Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
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 30 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: California
Posts: 9
California to Panama. Safety Concerns?

I am planning a ride down to Panama City (and then to Ecuador via airplane for more riding in SA) this December (2010) and was wondering if anyone has ridden through mexico recently, and can either attest to, or refute the alleged dangers of passing through. Hoping for route advice as well if possible. Thanks much!
~Greg
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 107
Hi Greg,

I rode from the US to Argentina from October 2009 to April 2010. Additionally, I was in Mexico for all of October 2010 and crossed back into the US on November 3rd. I had a wonderful time, as you will too!

The normal feedback remains true:
-Cross early in the day
-Don't hang out at the borders, make some miles into the heart of the country
-Don't ride at night
-Act confident (but not arrogant) and be friendly
-Don't leave your gear unattended

99% of the people are genuinely hospitable. Show kindness and you'll get the same in return. I hope that helps some - check out my signature for more details. Have a wonderful adventure!
__________________
Motorcycle Mexico - The easiest way to prepare for your first ride south of the border.
USA to TDF Blog
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Coombs, BC, Canada
Posts: 25
enjoy it

I agree with the other posts...nothing good happens after midnight...but if you use common (or uncommon) sense all will be well. Stop early enough in the day to know where you are sleeping before dark. Be sure and check out the Botaneros. Take it easy on the roads, there is often something you really didn't expect...usually all good.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2010
robopie's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 74
I had no problems at all in Mex and on down to Panama. Border in Mex is easy at San Yisidro. Military checkpoints Mex, np. More curious than anything. Stay off the Autopistas unless you want to travel fast and spend allot of money, allot!

I got hit up for speeding in Honduras, Nicaragua and C.R. Honduras was funny, it was for smoking while riding. Talked my way out of the Nicaragua ticket and paid $20. in C.R.

Absolutely right about acting or being confident and FRIENDLY. I was in soooooo many places people warned against going. I never felt threatened and I was going to go where I wanted! Hola, Buenos Dia and Buenos Tarde with a smile and possible handshake go along ways.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Dec 2010
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
YES! vary dangers in California.
Mexico not so much. There just getting more press.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Posts: 7
Southbound

I may be headed south also. I'm in Alabama right now but plan to leave from California in a couple of weeks ('05 R1200GS). I know Mexico pretty well and speak passable Spanish. Let's stay in touch. When r u leaving? Solo?
Triman

OOPS, Had to authorize receiving msgs.

Last edited by triman; 7 Dec 2010 at 19:13. Reason: Incomplete msg
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Dec 2010
bilgeewarrior's Avatar
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Vancouver Canada
Posts: 7
I am in Guatemala and passed through Mexico over the last month to get here. Don´t ride after dark and try to avoid Sundays (drunk drivers). Other than this I had no problems at all and in fact I would not miss a chance to do it again. Enjoy your ride!!
__________________
Mike: Mexico and Central America 2010
http://questionasanswers.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Dec 2010
fastfreddy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Todos Santos,B.C.S ,MEXICO
Posts: 173
Safety in Mexico

Just in
YouTube - Safety of Mexico
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
Venezuela - safety concerns? gunt86 South America 2 21 Sep 2010 21:27
Poland to Greece, safety concerns slacklinetravel Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 10 9 Apr 2010 17:20
3 month trans-sahara exped - safety concerns pawperso North Africa 5 1 Aug 2008 14:36
Safety concerns for Thailand. PJ West and South Asia 10 4 Mar 2008 15:59

 
 

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.