Copper Canyon 2013

michaellmcc · 12-09-2012, 09:00 PM

Haven't ridden in Mexico is several years... looking to take my "big GS" to Copper Canyon in the first quarter of 2013. My route would be Austin to Presidio for the border crossing, Chihuahua City, Creel. Would like to visit Batopilas and Urique. Total trip length around seven or eight days.

Would appreciate the latest FACTS on the road from Creel to Batopilas, alternate route, etc.

"The adventure starts when things don't go according to plan..." or something like that.

PirateJohn · 12-09-2012, 09:16 PM

You might try the Is Mexico Safe? thread, but generally things are pretty calm right now.

michaellmcc · 12-09-2012, 09:34 PM

Thanks. I've looked at the thread you mentioned but thought it best to start a new one, rather than be buried with opinions re general safety in Mexico.

Just for clarification, I'm asking for recent real-world experience with the road between Creel and Batopilas that has been reported as being under construction.

Gracias!

stickman1432 · 12-09-2012, 10:15 PM

I was in Batopilas this last easter week and the road was all paved except for the last 24 miles coming from Creel. Due to the construction the first 1-2 were torn up pretty good. There were some spots in the 24 miles where there was other construction going on so be prepared for other issues. Be prepared for crowds if you going in that time frame. The weather was great and there were no issues. Plus the hotels in Batopilas were not full, but they could have been with just a few more vacationers. Remember the issues with the TVIP and other documents that are necessary.

We Rode GS s and had no issues. If you are riding a large bike like the GS you might want to eat your Wheaties just in case you drop it in the dirt, or pack light.

Hope that is what you were looking for.

kobukan · 12-10-2012, 07:56 AM

The old road down to Batopilas was not passable in October. Most people are getting to Batopilas via the route from Guachochi that passes through Yoquivo. I didn't ride it, but lots of others have recently. It's reported to be a little rough, but passable. Don't try it in wet weather.

Edit: This was recently posted in another thread.

ozark-nzrider · 12-10-2012, 01:35 PM

I will be in San Antonio visiting my son around the middle of February 2013 and was thinking about a trip to Copper Canyon at that time. Have been on two Mexican trips, one down through Baja and back up through the mainland and last year a trip to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Are you looking for anyone to ride with? Bob 479 282 5067.

PirateJohn · 12-10-2012, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaellmcc

Thanks. I've looked at the thread you mentioned but thought it best to start a new one, rather than be buried with opinions re general safety in Mexico.

Just for clarification, I'm asking for recent real-world experience with the road between Creel and Batopilas that has been reported as being under construction.

Gracias!

I might be wrong, but a day or so ago (maybe 3-5 pages back from today's discussion?) I thought there was a discussion and a video posted of some of the Copper Canyon roads.

Good luck!

BoulderGuy · 12-13-2012, 02:03 PM

Anyone have any current info on the Samachique to Batopilas route or the Laguna de Aboreachi to Yoquivo to Batopilas route? (Aboreachi is about halfway between Creel and Guachochi on the paved road) I've ridden the Samachique to Batopilas route a few times but it was pretty torn up last time through. Thought maybe they had fixed it up a bit to allow an easy way for locals to get around the construction on the main route? Anyone? Bueller?

holckster · 12-13-2012, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoulderGuy

Anyone have any current info on the Samachique to Batopilas route or the Laguna de Aboreachi to Yoquivo to Batopilas route? (Aboreachi is about halfway between Creel and Guachochi on the paved road) I've ridden the Samachique to Batopilas route a few times but it was pretty torn up last time through. Thought maybe they had fixed it up a bit to allow an easy way for locals to get around the construction on the main route? Anyone? Bueller?

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...46927&page=783
Post #11735
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch9FI...layer_embedded

michaellmcc · 12-13-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickman1432

I was in Batopilas this last easter week and the road was all paved except for the last 24 miles coming from Creel. Due to the construction the first 1-2 were torn up pretty good. There were some spots in the 24 miles where there was other construction going on so be prepared for other issues. Be prepared for crowds if you going in that time frame. The weather was great and there were no issues. Plus the hotels in Batopilas were not full, but they could have been with just a few more vacationers. Remember the issues with the TVIP and other documents that are necessary.

We Rode GS s and had no issues. If you are riding a large bike like the GS you might want to eat your Wheaties just in case you drop it in the dirt, or pack light.

