Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
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 19 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
Copper Canyon

I'll be traveling to the Copper Canyon some time around the end of November to the beginning of December. I'm looking for someone to ride with. My dates are flexible, and I can enter Mexico any where from California to Arizona.

Smitty

Last edited by Grant Johnson; 19 Oct 2010 at 11:47. Reason: NEVER put your email address on the web - use the secure link on your name
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Oct 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Munich
Posts: 11
Copper Canyon

Hi Smitty,

I also will be travelling from LA to Copper Canyon end of November. However, I intend to visit some places in between (Las Vegas, Grand Canyon - haven't been there before :-o).

A friend of mine might join for the Mexican part of my tour.

Would be nice if we could work out same similarities of our routes...

Cheers,
Marcus
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by hawkeye42 View Post
Hi Smitty,

I also will be travelling from LA to Copper Canyon end of November. However, I intend to visit some places in between (Las Vegas, Grand Canyon - haven't been there before :-o).

A friend of mine might join for the Mexican part of my tour.

Would be nice if we could work out same similarities of our routes...

Cheers,
Marcus
Hi Marcus,

As far as routes go... I want to ride through the CC from Batopilas to Los Mochis, then down the coast to Mazatlan and up the Devil's Backbone to Durango. Other than that, I have no planned route.

When and where do you plan to cross the border into Mexico? Are you and your friend riding dual sports?

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Oct 2010
Bigfoot's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 85
Batopilas to Choix

Smitty,

I've just came through Batopilas to Choix 2 days ago. It is a ride of 150kms and took me 7 hours to do. Certainly not a ride to do on anything other than a light dirt orientated bike. If you can have someone with you for safety all the better. If your bike is chain driven then I would suggest having a few extra teeth on the rear sprocket as well. It is all 1st / 2nd gear terrain.

The first 25kms is probably the most difficult as it is a steep climb out of Batopilas and down again. Then you are into a valley area that is not too bad - a few deep creek crossings where you are riding along the creek beds.

The last of it is all high mountain passes that are in better condition but still you have to watch yourself. Make sure your tyre pressures are down and take it easy if you are by yourself.

Be careful with your brakes, my rear overheated and faded. I ended up alternating between using the front and back. I had to be extremely careful to only use the front while upright and at slow speeds. It would be very easy to grab a handful of front and have it wash out on you.

The bike I used was a 08 KLR650 with standard gearing. Her temperature got up high while trolling up the long slow inclines.

I stayed the night in Batopilas then headed out early in the morning so the first climb was in the cool.

There is no straight road through the township of Batopilias you will have to find your way. Stop in the town square - it is quite a nice place to sit and rest. On the outskirts take the road to San Ignacio then all I did was follow the most worn road all the way through.

There is fuel at Batopilas - I would suggest filling up there. I didn't see another Pemex until I got to Choix

All I can think of at the moment
PM me if you have any questions

EDIT: By the way - it was well worth the effort. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

On another note the run from Mazatlan to Durango is good but watch the trucks on the blind corners - they will be on your side of the road.
Regards Ben
Attached Thumbnails
Copper Canyon-img_0608.jpg  

Attached Images
    
__________________

That's not an oil leak.....the old girl is just marking her territory.

Last edited by Bigfoot; 25 Oct 2010 at 00:30.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
Batopilas to Choix

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the information. I sent you a PM and email.

Smitty
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Oct 2010
Bigfoot's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 85
Copper Canyon

Email sent.
__________________

That's not an oil leak.....the old girl is just marking her territory.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Nov 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
I'll be doing that run in about 3-5 days

Just heading back to the border to drop off my exit visa then back down
__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
Watch for a moto tour running around the Copper Canyon between Nov 7 and 18. The lady driving the chase truck is a biker - she rides a KLR. Her name is Schel. If you see her, tell her Smitty said hey.

Smitty

Quote:
Originally Posted by olyflyer View Post
I'll be doing that run in about 3-5 days

Just heading back to the border to drop off my exit visa then back down
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Nov 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
Hey Ben, is it easy to find the track or did you have a gps trails to run you through as I'm in Creel and maps I have show no trail through

If I do Smitty I will
__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
Copper Canyon Tracks

Hey Damon,

I have some routes and tracks of the CC that I can send you.
Send me an email and I'll reply with the files.

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
Cheers but, I went through without any, I was prepared for a an intense ride but wasn't too bad unless I went the easy way through, Had a flat front about halfway, only took me 5 hours with about 45 mins fixing the front tube
Oh and a couple on bikes I met in Batopilas said they saw a motor group drive through the day before I got there



Quote:
Originally Posted by schmidtle View Post
Hey Damon,

I have some routes and tracks of the CC that I can send you.
Send me an email and I'll reply with the files.

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by olyflyer View Post
Cheers but, I went through without any, I was prepared for a an intense ride but wasn't too bad unless I went the easy way through, Had a flat front about halfway, only took me 5 hours with about 45 mins fixing the front tube
Oh and a couple on bikes I met in Batopilas said they saw a motor group drive through the day before I got there
Hey Ben,

I saw your Spot link after I posted my comment. I should have checked first.

I believe that CShel, form KLR650.net was with that group. She was hired to drive a chase truck, but also got to ride her DR part of the way. It sounded like the group was rather large (14+ riders, I believe). She said that they ran into a military blockade and had some sort of misunderstanding. As a result, one of the group members was forced to the ground at gun point.

Anyhow, I'm glad to see that you made it. Now, can I ask if you have a route that you can email me. If not, any information on the route would be appreciated.

Smitty
celticlad@earthlink.net
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
I'm trying top see if I can upload it to my laptop the trip but when you go to Batopilas when you head out of town turn right at the fork in the road to San Ignacio and stay on the most used road, missing the dope plantations, it's fairly straight forward, only watch out for young dudes with brand new hummers flying along the track



__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Nov 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Carmel, CA
Posts: 33
O.K. my dates are now set:
November 30 - Leaving Carmel, CA after work. I plan to ride to LA and spend the night there
December 1 - Riding to Tucson, AZ
December 2 - Having new tires put on bike in Tucson, then riding down to Douglas, AZ
December 3 - Hope to meet up with Slade (from AZ) and two of his buddies. If it doesn't work out, I'll head to Creel. Otherwise...
December 4 - Crossing the border with Slade, and his buddies, and heading to Creel and the CC

After the canyon, I plan to head down the coast to Maxatlan and ride the Devil's Backbone up to Durango. From Durango to Real de Catorce.
After that, where ever my nose points me.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Nov 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
I'm hanging out near Patzcuaro Mich, at Bosque Village for a month or so let me know if you head this way as I'll be keen for a ride!
__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
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
copper Canyon andrew nerkowski Route Planning 0 26 Oct 2008 10:16
Copper Canyon MoroCycler Central America and Mexico 0 24 Sep 2004 06:06
Copper Canyon? k7lro HU Travellers Meetings - North America 11 14 Sep 2004 23:13
copper canyon jmallick SOUTH AMERICA 4 4 May 2004 09:30

 
 

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 09:32.