3.5 months to Machu Picchu - Or where ever the ride takes me

Air freight unless a boat a falls into place. There is not a ferry but people willing to provide the service of transporting person and moto.

The Stathlett(spelling) aka the steel rat and Fritz the Cat are two that you will see mentioned in the moto community. Due to time and ease I am 90% sure that I doing air freight. I also have a "guy" that is a friend of a friend in the import biz in Colombia handling it. All true no joking at all. Waiting to hear back

Mazatlan was fun and a cool place to hang out. Especially since I don’t usually like the touristy places and busy ones at that. It was just a chill big beach town. Spent the day walking the beach swimming and checking out the resorts. You can stay just across the street from the beach and then go hang out by the pool at any of the nice hotels. Nobody really seemed to mind. Beer was 2 for the price of one everywhere. So every time I wanted just A BEER, I got two. So an afternoon of that with beach time and checking out some NFL scores and the day was gone. Went to Joe’s Oyster Bar that night for an app and more 2 for 1 beers and the place was hoping on a Sunday!

Good times in Maz. I could spend more time there. There is an odd scene though. There are brand new amazing resorts right next to huge abandon resorts. Hard for me to believe that it is all a function of economy when more resorts are being built. One guy told me a drug boss owned one (Balboa Resort) and got shot or went to jail. Not sure which with the language barrier. I also don’t know if it’s the truth or just what he believed. I walked around the abandon Balboa Resort and it was very creepy. Beds made and rooms ready to be checked into with doors ajar and smashed windows.

Stayed in a really inexpensive place my first night and nice people that operated it but I needed a better bed and more importantly better internet connection. Interesting idea for luke warm water!

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244732055&k=gg4rKjz&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-gg4rKjz/0/L/PB040046-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

And they have VIP parking

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244737915&k=zLr7p6T&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-zLr7p6T/0/L/PB040052-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Neat car in Maz

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244736209&k=Qt5cWdp&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-Qt5cWdp/0/L/PB040049-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Who it this ...
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244731398&k=LGmb3Kf&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-LGmb3Kf/0/L/PB040047-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Tough to beat this

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244739128&k=JNgJrcN&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-JNgJrcN/0/L/PB040059-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Maz Castle. Hotel I think

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244741583&k=th5cCBg&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-th5cCBg/0/L/PB040062-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Pics dont show it but this entire property is abandon. Including tall building in the back ground.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244744248&k=XSpPnjr&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-XSpPnjr/0/L/PB040068-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

More beach front contradiction
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244744196&k=b67tFnz&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-b67tFnz/0/L/PB040065-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

On the wall in the hallway of my first hotel. I dont know what to say but

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244733491&k=cmsdgpr&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-cmsdgpr/0/L/PB040051-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!! I have ordered a print and can get a bulk discount for those of you interested!!

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244745056&k=4JPP86P&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-4JPP86P/0/L/PB040061-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244747724&k=JnGz3NL&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-JnGz3NL/0/L/PB040070-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Off to San Blas tomorrow. Since it is not that long of a ride I decided to get creative with the route. This GS thing is made for off road right!!!

FYI Fritz the Cat sank in June, that sort of narrows your options a bit....

Knowing that Maz to San Blas was a short ride and that San Blas is a small melow town. I thought to myself what better way to spend the day than some solo off road research.

My idea was to head to the coast at Tecuala then hook left and connect to San Blas through Santa Cruz. Guji Roji says I can do it and BiCi maps isn't totally disagreeing. Off I go and I think that things are looking pretty good. I take a right off the highway and cruise for 30 min or so and there is my nice paved left turn. Oh I got this! After about 15 or 20 min the road starts to turn to dirt and broken pavement. This is exactly what I am looking for. I go through the last small town right when school is getting out. Kids and adults stare at me like what is the dude doing? And where does he think he is going? I know this look in any language because I have been getting it my entire life.

