Hey all,
My name is Ryan and i am a 24 year old American from Oregon who is about to embark on a grand journey from my front door step in about a week to end in South America. Now when i tell people i am travelling through Mexico i get the same reaction, a look like i am already dead, raped, or cut apart. Now i know that the violence is sensationalized and that Mexico is a beautiful country to be enjoyed. I am not going to be deterred by the violence! However, i have decided to see if anyone else is going my way around the same time. I would love to ride with someone for a leg of my journey and i know there is safety in numbers. I plan on crossing into Mexico around the beginning of November and i will go through Baja. I want to camp along the way as well as visit some hostels. I have flexibility in my schedule so if anyone is crazy enough to fly my way and partner up please let me know. Whether it's for 2 days or unto the tip of Baja i'd love to hear from you. Cheers mates!

P.S. Any other info on Mexican travelling by motorcycle would be much appreciated. Aka beautiful campgrounds, dope hostels, and safer routes. Thanks!

Might be interested. What bike are you riding? You are leaving in a week but don't expect to hit Mexico until November. Is that right?

that is correct. I plan on going east and seeing Montana and Wyoming. There are a few other things i plan on doing in the mean time. November seems like the right time for me. My schedule may change as i said because i'm flexible.

Hope this thread attracts some attention for you. In the event you don't find a riding partner by the time you get to the border, just go ahead on your own: it's not a big deal. Check for any emergent situations just before crossing, then go for it. You'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

Later on, farther south, you'll start hitting natural choke points in the journey. There, you'll meet up with other riders.

Mark

OK. Keep me posted. I think that timing will work for me as well. My current plan is to head to Mexico in November and drive south for 6 weeks or so (not sure how far south I will get).

Cheers,

Mark

oh and Mark i plan on riding my 2006 Triumph T100 Bonneville. I'll keep in touch through this thread. My email is rpopma89@gmail.com aswell if you want to send any other messages!

That is sweet. I ride a Triumph Explorer so will be a good match. A big fan of the Bonneville, Scrambler, etc.

Will keep you posted. Working on getting work/family commitments in order before the trip.

Mark

Hi Rufio,
I hit Mexico last October with two guys...split from them two days later as one guy was a dangerous rider with a badly prepared bike. I spoke no Spanish , just had a map and compass... I had never done anything like this before. I rode solo in Mexico for two months...absolutely no problems...just don't put yourself in a stupid position. Then headed to Central America and now in Argentina heading to Ushuaia in November. Turned my 6 month trip into an 18 month trip.
Do not be worried about travelling solo just stay away from places like Acapulco, border towns and any other drug places. I feel safer riding a bike on the roads in Mexico than I do in Toronto,Canada. I found most Mexican drivers courteous. On the auto pistes they drive really fast but not recklessly.
Get a good GPS with good maps...I use one now...and it has worked very well. That and a good paper map. Don't ride at night. Lots of gas stations. Excellent roads. Friendly,helpful people. I did not plan ahead for hotels/hostels...just rode into town and found a place. Remember to pull to the right and wait to make your left turn...sounds weird but that is what they do. The following is from an expat blog:-

"If you aren't familiar with Mexico's driving rules and habits, there are some things you should consider; things that are different:

Making a left turn in Mexico is different.
If you are on a small street with houses on either side, no problem; just turn on your signal or use a hand signal and make your turn as usual.
If you are on a highway, making a left turn can cost you a ticket or your life. Stopping on a highway near the center line with your left turn light flashing means PASS ME. As such, you are likely to be 'T-boned' as you make the turn. So, what to do? If there is no shoulder to your right, or no lateral street parallel to the highway, then check traffic behind and ahead, roll down your window and and use an obvious hand signal. I use the emergency flashers while doing that and it works.
If there is a wide shoulder on your right, the law says that you are to pull to the right and stop until traffic is clear in both directions. Then, cross both lanes of traffic to accomplish your left turn.
If there is a lateral street, separate from the highway, parallel to it on your right, you are to get off the highway before you get to your intended turn, in either direction. Once on the lateral, you may go to the next intersection which permits a turn and make it with the signal or when the traffic is clear if there is no signal.
In the latter case, especially, it is wise to know where you are going to turn before you actually get there. In cities, traffic is much too heavy and parking spaces too rare for you to have time or a place to consult your map. It pays to plan your route and make notes on a 3x5 card ahead of time.
If you are at a normal intersection and you see a sign that says 'Vuelta con flecha', that means 'Turn with the arrow'. Don't violate that one. It is an easy ticket. If you see a sign in the right lane that says 'Continua', it means that you may turn right on a red light with caution; there may also be cars turning left, toward you, from the oncoming lane. Technically, a right turn on a red light without a 'continua' sign is illegal'.

Hope this all helps.
Cheers,
Clive

Hey Clive,


Am Also thinking about Mexico, thanks for the good driving tips. Any advice on a bike. Would I be fine with a Yamaha V-star 1100 cruiser? I am thinking about a smaller dual sport like a 650 GS or a V-Strom. I'm not planning on off-roading unless I get into an emergency. Are the roads really good enough to make it on a cruiser?


Thanks,


Zack

If you are not planning on off'roading then the roads are good enough for a cruiser.

Hi Ryan-you can find trouble anywhere, look at all the crazy stuff that happened in the US this summer! You have to keep your head on your shoulders and think about it all the time. I am headed down the Baja tomorrow, My suggestions are to hover near the border, then cross early in the morning...ride for 100 or so miles, you will find the real Mexico. I camp some, but not much. Hostels are cheap and they provide security for your bike. Usually, I find a safe place for my bike and accept the sleeping accommodations that come with it. You will love it! Smokechaser

Hey Mike,
I just wanted to touch bases with you about my plans. I am in Montana now and i still plan on being around the border to cross near november. I have no specific date yet but when i get one nailed down i will let you know and we can go from there. I hope all is well. Let me know of any new advancements on your end. Also, if you are still interested your email will help me keep in touch better. Cheers!