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Is Mexico Safe for Riders?

Only thing you have watch out for is the water.......

and the topes & the donkeys & the cattle & the goats & the potholes & the curves...
R.e. tour comment above: Nothing against the "tour industry" as there are many people that don't want to plan their own trips or lack the time to do so but (& it's a large but for me!) the planning is for me & many others, much of the joy of travel-& a large expense I don't pay! No doubt their experience alleviates some of the hassle of a bad hotel choice, food as well but travel has it's glitches and some are note worthy in both directions. On ADVrider one of the most active areas is "Trip Planning" , which is divided into geographic areas. Many thousands of posts there as also found on Horizons Unlimited for same purpose. A few riders are proponents of the "fly with no planning ride" as it's seen as a burden. For me & many others the plan is part of the ride. I will admit to sneeking a peak at the routes experienced tour operators choose but it sure doesn't limit my route or lodging choices & neither does the large cost of many organized tours hold back my trips.
 
I have thought about looking into one of those 'group rides that have experienced 'host's' Anyone ever done one? I thought it might be a nice winter break....if the the timing is right ? Not sure what they cost either ?

Just depends on what you like and, most important, what you're willing to pay. I've ridden on my own in Canada, Alaska, Mexico, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgian Republic, and Azerbaijan. Used my own bike in many, but also rented a couple of times. No problems, great time, would do any or all again in a heartbeat.

I've been on group tours in Mexico (with MotoDiscovery); Portugal, Spain, and Morocco (with IMT); and Vietnam (with Explore Indochina). They provided bikes, hotels, dinners. No problems, great fun. The obvious differences are you don't pick the route or make the arrangements, and you're with other riders if you prefer companionship to riding alone. Of course they can be expensive. Would do any or all again without question.

As Nike says, "Just do it"!

Mike
 
Pancho,

Thanks very much for the compliment - means a lot coming from a Mexico rider like you.

I think it was 2006 - a friend and I rode our Ducatis to San Miguel with you, Big Jim, and a MotoDiscovery tour group. Fantastic trip and I really appreciated the riding lessons through the mountains!

Best regards,
Mike

Hola Miguel, Was that the New Year's Ride with Big Jim? This is a partial group photo from that trip, Zan and Angela Smith from England are to the far right then Myself and Rena are standing next to my black R1100GS. Mike, I do remember there were two Ducatis in our MotoDiscovery tour group!

Felicidades Abrazo, Senor Chuy Medina "El Burrito Ballerina" Mas Caminos y mas Amigos, ese!



http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread...89-rides-to-Mulege-Baja-California-Sur-Mexico
 
!Hola Senor Chuy!

Hola Miguel, Was that the New Year's Ride with Big Jim? This is a partial group photo from that trip, Zan and Angela Smith from England are to the far right then Myself and Rena are standing next to my black R1100GS. Mike, I do remember there were two Ducatis in our MotoDiscovery tour group!

Felicidades Abrazo, Senor Chuy Medina "El Burrito Ballerina" Mas Caminos y mas Amigos, ese!



http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread...89-rides-to-Mulege-Baja-California-Sur-Mexico

Don Chuy, unfortunately that would not have been me. We took a fall trip, not the New Year's trip: Two Ducatis, two GS's, one Gold Wing, and one KLT. Here I am freezing in McAllen the morning of our departure:

044.jpg

Would love to do the trip again.

Best,
Miguel
 
Stay out of NY

Well over 400 people were killed in NYC last year. Stay out of there. There are drugs and dealers and other desperadoes everywhere and NYC is one of the US's safest cities!
Come on, MX is a wonderful place as noted above. Be aware, be smart. The Mexican people love Yankees and really need our money so go, help them out and enjoy the food. Drink beer it's been brewed. I drink the water, eat the salad and use the ice that comes with my drinks and don't get .... well you know what. Others' results may vary.
Small scams to get a bit of unearned cash abound, avoid them but remember you can afford a couple of extra $ on the gas fill or the toll. If caught the normal reaction there is "Senior you have so much and we have so little!" Minor driving infractions are handled with a bribe. $20 seems to be common payment and DON'T hand it to the police for gods sake.... fold it under your license like a civilized traveler and let him take it from you. If he returns it no one has tried to bribe which is illegal there too. Be aware you are in another country and follow the laws! DO NOT TAKE A FIREARM INTO MEXiCO.. caught with one you are guilty and many Mexican jails have no provision nor resources to feed, clothe or care for you so don't expect it for about 5 years on a firearm violation.
Try all the food especially by the roadside vendors, pick something that is cooked in front of you so you know it is safe. Avoid the iced juice bars.. DAHIK. Learn a few Spanish words and try, it will make you much more human.
I spend lots of time in the back country along the border, both sides. It is possible to get yourself in trouble. There are venomous reptiles, centipedes, plants, and a few people. You are on a frontier. I hike remotely and alone and camp where the BP cannot save me. I've seen some interesting things. I've been safe in the most dangerous areas according to the CIA website. If you ride into MX a few hours you are much less apt to be a problem or in a problem. I love Mexico. I go. I'm still here. I probably wouldn't last the night in NYC.
 