The road is now all dirt, not great and congested with cows. No pictures because I focused on not dropping my bike in the very soft sand and trying to see through the sweat pouring into my eyes!! I start to get pretty far out there and now I am questioning my decision making. Another common theme in my life. Two amigos in a beat up old pick come from the direction I am headed. Great I must be able to make it. But I will ask in my very weak Spanish to give these guys a god chuckle anyway. They say no bueno lots of other words and lots more other other words and no bueno again. Okay some more words and now the reason!! Canal with no bridge!! Know what the word for canal in Spanish is? Canal!!! I just increased my vocab! Had I looked at google maps I would have known this.

But a lesson learned another cool experience and helpful people out in the middle of no where. People seem very willing to help Loco Gringo on Grande Moto in a ridiculous amount of gear. Works for me.

Okay time to turn around. This is the one pic I took on my way back to the highway. It looks like San Blas but it is North on the same river.

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225809040&k=Ggzm3WF&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-Ggzm3WF/0/L/IMG_3803-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

By the time I get to San Blas I am pretty sure I have lost 20% off my body weight in sweat. Drank 4 liters of water and still was dying. Blow budget and go for super nice hotel with pool? Or...never mind the or that pool had my name all over it!!

Said Oasis!
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225847920&k=3N39kFg&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-3N39kFg/0/L/IMG_3823-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225832180&k=KxvkZtZ&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-KxvkZtZ/0/L/IMG_3821-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225842462&k=Pg6D5V8&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-Pg6D5V8/0/L/IMG_3828-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

San Blas Cathedral at night
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225822660&k=LXZ9MzK&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-LXZ9MzK/0/L/IMG_3814-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

One of my favorite pics of this trip so far
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225813924&k=59M27LJ&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-59M27LJ/0/L/IMG_3809-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Since I went for the nice hotel I have a great internet connection and decide to lurk here on ADV rider in the Is Mexico Safe(aka your daily gossip column). I check to see if there are any big developments in the area I am in or going to next. Big discussion TVIP and 30 or 180 day stuff. Another rider only got a 30 day and didn't know until he got to the southern border of Mex. He lost his $400 deposit and hassle at the border. I think what a bummer and decide I will check my paper work. OH SHIT!!! I only have a 30 day TVIP and catch a plane form PV back to AK for my last 2 weeks of work in 4 days!!! My flight lands back in PV on the 30th and my TVIP expires on the 29th. My bike is pretty sweet but I haven't found the time travel button yet! I will call BMW tech support after I am done freaking out!!! Time to make a new plan!!

Thanks Wood. I am for sure getting a big piece of my dream!!

Nice and easy? The new tires and rims encourage the exact opposite!!

I will bug you guys aging in the future when I come back through CO in the future.

I'm following your thread AK.
Have a safe ride and keep posting!

I think about my dilemma and get some advice from other ADV riders. The prevailing advice is ride back to the US/Mexico border and get it handled. Not really an option given my schedule with flights and all. I slowly pack my stuff up in San Blas and think pool side. I have googled and gotten emails on INM(Immigration) Offices, US Consulate(satellite office) and there is actually an Aduana in PV. I decide that I am going to take the day and just get it all figured out. With some patience and persistence this will all work out.

I even went armed with a fake story about a sick relative in AK and I had to fly back for an emergency. Thank you google translate. I will save everyone the pain of the entire story. The short version is after a day and four different offices. No one could do anything. Ran across some nice understanding people and some not so nice people, one lady specifically at the 2nd INM office. I am down to 2 options. 1. Get back to Mexico earlier 2. Let permit expire and apply for a 5 day travel pass. Takes 2-3 days to get is and it was vague as to how it all worked. The process had some gaps. Not making it to the border causes me to lose $400 bucks and I assume a big hassle. I was also told that if your TVIP is not valid than your insurance is not valid. Lastly they(Mexico Legal Types) can seize your bike. haven't heard of it happening but I don't like the sounds of it!!

I swallowed my pride and called and asked my boss for another favor, you know on top of the leave of absence. I am now fly back to PV on the 25(late afternoon) and start to ride on the 26. That gives me 3 days to do just over 1200 miles and make it to the Guatemala border.

