I've had guys approach me for small amouts .... they are usually working a deal with the local cops or federales.

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

As usual great advice from Mollydog.
As for me, I have been through Mexico Sonora to Chiapas and up and down both east and west coasts riding alone. Maybe it is easier for a woman alone as there is no intimidation factor. I am leaving soon for my 5th adventure in Mexico alone as well next month. I ask my riding guy buddies to join me but never any takers. Perhaps guys have it tougher because of the machismo of the Mexican guys but a smile and humility go a long way. This time I am exploring the states of Tobasco and Jalisco. I chose these because of the feelings I had when I rode through them last time. Now it's time for the detailed appoach.

I doubt you had that problem on your 125

But bribes are graciously accepted to get out of trouble!

[/quote]Do not expect trucks to have perfect breaks or steering, nor expect all drivers to act in a manner you would consider rational... Don't ride at night - not because of bandits, but because you may hit an unlit car, truck, car, bike or donkey. ...[/quote]

Best advice I have seen!! This is the main danger you will face in Mexico--the drivers, and the road hazards.

Thanks StrikingViking and MollyDog and everyone. I leave San Antonio on March 16, plan to cross at Piedras Negras, then pretty much head due south.

My planned points are Poza Rica (near El Tajin), Xalapa, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, Real de Catorce, and Zacatecas. Not sure what order I'll do them in

StrikingViking -- your advice is sure good, and appreciated. Sure don't want to travel as an ugly american. I'm not sure if I'll get as far west as Mazatlan, but I'd like to visit and to ride the Espinoza del Diablo. Your presentation at Bob's BMW in Maryland still rings inside me. I'll definitely look you up.

Regards,
Chris

You'll be fine. I've been all through Mexico and Latin America. I ride solo.

Get a phrasebook, wear a smile, be polite, and you will have a great time. I love going to Mexico, yes indeedy I do.

Mike

Hi, My husband and I are planning a trip from Canada to Ecuador and back through July, Aug and Sept 09. I'm curious about the stuff in the news about gang fights and swine flu. Has anyone been in or through Mexico lately and have some insight on this? Thanks

I experienced mexico as being friendly and save for 99%. And this i confirmed by numerous fellow travelers. Just use common sense and park your bike inside hotels, which is 9 ouf of 10 times possible. So go and enjoy!

About the pig flu.... don't know how that will develop though...

cheers,
alexander

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http://sanderonasingle.blogspot.com/

I have seen several articles about the flu, and it should be something to think about. Not in a paranoid way, but be realistic. The people who have died in Mexico probably did not have easy and direct access to medical care. As visitors, we probably would not know where to find a hospital either, so just be aware of this potential menace. The flu does kill thousands of people in N. America yearly, but this particular strain is scaring people due to it not being around long enough for the majority of people to have developed immunity to it, like we have to other strains. Right now, the US CDC is recommending people not to go to Mexico for non-necessary travel, but that is more to err on the side of caution rather than for an actual pandemic situation.

I would think that being conscience to not itch our eyes or nose, and to keep our fingers away from our mouth would should keep us relatively safe, as it does to help prevent us from getting the common cold or the common strains of flu. Since viruses live on items, we are more likely to catch it by touching items, and then putting our fingers somewhere on our bodies (i.e. eyes, mouth, or nose) than by passing by someone in public.

Just be aware, and stay as clean as you can. I would hate to give someone a false sense of security, so think twice if you need to go to/through Mexico now versus in a few months (the US, too), or wait for the illness to pass, such as the bird flu or SARS of several years ago.

the most dangerous thing on the road is the mexican bus,iwas on one that was drag racing a coke-ocola truck south of puerto vallarta,,drive defensly,evasively+if that fails hit the eject button.mexicans are generally very good drivers ,they have to be as most do not have insurance- are o.k.,cops-are fine-if you show respect +a cash donation

Hi StrikingViking,

As it happens I do plan on passing through Mazatlan, before heading up the Devils Backbone (I think that's what it's called) to eventually Copper Canyon and then east, then south - to continue my trip through Central and South America.

My bike and I flew into LA on 22nd April and I am crossing into Mexico on 11th May 2009. The plan is to head south down the east side of the Baja California perninsula (enjoying all that fresh fish) to La Paz and then take a ferry over to Mazatlan before tackling the rest of the mainland. I'm guessing it will take about a week to get down to La Paz.

If you're around roughly between 18th-23rd May I'd love to meet for a chat, etc.

There's a bit more information about what I'm doing on my Greasy Sprocket site.

And I've recorded my travels so far on my blog here:

Travels on a Motorbike

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks,
Ollie

ollieabrahamsATyahooDOTcoDOTuk

(Note AT = @ and DOT = . )

Hola amigo. Nice website--it looks like you are off to a good start. I commute back to So Cal frequently but will try and hang around for a few extra days to meet you. If you reach here in time, I have a spare room for long-riders passing through. Please update me direct: locovikingman@yahoo.com

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EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net