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New York man missing in Mexico during motorcycle trip

New York man missing in Mexico during motorcycle trip
Published February 09, 2014FoxNews.com

A 32-year-old New York man has been missing for almost two weeks while on a motorcycle trip through Latin America.

According to the New York Daily News, Harry Devert, from Pelham, has not been heard from since Jan. 25 while riding his motorcycle through Mexico.

"Just got an hour and a half long escort out of some area it was too dangerous for me to be," he told his girlfriend, Sarah Schiear, through WhatsApp. "Gonna get back on the road soon. Apparently there's another military escort waiting for me in some other town... I'm running way late because of the crazy military stuff..."

Devert was on his way to Zihuatanejo, where he planned to visit the beach where the final scene of "The Shawshank Redemption" was filmed, the Daily News reported.

His family said there has been no activity on his debit card and his phone is no longer in service. They said American and Mexican authorities are working to find him.
 
Yeah, this was the guy that went looking for trouble? And he intends to 'write a book'?
How about that?
Doesn't seem to tell me much about Mexico.
dc

I think he also said he didn't know how to ride a motorcycle. He had never been on a motorcycle.
 
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New York man missing in Mexico during motorcycle trip
Published February 09, 2014FoxNews.com

A 32-year-old New York man has been missing for almost two weeks while on a motorcycle trip through Latin America.

According to the New York Daily News, Harry Devert, from Pelham, has not been heard from since Jan. 25 while riding his motorcycle through Mexico.

"Just got an hour and a half long escort out of some area it was too dangerous for me to be," he told his girlfriend, Sarah Schiear, through WhatsApp. "Gonna get back on the road soon. Apparently there's another military escort waiting for me in some other town... I'm running way late because of the crazy military stuff..."

Devert was on his way to Zihuatanejo, where he planned to visit the beach where the final scene of "The Shawshank Redemption" was filmed, the Daily News reported.

His family said there has been no activity on his debit card and his phone is no longer in service. They said American and Mexican authorities are working to find him.



I wish him well !

Sometimes people just walk away from what they ? were, had, etc. Maybe this is one of those ?

There was a rider that disappeared on his way to the Laughlin River Run a few years back. I never heard if he was ever found. Disappearances happen all the time. Some by choice..some not.
 
Mexico happens to be on the way south but I sure don't get why one would want to visit unless getting lessons on surviving in poverty and how to screw up a whole country is your mission. For a several hundred year old society, it demonstrates mostly how Spanish culture places below the border produce lousy social results compared to other euro culture originated places. Hence the migration from those places to here.
Perhaps my views are somewhat colored by those I've met from there. Starting with a bunch of pampered upper class types at the college I taught at- without exception (5 of the first 5) all were cheats and thieves.
At least the illegals here in NC want to work- but they brought with them large numbers of hit and run accidents and assorted other issues. Most are illiterate in their own language so don't have much future here beyond manual labor.- must be a great place to be from when that sort of future is an improvement.

You'd be less cavalier about that missing person if it was one of your relatives..
Sure it can happen anywhere- tourists here get shot and killed sometimes- but it didn't.
 
Maybe you would be less cavalier about Mexico if you had relatives there, or from there.
And your cavalier attitude about Mexico doesn't tell me much about Mexico.
I was there last week. That told the whole story to me. It was quite a nice trip.
dc
 
Maybe you would be less cavalier about Mexico if you had relatives there, or from there.
And your cavalier attitude about Mexico doesn't tell me much about Mexico.
I was there last week. That told the whole story to me. It was quite a nice trip.
dc

+1, Gunny; I spend 30 days a year in Mexico on a Moto and I always have had a nice trip, while my heart does go out to Harry Devert: I'll wait to see this entire story unfold. I pray for his safe return to his loved ones, but I think that there is a whole lot more to this situation than we are getting on CNN/BBC!
 
So...from you experienced guys!...Is travel in Mexico safe for a lone rider ?? I have always wanted to see it,particularly during winter. But have been chicken to go. My two best riding buddies are unfortunately now deceased , and we never "got around to it" earlier...
 
So...from you experienced guys!...Is travel in Mexico safe for a lone rider ?? I have always wanted to see it,particularly during winter. But have been chicken to go. My two best riding buddies are unfortunately now deceased , and we never "got around to it" earlier...

Ron, I rode solo South to Guatemala City in 1990 but I do not know if I would ride alone again to Guatemala, there are areas in Mexico I avoid but I also do not go into South Phoenix at night either! Being the Mexico Ride Leader for AZ Beemers I usually have three or four fellow AZB guys and gals riding with me on my Mexico trips. http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread...cycles-in-Mexico-Part-I&highlight=Guadalajara Great Mexico BMW Rally Ride Report from AZ Beemer Member AZ-J!

AZ Beemers contingent taking a respite in the town of Mascota we stopped in during the trip between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta:

IMG_0620.jpg


Ron keep your eyes on http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/ in our Upcoming Rides section, there may be a Winter Mexico ride that I will be hosting that will be of interest to you! http://www.fjriders.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=981&hilit=Baja

Do you ride a dirt bike, GS or KLR? I am planning a Mexico Dirt Bike ride with mi Amigo Skip Mascorro of MotoDiscovery that will knock your socks off! An Ultimate Dirt Ride!

http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=4644.0 If you do ride a dirt bike, AZ Beemer Carl Carlson has posted a week long trip to San Borja Mission in Baja California.

http://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/mission_san_borja.php Info on San Borja. http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=4603.0 Info on Real de Catorce/Huasteca ride in April 2015.
 
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Ron, I rode solo South to Guatemala City in 1990 but I do not know if I would ride alone again to Guatemala, there are areas in Mexico I avoid but I also do not go into South Phoenix at night either! Being the Mexico Ride Leader for AZ Beemers I usually have three or four fellow AZB guys and gals riding with me on my Mexico trips. http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread...cycles-in-Mexico-Part-I&highlight=Guadalajara Great Mexico BMW Rally Ride Report from AZ Beemer Member AZ-J!

AZ Beemers contingent taking a respite in the town of Mascota we stopped in during the trip between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta:

IMG_0620.jpg


Ron keep your eyes on http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/ in our Upcoming Rides section, there may be a Winter Mexico ride that I will be hosting that will be of interest to you! http://www.fjriders.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=981&hilit=Baja

Do you ride a dirt bike, GS or KLR? I am planning a Mexico Dirt Bike ride with mi Amigo Skip Mascorro of MotoDiscovery that will knock your socks off! An Ultimate Dirt Ride!

http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=4644.0 If you do ride a dirt bike, AZ Beemer Carl Carlson has posted a week long trip to San Borja Mission in Baja California.

http://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/mission_san_borja.php Info on San Borja. http://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=4603.0 Info on Real de Catorce/Huasteca ride in April 2015.



Thank you,

And No, I ride an 1150 Roadster. I have a K1200LT but it is a work in progress..and i prefer the Roadster.
 
I think it's great for anyone that so chooses but until I've managed all of the parts of the U.S. and Canada that I'd like to I won't be thinking one instant about going to Mexico. I'm sure there are lots of places it would be nice to visit. I'm sure there are plenty of places in the U.S. and Canada one would be better off avoiding. I'm sure there's at least a chance I am incorrect but I personally feel safer in the U.S. and Canada. Since they offer so very many good options and choices I'll exhaust that first and let the more (adventuresome, daring, and some might include foolish) go to Mexico.
 
I think it's great for anyone that so chooses but until I've managed all of the parts of the U.S. and Canada that I'd like to I won't be thinking one instant about going to Mexico. I'm sure there are lots of places it would be nice to visit. I'm sure there are plenty of places in the U.S. and Canada one would be better off avoiding. I'm sure there's at least a chance I am incorrect but I personally feel safer in the U.S. and Canada. Since they offer so very many good options and choices I'll exhaust that first and let the more (adventuresome, daring, and some might include foolish) go to Mexico.


Well my first thought is I agree...particularly the safety aspect.

But truth is I have traveled quite a bit of the south....and as an example this winter it hasn't been all that warm..:banghead

So I've thought that Mexico might just be a late winter get-away ? :)
 
Well my first thought is I agree...particularly the safety aspect.

But truth is I have traveled quite a bit of the south....and as an example this winter it hasn't been all that warm..:banghead

So I've thought that Mexico might just be a late winter get-away ? :)

I tell you what mi Compadre Ronaldo, Papa Chuy Viejo will make you an offer you can't refuse! Plan on flying to Phoenix next Winter and I'll organize an AZ Beemers ride to Bahia Kino en Sonora Estado, you'll be riding my BMW GS and staying at Casa de Stanley before and after Mexico. AZ Beemers do this once a year, 4 days and 3 nights will give you a Mexico intro ese!

"AZ Beemers Ride to Bahia Kino in Sonora, Mexico!

http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii307/morrisseymark482/?albumview=slideshow

Friday, FEB 15: Five riders departed the Love?s Truck Stop at Exit 162 at 0800 in a driving rainstorm. Seamus MacTreinfhir on his BMW R1150GS Adventure, Dave Cooley on his BMW R1200GS, Bob Flanders on his BMW R1200RT, Mark Morrissey on his Kawasaki Concours 14 and Don Stanley on his Kawasaki KLR 650. Approaching Nogales the rain turned into blinding snow.

We met Brian and Melanie Boles at their Motel 6 hotel room and spent an hour drinking coffee, drying out and warming ourselves up. At Noon we got a break in the storm and with BB and Mel leading us on their Honda Gold Wing we seven crossed the border and headed due south.

After stopping for fuel in Magdalena, and the rain stopping shortly after that, we rolled into Hermosillo for a fantastic late lunch at Sonora Steak House.

cimg0127_std.jpg


Right at twilight we rode up to the Hotel Posada del Mar to begin our stay of three nights. This hotel was a happening place when Senor Medina last stayed here 20 years ago, but has sadly fallen into some neglect; $44 a night.

Dinner that evening was served at the La Palapa Restaurant a mile?s walk up the beach from the hotel. Everyone but Brian walked to the restaurant. Senor Boles was our designated rider who brought everybody back safely one at a time to the hotel on Don?s Kawi KLR as the designated taxi service.

Saturday, FEB 16: After a leisurely wake up and walks on the beach we rode North to Bahia Kino Nuevo for a delicious desayuno at Jorge?s Restaurant. We rode to Old Town where we spent our day exploring Bahia Kino Viejo.

We saw a group of schoolchildren returning to the beach from an excursion out on the bay, so we all also chartered the panga and its skipper for a tour. We rode around Isla Alcatraz viewing seabirds and a great view of the coast.

cimg0045_std.jpg


The afternoon was spent on the beach, soaking up rays and just conversing. For our evening meal we returned to Jorge?s for outstanding seafood entrees.

Sunday, FEB 17: Brian and Melanie decided to spend the day in Old Town for a regional fiesta celebration, while Los Cincos Amigos struck out 120 miles North to Puerto Libertad to see what was there. Beautiful desert and a small village with a great seafood grass shack right on la playa in bright sun.

Our day was started with breakfast at Roberto?s, owned by Americana lady. Our evening meal was at Marlin?s, a local restaurant frequented by gringos.

Monday, FEB 18: With the rising sun we were heading east on MEX 16 and winding our way back North to Estados Unidos. A lunch stop was made at an AZ Beemers favorite Restaurant in Magdalena for years, El Chango Caf?.

There were no surprises during our tour of Sonora, just Mexico as usual, but there were a couple of mechanical issues. Mark?s Kawi C14 had a sometime electrical short that he luckily discovered was just a loose battery connection

Brian entered Mexico with a failing stator on his Wing, carrying two batteries and a charger to keep it going. It finally gave up the ghost at Green Valley and was towed to Tucson, with Dave and Don riding escort, for its 3rd battery. But after a late lunch at The Wildcat House all seven made it home.

Epilogue: Once again, a fantastic and memorable ride into Old Mexico with a fine group of AZ Beemers. Had laughs and good times we?ll never forget.

Postscript: If you?ve never ridden South with AZ Beemers you really do not know the great times and exciting motorcycle miles that you are missing!"
 
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I got to second that emotion.
There is nothing worse than being on your death bed and wishing you had made that trip to Mexico.
Going with a well organized group like that is one real easy way, you got instant friends and companions.
Going on your own (my own) is pure delight for me, as I like myself.
They say don't camp alone and don't ride at night.
I don't camp and I don't ride at night, even here.
Avoid any bad area, don't get drunk and roam around at night.
The surprising thing is what a good time you have.
I did have my bike break down once down there. Really no big deal at all.
dc
 
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