This should be interesting...

I did enjoy a couple of days in Sayulita surfing and just chilling knowing there was nothing left I could do on the paper work front except change my flight back to PV to an earlier date.

This is the ride from San Blas to Sayulita. If you ever do that ride be sure not to go back to the highway. Take the coastal route. It is great.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225870912&k=9rVrm5R&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-9rVrm5R/0/L/IMG_3830-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

How can I worry about paper work with views like this...

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225858889&k=PKKh7Ns&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-PKKh7Ns/0/L/IMG_3832-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

and this
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225863134&k=kkVBw66&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-kkVBw66/0/L/IMG_3833-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225866354&k=bLLCHLD&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-bLLCHLD/0/L/IMG_3838-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

I met a really nice couple from Canada(Bernie and Linda) that has done a lot of touring around Mexico and also ridden to Panama.
Here is the VIP parking
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2244750386&k=ZwCPQ94&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-ZwCPQ94/0/L/PB060073-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

A nice hotel with great owners and guests. I cant remember the name but I know where it is. There is small pool to cool off in and a real sense of community at the hotel.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/26526280_94LvZF#!i=2225869691&k=7Bjpj8F&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/CO-to-AZ-to-PV-Nov-2012/i-7Bjpj8F/0/L/IMG_3839-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

The first night I was there they had a big steak dinner and wouldn't take no for an answer. It was great!!
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Some of the crew.
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I did the dishes to make an attempt at pulling my weight. A great meal with great company.
Sayulita is fun and friendly town. It is pricey by Mexico standards but it is very chill and safe. A great surf break too. I have been here twice and enjoyed my time here a lot.

Off to Bodegas Vallarta to store the bike and then to the airport.
Back in just over 2 weeks for a hard ride to Guatemala.

BTW I timed this report so I am now back on the road and can give you the ride to Guatemala in real time.

Hi there Smitty,

I plan on making a road trip from NYC to Buenos Aires (via Chile), and then up the eastern coast of S.A. As a result I've discovered this site to study others experience. Yours is the first I'm responding to, since I joined yesterday. You're welcome !! (Oh, The glory, honor, and pride you must be feeling as you read this !!!).

Anyway, I'm impressed with your trip, and even more impressed with your doing it alone. You're brave! I look forward to following your thread. I am also trying to figure out how long I will need to plan my trip. Thanks for your input, and keep it up !!

Thanks, David.

Thanks David.

I was planning for a while before I found this website but it has helped me a ton. There are a lot of people out there doing similar trips that I have gained a lot of knowledge from. I would say this website gave me the final kick in the ass and confidence to go it alone.

I do the report for family and friends but also to pass along knowledge to other riders. This website and other riders helped me a lot and I feel I should pay it back by doing the same.

Hit me up with any specific questions. I am learning stuff everyday.

Nice one!

In for the rest of it

I was very set on starting my trip in Mexico. I had ridden through some of Mexico last year and felt comfortable storing the bike in PV for 2-3 weeks and flying back to it. Mainly though I wanted to be 1200-1500 miles further down the road and be able to take my my time riding the southern part of Mexico start my 3.5 months off on Mexico time sort of speak.

So it is Nov 25 and I land in PV and at 3:13...flight delay now almost 5:00 PM and I need to be to the Guat border on the 29th. So much for my chill ride through southern Mexico. This is exactly what I didnt want was big long milage pushes and hard deadlines. Oh well it is what it is.

This is where I was only hours ago. Flying home to Anchorage from the North Slope of Alaska. Crappy iPod pic

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247886370&k=dfbhPtz&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-dfbhPtz/0/L/IMG_0021-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

The flight delay was really crunching me on daylight hours. I arrived at Bodegas Vallarta at about 5:30 and had a major repack ahead of me. I am pretty tired from the all night flight and now the added pressure of losing daylight and the border deadline. Like I said exactly what I didn't want. I get packed and its about 6:30.

