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29 Dec 2012
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Sarallou,
I am sorry. I had planed a visit, and fotos of the lake etc, etc, but the holiday jitters got me and I packed up after a month of being in Antigua and now am through Honduras and into Nicaragua. Got my sights set on Costa Rica. I will be there, as best I can tell, for a while. ratbikemike
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29 Dec 2012
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Costa Rica
Hey thats too bad. Our Casita here has a spare room. We leave Guatemala about Jan 20 to El Salvador. I hope we can meet in CR? Keep us posted. Sara
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29 Dec 2012
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The Monarchs at last (worth the extra 2000km)
On the first day of our team ride we woke to poor weather.
DSC03654 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We headed to the Monarch Bioreserve about an hour away.
Monarchs 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 003 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 004 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The altitude and a 45 minute hike up the mountain from 3200 to 3700 feet put us out of breath. We did see thousands of mariposa , but they were all clinging to the tree branches shivering in th cold.
Monarchs 158 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 492 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 254 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Needless to say we were all a bit depressed. the riding however was great thru the mountains to Angangaro. It was cold here! Thanks Garry for making us hot chocolate in the hotel.
Monarchs 058 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Awaking the next morning the sun was shining and the air was warmed. Ivonne suggested we try another Monarch reserve.
Monarchs 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had another 50 min hike, but over easier terrain and were treated to the amazing sight of millions of butterflies on the wing and fluttering on the tree branches. Some of the team went on horseback.
Monarchs 497 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 087 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 253 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 410 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 318 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 179 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 225 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 271 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 373 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Female Monarch.
Monarchs 019 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Male Monarch.
Monarchs 326 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The view from the mirador over the valley was stunning.
Monarchs 094 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 315 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On returning to the parking lot we were treated to coffee made on Garry's camp stove.
Monarchs 233 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Cliff had left his keys in his bike and the local kids had been playing with them, killing the battery. Luckily Daniel has jumper cables.
Monarchs 136 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Monarchs 137 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The ride back to Mexico City was only just over 200 km, but with the trip to the butterflies and a few other diversions on gravel road, thru towns crowded with huge parades for the Guadaloupe, and a meeting with the BMW club we ended up arriving chez Dymond after 8 pm.
IMG_4769 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC_8652 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Let me tell you driving to and in Mexico city at night is a real challenge that I will not want to repeat.
Monarchs 97 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This did allow us to spend two more days with the Dymonds. They had invited us to join their family's first Posada. You travel "afar" and sing at the doors of the houses asking for shelter and Mary and Joseph did. We also had ponche (warm fruit punch0 and Pinatas.
DSC05972 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05981 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05982 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05988 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05997 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05998 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06027 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06008 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC06004 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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29 Dec 2012
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Run for the Frontera Guatemala
From Mexico City to the border town of Tapachula it is 1500 km.
Screen%20Shot%202012-12-16%20at%2010.55.00%20PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The first day was an epic ride through the mountains to Taxco via tres Marias and Cuenavaca. When we thought it could not get better the next days ride to Marquelia was amazing curves all day.
morelos2008-10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC03847 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We stopped at Suzuki to buy chain lube, but they don't sell it. They had some for shop use and did our chains for free.
DSC03844 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Marquelia is a bit of a grungy town, but we got a nice little hotel with air con for 250 pesos. We sure needed it since it was 34 degrees and very humid. I never thought we would be served our dinner by a transvestite chicken diva in a town like this.
DSC03853 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC03852 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC03849 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC03851 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We has another hellish hot 8 hour ride to Tehuantepec via Salina Cruz. We did stop once for 30 min for lunch in Puerto Escondido. Our final day towards the border was a 6 hour ride in the 34 degree heat to Tapachula. We arrived at Migration and easily had our Mexican import permits cancelled. The next step was one last night in Mexico and to exchange our Peso for Quetzal. This is quite a happening town with a lot of action in the main square.
IMG_1403 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_1411 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_1412 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_1414 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_1415 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had prepared everything we needed for the border and researched all the procedures. Despite this we were 2 hours at the Mexican side and 2 1/2 on the Guatemalan side. There were tons of people crossing the border with huge amounts of stuff they had bought at the Tapachula Sam's club.
Crossing into Guat, Finally by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FYI procedure for us at Hidalgo. We asked others and got a different experience from everyone.
295 Peso each to exit and receive Mexican exit passport stamp (we did not know about this as it started Dec 1 and the bank machines were all down so we could not get it in Pesos. The border official said to go across and see if can get into Guatemala without the Mexican stamp. We did)
6 Peso each to cross the river on the bridge.
18 Quetzal each for bike fumigation.
10 Quetzal each for tourist entry and passport stamp.
160 Quetzal each for the bike importation.
6 Quetzal for copies even though the sign clearly says you do not need copies.
After all this we finally left the border at 115. We had only a 177 km drive that because of traffic, construction, and road conditions took us 5 hours driving as fast as possible to arrive at Panajachel.
Making it to Pana by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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1 Jan 2013
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Panajachel Guatemala
After 6 months on the road we needed a little down time and we decided upon Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. It's only 180 km from the border, but the drive took us about 5 hours. The first section of the "highway" near the border is very rough and full of big trucks going 20 km per hour. The next part is a windy mountain road. Again with trucks going very slowly. The middle part is a smooth 4 lane amazing road until the turn off to Solala. The road down to the lake is 17 km , but it is 85% down hill and was under construction with 50% grated pavement.
Screen Shot 2012-12-30 at 6.25.46 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2012-12-30 at 6.26.09 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2012-12-27 at 3.09.21 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 121 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The town is very walkable, but there also many tuk tuks everywhere. It sits on the lake with the view of several volcanoes.
