anyone interested ?
leaving east texas around nov 1

Possibly I hope to be heading back to Florida about that time to sell my bike and head back to the UK to do a year around the EU I would love to do central america but I have been warned off doing it alone.

I did it alone a few years ago and had no problems. Who warned you?

I have been told by at least 5 people not to go to Mexico and one of them is a Mexican. My cousin who has a Mexican husband also said not to go 2 of my friends who have been there said not to go.

The "Dangerous Mexico" theme has been beaten to death ... whole threads on ADV Rider about UPS/DOWNS regards Mexico. Most opinions by very experienced travelers (Mexicans included) indicate it's relatively safe for motoqueros.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=546927
the above is a HUGE thread with lots of opinions ... most based on REAL experience.

HUNDREDS (maybe thousands?) of riders travel Mexico
sin problemas every year. Read the reports from real travelers on the road before making blanket statements.
Read this:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=962961


There are areas I would avoid ... some border areas and certain areas where drug cartels are battling for territory/control. 98% of the time Moto travelers will be left alone and pass through even dubious areas safely.

I haven't been to Mexico in a year. Waves of violence seem to come and go. Rarely do they involve attacks on tourists ... but it can happen ... as it can happen nearly anywhere you go.

I've been going to Mexico since 1963. We went there on Surf trips as a kid. Done at least 15 trips since, on bikes, campers and buses. But it's a different more dangerous Mexico these days ... so awareness required.

How about you? Spent a lot a time in Mexico have you?

The Mexican military are doing a better job at reining in cartels ... but are a decade (at least) away from really solving problems. As long as the market (USA, Canada, EU) is strong for Speed (main product), Heroin and are still offering huge profits ... drug cartels will continue.

Bad things can happen anywhere. I'd suggest sitting down, read the many ride reports about rides through Mexico NOW IN PROGRESS ... to get current info from riders now on the road. There are several on ADV Rider and but not much here on HUBB? Not many post here about Latin America ... ADV Rider is a much more lively and comprehensive source for everything to do with riding bikes in Latin America.

Safe Travels!

i'm looking for other riders , not the pros and cons

I'm in Acapulco now, riding solo; not many folks on the road, less bikers, I've seen a few guns, but hey, I'm used to it, (I'm from Texas). If you need an excuse not to go, use it, if you want some of the best riding you ever had, come on down!

so I am riding south thru Mexico right now, I have seen some guns, but mostly military carrying them. The roads are great, life is cheap and the food is fantastic… Hope you come down. I am in Puerto Escondido now, waiting the surfing and bikini contest. Its about 80 degrees, I had to shed my cruising jacket.

Hola de San Christobal de las Casas,

I am hesitating to do a loop via Palenque and Belize and then down to Guatemala City and then straight towards Panama...

Let me know if you are around ...

Roland

Hi Robert
We are two Australians (husband and wife) travelling on a 2012 V-Strom 650. We have been in the US for the last 5 months (Prudhoe Bay to Nova Scotia).
We are headed for Mexico around the same time as you. We have no real plans and have around 6 months to travel South of the border. We are currently in North Carolina and plan to be in Texas in 2 to 3 weeks. Our entry date into Mexico is flexible but we must be out of the US by 11 November under our visas.
We would be happy to meet you and enter Mexico together (security in numbers). Also you may be able to advise us of a trusted mechanic/Suu dealer in your area as we will need to get the valves checked and a new chain and sprockets before entering Mexico.
Oh, the only thing we have in mind to see in Mexico is Copper Canyon.

Dale and Marlene Madden
TassieTourers
FB: www.facebook.com/knittingontwowheels
(Wife's turn to choose name)

Hey. I'm heading Mexico second week in November, aiming for Argentina.

I'm filming for TV series so looking to catch up with interesting characters or simply some blokes riding bikes, getting pissed and talking bollocks around the fire.

Give us a hoy - steven@kirk.net.au

__________________
Steven
Perth to Perth 2012

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!