mexico, central and south america 2014
 

anyone interested ?
leaving east texas around nov 1
:clap:

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? :innocent:

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! bier

mexico central and south america
 

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

Viaje
 

Hola, dos amigos y yo (uno vive en Mission Viejo CA) saldremos desde Tijuana hasta Argentina el próximo 29 de septiembre del 2014. Solo en carácter informativo. Saludos.

we're about a month apart
 

I will be starting my ride from east texas and enter mexico somewhere around brownsville tx . my plan is a little flexible

robert::scooter:

Going to Costa Rica
 

leaving Los Angeles in mid Oct. I have to be at Costa Rica by mid Nov.
That is as far as I am going this time.

I have some experience riding through Mexico.

Thanks.

Same Direction
 

Hi, I am just in the wy south, coming from Alaska, currently in BC, Canada, heading the west of the US and then south via Baja California.

Drop me a line where you are, then lets see how we ride the one or other part together.

Plan: Jasper, Banff, Yellowstone, the US west coast line, San Francisco, L.A., death valley, Vegas, San Diego

Roland

I am planning to ride from Yuma, AZ to Ensenada to watch the start of the Baja 1000 (the city is as far as I plan to go) near the beginning of November. The catch--I am on a Chinese 200cc endure, so plan to go medium speed since that will be my whole ride, while just a small bit for you. Let me know if that will work for you.

Since you're on the 200cc with limited highway cruising speed, here is the FUN route I would take:

Cross over into Mexico at Yuma and work your way over to Mex. 5.
(see map) Drop South on Mex. 5 until you come to Mex. 3. Turn Right (West). This will take you on a beautiful road all the way to Ensenada. It's a bit out of the way but WAY more mellow and beautiful.

On return, if you have time, take same route, but when you come to Mex. 5, go South down to San Felipe. Spend a day chilling and eating Fish Tacos on the Malecon. You could even take the turn off for Mike's Sky Rancho and ride up there. It's marked and right off the highway. It's an easy and fun ride up ... nice and cool up there. Good food too! (not cheap)

If you ride on the USA side to San Diego, not sure how you can do it without going interstates or Freeways. :confused1: Same deal in Mexico riding Mex. 2 West. That is a fast and dangerous road with so much border area traffic. (some nice bits though)

I'll hope to be down there at my friends house, South of San Felipe, watching the Racers roar by. :scooter::scooter::scooter:

Thanks, Mollydog, for the advice. I have been asking my co-workers who live across the border and/or those who travel a lot to Tijuana and points in between, and all have told me about the Mex 3 being scenic and running through the emerging Mexican wine country.


I have kind of mapped out a route on the US side if I choose to take it--take the 8 as long as I can, but utilizing the frontage roads, heading through Calexico on that road until it reaches the 8 again, go uphill until I can get off, and take a back road that eventually reaches Tecate. I have traveled in cars back and forth to San Diego, but have never seen the roads that run through those mountains, which would/should be fine for my bike.


I figure, I would like to utilize the 'Mexico' aspect as much as running along border communities is 'Mexican' and would definitely follow your suggestions for the Mexican side.

Travel companions
 

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)

Meet up in mexiixo somewhere - need TV characters
 

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

mexico central and south america
 

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

mexico
 

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

Skipping Baja? :innocent:
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? :scooter: (talking louder in English won't help mate! :rofl:

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! bier

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. :oops2:

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. bier
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. doh

Talking informations what about the facts ...
 

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

30 OCT via Baja
 

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.

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?:welcome::palm:

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.

Anyone knows anything about this?

Colombia Panama Ferry

This sounds too good to be true!

2013. There is a new ferry scheduled to start October 24.http://www.ferryxpress.net/

Hi guys,

I am in Southern California, and in few days I will enter Mexico at San Diego. I am riding solo, from Namibia, Africa, 11 months on the road already and looking for some fellow riders to break the loneliness a bit. Anyone close to this border that would be willing to join up? I plan to enter around the 14th of October, next Tuesday.

Thanks

John

If traveling down Baja you are likely to meet all kinds of riders this time of year. Do you like Vodka? You might look up my friend "Magoo" at the El Moro in La Paz. He will be there in about a week or so, will stay till end of October.

He's on the road NOW, so if you see an old couple on a BMW GS Bumble Bee, that's Magoo. He's very very slow, hard to ride with but fun to hang out with!

Have a safe trip. bier

Hola

San Diego now. Heading for the Baja from Friday.

Contact me on Facebook for joint ride Roland Traub or email me riland_Traub@web.de
Fun ahead !!!
;-)

Mexico? Hell yes!!!!
 

I'm headed for the Yucatan in the next week, I am in Austin. Personally, I think the US is more dangerous than Mexico, but somebody else mentioned getting away from the border and stay out of some of the cities. The countryside is incredible, limited traffic, the people are super nice. Give me a shout if you want to cross together, I am thinking Reyenosa?

email correction: Roland_Traub@web.de

Smokechaser, what's your email. Give me a shout.
jvrengineer@yahoo.com
I'm heading out Nov 1. I will try to rendevou with Roland in Mazatlan and fo from there. Are you going all the way to south America?

Hi everyone I'm in ENsenada Baja seeking fellow riders to ARgentina want to cross to Mazatlan's Nov 21 to 24
I've driven solo from Calgary look forward to meeting new friends.
Please email gsin@telus.net

Regards Gord

Not sure how you are progressing, I am just outside of Leon tonight, on my way to the Monarch Butterfly migration zone west of Mexico City. Give me a shout if you want to get together, I am planning to drop down to the Sea of Cortez south of Alcapulco and overwinter along the Yucatan. I am traveling alone. Thus far no issuesother than friendly helpful people, beautiful country and colder than I like weather!

Are the butterflies there?

Heading South
 

Hey all,
I'm doing Montana to Costa Rica on a DR650. I'm currently in Reno, heading east to San Francisco in a couple of days, and then south. Crossing into mexico either in Tijuana or Nogales. Should be crossing the border end of November, beginning of December. Timeline and route is flexible. Need to be in Costa Rica by February at the latest. Let me know if youre in my area. Always nice to ride with other people touring.

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!

Hey where are you now Karl? I'm on a KLR heading south, looking to cross into Baha on about Monday 24th. Am doing some prep work on the bike after doing 3 months around the states, lot's of dirt has left her a bit weary.

Would be good to meetup and do some riding around Baha, the KLR and DR's keep a good similar pace!

Dave
onenutter.com

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.

butterfly numbers are down, but it is early. December is the peak. They lost at least 25% and then some. Folks are worried...

Hola de San Christobal de las Casas
 

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