Guatemala to Alaska and Back

[Ed~]

I just found this Ride Report and was surprised to see so many beautiful photos of a particular part of Mexico that holds great meaning for myself as well.

12 years ago, I rode into Real de Catorce and felt the immense transformative power of the surrounding desert and mountain and the languid beauty of the old city, a contradiction to be sure. I spent two weeks there alone, making one trip down and back up that treacherous mountain road (that Luisa was wise to protect you from, Julio) to camp in the deserts, hike in the mountains, reading Thoreau's, "Walden," and healing from a wounded heart. My trip started from Panama going North and ended in Los Angeles10 months later.

I rode a Bumblebee Airhead GS that was not easy to pick up on that mountain road when downed near the silver mine; a particularly steep and rocky section at the time!

My home is now in Bisbee, AZ, a charming brick city roughly 30 min. north from the Douglas/Agua Prieta border crossing. When you cross in AZ, I would be honored to meet both of you at the border to welcome you into the United States. When I was in your country, I partook in so much of the beauty and hospitality of Guatemalans that it only seems fitting...

Ride safe!
Lalo~

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by Ed~

I just found this Ride Report and was surprised to see so many beautiful photos of a particular part of Mexico that holds great meaning for myself as well.

12 years ago, I rode into Real de Catorce and felt the immense transformative power of the surrounding desert and mountain and the languid beauty of the old city, a contradiction to be sure. I spent two weeks there alone, making one trip down and back up that treacherous mountain road (that Luisa was wise to protect you from, Julio) to camp in the deserts, hike in the mountains, reading Thoreau's, "Walden," and healing from a wounded heart. My trip started from Panama going North and ended in Los Angeles10 months later.

I rode a Bumblebee Airhead GS that was not easy to pick up on that mountain road when downed near the silver mine; a particularly steep and rocky section at the time!

My home is now in Bisbee, AZ, a charming brick city roughly 30 min. north from the Douglas/Agua Prieta border crossing. When you cross in AZ, I would be honored to meet both of you at the border to welcome you into the United States. When I was in your country, I partook in so much of the beauty and hospitality of Guatemalans that it only seems fitting...

Ride safe!
Lalo~

Hola Lalo,
thank you so much for your offer. We would be honored to be received by you at the border .
Real de Catorce is something else ! I had to wait for over 30 years to finally get here ...it was worth waiting so long !
we'll let you know as soon as we know when we are getting closer to the border.

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by nailit2em

I would but...I have to live inside the KC City limits for my job. Now if you ask Nikki she may tell me to get a new job. haha

Listen to your wife

[GuateRider]

REAL DE CATORCE……Hard to put feelings in words , especially so many and so different ones . We both fell in love with this town, probably for different reasons but who cares.
We came for 2 days, we stayed 2 weeks and if we don’t leave today, who knows what would happen ; I started already looking into property prices…..
So the bike is almost packed , we are ready for breakfast and then we will take off towards the tunnel
Last night we got a go away present from heaven : Black clouds, rain, hail , than it started to clear up and the amazing full moon came out . All this was underlined by a total , 3 hour long black out in town .

MATIOSH PACHA MAMA !!!!!!!

[GuateRider]

Yes, we finally left Real this morning. One last breakfast at Cafe Azul,Swiss owned coffee place with the best coffee in town, a goodbye to our new friends Bibi and Hector, and off we went towards Parras dela Fuente,Coahuila.
Almost 400 km of mostly boring scenery, semi desert, very long straight stretches and very few cars.
Parras,Pueblo Magico, seems to be a nice town. It has the oldest and still working vine yard in America. Tomorrow we will check it out

[GuateRider]

A few pics from yesterdays ride, obviously all of them taken by Luisa

Entering the tunnel





A chapell in the tunnel, made by the mineros










On the other side of the tunnel is La Luz, the place with the only still partially active mine






After that we passed by Potrero, a small little village







And than it started to become boring,a lot of the same , very dry semidesert, the only change was the roads getting smaller and smaller













We entered the state of Zacatecas








and we left it again to enter to Coahuila








Before getting to Saltillo we tuned left towards General Cepeda and on the road we passed the factory of Chrysler Mexico






and Daimler Mexico

[Durden]

Great pictures, interesting perspective on a unique path through Mexico (as opposed to the usual west coast route). Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

[GuateRider]

I love the contrasts , they bring out the best part of everything ,they make it stronger, more intense…

After 2 weeks in Real de Catorce with its breathtaking sceneries and intense feelings , this morning we woke up here in Parras de la Fuente , in a incredible beautifull boutique hotel , Casona del Banco http://www.lacasonadelbanco.com/

Being Monday gives you often the privilege to be the only guest in these remote hotels ; indoor parking has not even to be mentioned ,




Our room has the size of a small ballroom




and the living room with fully equipped kitchen has actually the size of a ballroom




And lots of a great little details all over the place




After a great self and homemade breakfast,we took a short ride to Casa Madero, Mexicos second largest vineyard . As far as medal winning , it is # 1 in Mexico . This vinery was founded 1597 and is the oldest one in America . Again , being Monday got as a private guided tour in the vinery













Not only do they make Mexico finest wine , but they also have a small production of brandy








And BTW , there is a big biker meeting here in Parras every January ; Bikers from a lot of places come here like pilgrims

[SR]

My family and I stayed in that exact same hotel a week ago today. Weird coincidence! We were in a rush and really didn't get to enjoy Parras, so I will be enjoying it vicariously through you.

BTW, you are getting dangerously close to the crack. Are you gonna jump over to the other cheek or head NW for more of Mexico? If you pass by my way feel free to give me a shout. I'd be honored to show you around town.

Thanks, and keep up the great RR.

SR

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by Durden

Great pictures, interesting perspective on a unique path through Mexico (as opposed to the usual west coast route). Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

I have never taken a "usual route" ....that's what got me here I guess . Mexico has just so much to offer, it's a never ending story
Good to have you along!

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by SR

My family and I stayed in that exact same hotel a week ago today. Weird coincidence! We were in a rush and really didn't get to enjoy Parras, so I will be enjoying it vicariously through you.

BTW, you are getting dangerously close to the crack. Are you gonna jump over to the other cheek or head NW for more of Mexico? If you pass by my way feel free to give me a shout. I'd be honored to show you around town.

Thanks, and keep up the great RR.

SR

It's a small world, isn't it?
No , I'm not ready for the jump yet; tomorrow we'll head out for Chihuahua.
Thanks for the Durango offer, we will probably come your way on our way back .
BTW , Parras is great !! Would love to spend more time here; great offroad riding as well.

[GuateRider]

Parras is a great place with a lot of things to do, from world famous vineyards to historic buildings , from slot canyoning to dirt biking in the sierra , hiking and cave visiting… Lots of reasons to come back,some day …
Yesterday afternoon we went out and up tp the Iglesia de Santo Madero, builded a bit outside of town on a big rock with a great view









From this picture you can understand why Parras is called an oasisi in the semi desert







And then the sunset came…

[Animo]

Great stuff GuateRider, great stuff!

[Vixen]

Originally Posted by Supa12 Pilot

Great stuff GuateRider, great stuff!

what he said.

I'm still following along, enjoying your adventure!

[GuateRider]

Originally Posted by Supa12 Pilot

Great stuff GuateRider, great stuff!

Good to know that the RR is appreciated , thanks !
And enjoy Chiapas