Bodegas Vallarta
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246598067&k=JWPvMfn&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-JWPvMfn/0/L/IMG_3847-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

Off to find a hotel. I want to find one on the road to San Sebastian de Oeste. That is the route i will be taking to Guad. I couldnt handle the thought of only toll roads for 2-3 days. About 30 min later I still haven't even found the road(my GPS is not recognizing Bici Maps all of the sudden). It is now dark so I say the hell with it. Go to a hotel near the airport. Only street parking right on the edge of PV...NO WAY.

I pop the mini SD card in and out of the GPS and now my maps are working and I find the road I need. I hop on it thinking there will be a hotel right there just leaving PV. I am wrong. There really isnt any traffic so I keep heading east. I make it to San Sebastian around 8:30. I am a bad boy I rode at night. Rule numero uno broken

I am beat. I get a hotel, eat and crash. Up bright and early. On the road at 7. Head out of San Sebas to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains. No time for a pic. I will just have to keep that one in the memory banks. Its a long hard day of boring toll roads except for the road from PV to Guad. It is my second time riding that road and I hope to be there again someday. Toll roads in Mexico are great for making time but they are expensive straight and not fun. A necessary evil in my case.

Hot dog for lunch and stops only for gas. I made it to Mexico city at 5:00 almost on the dot. I think I will just creep to the west edge and get a hotel to avoid rush hour in one of the craziest cities in the world. Well I just keep getting more and more into the city and next thing I know I am in the middle of it all. I can split traffic some but I am usually two wide. I make t across about 80% of the city and its dark and I am so tired I could fall over. The only hotels I see are Auto Hotels(Sex Hotels). I have avoided them to this point but tonight I don't care.

Pistolas here I come!
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246597960&k=SrFXmpS&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-SrFXmpS/0/L/IMG_3850-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246601048&k=hbzjWjn&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-hbzjWjn/0/L/IMG_3851-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246601486&k=9g9nfvg&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-9g9nfvg/0/L/IMG_3852-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

And most importantly my special little lady was very pleased with the accommodations.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246597887&k=B3CcrJk&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-B3CcrJk/0/L/IMG_3848-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

A classy joint for sure. The sweet garage allowed me to totally tear apart all my gear and put on my brake reservoir cover and stuff some other junk in my tool pouches. I am a little OCD when it comes to packing. Ok everything!

Another big day but I was feeling so good about putting over 500 miles behind me that I even stopped to take some pictures today. Normally I would say avoid toll roads at all cost but I have to admit the one I took leaving Mex City was fun and had great views. Big sweeping corners and I was on the road at 7ish so there wasn't much traffic yet.

Just east of Mexico City.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246601350&k=MJwxNVr&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-MJwxNVr/0/L/IMG_3854-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

Its going to be a good day.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246606004&k=zkcmNt8&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-zkcmNt8/0/L/IMG_3857-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Looks like a volcano but I dont know if it is. Still just east of Mexico City. Someone chime in if the know.
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So I am trying to work on my photography skills and I had a good opportunity at this stop. The reason for this top was unplanned. I really like the picture but why I got these pictures...
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246606886&k=gvGts7v&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-gvGts7v/0/L/IMG_3861-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246612193&k=Xv6LQL7&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-Xv6LQL7/0/L/IMG_3863-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

is that I was bombing down the highway at about 85 and could smell a slight burning or melting smell. I went by a truck and it went away. Then a few seconds later a thoomp and total loss of power on the bike. I have enough time to get out the throttle say OH SH*! and I instinctively look in my mirror.

That elminated my worst fear of a major engine issue and I hit the throttle and power is back. My sweet re-pack from the night before was not so sweet. I straped a small dry bag to the top of my top case. It vibrated off and went into the tire. The burning smell was the strap melting at over 6500 RPM and the loss of power was me running over my own bag. I laughed as soon as I saw my stuff flying across the road. Stay tuned I am going to do lots of other dumb stuff on this trip!

The first thing I did was go for my camera but there was an opening in traffic to salvage what I could so no pictures of the carnage. I packed that back with stuff that I wouldn't be heart broken if it dissapeared since it wasn't locked and an easy target for theft.

