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

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

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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Hi Ben,

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

Smitty

Email sent.

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