Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 41
Mexico is actually dangerous !!!!

Well, I have to say that I nearly had few fatal crashes in various places in the last 3 weeks in Mexico, but it is not from the wonderful Mexican people that I met who have been extremely generous and kind, but from the wind which has been blowing really hard in some places, the month of March is known for that, I guess I should have done more research on weather conditions.
It all started going through Baja where I got a wind constantly trying to push me off the road unless I would find a "appropriate" speed (95 km/hr) to cut through this NORTH wind because any slower than that, I would be blown off the road as I tried to slow my pace, not a good idea.
It lasted for 3 days going down from Tijuana to Todos Santos, 24 hrs a day bowing dust on the road, spreading wild fire bushes, and No, there is no where to hide in order to escape this crazy wind, if you have done Baja, you know what I'm talking about, long wide open space, I had never experienced wind like that before.
I'm in a more calm area now for the last 3 days in Oaxaca which is absolutely stunning, rich in art and culture, but I ventured myself south yesterday towards Santo Domingo Tehuatepec (270km), where a west wind in the last 40 km was again pushing me sideways, and to top it up, I realized at the toll booth that I forgot my prescription glasses on my bed in Oaxaca and I lost my front break twice riding down the mountain, so guess what !!!! I had to turn around to get my glasses and I knew that the last bmw dealer is in Oaxaca before I cross the border of Guatemala.
In the end, at the hostel, the amazing people had my glasses waiting for my return, and I went to the dealer, and they could't find anything wrong with my front break, and I had a new front and rear bleed done in Guadalajara, which was done properly, so they concluded that the ABS is going banana when I break under certain circumstances like very rough road, which is in Mexico quite often....

I did share my experience with the tech manager at BMW and he knows the area very well and suggested to change my route south after Santo Domingo Tehuatepec again and going back north to avoid what he calls a very dangerous wind which is exploited by 100's of wind mills after Salina Cruz where the wind is known to go up to 160km/hr and apparently a town carries the name of "Las Ventanas".

The government has build a HWY 185 further North
to bypass this area which has claimed lots of lives unfortunately.

Anyway, I'm alive, all is well, but maybe my lack of research is no further than the answer, and maybe it explains to me why I have been on the road for 3 weeks in over 6,000km and met only ONE rider at the ferry in La Paz.

I thought that I would share my experience in order to prevent anyone to find themselves in the same situation which turned out find so far for me.

safe riding to all , and keep the rubber down more than ever
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
Not headed for Patagonia by any chance, are you?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 41
no not this time

That is a loose plan for travelling with my wife eventually but for this one as I'm alone for central america and back to Canada.
Patagonia, Oh my god let's talk about wind !!!!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
There is no way you can avoid the windy area around La Ventosa (not las Ventanas) if you are headed from Tehuantepec towards San Cristobal or Tapachula . The wind usually picks up at noon, so the earlier you can go through this stretch, the better .
The good part is , there is not much traffic on that road, so you can stay pretty much on the centerline all the time
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Colfax , illinois
Posts: 77
BMW in guatemala city has no Heidenau tires, they are shitty as usual, will try to find thru other ways.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
I don't want to get into an argument about BMW or not, I couldn't care less.

But they do have the Heidenau tires and so does fellow ADV rider marior97 in San Salvador (he has the better price)
Motorider, S. A. de C. V. | Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Colfax , illinois
Posts: 77
Julio , they DONT have the tires now, i called them, neither does your friend in el salvador. i called him too.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Colfax , illinois
Posts: 77
but the continental TC80 is available, i even think that is a better tire.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by motomundo antigua View Post
Julio , they DONT have the tires now, i called them, neither does your friend in el salvador. i called him too.

Taz, I don't know what tires you are looking for .
Mario does have the ones for the GS 800 in stock , I just reconfirmed with him .
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 41
AAAHHH !!!! those bloody Heidenau again

Hi guaterider and motomundo

Thank you for correcting me regarding La ventosa it is, as Las Ventanas is a spectacular private resort in Cabo where the common mortal can't afford.