As I was searching thorugh the grass some guy on an ST went by and beeped at me. Insult to injury!

Guess who I see at the next PEMEX a few KMs down the road. ST dude. His name is Julio and he is from north of Mexico CIty. Is riding to Guat for an enduro race(keeps his KTM 300 there at a friends) then riding home. He is doing this all in about 8 days. He in animal and loves it. Oh and he bought his ST a few days ago. His english is limited and so is my spanish but we make it work and decide to ride together. AWESOME! A fluent wing man.

A cool big bridge.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246610721&k=LdNTNzN&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-LdNTNzN/0/L/IMG_3865-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

The two whips! How I wanted an ST for 2 days.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246614156&k=jT7Fv5T&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-jT7Fv5T/0/L/IMG_3870-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246628776&k=gxTXfrt&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-gxTXfrt/0/L/IMG_3872-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Near the end of a good day.
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A great meal with a new amigo to finish it off.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246618768&k=fnfDSdW&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-fnfDSdW/0/L/IMG_3873-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246624273&k=9jH5kNC&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-9jH5kNC/0/L/IMG_3875-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>
No reason I shouldn't make the border now.

Great report, keep it coming.

Remember to check all bags after each stop and have fun twisting the throttle.:eek1

Julio and I were both beat so we had a couple of beers in the lobby of our hotel and crashed. My room had 4 beds so I was nervous I might get a late night check in but the front desk said it was private for me that night. I think it was about 400 pesos. Didn't matter much to me I was so tired I could have slept on the couch in the lobby and I was trying to use up my pesos.

Julio and had a great time riding together and he kept paying for my tolls. Damn nice even though I kept saying no necessito. He had a sweet glove box on the ST that made it fast instead of me stumbling through my pocket like an idiot.

My two days of tolls - missing about 4 receipts that Julio picked up.

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246640198&k=d7b84Ks&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-d7b84Ks/0/L/IMG_3883-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

Total of somewhere around 100 bucks US!!! Ouch and the $75 flight change. I still come out $225 ahead once I get my deposit back and most of all no hassle at border!!! I made the right call to push hard and get it done.

Getting close to Guat
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Julio is all thumbs up!
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246648189&k=2MgktcS&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-2MgktcS/0/L/IMG_3892-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

The mountains of Guatemala
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LOOK WHO MADE THEIR BIG DEADLINE!!
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247901972&k=q6d4TC5&lb=1&s=A" title="DCIM\100GOPRO"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-q6d4TC5/0/L/GOPR0273-L.jpg" title="DCIM\100GOPRO" alt="DCIM\100GOPRO"></a>

Paperwork done!!
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247897806&k=7rzZbMC&lb=1&s=A" title="DCIM\100GOPRO"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-7rzZbMC/0/L/GOPR0275-L.jpg" title="DCIM\100GOPRO" alt="DCIM\100GOPRO"></a>

Now to the Guat border and then back to the Mexico one and then back to Guat. I was so happy to get my TVIP done that I missed the INM office right next to the Aduana. It was just to process my tourist card so I was just going to say the hell with it. Then the Guat Immigration guys was "where is your stamp" I said see you in a little while Julio. Back-track 4 KM get it handled then back to Guat. No problem for me coming in but the bike took about an hour because the lady was at lunch. Its all good I am just making borders part of the journey. I gear down as much as I can and lock everything to my bike and hang out. Julio is even better at just hanging out at the border than I am.

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2248031722&k=TDP5RKJ&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-TDP5RKJ/0/L/IMG_0445-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

As others have said. You know that you are in another country entering Guat immediately. It took me a day or so to adjust.

Some go Pro shots at the border.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247912825&k=xPcWJbK&lb=1&s=A" title="DCIM\100GOPRO"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-xPcWJbK/0/L/GOPR0281-L.jpg" title="DCIM\100GOPRO" alt="DCIM\100GOPRO"></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247915460&k=7dLPd5B&lb=1&s=A" title="DCIM\100GOPRO"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-7dLPd5B/0/L/GOPR0279-L.jpg" title="DCIM\100GOPRO" alt="DCIM\100GOPRO"></a>

Just a few kilos into Guat
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Ok time to get a little sentimental. Its really cool to me that I can meet a random dude on a moto in the middle of Mexico and even with a language barrier, an instant friendship is formed. Julio and laughed a lot talked about all the things we could and rode hard. I didn't realize how easy my past 2 days had been until I was on my own again. Even when I didn't understand what was going on I knew that Julio had my best interest in mind. He is one good hombre any where in the world. I don't know if I will ever see him again but I know his generosity and love of of riding made an impact on me. I will be in touch with him and told him if he can ever make it to Alaska I will promise him a great moto ride and try to match his generosity!! I also told him we have no toll roads:

Big Teaser for the next post: THERE ARE ONLY TWO KINDS OF BIKES...

Not going to make it to the Tikal Ruins

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popocatépetl
and the one next to it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iztaccihuatl

There are only 2 kinds of bikes: Ones that have been down and ones that are going down! Mine is now in the former!!

Let me start with what an amazing ride I had wreck included. I left Huehue about 8:30 to overcast skies and cool temps. Ok with with me as long as it is just overcast.

Huehue Hotel-Royal Park about 16 bucks and pretty nice.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247930953&k=fpGpXKp&lb=1&s=A" title="DCIM\100GOPRO"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-fpGpXKp/0/L/GOPR0287-L.jpg" title="DCIM\100GOPRO" alt="DCIM\100GOPRO"></a>

I took a road that my GPS called 7W through Uspantan to Coban and beyond was the plan. The morining started with some cool small towns and so many tight 2nd and 3rd gear corners I thought I would have to get my boots resoled by the end of the day!! I kept trying to find a spot to get a great pic of the corners descending one mountain then ascending another but it was tight turns with lots of blind spots.

Some of the great views and terrian

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247931561&k=sNgQFm8&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-sNgQFm8/0/L/IMG_3901-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2246667401&k=6fNzxBm&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-6fNzxBm/0/L/IMG_3899-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247937808&k=vs85H3K&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-vs85H3K/0/L/IMG_3902-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>



Then it was time to slow down and turn off the ABS. Lots of small landslides. Im loving this!! Just clear a lane and the road is all good!

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247943957&k=NCCZSBG&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-NCCZSBG/0/L/IMG_3904-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

If this guy has go it, then no prob.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247945231&k=PLqDFZV&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-PLqDFZV/0/L/IMG_3906-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Dont worry about this. Its only about 15 feet deep. Way better than the ones that go off the side of the entire mountain.

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247950993&k=G8pxCpZ&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-G8pxCpZ/0/L/IMG_3909-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

And its well marked. haha These are the days that I know I have the right machine
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247954091&k=5gbPSQw&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-5gbPSQw/0/L/IMG_3908-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Then I got this

Pretty rough terrain but dry and solid ground. I was a little worried about a puncture some the rocks were gnarly.
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Another great day off the beaten path and away from the grind. One step closer to my ADV merit badge.

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247965691&k=SVGm9Rz&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-SVGm9Rz/0/L/IMG_3914-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

Shortly after this it started to rain and I got to some pretty greasy clay. Never put her down. There were some people(mostly kids) repairing the road with shovels and whatever tool they could find. They would wave at me so I would wave back. Then later I figured out they wanted money for their work. oops:eek1

Where I was headed.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247967334&k=P7n4CHR&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-P7n4CHR/0/L/IMG_3913-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

The rain held off until I had less than 10k of dirt left. It had rained there earlier but not enough to make it to treacherous. It really started to come down just outside of Coban. I got this pic when I was putting on my rain gear. I almost called it a day but I thought I will just go north real easy for an hour or two.

My whip looking tough after a great morning of riding.
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247965877&k=rdM5h2m&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-rdM5h2m/0/L/PB300079-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

And then the next thing that I did was say OH F#*! OH F%#* OH F*%! 3 times out load. Then this!!!
<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247971458&k=JNVqzqP&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-JNVqzqP/0/L/PB300082-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247971856&k=nTktdtM&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-nTktdtM/0/L/PB300081-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

I came around a not very sharp corner a little fast. I gently tapped the rear break(because it was raining) and the thing locked and then skid time. I immeadiatley let offf the brakes and started doing my own ABS. Not getting a lot of repsonse. In hind sight I should have probably just stayed on the brakes and let the bike ABS do its thing but once they locked I went into old habits. I also not sure it would have done much because that roads was like grease. I was crusing about 45-50 ( a little too fast) and not sure I slowed much before I hit the grass. All I could see coming was a concrete drainage ditch. All I could think is OH KNOW MY FRONT FORKS ARE GOING TO BE TRASHED!! I pinned the throttle and tried to get the front light. I am sure it had little to no effect. But thats what I did. And rode that thing to the ground until I got bucked off!

Here you can see the drainage and also that I hemmed my riding pants but not the rain liners!

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247978508&k=FDjSRSt&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-FDjSRSt/0/L/PB300093-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

My route to the soft dirt berm.

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My divet. I did not replace it.
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The corner. Nothing crazy. Dirt spot to the right is from me.

<a href="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/26822038_WpDJ5R#!i=2247971887&k=hPbvxdb&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="https://akjts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Dec-2012-Mex-and-Central/i-hPbvxdb/0/L/PB300083-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

For all you guys the very first thing I did after I wrecked...grabbed my camera!!!

:eek1:eek1:eek1 I am glad you are ok!

Oops forgot to spell check that last post and noticed a few mistakes. I will improve in the future

So How does a guy fell after over 15,000 miles in the past year, most of it in Mexico, and then stacking up his first full day in Mexico?!?! He feels wet to start and frustreated with himself. Then he looks at the bike and wonders two things:
1) With the position of the bike and this ditch can I get it out of here on my own?
2) Are my fronts forks bent and will that end my trip?

Well question one was answered when about the 5th vehicle stopped and two hombres about my age jumped out. I said I was bueno and then motinoned can we move the bike across the road to the flat spot? I wanted to know what I was dealing with. One guy was already putting on his work gloves. We got the bike across the road and on its center stand. I doubt I could have gotten it across the ditch on my own with the wet slippery conditions.

Once we got the bike across the road, one dude started to walk back to the truck. Fair enough job done. But he wasn't leaving he was grabbing tools. Mind you know it is pouring now! They both start fixing stuff!!! Seriously? Bent shifter - fixed, tweaked fog light - fixed, smashed fender - fixed as could be, box frame - straightened and fixed to get me on the road. Then they started picking dirt and mud off the bike. I was all much gracias and es bueno. Thanks guys to who ever you are I wished I had gotten your picture. 3:30ish and off to Cabon to find a hotel. I am tired I had a big day! No wobble, I am guessing the bike is still striaght!! Wooo Hoooo trip on, just at a little slower pace.

I never once thought that I was going to get hurt during my spill. I am glad that I spent money on good gear. I think the boots really saved my left foot from a nagging injury. I am also pleased that I rode the bike to the end and didn't try to stick a leg out from dirt bike days. I am lastly pleased that my bike is tough and is made to take a few spills.

I will be getting off the road on rainy days and slowing down in general. I think the cause of the accident was equal parts weather/road conditions combined with a little too much speed and not being completely focused at that minute. I make no excuses bikes rarely if ever go down on their own, they are typically driven there by operator error.

On a side note I almost slipped and fell twice that night walking around Coban to get food. Hmmm very slippery area. Then at the Guat City BMW shop I was telling the guy about my wreck. He chimed right in with how slippery the roads get up there and someting about the material they used to build them!! He Guat City born and raised...official verified local reason / excuseIII

Good to know I am still an awesome rider and did nothing wrong!!!!

Jose at BMW of Guat City kicks ass for other reasons. More on that in a couple of posts!

Good idea but there was no stop. Guess my packing job was that bad :eek1