Hope that is what you were looking for.

Thanks, Stickman. I appreciate the first-hand info. I'm planning well before Easter.

michaellmcc · 12-13-2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozark-nzrider

I will be in San Antonio visiting my son around the middle of February 2013 and was thinking about a trip to Copper Canyon at that time. Have been on two Mexican trips, one down through Baja and back up through the mainland and last year a trip to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Are you looking for anyone to ride with? Bob 479 282 5067.

ozark-nzrider: Let's see if we get together and start a plan. Feb to early March would suit me. I've had a few others locally indicate at least a passing interest. michaellmcc@yahoo.com

Thanks, Mike

Montek · 12-13-2012, 06:19 PM

was there on easter sunday last year. as stickman stated, only a small section was still dirt-and they are working fast to get it all completed. might have to blow through a construction zone that won't be fun - they will have it pretty tore up, no regard for travelers - but should be doable if'n ya ride with yer big pants on!!!!. I had no troubles the entire trip on my triumph tiger 955i and we took the nasty goat trail from bato to urique. the trip was a damned blast. find a riding partner, it'll be more fun knowing if bike trouble, there is another to run for parts/help - and if ya dump it some where twice, the 2nd time ya might need a hand - or if off camber -or in a ditch someone is there to help a pig out. make sure you air down on the dirt for better traction-it was a little marble-eee.
Monte.

michaellmcc · 01-21-2013, 11:43 AM

What're thoughts on GPS mapping? Garmin has their 'normal' Mexico for Mapsource. Bicamapas has a compatible (or so they say) download with much more detail. What have any seasoned travelers down there used?

Gracias...

stickman1432 · 01-21-2013, 01:49 PM

I went last year and used Garmin North America/Mexico DVD-2011 version for the map and that was very detailed for what were we using it for. We had a 60 CSX and a Montana and the detail was more than what we need. If you don't have the map yet, I would go with the DVD since then you can download it to any computer and I am not sure that it would work if you were just using the in the micro-SD file. Check with Garmin for compatiblilty.

What are you plans, needs and how detailed do you need your maps? I have some track let me know what you might need in a PM or email.

Johnnydarock · 01-21-2013, 07:11 PM

I was there last April. Good times to be had by all. Check out my thread "Cirque de Copper Canyon" and PM me if you have any questions.

Johnnydarock

12-09-2012, 09:16 PM	#2
PirateJohn Radical centrist Joined: Jul 2001 Location: full-time RV'er, north of Laredo, TX today Oddometer: 21,273	You might try the Is Mexico Safe? thread, but generally things are pretty calm right now. __________________ PirateJohn -- http://www.PirateJohn.com IBA #7552 - SS1K in 2000 and 50CC in 2002 In the Laredo, TX area and always willing to help travelers escaping into Mexico.

12-09-2012, 09:34 PM	#3
michaellmcc ^OP Dudester Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Austin, TX USA Oddometer: 40	Clarification Thanks. I've looked at the thread you mentioned but thought it best to start a new one, rather than be buried with opinions re general safety in Mexico. Just for clarification, I'm asking for recent real-world experience with the road between Creel and Batopilas that has been reported as being under construction. Gracias!

12-09-2012, 10:15 PM	#4
stickman1432 Crusty Adventurer Joined: Jul 2008 Location: So. Cal.-Baja-riding anywhere Oddometer: 578	I was in Batopilas this last easter week and the road was all paved except for the last 24 miles coming from Creel. Due to the construction the first 1-2 were torn up pretty good. There were some spots in the 24 miles where there was other construction going on so be prepared for other issues. Be prepared for crowds if you going in that time frame. The weather was great and there were no issues. Plus the hotels in Batopilas were not full, but they could have been with just a few more vacationers. Remember the issues with the TVIP and other documents that are necessary. We Rode GS s and had no issues. If you are riding a large bike like the GS you might want to eat your Wheaties just in case you drop it in the dirt, or pack light. Hope that is what you were looking for. __________________ Rich R1200GS-08' XR650R-03' 110 Honda-83' stickman1432 screwed with this post 12-09-2012 at 10:51 PM

