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Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 23 Sep 2006
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Location: Dayton, Ohio
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Road to Batopilas
I'm riding from Ohio to Creel soon. My question is about the road down into the Canyon. First I heard it is only for off-road bikes, and I've also heard it is regularly traveled by buses and trucks.

We reserved a rental Nissan 4X4 for the canyon, but now I'm wondering if my BMW RT will make it down the trail. Once down there I'd like to ride to Parral, and on south.

What is this canyon road like? How likely am I to spill along the way? Any suggestions?

Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 23 Sep 2006
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Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Thumbs up Do It
You should have no problems on your RT, just don't be in a hurry. Trying to go too quickly down that road could easily end up in tears. It's such incredible country along the route that you should take your time anyway!
Try to get a room at the "Hotel Mary" in Batopilas, It's very cheap (about $10 to $15 if I remember correctly) they have a small restaurant on site and secure parking at the rear.
Also, take a ride to the "Lost Mission" in Satevo about 10 kms past Batopilas. It's a very cool place!

The dirt portion of the road from Creel to Batopilas is only about 65kms, and it will likely take about 3 hours on an RT, but it is certainly do-able. You should try it - you'll love it!
A word of caution though, I wouldn't think of doing it on road tires if it looks like rain, it can get pretty greasy on smooth rubber in the wet.

Have fun!
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  #3  
Old 23 Sep 2006
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Hotels in Batopilas
Hi msg996,

Thank you about the Hotel Mary as one of the hotel in Batopilas. Do you know how to find the telephone number or e-mail address of this hotel to make a reservation in English ? I don't even know where to begin to find information about this Hotel Mary.

Thank you again,
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  #4  
Old 23 Sep 2006
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Hotel Mary's phone number is 649-456-9097. I put in a yahoo search for hotel batopilas and 4 options came up. Enjoy the trip the most difficult part is right at the beginning but don't get put off after about ten minutes it gets much easier.
Garry
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  #5  
Old 25 Sep 2006
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Thanks, MSG.

Sounds like a do-able ride if the road isn't wet. Now I need to convince my riding buddy to cancel the rentatruck and make the ride. We have a reservation in Batopilas, I just don't remember if its the Hotel Mary or another. Must be another, since I recall the price being $50 for 1 night.

Anyone care to comment on the road from Batopilas to Parral?
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  #6  
Old 25 Sep 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smiler
............
Anyone care to comment on the road from Batopilas to Parral?
Well...fantastic.....might be a good description.

You may have to clutch the RT a hair when hitting some of the tight hairpens coming back up the canyon outta Batopilas. It'll be a great ride for y'all. Good memories...and all that...
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  #7  
Old 25 Sep 2006
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Botopiles
I rode the road 6 years ago and did it on a 1981 Goldwing. If you take it slow and it does not rain you should be fine. A friend of mine rode down on a goldwing with his wife on the back. She did not ride back out on the bike but did ride all the way in. Larry
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  #8  
Old 25 Sep 2006
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Three buddies and I did the road last February on GSs, and had no problems...even with road oriented tires. Watch for some silt beds before you drop into the canyon...

It's a great ride...now, the back way to Tubares...no way I would take an RT on that!

Here's a write up of our trip:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/repo...nyon/index.php

Have Fun!

-H-
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  #9  
Old 26 Sep 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hltoppr
..........now, the back way to Tubares...

I'll be there in about 10 days with plans to ride the caanyon backroads/trails with 2 other riders.

Do you where maps and directions could be found?
I planned to hit up the 3 Amigos guys in Creel.
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  #10  
Old 26 Sep 2006
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The three amigos map is the one to use. It's pretty up to date, and while not 100% easy to follow, will for the most part get you to Choix.

If you'd like, hit me with a PM of your fax # or address and I'll send you a copy of mine.

Just an FYI, a group of Tucson riders were held up at AK-47 point there (outside of Tubares IIRC) earlier this year, so while we didn't have any issues, keep a watchful eye.

-H-
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  #11  
Old 2 Oct 2006
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Location: oakland, california,usa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hltoppr
The three amigos map is the one to use. It's pretty up to date, and while not 100% easy to follow, will for the most part get you to Choix.

If you'd like, hit me with a PM of your fax # or address and I'll send you a copy of mine.

Just an FYI, a group of Tucson riders were held up at AK-47 point there (outside of Tubares IIRC) earlier this year, so while we didn't have any issues, keep a watchful eye.

-H-
i have no idea either way but on other forums i saw this AK-47 hold up being discussed as being a rumor or at least unconfirmed. again i have no idea but would like to know since i'm heading to that area at the end of october.
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  #12  
Old 2 Oct 2006
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Here are the links to the trip reports with the holdup....

http://www.seatrider.com/left%20side...n%20mexico.htm

http://www.seatrider.com/left%20side...mexico%202.htm

Hope that helps.

-H-
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  #13  
Old 4 Oct 2006
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Hey H!

Here is my trip report from the area: http://www.expeditionswest.com/adven...dre/index.html

I would not ride a street bike from Batopilas to Satevo. Several washouts and lots of loose rocks, etc.
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Expeditions West | Overland Journal
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  #14  
Old 4 Oct 2006
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If I was in Batopilas on a road bike I would take it to Satevo. The road does get rougher past Batopoilas but by taking your time, it will be safe. Go early in the morning if you want to get out of the canyon that day on a road bike.
brian
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  #15  
Old 5 Oct 2006
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road to Batopilas
hey there,

We just rode to Batopilas last week. It was a AWESOME road. You need a entire day to ride it as the photos are non-stop. As far as your bike. Just take your time and you'll be fine. We couldn't say enough good about the entire two day ride.
Watch for the locals driving down to Batopilas they tend to drive pretty fast on the corners too. They know the road so well it is most likely easy for them.
Enjoy and make the most of the day, stop at the bridge half way down for a swim in the river. Make sure you pack a lunch too. water and more water, for drinking.

kella
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