Panajachel Guatemala 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 97 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 109 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 140 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 142 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC04050 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a lovely lakeside town where 85% of the population are Mayan. The women and a few of the men dress in traditional clothes that are very bright and the color varies from village to village around the lake.
DSC04073 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC04076 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr 
DSC04078 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC04081 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The market here is daily, but is the largest on Sundays. The produce is amazing.
Panajachel Guatemala 143 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 148 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 144 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 149 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Almost every time I passed Maria i enden up buying some strange fruit she had for sale. These are Sapote and they have the flavour and texture of pumpkin pie. My other favorite haunt was to see Mirna at Super Pan for fresh hot banana muffins for 1Q each. On my way out of the bakery one night I saw Norbert on his V strom and also from Vancouver!
Panajachel Guatemala 122 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 135 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We ventured across the lake by water taxi to the village of San Juan and then walked to the next village of San Pedro. Each of the villages around the lake has different local arts and crafts for sale.
Panajachel Guatemala 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 119 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 73 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 82 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 96 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Daniel made friends with this 91 year old gentleman in the park in San Pedro.
Panajachel Guatemala 93 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We were here over the holidays so there was all kinds of activities, street dances, and of course hundreds of fireworks. At midnight on Dec 25 and 31 it sounded like a Chinese fireworks factory was on fire.
Panajachel Guatemala 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 151 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 155 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Panajachel Guatemala 156 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This brings new meaning to riding two up.
DSC04048 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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6 Jan 2013
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Registered Users
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Gravenhurst On Canada
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Sarah.....enjoying following your journey......disappointed we had to turn back in Oct at Belize.....met Ratbike Mike......he is a character....stay safe
hickeryonthemove
Happy New Year
Bob
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7 Jan 2013
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Thanks Bob
That's too bad!! I hope you are OK?? Best of 2013 to you also. I would like to meet Mike. He sound like fun from his posts.
We met some other HU PEEPS in Antigua this weekend from Canada, Sweden, and the USA.
DSC06315 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sara
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8 Jan 2013
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Hi Sara & Daniel,
Yes...we are ok...my riding buddy is Diabetic and we hoped to prove that you could make a trip like this with the proper prep....but we had problems with the insulin cooler and made a decision to turn around.......our trip covered the area on your overall Mex map from A to H......if you are crossing to Columbia.....google the Stalhratte.....the Captain is Ludwig and sails a 100 foot sailboat ferrying passengers back and forth from Panama.....4day trip stopping at the San Blas Isl.....cost with bike and paper work to enter Columbia including meals was 900.00 us.
All the Best
Bob
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8 Jan 2013
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Sara & Daniel,
You may already be following this couple....if not....on the Hubb Ride Tales....Neda & her husband Kim are currently in Durango....riding BMW GS's.......might be a good couple to stay in touch with in case of any problems....site....Finally did it; Jobs Quitted, Home Sold, Gone Riding....or... RideDOT.com
This couple is from Toronto.
Bob
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9 Jan 2013
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Thanks
Im glad you guys are ok! Yes we follow them. They have amazing photos on there blog and ride report. Thanks for the advice too.
Sara
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10 Jan 2013
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Antigua Guatemala
Dan was so happy to buy our first Guatemalan gas for our weekend trip up to Antigua at Texaco.
Antigua 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The views as we drove along the old highway of the lake and the volcanoes was amazing. The route was very twisty and mountainous and involved several river crossings where the road was washed away.
Antigua 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua is very picturesque, but a lot busier than when we was last here several years ago.
Antigua 161 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 92 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are two volcanoes here which loom over the city.
Antigua 101 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 107 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 105 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 112 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Like everywhere in Guatemala there are markets with tipico set up all over.
Antigua 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 118 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The windows here are attractive even with bars on them.
Antigua 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We stopped to ask this traffic officer where a thai restaurant was. She called on her radio to ask, but then her colleagues drove up next to her and started laughing because it was in the building right behind us.
Antigua 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a colonial city where they are not allowed to put up signage, so part of the fun of walking around the city is that you have to poke your head in all the doorways to see what is inside. This is also a city of secret courtyards. The beautiful doors we love to take photos of often have amazing garden oasis behind them.
Antigua 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 68 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
For my birthday we skipped lunch and had pie instead!
Antigua 98 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
You have to love a place where wine gets cheaper the more you buy.
Antigua 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Because of the numerous earthquakes in the region there are a number of runs of great churches including the Cathedral. One Santa Domingo has been incorporated into a 5 star hotel.
Antigua 87 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 122 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 125 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 139 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 140 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 148 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 132 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 142 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After 2 months of looking we finally found chain lube for "O" rings.
Antigua 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We met up with some other bikes at the motocafe for a few  s.
Antigua 162 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Antigua 164 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Both Ollie and I were celebrating our birthdays this weekend with an amazing dinner at Hectors.
Antigua 167 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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10 Jan 2013
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Great Pics.......enjoying your report
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19 Jan 2013
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Sumec Champey
After a long day we arrived in Coban and realized we knew the cross street of our hotel, but not the zone. The same cross streets are in ALL the zones. After a bit of effort we did manage to locate it. The town has little in the way of sights as it is really just a cross road to the north of the country. We did visit the small cathedral and the famous Pollo Compero.
Sumac Champey 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Sumac Champey 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The next morning we were up and on the road at 6 am to drive the 67 km to Lanquin town. We left in the dawn light and drove up into the mountains draped in mist. The road is paved and curvy except the last 11 km which is unpaved steep and curvy.
Sumac Champey 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
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