Well, Gosh, today I was on the superhighway of MotoTravelers...Ruta 15 from Mazatlan to Tempic. About 15 miles into the day I ran into 3 Mexican BMWers 1 with a flat tire...I stopped, helped fix, lent my Mini Foot Pump, then they took off. I'm not sure if they even said thank you. Hmf.

Passed 2 other obvious travelers on 650-ish bikes like mine & Ben's (hi Ben! I may run into you in Gananjuato if you decide to go there--I cannot get it out of my mind--I should be there Fri night)

Then I am headed to Oaxaca for probably 2 nights. I have a friend of a friend I can stay with and I need to tighten everything down and do an oil change. My Oxford grip (yeah, I'm a sissy) superglue let go, so I also need to re-glue the grip.

Anyone been to the butterfly forest? Looking for info or better a waypoint.

I *might* make it into Guatemala in 2 weeks, but there's so much to see!

have fun y'all!
~MAG

Guanajuato is great. So's Oaxaca. So's San Miguel de Allende, at least the first time around, and Zacatecas, Real de Catorce, San Cristobal de las Casas....and more. In the end, you've got to start triaging wonderful places out of your schedule, or resign yourself to spending the winter in Mexico.

To see the mariposas monarcas, the easiest is to head for Anganguero. You can ride up to the sanctuary yourself--aim to get there mid-morning, then walk uphill on the impossible-to-miss path. In Anganguero, talk to Francisco in the tourist office just off the main town square. He's a wonderful guy in addition to being very helpful (and speaking English, if that's a consideration).

Random notes: when coming from the northern deserts it's easy to forget about weather slowing you down. The further south, the more likely you'll hit cold fog at elevation; not for nothing are they called "cloud forests." It's not the end of the world, but you'll want to allow for this in scheduling. The border crossing out of San Cristobal is an easy one; don't forget to sign your bike out unless you're returning soon-ish. And the Guatemalan highlands are even nicer than the Mexican highlands, but with occasional inexplicable deteriorations of main roadways into rutted dirt or impassable muck. Allow for that, too, if wandering around on secondary roads (which you certainly should).

enjoy,

Mark

(now in Cali, headed onwards)

Hmf. Yeah, Mexico is under my skin. I love it. AND you are right...I need to start heading south. 'd decide 2 days ago that cannot possibly see everything, so I will come back! Mexico is not that far away...

thanks for the insights and the mariposas tip.

Im now at Lago Attitlan, Guatemala in the town Panajache, Should be in Antigua in a day or twol

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Moto Treks

Man I love Panajachel! There used to be a woman who sold slices of cake and pie at the bottom of Calle Santander later in the evening (about 10:00 oclock). Probably the best cake I ever ate. Great memories of that little town! So much to say about it so little time.

Guys, got 'stuck' in Zacatecas, been here for a few days now.

It looks like I'm already 'falling behind', need to get a move on - too much to see.

Ben

I saw that lady last night. If I see her tonight I'll buy try some.

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Moto Treks

Ben, if you are stuck dues to mechanical problems (I know you are not carrying much in spares) I'm tapped into the BMW riders here and have been offered lots of contacts if you need something.

In a couple of days I'm taking one of them up on their offer and I'm doing an oil change and rear brake pads in Oaxaca (I'm in Guanajuato now) . wish me luck 1st time doing brake pads.

~MAG

MAG,
I know what you mean. Not only are there too many places to see in Mexico but so far, every country I’ve been to, I could spend a month or two. I just left Honduras and I'm sitting in San Miguel, El Salvador getting ready to cross into Nicaragua tomorrow. Everyone I’ve met in El Salvador is very friendly. I’d love to spend a few more days here but I’m wanting to get to Colombia too. I see a Central America trip in the future!

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Moto Treks

Sitting in Medellin now for a few days. Anyone in the area and want to meet a The Barking Spider?

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Moto Treks

Currently hanging at Mike's Casa Blanca Hostel for a few days. Great place to stay, work on the bike, get info, etc.

If anyone is in the area and wants to take a day ride I'm ready

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Moto Treks