I did leave Oaxaca at 7am this morning and made without to much wind through la Ventosa around noon and I have to say that it is impressive all those wind mills everywhere .
I made it to Tapachula for the night, before entering Guate, any suggestion gents as to which crossing to take?
what time is best, early I guess ?
what to do and not to do ?
I will probably head straight to Lago Atitlan for few days for spanish lessons unless you guys are suggesting otherwise.

Regarding the tires, we still have few days as those Heidenau are getting pretty close to be done 17,000km Not bad for knobbies, as for the TKC 80, I have no use for those and they are only good for 5-6 K anyway.
I would rather try the kenda or kendo tires.
I have contacted 10 days ago on your suggestion Mario on ADV but he did not respond to me yet, nor did BMW in Guate and El salvador !!!!!!!

I will hook up with motomundo very soon even tomorrow depending on my border crossing.

thanks to all again for your help, much appreciated .
Guaterider are up for if you are in the area ?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chefonbike68 View Post
Hi guaterider and motomundo


I made it to Tapachula for the night, before entering Guate, any suggestion gents as to which crossing to take?
what time is best, early I guess ?
what to do and not to do ?
I will probably head straight to Lago Atitlan for few days for spanish lessons unless you guys are suggesting otherwise.


I have contacted 10 days ago on your suggestion Mario on ADV but he did not respond to me yet, nor did BMW in Guate and El salvador !!!!!!!


Guaterider are up for if you are in the area ?

If you have the time , I would suggest riding up all the way to the border crossing at La Mesilla, beautiful backroads through green hills, coffee farms.
At La Mesilla the border crossing is very easy and fast and the scenery is very impressive, because you are up in our western highlands.

If you decide to cross down in Tapachula, I would get off CA2 soon after the border(Pajapita), get on the road that takes you up to El Rodeo-San Marcos-Quetzaltenango and on to CA1 . At KM 150 (aprox) you will find a small but very scenic road taking you down to Lake Atitlan.
As far as Spanish lessons, it depends what you are looking for . There is much more party but less quality in San Pedro (Atitlan) as in Antigua . In one place you have the incredibly beautiful lake, in the other one the world famous Easter procession, flower carpets etc.

Don't worry about tires , lots of options in Guate City , just keep in mind that for Semana Santa almost all the businesses will be closed . What bike are you on anyway ?

And yes, I'll be around for and
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 41
crossing this morning

hey Guaterider,

I will cross in tapachula as I'm here already, I will head straight to Lago Atitlan to settle and get my bearings and use it as a base.
I will look for a family stay there .
where r u staying anyway?
I ride a gs 800 yellow and black.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: antigua,guatemala
Posts: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chefonbike68 View Post
hey Guaterider,

I will cross in tapachula as I'm here already, I will head straight to Lago Atitlan to settle and get my bearings and use it as a base.
I will look for a family stay there .
where r u staying anyway?
I ride a gs 800 yellow and black.
I'm located in Antigua and Mario in Salvador does have Heidenau for your bike in stock , I talked to him yesterday .
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 41
update

I have just made my way into Panajachel and staying here for the next few days as It is incredibly beautiful although I haven't seen much yet as it as cloudy as i rolled in.
I will let you know the day or 2 before leaving Panajachel to make my way to Antigua, can u let me know what your schedule is as I'm flexible for availability to meet with you
The Border crossing was rather uneventful in La Carmen but 2hrs and had a beautiful ride through stunning scenery.

talk soon
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 41
update

I have just made my way into Panajachel and staying here for the next few days as It is incredibly beautiful although I haven't seen much yet as it as cloudy as i rolled in.
I will let you know the day or 2 before leaving Panajachel to make my way to Antigua, can u let me know what your schedule is as I'm flexible for availability to meet with you
The Border crossing was rather uneventful in La Carmen but 2hrs and had a beautiful ride through stunning scenery.

talk soon
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
who can crack this conundrum? (part II) Mexico mfbx8ds6 Trip Paperwork 10 26 Sep 2013 02:32
Entering Mexico February 2013 tim-from-philly Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 23 Feb 2013 00:58
Mexico Feb 17 to Panama round trip Mexico March 15 Scorpio33 Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 16 Nov 2012 02:24
Ao2W - USA and Mexico banditderek Ride Tales 1 25 Mar 2012 15:09
Heading to Mexico - looking for company davidam Travellers Seeking Travellers 12 21 Feb 2012 07:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:48.