12-10-2012, 07:56 AM	#5
kobukan almost gnarly Joined: Dec 2009 Location: Saco ME Oddometer: 1,473	The old road down to Batopilas was not passable in October. Most people are getting to Batopilas via the route from Guachochi that passes through Yoquivo. I didn't ride it, but lots of others have recently. It's reported to be a little rough, but passable. Don't try it in wet weather. Edit: This was recently posted in another thread. __________________ '97 R1100GS, '99 DR350, '02 DR650, '03 DR650, '04 R1150RT A Few Days Solo to Copper Canyon A Maine Rider’s Arizona Day Trips A Few Days Solo in Baja kobukan screwed with this post 12-10-2012 at 08:07 AM

12-10-2012, 01:35 PM	#6
ozark-nzrider bob1002 Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Bella Vista, AR Oddometer: 6	Need any company I will be in San Antonio visiting my son around the middle of February 2013 and was thinking about a trip to Copper Canyon at that time. Have been on two Mexican trips, one down through Baja and back up through the mainland and last year a trip to Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Are you looking for anyone to ride with? Bob 479 282 5067.

12-09-2012, 09:00 PM	#1
michaellmcc ^OP Dudester Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Austin, TX USA Oddometer: 40	Copper Canyon 2013 Haven't ridden in Mexico is several years... looking to take my "big GS" to Copper Canyon in the first quarter of 2013. My route would be Austin to Presidio for the border crossing, Chihuahua City, Creel. Would like to visit Batopilas and Urique. Total trip length around seven or eight days. Would appreciate the latest FACTS on the road from Creel to Batopilas, alternate route, etc. "The adventure starts when things don't go according to plan..." or something like that.

12-13-2012, 02:03 PM	#8
BoulderGuy out ridin'.... Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Boulder, Co or lost in Mexico....again Oddometer: 433	Anyone have any current info on the Samachique to Batopilas route or the Laguna de Aboreachi to Yoquivo to Batopilas route? (Aboreachi is about halfway between Creel and Guachochi on the paved road) I've ridden the Samachique to Batopilas route a few times but it was pretty torn up last time through. Thought maybe they had fixed it up a bit to allow an easy way for locals to get around the construction on the main route? Anyone? Bueller?

12-13-2012, 06:19 PM	#12
Montek Eternal Noob Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Where ever the motobike is Oddometer: 751	mostly paved was there on easter sunday last year. as stickman stated, only a small section was still dirt-and they are working fast to get it all completed. might have to blow through a construction zone that won't be fun - they will have it pretty tore up, no regard for travelers - but should be doable if'n ya ride with yer big pants on!!!!. I had no troubles the entire trip on my triumph tiger 955i and we took the nasty goat trail from bato to urique. the trip was a damned blast. find a riding partner, it'll be more fun knowing if bike trouble, there is another to run for parts/help - and if ya dump it some where twice, the 2nd time ya might need a hand - or if off camber -or in a ditch someone is there to help a pig out. make sure you air down on the dirt for better traction-it was a little marble-eee. Monte. __________________ Adventure for a Lifetime I may be a poor rider, but my bike sure is SLOW

01-21-2013, 11:43 AM	#13
michaellmcc ^OP Dudester Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Austin, TX USA Oddometer: 40	Gps What're thoughts on GPS mapping? Garmin has their 'normal' Mexico for Mapsource. Bicamapas has a compatible (or so they say) download with much more detail. What have any seasoned travelers down there used? Gracias...

01-21-2013, 01:49 PM	#14
stickman1432 Crusty Adventurer Joined: Jul 2008 Location: So. Cal.-Baja-riding anywhere Oddometer: 578	I went last year and used Garmin North America/Mexico DVD-2011 version for the map and that was very detailed for what were we using it for. We had a 60 CSX and a Montana and the detail was more than what we need. If you don't have the map yet, I would go with the DVD since then you can download it to any computer and I am not sure that it would work if you were just using the in the micro-SD file. Check with Garmin for compatiblilty. What are you plans, needs and how detailed do you need your maps? I have some track let me know what you might need in a PM or email. __________________ Rich R1200GS-08' XR650R-03' 110 Honda-83'

01-21-2013, 07:11 PM	#15
Johnnydarock Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: Redondo Beach CA Oddometer: 158	Cirque de Copper Canyon I was there last April. Good times to be had by all. Check out my thread "Cirque de Copper Canyon" and PM me if you have any questions. Johnnydarock

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: .
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode