I have approximately ten individuals that are interested in the trip that I am planning on doing from Leon, Guanajuato to Panama. I know that the ten will probably end up only being one or two when all is said and done. My intent is to leave on Monday, February 15 from my city of Leon. I can also meet people on the way in Mexico City or wherever else on the way down. I am writing the email to solicit info, ideas and interest. I will also be posting it on my website that is currently being developed at TieLabs HomePage – Life Of an Adventurer as well as the various motorcycle forums. If you are interested please send me your email address. All emails will be blocked so no one can see your address.

I am blocking out 4 weeks for this adventure and if I end up staying longer, I will do that as long as my manager doesn't burn down my restaurant, Gringo Teriyaki.

I would like to bring camping gear as well as sleep in places along the way. I think that by bringing the gear, we will be have a more rewarding trip when we find some beautiful off the beaten path location. That does not mean that I wont appreciate a warm shower and comfortable bed at the end of the day.

I think that at 47, I don't want to do punishing 500 mile days. I want to be able to smell the coffee and stop and do some sightseeing along the way. See some ruins, sit on a beach and drink a and eat some seafood. I would love to go fishing one day and maybe do some snorkeling.

A little about me. 47 year old male with extensive camping, boating, fishing, kayaking, diving, hunting and traveling experience. Have traveled the world and have spent lots of time in Baja whether it be in a 4x4 or motorcycle. Some of the best times of my life were there camping in desolate locations and catching fish off the beach. Grew up in Los Angeles and lived in Phoenix. I am also EMT certified and speak Spanish.

I would like to enter through Guatamala, then to El Salvador,through Honduaras then to Nicaragua then to Costa Rica and then to Panama. If I don't make it all the way to Panama, then so be it.

On the return trip I would like to go through all the return counties but also stop in Belize and exit into Mexico around Cancun. Then back to reality.

Many of you are going to read this and wish that you could go. We get older and time begins to pass by you so very quickly. Don't have regrets in life and wish that you had done more things. I will be posting as much as I can on the website TieLabs HomePage – Life Of an Adventurer so you can follow us on our adventures or you can be a part of it.

Please give us advice, places to visit and things to do. I welcome all information. Who knows, we may be even driving through your country and you can visit with us. Maybe you can also ride with us for a few days.

Safe riding and my wish that you have many adventures in your life.

Mark

I have no advice but want to follow your trip. I am planning an RTW for my 60th birthday


No man is truly married until he understands every word his wife isn't saying

Sounds wonderful

You're lucky to live in such a magical area, Leon and Guanajuato are a couple of my favorites in Mexico.

I hope you're right about you're group thinning down to 2 or 3. Having led a group of 10 from San Francisco down to Copper Canyon I can verify that big groups are a PITA. I would shoot for 3, perfect number (4 max).

As you know, showing up at a small restaurant in a small aldea with 8 or 10 riders means a LONG LUNCH! Most aren't ready to serve a big group in a hurry. Same goes with Hotels: You may fit in 3 to 5 if they have some "familia" type rooms but often they can be booked up and only some get rooms. If you hit a holiday ... no way. 3 can almost always fit in. ... and don't get me started on border issues with that many riders.

Been years since I lived in Guatemala (lived 2 years) and El Salvador (4 months) so can't offer any current info. If you want good diving try the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua, some great diving there and lots of unexplored, un-touristed "secret" spots.

I don't know Panama, only breezed through on a bus one time. Lots of interesting former colonial town in Nica but doubt they'll match where you live.

As someone who lives in Mexico I think you'll get a kick out of seeing local national rivalries between countries. Seems funny to outsiders but some take serious. This based mostly on sports issues and a few comical wars.

But there is real dislike between Mexico and Guatemala, especially lately since so much abuse put upon Guatemalans from Mexicans during their transit through Mex. to USA. Tragic. But it's mostly all good and SO different than Mexico ... yet strangely the same.

Well it is either an adventure or a very well planed trip. Planing to well destroys adventure as well as a lot of money ;-)

Mark,

Sounds like a great trip. I have done several trips around central America, as well as from Argentina to Alaska, and there is a LOT to see. Hope to see you here in Panama. A couple of pieces of advice:

First, don't count on camping. It is not popular or well organized in central America, and camping in the wild can be dangerous. However, you can find many inexpensive hostels and hotels along the way.

Many of these places are small. A group of 10 would be a definite challenge. I agree with those who suggest a maximum of 3 or 4.

Don't count on too many miles a day. First, because you came to "smell the coffee". Second, because the border crossings in central America are a real PITA. These are the people who invented red tape. Sometimes you might get through a crossing in an hour, but I've also had it take 6! Bring many copies of your passport and title documents... it will save you time.

Also, if you speak Spanish you don't need the "tramitadores" at the borders, but if you can negotiate a low price (like $10) they can be worth it (just to keep the others away).

Some places I really like along your route:
Riodulce, Guatemala (with a day outing to the hot-water waterfall at Paraiso)
Samuc Champey, Guatemala (a magical place)
Antigua, Guatemala
Granada, Nicaragua
Tulum, Mexico (go diving in the cenotes)
Chiapas, especially around San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

send me a PM and I'll try to think of some more (I'm having a senior moment)

and of course, give me a call to have a in Panama if you make it here.

__________________
Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama