what ARE YOUR PLANS for getting past the darien gap
boat / air

cowboy power sports in beaumont tx can handle your v strom tune
but i would call in advance to make sure they have your chain and spockets when you arrive

robert

Robert, we haven't thought that far ahead to be honest. Probably boat. Thanks for the name of the store. I have the chain and sprockets but will need to have a change of plugs, valve-check and new tyres. I'll call them next week. We will be back on the move tomorrow and expect to be in Texas in 2 to 3 weeks. We were thinking of crossing the border near McAllen as it appears to be a quieter crossing and the paperwork can be completed on the US side at the Mexican consulate there. That's if what we've been told is correct of course.
Dale and Marlene

you can send me an e-mail at rltoddster@att.net
robert

Skipping Baja?
You can get your paperwork at any Migracion/Aduana offices. Some are located together at border, some located down the road once into Mexico or at separate locations.

A Consulate on the USA side may be swamped with Mexicans trying to do various things having to do with importing cars into Mexico and other stuff. The one in San Francisco is a CONSTANT ZOO ... HOURS to get any thing done. No idea about the MacAllen one ... but check it out.

You want a quiet border ... even Tijuana is mellow, with Migracion office located right AT the crossing, usually a 10 minute stop. You can also get your TVIP nearby ... it's just around the corner. You need title in your name, passport, credit card.

Or ... you can ride South to La Paz and get your TVIP there before you cross on the Ferry. The office is right at the Ferry Terminal.
NO TVIP required for Baja ... only required once you cross into mainland Mexico. Can't board Ferry without it. BTW, Baja is THE BEST!

I've never crossed via Texas, I hear some borders are easy, some crowded.
Just so you know ... you both will need the Tourist Visa mentioned above. You get this at any Migracion office, it's about $23 USD (??). That is a visa for you, nothing to do with your bike. Not connected.

The bike needs a TVIP (temp. import permit), good for six months, a deposit (credit card) of "around" $400 usd required, refundable upon exit from Mexico. YES ... they will refund your deposit as a "credit" onto your card.
Happens quickly. Make sure to check of Mexico properly when you leave.
You need an Aduana office to do this.

?Habla Espanol? (talking louder in English won't help mate!

You guys will meet dozens of other travelers this time of year, especially in Baja, as high season is approaching. Also at every popular local on the Mainland as well. Lots of Motoqueros, LOTS of Canadians, eh!
good luck!

I've always taken Baja for granted since I used to live in L.A. and now Yuma; but for any kind of touring (car, 4 x 4, motorcycle) it seems like it shouldn't be missed! Once you get to southern Baja--hop on the ferry to the mainland. The bonus is not needing as much paperwork (or any for US citizens) to travel the entire peninsula!

Have you ever been to Mexico?

US citizens ... and all non Mexicans ... are required to purchase a Tourist Visa for stays more than a few days in Mexico or for travel more than 100 miles from the border, either on the mainland or Baja ... a tourist visa is required. If you get stopped South of the "Tourist Zone" (very unlikely) you'll be asked for your "Permiso". (but a military stop may ask)

If you're only day tripping into Mexicali or Tijuana or Ensenada for the day or 3 ... then correct ... no visa required and nothing for the vehicle. But you still should buy insurance.

But if you go further South or stay more than a few days you are supposed to buy a Visa. (rule used to be 7 days, but I think they shortened it to 3 days ... not sure). But of course it's all voluntary as NO ONE is stamped into Mexico upon entry. But it's the geographical bit that catches folks out. If you're found with no Permiso in La Paz ... they can do whatever they want to ... including deport you and at least you'd have to buy a Permiso.
All this applies to all non Mexicans.
And correct again ... NO TVIP for your vehicle anywhere in Baja ... and you can go as far as Guaymas (state of Sonora I believe) on the mainland without buying the TVIP.
Many Many trips all over Mexico, since 1964.

Ensenada has been my furthest visit. I was mistaken on the visa and mixed up with the TVIP.

Hi,

This is Roland, i an in Vancouver now, had a break and go on the saddle tomorrow again.

Heading south. I think I cosss the Mexican border in 4weeks from now.

So the facts:
Corssing San Diego for Baja: +/- 30OCT2014

When/Where do you ?

Roland

G'day Steven
The last time I was asked to be a film character was in Mumbai, India. Sadly I couldn't take up the offer of becoming a bollywood star as I was flying out that day. On the topic of drink, both my wife and I are tea-totallers, having been inspired by a former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Previous to this we had been inspired by former cricketer David Boon. We saw that this path however, could only lead to the damnation of our livers. So as far as drinks around the fire, we probably can't help, that's unless you have bourbon or southern comfort. These drinks of course do not count as alcohol.
In all seriousness we will be entering Mexico from the eastern side around Nov 1. We might try and meet up with Robert. With a bit of luck he's 6 foot 6 and extremely imposing (Robert?)
Let us know when and where you are entering Mexico and we'll see if we can catch up.
Dale and Marlene

Hi Guys,

I go via Baja on about 30 OCT, and then the ferry boat from La Paz to Puerto Vallarta, stay there a little and then Guadalajara, Puebla, Veracruz and the carribian side.

Would be fun to to do it in together, or meet at some point.

Happy Journey. Go safe, mexico is a good place to visit.

__________________
http://www.travels-update.blogspot.in

Update;

Three of us are entering Mexico in the morning of Oct. 19th via Otay Mesa crossing. Our first night will be in Puerto Penasco.
Anybody?

Here is the link for Advriders R.R.

Los Angeles to Costa Rica in Oct. 2014 - ADVrider

Hey everyone,

I'll be crossing into Mexico much later in the first week or so of December, I just wanted to let people know I'd be looking for people as well. Also the Darien gap is something I need to cross obviously and I am curious what people are doing for that?l ( as I am headed down to South America) so any suggestions or ideas would be great!

Watchin' a new ferry service that is scheduled to begin operation October 24. Bike and passenger around $280 and only 18 hours.