I do not recall if I ever shared this ride on this site. It Was done back in 2009 along with Andres and Oscar and other couple riders. Many of the roads we rode are not even shown in google (they can be seen but are not marked as a road. anyhow, the importance is that these roads are very hard to ride since there are parts with lots of loose gravel and big pointy rocks, steep passes and so on. To start you need to cross all monterrey city and go to Santa Catarina town, from there is easy, just follow the Rio Santa catarina side road up to the Rompepicos Dam. This dam is the one that "protects" Monterrey from the devastating force of the river when it rains hard. What would happpend recently after the Erik hurrican if this breakig dam would not be there? dont know. well, here they are: pics start at Santa Catarina Monterrrey and sorroundings the photograper itself I like a lot this picture I did take from Oscar in front of me entering the Cañon Huasteca Nuevoleonesa we made a quick stop to climbup to a Mirador of the Cañon now going to the fun roads Arriving to Presa Rompepicos (Rompe Picos Dam) we were on the dry season, so there is not water at all running on the bed of the river no water is contained on the "dam" because is only to break the tremendous force of the water during the rainy season. Check the size of the tunnel to let the water go thru Now check the aerial view of the dam, when the Erick Hurricane got to these mountains. See the water going thru the same tunnel we ride thru? (photos courtesy of news paper) the same river bed, now with some water:eek1 more pics later
whenever you find yourself before a bifurcation..... Take it !! just kiddin, we knew that we needed to take the road to EL PAJONAL. the views were getting better and better after some pretty rough riding areas, (no pics since I was so busy dodgeting rocks and trying not to fall down) we got to el pajonal and make a stop at the local "major's" house for a cold soda. this village is only 11 inhabitants the peace that feels here, is somethign awesome, nothing to worry about it, just watch your make a living assets (animals or crop) and that is enough to have the right food and shelter. Freedom that can hardly be understood by most of us city guys. now leaving El Pajonal, for more fun roads.....
From El Pajonal, we continued to go for the last part (and most rough) to reach Laguna de Sanchez to spend the night there. from finally the road took his toll on Oscar these river beds were so fully of loose gravel, that made us dance Zapateado con Mariachi.... a short break for a snack now getting on easy roads and closer to laguna de sanchez. puerto Del Conejo
Thanks for posting the pics, Arte. I rode some of those roads in 2009, too. Absolutely stunning scenery.
Lunch time !! I think Andres was kind of tired to be dancing on the gravel.. this is what I'm talking about after a good ride. Cortadillo de Res and Tecate roja El Muerto Mountain now heading to the Crazy Duck's Shack for the night. laguna de Sanchez was empty the little trail to go up to the shack was too steep and full of leaves. too slipery, but we made it. a view from the shack after some rest, we decided to go for some beers and some dinner (eat again?? ) the "Natural Lavatory" with water collected directly from the mountain. the little Restaurant and cantina.. later started to rain and took a pic view before complete darkness
leaving laguna de Sanchez and heading back to Reynosa lots of Fog not too much cattle and the final used reward at general bravo. Michelada with shrimp the route hope you enjoyed. Arte
As usual Arte, great RR & photos. Would love to head your way sometime for one of your rides if I can talk my riding buddy Scotty/Rydnseek into it.
Arte, Thanks for the memories. I have had the pleasyre to ride that route on my R1100GS as well as a friends XR400. Some of the best riding of my 45 yr riding experience. My buddy has a cabin in Cienega de Gonzales. Suerte