Who has ridden in Mexico?

[TTG53#1717]

This wasn’t in Chihuahua, but kind of on topic...

http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2074952

I live 8 miles from the border and haven’t crossed it in 15+ years.

When I moved here 20 yrs ago and took my bikes to get inspected at an oil change place, the guys there told me specifically not to take my custom Ironhead or my Valk to Juarez.

My wife and I were in traffic one day, by the Juarez airport, when an M113 came smashing through and disgorged a dozen guys with FALs who surrounded the bus next to us and then forced everyone off and laid them on the ground around us. Stuck for two more hours with all the shouting and watching folks get roughed up.

We knew a very nice woman who vanished in Juarez.

My BiL has seen more than a few bodies doing business in the maquiladoras. One just two weeks ago.

A co-worker, who goes to Juarez a lot, had his car painted over there and when he went to pick it up he got a block away from the shop before “cops” stopped him, took his car and put him in jail overnight.
It cost him 8 grand in “legal fees” to get his car back.

I carry everyday.  For me it’s Just not worth going over there.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

This wasn’t in Chihuahua, but kind of on topic...

http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2074952

That was way over in the safe Baja (HAHA) where there is no violence (used to be). Robbed them of everything just about including their riding jackets, phones, wallets and glasses! I saw plenty of the Mexican way of life living 4 years in New Mexico (it ain't new but it sure as heck is mexico). Now if I want to hear some Spanish I just go to Miami...

[bassman]

Also, try to get a script for CIPRO and take a fair supply of Imodium also with you.....if you're traveling the backroads and country it will probably be just a matter of time before you will need these......be cautious of the drinking water !

[DIGGER]

My neighbors Mexican maid said she used to go to Mexico City 1 time a year but she wont go now says its too dangerous.    Good enough to keep me out

[bassman]

And then there's this......

https://www.foxnews.com/media/lara-logan-mexico-sex-trafficking-police

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’m afraid Mr. Goat has had enough of us. 

[J.Mencalice]

One more.  From this morning USA TODAY news:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/06/american-family-attacked-mexico-child-shot-killed-3-others-hurt/2822770001

Gives a map of where not to be in eastern Mexico.  Good advice.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

One more.  From this morning USA TODAY news:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2020/01/06/american-family-attacked-mexico-child-shot-killed-3-others-hurt/2822770001

Gives a map of where not to be in eastern Mexico.  Good advice.

That's crazy. I rode my Interstate across right there at the Falcon Lake dam crossing in around 2005. I camped at Falcon Lake State Park just 2 summers back. I think I was the only person camped there who's first language was English. I know how that last sentence sounds but it is what it is in Deep south Texas now. I had lunch just south of Falcon that day in Roma Tx. at Whataburger and they had switch to an English speaking cashier just to take my order. I doubt I'll ever even go south of Texas 285 again as it's changed too much over the 30 years I've traveled down that way.

[Mikerthebiker]

It is decided.  I will ride my Valk down to the Copper Canyon and sell it to a drug kingpin for $10,000 then take a bus home.

That sounds like fun.

Tony,
Check over on the ADV.com site. Lots of adventure riders do Mexico every year without issue. You can make it to Guatemala from Texas on pavement, Valk friendly roads.
I’d wager there’s 50 ‘mericans down there right now doing what you want to do.

[Kidd]

I've driven from Az to Guatemala about 30 times and back. I was importing stuff , lived in my van .
Traveled every major road and many back roads , I loved it , so many fine memories .

Traveled to panajachel where the local Mayans  sold textiles .

Would not do it again , not adventurous any more

Spent much time in Belize , too

One of my favorite cities in Mexico was Chetumal

[Skinhead]

Just came across this:

https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/us_world_news/us-state-department-issues-travel-warning-to-anyone-going-to/article_3625437e-0cb5-5f93-9f0b-7ff6b520ff65.html?fbclid=IwAR3Qk-j94Gp47oYHUAQ1Z9GcigfT1xdJd-rR_7XraRvFVLdS-x7cILO5UUs

[Jess from VA]

Anyone traveling out of the country should always check the US State Dept foreign country evaluation for that country before leaving.  Some info is pretty standard stuff, but they do update for specific threats, trends in certain places.  

https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/bureaus-and-offices-reporting-directly-to-the-secretary/office-of-u-s-foreign-assistance-resources/

It's your tax dollars at work so might as well use it.  

[tonybluegoat]

If you want to travel to Mexico here are some links and things that might help you. I will be spending between 10 and 30 days in Mexico this Spring, so I had to figure them out.

1. You need extra insurance on your bike. A separate policy for my bike for 14 days runs about $200. I haven't asked Geico yet how much they would charge to just add it to my existing policy. www.bajabound.com (not just for Baja)

2. You need a "Tourist Visa" It costs about $30. You can get it online but you still have to stop at the border to have it stamped.  https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html

3. You need to register your vehicle with Mexico. Again, you can get it online but you still need to stop and show them the documents. https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/#

4. IF you have an unlimited plan with Verizon and a good phone (I have an iphone like most people) then you're phone will work in Mexico.

5. Bring small bills for tolls and things.

6. The lines at the border are easier for a motorcycle because you can lane split all the way to the front.

That's what I've learned so far. There is already another thread for scared people to tell me how if I go to Mexico I will die and get kidnapped. There are actually people in the is world whose lives aren't defined by every bad thing that can happen.  Please don't clog this thread up with another rehash about your fears about things that you have never done and would never do.  Stick to flying to Cancun and taking Cruise Ships. Please try to keep this thread available for people who actually do things that are interesting.

I'll update this post as I learn more.

[hubcapsc]

Please try to keep this thread available for people who actually do things that are interesting.

You're running it off track already  ...

-Mike

[f6john]

I hope you have a great adventure and take mucho pictures. I think it’s terrible that we live on this continent but are afraid to travel the lower half.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Please try to keep this thread available for people who actually do things that are interesting.

You're running it off track already  ...

-Mike

[JimmyG]

Hey Tony bg,
Wow , what a great adventure this will be. Wish I could go too. I enjoy Mexico and the people there, although most of our traveling now is to Central America. We love it there as well.  A great thing to learn, if you know not already, is to learn some of the language. The people appreciate you talking to them in their language. As long as you try, they try back in like kind is my experience.  Yes, we probably sound like they sound to us trying to speak our language, but you will make many more friends and have a better time if you can speak to them a little.   Good luck on the great adventure you will be taking.
 

[Bighead]

Tony I do many things that are very interesting. As I said in your other thread have fun on your trek but Personally I wouldnt risk it. Have fun.

[GRCTAMPA]

Look forward to seeing some great pictures. Hope you have an awesome adventure!

[tonybluegoat]

Look forward to seeing some great pictures. Hope you have an awesome adventure!

Thanks. I'm prepping the bike this week.  The trip is in May.  New tires earlier, rebuilt both forks yesterday.  Added Lowers.

[tonybluegoat]

Hey Tony bg,
Wow , what a great adventure this will be. Wish I could go too. I enjoy Mexico and the people there, although most of our traveling now is to Central America. We love it there as well.  A great thing to learn, if you know not already, is to learn some of the language. The people appreciate you talking to them in their language. As long as you try, they try back in like kind is my experience.  Yes, we probably sound like they sound to us trying to speak our language, but you will make many more friends and have a better time if you can speak to them a little.   Good luck on the great adventure you will be taking.
 

Great advice. Thanks.

[tonybluegoat]

I've driven from Az to Guatemala about 30 times and back. I was importing stuff , lived in my van .
Traveled every major road and many back roads , I loved it , so many fine memories .

Traveled to panajachel where the local Mayans  sold textiles .

Would not do it again , not adventurous any more

Spent much time in Belize , too

One of my favorite cities in Mexico was Chetumal

Cool!

[tonybluegoat]

It is decided.  I will ride my Valk down to the Copper Canyon and sell it to a drug kingpin for $10,000 then take a bus home.

That sounds like fun.

Tony,
Check over on the ADV.com site. Lots of adventure riders do Mexico every year without issue. You can make it to Guatemala from Texas on pavement, Valk friendly roads.
I’d wager there’s 50 ‘mericans down there right now doing what you want to do.

I'm checking it out now.  did you mean advrider.com?

[tonybluegoat]

We have been to Puerta Vallarta the last two years, and no problems there.  Even ventured a few hours out into the country--and it doesn't take many miles until you are really in the boonies.  I have a retired friend that made the drive a couple of times from Cincinnati to PV and the only issue they had was something to do with insurance when they were stopped by some local gendarme.  As I recall, the problem was solved with a donation of 500 pesos (about $25).  Been hearing some places, Jaurez included, are not safe for Americans, but if merely traveling thru, don't think I would be that worried.  As others have noted, speaking a bit of Spanish is helpful, even if you just show that you are trying.  I think getting fuel in some the rural areas may be more of a worry.  And cash is king.  Dollars can be used anywhere.

Good luck.  Sounds like a great adventure.  Looking forward to stories and pictures when you get back.

Thanks!

[tonybluegoat]

I guess I have to chicken out. The people in Mexico that wanted to work with said “don’t try it you won’t make it. It’s too dangerous. “

It just makes me angry that criminals get to run an entire country. It’s flabbergasting that the people allow it and that an entire country can’t get simple law and order correct. It’s both sad and sobering.

So I was wrong. The Worrier’s were right. There you go. Sorry I doubted you.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I guess I have to chicken out. The people in Mexico that wanted to work with said “don’t try it you won’t make it. It’s too dangerous. “

It just makes me angry that criminals get to run an entire country. It’s flabbergasting that the people allow it and that an entire country can’t get simple law and order correct. It’s both sad and sobering.

So I was wrong. The Worrier’s were right. There you go. Sorry I doubted you.

What’s that expression ? “Discretion is the better part of valor”

[Jess from VA]

Glad to hear it.  It is too bad, but I believe the risks do outweigh the adventure.  It's not chickening out when you exercise good judgment.

I drove my Chevy El Camino about as close as the Turks would let me to Russia (now Georgia) and Syria, (and many other places) and it was mostly just fine, but there were some hairy moments.  I spoke a bit of the language, but having my fluent (and beautiful) Turk wife as translator and advisor was extremely helpful.  As was being active duty US military (back when they all loved us).  

And my Chevy stuck out over there as much as your Valk probably would in Mexico.  Being able to blend in as much as possible is a real benefit, and you don't blend in driving/riding something that advertises you are a foreigner to all who see it.  

And I wasn't allowed any firearms (equalizers) over there, just like in Mexico.  Except all the machine guns over there were only carried by (all) the military and police, never the criminal element.  That made me nervous for awhile after I arrived, but soon I found it comforting.

On the other hand, there is probably a lot of this Country you haven't seen yet.  

[JimmyG]

That's to bad TBG. I'd listen to the ones who know the area and the problems too.  In twelve years, my wife and I only missed going to El Salvador once due to the danger factor, and it was our local contacts that told us to stay home that year.  Since then, things have improved a lot. This year we plan to go in July and have been told that things are safer than ever. That is good news for sure.  Hopefully, Mexico will wise up some day and get crime under control, but with drugs,money, and power being a chief concern in some places, it looks doubtful in the near future.