Finally on my way...Central America bound

[Astockjoc]

Well, after about a year of planing and organizing, i will be leaving Florida this weekend for a border crossing at Pharr, TX Monday July 8th. I have downsized my business, sold most material stuff i don't need and stored some personal items. If i stumble across some place i like maybe i'll just stay for a bit or maybe forever. Most of my friends and family think i have totally lost my mind. I have been told over and over how dangerous it is in Mexico and Central America. I keep pointing out the crime statistics in most US cities which are just as ugly but most Americans don't seem to be bothered by that. Anyway, i thank all of the contributors on this site who have given me real knowledge and confidence to make this motorcycle adventure. Hope to meet some of you along the way.

[guaterider]

Have a great ride, you up to see great places and to meet wonderful people on the road.
See you down here

[MikeMike]

Heads up for mosquitoes along the coast. Very bad this year, plague after plague. Skip the hammock camping, don't tempt a case of dengue.

Very low on the fun meter scale!

[brclarke]

Your trip sounds terrific!

Keep us posted regularly! Have you thought about a blog site?

[hebbo]

Good luck mate. Don't listen to these boring people trying to stop! Go for it!

Keep us posted.

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by Astockjoc

Well, after about a year of planing and organizing, i will be leaving Florida this weekend for a border crossing at Pharr, TX Monday July 8th. I have downsized my business, sold most material stuff i don't need and stored some personal items. If i stumble across some place i like maybe i'll just stay for a bit or maybe forever. Most of my friends and family think i have totally lost my mind. I have been told over and over how dangerous it is in Mexico and Central America. I keep pointing out the crime statistics in most US cities which are just as ugly but most Americans don't seem to be bothered by that. Anyway, i thank all of the contributors on this site who have given me real knowledge and confidence to make this motorcycle adventure. Hope to meet some of you along the way.

I can't believe it, that is so dangerous and irresponsible to leave your own country to go and enjoy others

Don't listen to the news, listen to the locals and make sure you take your time.

There is actually a huge wealth of information to be had here, we can give you anything from our experience as a traveller but local knowledge will make your trip!!!

[Astockjoc]

Originally Posted by brclarke

Your trip sounds terrific!

Keep us posted regularly! Have you thought about a blog site?

Yes, i may do a separate blog. I'll post the site here when i get it up and running.

[naildoc1]

You will have an amazing time! My husband and I rode to the middle part of Mexico last summer with our 50 pound dog. We were told 1. Don't take the dog, big mistake. 2. It is very dangerous, you could get killed.
Despite all of the negative, we proceeded forward and went. Had the most amazing, incredible time ever. Taking the dog was an added bonus. We are going again this fall and will head to South America. (with our dog) Our blog is bentleysbigadventure.com.

[MikeMike]

Originally Posted by hebbo

Good luck mate. Don't listen to these boring people trying to stop! Go for it!

Keep us posted.

Boring people? You live in London, I live here in Mexico. A simple heads up regarding the local dengue fever epidemic is merely an advisory and not trying to stop someone.

Also, mayoral elections are happening on Sunday in many municipalities throughout Mexico. It is tense in a few states and you might find a few road blocks or protests depending on outcomes. Just another heads up.

It's called local rider knowledge and info, never boring, often useful.

[brclarke]

I'm sure hebbo meant "these boring people" back home...

[Astockjoc]

Thanks Mike. Your're right. There is useful information and useless info. I consider your comments useful not negative. On the other hand, i consider useless, advise from someone having never done a trip like this telling me Mexico is dangerous because they saw something on US news reports. I know you have to be street smart and alert.

[MikeMike]

Stop by on your way through, dont forget the rain gear!

[Astockjoc]

Hey Mike,

Yes, i anticipate some rain. I live on the panhandle of Florida and we have had four straight days of monsoon type rain. I've never seen anything like it. Setting records. No let up. Almost 24/7. So the last two days i have thrown on the rain gear and have gone for a ride to check it out.

[John Hubbard]

Hola Astockjoc,

How is your adventure going?

I am in Oaxaca and will stay here for the next week or so. This is really an interesting town. I stayed on the Pacific coast for two weeks and really enjoyed some down time. I do not have a set plan and will probably be in Mexico for at least another month.

Ride Safe,

Johnny

[Astockjoc]

Hey John,

The adventure is finally started. In Mexico almost a week now. I'll keep you posted as i head south.

Crossed the border about 7:30am at Reynosa on July 9. No big deal. Thought there would crowds and long lines. Very few people there and i got through the paperwork in about half an hour. Once through the border town of Reynosa, which took about twenty minutes, it was clear sailing on good roads due south and i ended up in Ciudad Victoria. It's about 200 miles south of the border. Got a hotel with secure parking by about 2:00pm. Had a meal at a great little Mexican place within a block of the hotel and it set me back about $4.00. I was beat from three days of riding 1200 miles. Had heavy rain from Florida to Texas. But the bike and gear held up well. Now i can slow down a bit and enjoy a few Mexican towns and scenery along the countryside. I'll be riding in some higher elevation through the Sierra Madre Oriental.

July 11. Now deep enough to start enjoying the beautiful countryside of Mexico. Made it to the beautiful mountain village of Xilitla. This is a very cool place. I know you went through Xilitla John. I decided to stay a couple of days. Xilitla is well known for the Surreal artist Edward James. In about 1940 he developed over a couple of decades an 80 acre mountain side surreal extravaganza. Truly spectacular.