Montreal, Quebec To Mazatlan, Mexico

[Mary K]

BEST IDEA WE EVER HAD......................

Wasn't easy at first - all those horror stories -
Watch out for the BANDIDOS !!!!!!!!!!
Bad Roads
Corrupt police
Don't drink the water..................




So, we decided to go with a guide ,Ken Grantham of Mex-Moto Tours from Tallahassee, Florida. We are from Montreal, Quebec and we arranged to meet Ken in
Laredo, Texas on April 15-2006.


Usually Ken takes a group from Laredo to Mazatlan and back but this time he was only travelling one way. We were fortunate enough to have him all to ourselves.
Worked out great!!

Having to make the return trip alone we tried our best to mentally store all the information that would help us on the way back. The GPS (Garmin 276C) was also
very helpful especially after Ken (Mr. Gadget) showed us how to program the thing. Entering waypoints, hotels, gas stations,
saving routes and so on..........

I would recommend you buy this way ahead of time and figure out how to use it before you take it along on a long trip. We left Montreal April 9,2006

with snow still on the ground at our favorite hiking trail in Prevost, just 40 miles north of Montreal.





We bought a trailer to transport the motorcycle through Canada and US and once we arrived in Laredo we hopped on the V-Strom and travelled through Mexico on the motorcycle.




We were anxious to get to our destination. On our first day we drove 13 hours and arrived in Columbus, Ohio.
You think Montreal roads are bad but Ohio roads were no better if not worse. Next day we went off to Nashville
and were lucky enough to hit the Country Music Awards there. We had a blast.... Tootsies is a Must See....

Next day Memphis, even though we didn't see Elvis, Graceland was something to see. B.B. King's place was even better.
Great food, music and people.

Beale Street was something to see. Music everywhere. It was great for a blues fan to hear and experience. Then a motel pit-stop
in Hillsboro, Texas. Next 2 days were spent at the Red Roof Inn in Laredo. We parked the car and the
trailer at Townlake - Hillside Self Storage. Safe, secure and fairly cheap. We over ate twice at the Taco Palenque Restaurant
- Authentic Mexican and very good. A popular place with the locals.

Early Saturday morning we were off to Mexico. No problems at the border. Thanks to Ken ,who is quite fluent in Spanish
and was a great help.The guards at the border were laughing at us saying it was the hottest day yet and wished us luck
on our travels. We stopped in Saltillo where Ken introduced us to some of his friends. Nice people and very hospitable.
Then on to Torreon. Crossing the desert from Saltillo to Torreon was quite an experience. (You need to gas up first,
300 KMS and no gas station).




We took the toll roads (cuota). They are very expensive but well worth the price.
They even have people cleaning the sides of this super highway with hand held brooms. The only thing about toll roads

is that the surfaces at the toll booths are extremely slippery.

Most cars and trucks in Mexico are old and not well maintained, they leak oil and antifreeze. Not a good combination
when you put your foot down, it's like stepping in butter. The desert was so hot that even our pants and socks were
soaked by the time we got off the bike.














Once we finally got to Torreon we settled into our hotel room and my boyfriend
and I just looked at each other and nothing need be said. We were thinking maybe we made a mistake. We were so
exhausted we could not even talk. I have no idea how someone could think of actually walking across this godforsaken place.
I was happy to see it but even happier to leave.

That night we stayed at an upper class sex motel. Perfect for motorcycles They have guards at the gate.
The entrance to your unit is through the garage door. Your baby will be safe there for the night. The rooms are
modern and clean and the price is right ($40.00). Specify that you want the unit for the whole night. A walk down
the road got us a few cold cervesas to bring back to the room and chill.






Later Ken had invited us to a nice restaurant in Torreon (Tony Romas). He also brought his friend Elsa
(very attractive spanish girl) to join us. We took a taxi into town and the evening was a nice change of pace.
Very pleasant and relaxing.


Next day a shorter ride to Durango - got there early, so we could rest-up for the next day. a ride across
the SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS. We left early with Ken leading the way on his GS 1150R Adventure. The road from Durango
to Mazatlan is hard to describe. Think Blue Ridge Parkway but at 9235 Feet elevation. Think Deals Gap with eighteen
wheelers. Think 321 Kilometres and over 2000 curves, cattle, horses, donkeys on the road and you begin to get the picture.











