I guess I'll move this over to the trips sections, outta the planning section. I am in Texas and one last sleep tonight, then I'm headed to the nice, warm south. Chilly (relatively speaking) start this morning. (for my thin AZ blood) Took the bike off the trailer and she was a bit frosty. This girl stopped by and was curious what I was doing. She informed me it was time for her morning belly rub. OK. So I will check my list, have some of my favorite Central Texas grub, check the tire pressures, then cruise to the US-MX border. Ride on! I'll be taking notes and, oh yeah, a few photos, and having fun! y una cerveza, o mas.
I know this isn't the place for ride reporting. But I have limited electronics with me and this will have to do. Yesterday I crossed the Matamoros border. I had 30 knot head wind. Got crappy mileage. I did my usual 300mile day. I hoteled it south of Tampico. The ride had limited photo ops. I took a few. Today, after 300 miles, I rode thru the city of Veracruz. Mike, you live in a very scenic state! I didn't take many photos today, but I will on my north bound return trip. saw some great scenic shots. I rode half the day in a t shirt. Unsafe I know but I was cooler. signing off for tonight, Dave the bum.
Nice to hear you are enjoying the ride. Weather changed last night, north wind and cold. Look me up on your way back through.
Ok, Sunday works for me. We might get lucky and the Craneguy will be in Xalapa. I've an idea for a route that you probably haven't been on, and I need to get a picture in a certain place and will need someone to give me a heads up on traffic while I try for the shot.
Right on! I got bummed today - I was stopped by a local policia that didn't like that my license plate number is not on my vehicle permit. After a small donation to the local Campeche economy I rode on. I'm at my Yucatan destination, but will still get nervous a bit going thru local checkpoints. I hope I don't have many more unhappy stops like that one. I'll continue enjoying the adventure!
What is it with the transportation officials on that side of Mexico? I was on a similar route as you in January and was stopped twice around Coatzocoalcos while looking for a hotel. the first stop inspected my paperwork and didn't find anything to fine me for. The next stop the officer said I didn't signal. He threatened a citation or detention and motioned for me to follow him, he was on a scooter. I just made a u-turn and got back on the highway. Then returning through Mexico just the past couple of weeks, I rode the Pacific side up to Acupolco, over to Touluca and then 57 back to the US and didn't get stopped once, although I was almost blinded by the scenery on Zipolite beach!
Good thing you never went to DF back in the late '70's and through the '80's and early '90's. It's everywhere. Due to an ingrained mafia mentality, political patronage, lack of education, low wages...wait, it's Mexico we are talking about right? And not a few US counties?
yeah, I was bummed, but MikeMike confirmed my suspicions that some of the officials just want to 'harsh my mellow', but not in those exact words. :) I got over it after a few days, and got back to enjoying my trip. I'm already planning my return visit. I'm still working on the ride report, but got distracted with that work thing. That work thing is really tough on a bum!