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  #1  
Old 26 Sep 2009
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Hazardous Road Conditions - San Pedro Sula to Tegulcigalpa Honduras

After crossing thru northern Corinto border into HON yesterday we thought we would update bikers on the road from SPS down to Tegu... Absolute disaster. The borders were easy and the new Arizona bridge was a laugh at only 2 metres long but after a pleasant drive from Omoa we headed south towards San Pedro and the hills and the road started.

Major construction on both sides, undirected traffic, free for all with little signage. Semi trailers rule the road here, they pass each other with no thought for oncoming traffic, blind corners, cars or bikes and it was tail to tail at speed alot of the time. There is only one lane in many places but you share it, if that is possible. We overtook alot because going low speed was also a major pain "1150GS with long first gear is a real challenge when traffic in front of you is going 1-3 mph alot. Trying to squeeze in between trucks n cars is normally a courtesy thing but here in HON, the trucks just keep coming up your rear and it is very scary. The road is manageable when dry but with afternoon rain it was extremely hazardous with road covered with a thin coating of mud on the sealed surfaces.

We were two up on 1150GS and were the meat in the sandwich too many times and were pushed into the gutters on more than one occasion. There is no room for error. If anyone comes off, you can be sure there is a truck behind wanting to score points.

Recommendation would be if you go on this road, as there really is no other, then go early to avoid full on traffic and rain in the afternoon.

Drive safe.
Jules & Olie
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  #2  
Old 4 Oct 2009
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Thanks for the report. We expect to be in Honduras in 3 weeks. We are crossing the border at the Copan Ruins. Is that good or bad? We will then head up to San Pedro Sula and down to Comayagua for the night. Any feed back? Does the construction look long term? How long is the problem area? Thanks for any feedback.
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Old 5 Oct 2009
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Hey JudgeJoe
The principal lesson learned from our crossing was that you cannot trust what people say about status procedure at some of the borders.
As we left the hotel in Puerto Barrios (Palm Real) we were told in all honesty that the border was closed due to the political situation and we would not be allowed to circulate in Hon. Palm Real was great on the left as you enter into PB a few km.. We had bike in the lobby.

GUAT side was 20 minutes and easy....HON side was longer. You arrive and automatically want to head down the right side of the road. You will be chased by guys on motorbikes to help.. ignore them. The actual building you want is on the left side of the road and you can just bike over there. It was straight forward.

We did not go through Copan, we went through the north border hearing it was easier and its all paved.. yes correct. Omoa is beautiful for a stop if you have time....and the road San Pedro Sula is pretty good. Yogoa lake gorgeous... but we wanted to get through and out as quick as possible before the political situation possibly unfolded more. We stayed at Comayagua at Santa Maria Hotel.. nice food and drinks and rooms.

The construction after San Pedro Sula to TEGUCI was horrendous and definitely longterm. Trucks are just awful and rule the road. Hopefully it won't rain for you as it made it worse. Slick thin mud from run off of the side of the hills vs construction material. Probably am would be better than lunchtime and later on a Friday pm... probably worst time. We reckon it was around 60kms long stream of trucks and lane changes. Some places two lanes, some one lane for each side... you come to a gas station sort of cross roads where it was a quagmire of mud ....this is the end of the shite stuff...we stopped there to regroup ourselves.... Tegucigalpa was easy as they have a ring road and it was 15 mins and out of town....

Not sure how far you are going but Nicaragua was just awesome....

Take care and hope that helps
Cheers Jules & Oliver
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Old 5 Oct 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by judgejoe View Post
Thanks We are crossing the border at the Copan Ruins. Is that good or bad? We will then head up to San Pedro Sula and down to Comayagua for the night. .
Copan border is good : small border , not to many trucks , always some tourists and travellers . The road on the Guatemalan side is all paved and in good condition . The same from the border to San Pedro Sula : good pavement , not much traffic and some nice views , especially and the first part of the road .

Ride safe
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