One section is called the Devil's Backbone and at this point we both turned religious. At the beginning of the trip we
had decided to wear crosses, "Just in case we felt THE HIGHER FORCE might be need to help us survive this trip".
Well, this turned out to be a very good idea. A few Hail Mary's and Our Fathers were said and then some. Statues of the
Virgin Mary with fresh cut flowers to pay respect to those that have come and gone before us were a common sight
on the side of the road.

This ride is for experienced riders only. A blast for those sport bike types that were going to Mazatlan for the
Semana De La Moto Bike Rally, but I suspect a few did not make it.

The mountains basically start at Durango and end in Mazatlan. We got there about 2:30 PM

WHAT A RIDE !!!!!!!

In Mazatlan Ken stayed with friends and booked us into the Plaza Marina Hotel. Nice place right on the strip but too
noisy for us critters. So next day we moved to the Best Western again on the water but in the quiet part of town.
Included in the price is a secure parking spot, good buffet breakfast and a roof top pool. That was an unexpected
bonus. Most of these pictures were taken from the top of the hotel.

We fell in love with Mazatlan. Something for everyone, Zona Dorada appeals to the younger crowd - Bikinis, McDonalds,
loud music, bars etc. At the other end of the strip is the Olas Altas section frequented by locals. This is the quieter
side of the strip and very charming. A short walk will get you to Old Mazatlan - an area being restored.
Reminds us very much of Old Montreal and Old Havana. Many good restaurants and outdoor cafes.
We ate at the "Tunnel" a few times. Nice decor, good and very inexpensive.

The area also has shops that sell local jewellery, paintings and hand crafts at reasonable prices. Mazatlan has dozens
of Life-size Bronze statues - These are works of art - What craftsmen.!!
The statue of Pedro Infante Cruz, Mexico's
most famous movie actor is one of them, even though the locals find an amazing resemblance to the governor of this state. Go figure.

The strip is alive with people roller blading, jogging and just enjoying the beach. Whatever your pleasure this
town has it all, for us anyway. Beautiful sunsets, long walks on the beach or boardwalk, live music etc.......





























Well, heaven cannot last forever. So after four days in Mazatlan we had to start heading home. Although we did
not have Ken to hold our hands this time the ride back was not as difficult as anticipated. We knew what to expect
and were prepared both mentally and physically.

My boyfriend speaks a little spanish and that was a big help in dealing with the people, hotels, restaurants and
asking for directions and crossing into the USA.

We stopped in Laredo to pick up the car and trailer and made it to San Antonio, Texas. Unfortunately, the
Mexican Fiesta Celebration was on and every motel was booked within 50 miles. So, with Pierre's Superman
Complex we kept on driving...... driving..... driving.... until we reached a Best Western in the town of Seguin, Texas.
It was a llllonnnnngggggg daaay. Leaving Saltillo,Mexico delays at the border crossing, picking up the car,
loading the bike on the trailer and driving downtown San Antonio with the trailer and bike in tow getting very
lost with the help of our dear little GPS and then finally to Sequin.

We took a different but more scenic way returning home. (Mr. Adventure's idea). Next stop was Destin, Florida.
Beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Never have I seen water so clear or sand so white..... Stayed
there for two days. Next stop was Atlanta, Georgia. Then we went on to the Blue Ridge Parkway . We drove
the whole thing last year on the V-Strom. Do not go back with a car. You won't like it. Anyway, our only
purpose was to stay at the Switzerland Inn which is on the BRP. We have heard stories of how nice it was up there
so we had to check it out.

We were not disappointed to say the least. The place was first rate and in a gorgeous setting in the mountains.
North Carolina what can I say. They have beautiful hiking trails which we did not get to take. Next time.

We lucked out with the sea food buffet at the Switzerland Inn. I have never seen a buffet like this one. It was fit for royalty.
People come from all over the state for this weekly event. They have this every Friday. Cold shrimp on ice,
lobster, crab, salmon, catfish, even their deserts were spectacular. It was the best meal of the trip. So, If you're
around don't miss it. If you stay over these people are motorcycle friendly. If your travelling by bike you will
get a 20% discount. They even have a unit for four bikes that includes a garage with an air compressor.

Our final stop was at the Day's Inn in Chambersburg, Pa. for one night and the on to Montreal. After being on the road for three weeks we were rather anxious to eat some home cooking and to see our families and our beds.

We are not sure where our next adventure will be but I am guessing that his one will be hard to top. I have faith
that we will think of something soon. I am getting the itch again.

If I had to this over again there is only one thing I would change. I would take three months i
nstead of three weeks.

Don't think - Just go......


Mary K & Pierre Montreal

[cavebiker]

Super! looking good....

[Gadget Boy]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing