
Garry
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Sep 2006
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 3
Thanks, MSG.

Sounds like a do-able ride if the road isn't wet. Now I need to convince my riding buddy to cancel the rentatruck and make the ride. We have a reservation in Batopilas, I just don't remember if its the Hotel Mary or another. Must be another, since I recall the price being $50 for 1 night.

Anyone care to comment on the road from Batopilas to Parral?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smiler
............
Anyone care to comment on the road from Batopilas to Parral?
Well...fantastic.....might be a good description.

You may have to clutch the RT a hair when hitting some of the tight hairpens coming back up the canyon outta Batopilas. It'll be a great ride for y'all. Good memories...and all that...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Worthington Mn USA
Posts: 185
Botopiles

I rode the road 6 years ago and did it on a 1981 Goldwing. If you take it slow and it does not rain you should be fine. A friend of mine rode down on a goldwing with his wife on the back. She did not ride back out on the bike but did ride all the way in. Larry
__________________
Larry Davis
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Flagstaff; Arizona, United States
Posts: 37
Three buddies and I did the road last February on GSs, and had no problems...even with road oriented tires. Watch for some silt beds before you drop into the canyon...

It's a great ride...now, the back way to Tubares...no way I would take an RT on that!

Here's a write up of our trip:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/repo...nyon/index.php

Have Fun!

-H-
__________________
With a little love and luck, we will get by.
2003 BMW R1150GS Adventure
1983 FJ45 Land Cruiser Troop Carrier
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hltoppr
..........now, the back way to Tubares...

I'll be there in about 10 days with plans to ride the caanyon backroads/trails with 2 other riders.

Do you where maps and directions could be found?
I planned to hit up the 3 Amigos guys in Creel.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Flagstaff; Arizona, United States
Posts: 37
The three amigos map is the one to use. It's pretty up to date, and while not 100% easy to follow, will for the most part get you to Choix.

If you'd like, hit me with a PM of your fax # or address and I'll send you a copy of mine.

Just an FYI, a group of Tucson riders were held up at AK-47 point there (outside of Tubares IIRC) earlier this year, so while we didn't have any issues, keep a watchful eye.

-H-
__________________
With a little love and luck, we will get by.
2003 BMW R1150GS Adventure
1983 FJ45 Land Cruiser Troop Carrier
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: oakland, california,usa
Posts: 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hltoppr
The three amigos map is the one to use. It's pretty up to date, and while not 100% easy to follow, will for the most part get you to Choix.

If you'd like, hit me with a PM of your fax # or address and I'll send you a copy of mine.

Just an FYI, a group of Tucson riders were held up at AK-47 point there (outside of Tubares IIRC) earlier this year, so while we didn't have any issues, keep a watchful eye.

-H-
i have no idea either way but on other forums i saw this AK-47 hold up being discussed as being a rumor or at least unconfirmed. again i have no idea but would like to know since i'm heading to that area at the end of october.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Flagstaff; Arizona, United States
Posts: 37
Here are the links to the trip reports with the holdup....

http://www.seatrider.com/left%20side...n%20mexico.htm

http://www.seatrider.com/left%20side...mexico%202.htm

Hope that helps.

-H-
__________________
With a little love and luck, we will get by.
2003 BMW R1150GS Adventure
1983 FJ45 Land Cruiser Troop Carrier
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Oct 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Prescott, AZ, USA
Posts: 8
Hey H!

Here is my trip report from the area: http://www.expeditionswest.com/adven...dre/index.html

I would not ride a street bike from Batopilas to Satevo. Several washouts and lots of loose rocks, etc.
__________________
Scott Brady
Expeditions West | Overland Journal
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southampton,NY USA
Posts: 65
If I was in Batopilas on a road bike I would take it to Satevo. The road does get rougher past Batopoilas but by taking your time, it will be safe. Go early in the morning if you want to get out of the canyon that day on a road bike.
brian
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Oct 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: on the road right now
Posts: 3
road to Batopilas

hey there,

We just rode to Batopilas last week. It was a AWESOME road. You need a entire day to ride it as the photos are non-stop. As far as your bike. Just take your time and you'll be fine. We couldn't say enough good about the entire two day ride.
Watch for the locals driving down to Batopilas they tend to drive pretty fast on the corners too. They know the road so well it is most likely easy for them.
Enjoy and make the most of the day, stop at the bridge half way down for a swim in the river. Make sure you pack a lunch too. water and more water, for drinking.

kella
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Round road trip from Pakistan to London Switzerland khurramkhan Route Planning 3 13 Apr 2010 08:48
Round road trip khurramkhan Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 4 7 Mar 2008 20:05
Chita to Khabarovsk route description Chris Scott Northern and Central Asia 3 23 Feb 2005 18:13
djibouti - eritrea miles murray sub-Saharan Africa 3 13 Jan 2005 19:56
The Stilwell Road beddhist West and South Asia 0 21 Nov 2004 04:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:24.