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  #1  
Old 19 Oct 2010
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Copper Canyon

I'll be traveling to the Copper Canyon some time around the end of November to the beginning of December. I'm looking for someone to ride with. My dates are flexible, and I can enter Mexico any where from California to Arizona.

Smitty

Last edited by Grant Johnson; 19 Oct 2010 at 12:47. Reason: NEVER put your email address on the web - use the secure link on your name
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  #2  
Old 21 Oct 2010
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Copper Canyon

Hi Smitty,

I also will be travelling from LA to Copper Canyon end of November. However, I intend to visit some places in between (Las Vegas, Grand Canyon - haven't been there before :-o).

A friend of mine might join for the Mexican part of my tour.

Would be nice if we could work out same similarities of our routes...

Cheers,
Marcus
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  #3  
Old 22 Oct 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hawkeye42 View Post
Hi Smitty,

I also will be travelling from LA to Copper Canyon end of November. However, I intend to visit some places in between (Las Vegas, Grand Canyon - haven't been there before :-o).

A friend of mine might join for the Mexican part of my tour.

Would be nice if we could work out same similarities of our routes...

Cheers,
Marcus
Hi Marcus,

As far as routes go... I want to ride through the CC from Batopilas to Los Mochis, then down the coast to Mazatlan and up the Devil's Backbone to Durango. Other than that, I have no planned route.

When and where do you plan to cross the border into Mexico? Are you and your friend riding dual sports?

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
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  #4  
Old 25 Oct 2010
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Batopilas to Choix

Smitty,

I've just came through Batopilas to Choix 2 days ago. It is a ride of 150kms and took me 7 hours to do. Certainly not a ride to do on anything other than a light dirt orientated bike. If you can have someone with you for safety all the better. If your bike is chain driven then I would suggest having a few extra teeth on the rear sprocket as well. It is all 1st / 2nd gear terrain.

The first 25kms is probably the most difficult as it is a steep climb out of Batopilas and down again. Then you are into a valley area that is not too bad - a few deep creek crossings where you are riding along the creek beds.

The last of it is all high mountain passes that are in better condition but still you have to watch yourself. Make sure your tyre pressures are down and take it easy if you are by yourself.

Be careful with your brakes, my rear overheated and faded. I ended up alternating between using the front and back. I had to be extremely careful to only use the front while upright and at slow speeds. It would be very easy to grab a handful of front and have it wash out on you.

The bike I used was a 08 KLR650 with standard gearing. Her temperature got up high while trolling up the long slow inclines.

I stayed the night in Batopilas then headed out early in the morning so the first climb was in the cool.

There is no straight road through the township of Batopilias you will have to find your way. Stop in the town square - it is quite a nice place to sit and rest. On the outskirts take the road to San Ignacio then all I did was follow the most worn road all the way through.

There is fuel at Batopilas - I would suggest filling up there. I didn't see another Pemex until I got to Choix

All I can think of at the moment
PM me if you have any questions

EDIT: By the way - it was well worth the effort. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

On another note the run from Mazatlan to Durango is good but watch the trucks on the blind corners - they will be on your side of the road.
Regards Ben
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Last edited by Bigfoot; 25 Oct 2010 at 01:30.
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  #5  
Old 25 Oct 2010
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Batopilas to Choix

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the information. I sent you a PM and email.

Smitty
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  #6  
Old 25 Oct 2010
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Copper Canyon

Email sent.
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  #7  
Old 4 Nov 2010
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I'll be doing that run in about 3-5 days

Just heading back to the border to drop off my exit visa then back down
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  #8  
Old 4 Nov 2010
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Watch for a moto tour running around the Copper Canyon between Nov 7 and 18. The lady driving the chase truck is a biker - she rides a KLR. Her name is Schel. If you see her, tell her Smitty said hey.

Smitty

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Originally Posted by olyflyer View Post
I'll be doing that run in about 3-5 days

Just heading back to the border to drop off my exit visa then back down
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  #9  
Old 14 Nov 2010
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Hey Ben, is it easy to find the track or did you have a gps trails to run you through as I'm in Creel and maps I have show no trail through

If I do Smitty I will
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  #10  
Old 15 Nov 2010
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Copper Canyon Tracks

Hey Damon,

I have some routes and tracks of the CC that I can send you.
Send me an email and I'll reply with the files.

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
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  #11  
Old 16 Nov 2010
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Cheers but, I went through without any, I was prepared for a an intense ride but wasn't too bad unless I went the easy way through, Had a flat front about halfway, only took me 5 hours with about 45 mins fixing the front tube
Oh and a couple on bikes I met in Batopilas said they saw a motor group drive through the day before I got there



Quote:
Originally Posted by schmidtle View Post
Hey Damon,

I have some routes and tracks of the CC that I can send you.
Send me an email and I'll reply with the files.

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
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  #12  
Old 16 Nov 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by olyflyer View Post
Cheers but, I went through without any, I was prepared for a an intense ride but wasn't too bad unless I went the easy way through, Had a flat front about halfway, only took me 5 hours with about 45 mins fixing the front tube
Oh and a couple on bikes I met in Batopilas said they saw a motor group drive through the day before I got there
Hey Ben,

I saw your Spot link after I posted my comment. I should have checked first.

I believe that CShel, form KLR650.net was with that group. She was hired to drive a chase truck, but also got to ride her DR part of the way. It sounded like the group was rather large (14+ riders, I believe). She said that they ran into a military blockade and had some sort of misunderstanding. As a result, one of the group members was forced to the ground at gun point.

Anyhow, I'm glad to see that you made it. Now, can I ask if you have a route that you can email me. If not, any information on the route would be appreciated.

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
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  #13  
Old 16 Nov 2010
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I'm trying top see if I can upload it to my laptop the trip but when you go to Batopilas when you head out of town turn right at the fork in the road to San Ignacio and stay on the most used road, missing the dope plantations, it's fairly straight forward, only watch out for young dudes with brand new hummers flying along the track



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  #14  
Old 22 Nov 2010
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O.K. my dates are now set:
November 30 - Leaving Carmel, CA after work. I plan to ride to LA and spend the night there
December 1 - Riding to Tucson, AZ
December 2 - Having new tires put on bike in Tucson, then riding down to Douglas, AZ
December 3 - Hope to meet up with Slade (from AZ) and two of his buddies. If it doesn't work out, I'll head to Creel. Otherwise...
December 4 - Crossing the border with Slade, and his buddies, and heading to Creel and the CC

After the canyon, I plan to head down the coast to Maxatlan and ride the Devil's Backbone up to Durango. From Durango to Real de Catorce.
After that, where ever my nose points me.
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  #15  
Old 24 Nov 2010
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I'm hanging out near Patzcuaro Mich, at Bosque Village for a month or so let me know if you head this way as I'll be keen for a ride!
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