MexTrek 2008 - the good, the bad, & the ugly [Archive]

Richard_

10-26-2008, 08:42 PM

MexTrek 2008 is in the history books now and it's time to start the ride report. Like any event of this size, it contained a lot of varied elements - good, bad, and just plain ol' ugly. Here's some stuff to get the party started.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/Armadillownewv2.jpg

The Good

The scenery
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0907.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0931.jpg

The riding
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0922_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0914_edited.jpg

The locals
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0939_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0967_edited.jpg

The Bad

Having to wear the party hat
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0962_edited.jpg

Picking up your bike after a fall
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0903.jpg

The Ugly

The only thing between you and certain disaster? Duct tape
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0927.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0928.jpg

More to come...

Tourmeister

10-26-2008, 08:56 PM

The only thing between you and certain disaster? Duct tape
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0927.jpg

The Mummy is ALIVE!!! :eek2: :lol2:

RICK M

10-26-2008, 09:12 PM

Man I was worried about going to Mexico and I had a blast . Crossing the border either way is the only kind of bad part ,other than that it is a great experience.
I would like to thank Richard and Milton for all there help,they helped everyone figure out where to go and what to do . And thanks to Roberto for riding with us and being out translator that was almost like cheating .
Rick M

revog

10-26-2008, 09:21 PM

The food was really fresh.

revog

10-26-2008, 09:37 PM

Finally, something more versatile than the KLR.

revog

10-26-2008, 09:50 PM

This Wee preferred the truck bed over the road bed to Mt. Potosi.

Vinny

10-27-2008, 12:08 AM

This Wee preferred the truck bed over the road bed to Mt. Potosi.

I knew that was going to come back to bite me:giveup:

DaWhip

10-27-2008, 06:15 AM

Looks like fun. Wish I could have made it. I got a call from Matt a he said he didnt feel like coming back to the states yet and he is headed for costa rica. As long as he doesn't loose my center stand along the way.... Your KLR do all that you asked it to do Richard?

mff

10-27-2008, 06:21 AM

Had a great Time! Mucho Gracias to Richard, Milton, Jerry, Dave, Floyd and to all, that helped make this happen.
As for the pic above- this young lady was looking for "UNCLE" and since he didn't make it- I had to fill in!
Hope you are feeling better Roger- it's a hard job to fill your shoes- hurry back!

Richard_

10-27-2008, 06:33 AM

Your KLR do all that you asked it to do Richard?

It sure did. I rode a lot of class 3 roads this time around and it handled them very well.

Richard_

10-27-2008, 07:47 AM

My group was trailering to McAllen, TX on Tuesday evening to get our Mexico paperwork done and then overnight at a local motel so that Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. we could head for Galeana as quick as the law would allow.

This plan sounded good to some of the other riders and plans were made to link up Wed morning in the parking lot of the McAllend Motel 6.

Milton, Ductape Dave (formerly Dirtbike Dave but we changed his name to Ductape Dave for reasons that will be obvious later), and I teamed up on Tuesday afternoon and headed out.

Bikes loaded, Dave and Milton ready to go
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0815.jpg

"...teamed up on Tuesday afternoon and headed out" sounds so simple, doesn't it? There is actually a good little story about our link up plans. Here's the deal - last year, Milton's KLX had significant bike problems on the way back from Galeana. He managed to coax it to Laredo where it finally fired for the last time. He eventually abandoned the bike in Laredo and caught a bus home to Austin. The next weekend he and I went and fetched his KLX from Laredo, hauled it back to Austin, dropped it off in his garage and it has sat, non-operational, every since.

On Monday morning, the day before our scheduled departure, my phone rings.

Milton: Rich, I need your advice.
Rich: Okay, what's up?
Milton: I need a bike to ride to Mexico and I found a DRZ400 in Dallas. I could fly up there this morning and ride it back.
Rich: Is the bike in good shape?
Milton: Yes.
Rich: How will you get it across the border without a title in your name?
Milton: I'll have the guy sign the title over to me and use that.
Rich: Think that will work?
Milton: Maybe. Hopefully. Who knows - it's Mexico.
Rich: Okay, that sounds good. Go get that bike.

So, that's what Milton did. He flew to Dallas, bought the bike and rode it back to Austin, arriving Monday night around 8:30 p.m. I wasn't at all certain that they would let him in with just the title signed over to him, but it beat the alternative of him not going. It was worth a try. And if all else failed, maybe he could pay a "special tax" or something...

Milton's new ride
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0972.jpg

Milton's luck held, they let him & his new hotness in, and life was good.

Milton is always good for an extra dose of adventure. I love riding with him because of it, too.

owtcast

10-27-2008, 10:11 AM

Even with a stock tank. Wow. Did you guys do a lot of fuel transfering?
Looks like ya'll had a lot of fun. I knew that trip would spin off some good pics and reports.

Pinklloyd

10-27-2008, 10:32 AM

Thank you to the organizers! Great pavement and dirt trip. Cheap and sweet. No damage to the KLR or my body. I enjoyed meeting so many of you and look forward to riding with you guys again. Mike, I did not see you get the "brazo" that you certainly deserved. She is a cutie. Having her in your picture put you up a category. You made the "bad" list instead of the "ugly" list of photos. Best rgds to the rest of th guys that I rode with Webfoot, Cotton, Jeff, Primo, Waylon, Jerry, Meelton, Pharrside, the Odessa brothers. I hope I didn't miss anyone.
I met some guys from La Feria also but did not get the names at the plaza on the last nite. Lets get together and ride south. I have my permit open for another 5 months. I know plenty of scenic pavement routes close buy for short 3 day trips from our neck of the woods. Then we also got the ride guide.

WoodButcher

10-27-2008, 10:43 AM

Hey Lloyd, how did the new helmet work out?

Pinklloyd

10-27-2008, 11:04 AM

Soumy Vandal was light, cool of course- at this time, and somewhat quiet.
It had its first fall off the seat at our last meal stop in China. Cabrito.

stingray

10-27-2008, 06:33 PM

I had an absolute BLAST at this event and highly recommend it to all. I was pretty darn worried about crossing the border with my vehicle but following the ride guide’s recommendations there were no problems whatsoever.

Thanks to all involved and especially my ride buddies (Jarrett, Rick, Arnold, Roberto, Kenny and Mark). Hope to ride with you all again soon!

Here’s a link to some of my pictures (http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=j73m56b.1kmi5heb&x=0&y=m5fpwh&localeid=en_US). Cant’ wait until next year!

Dave Bell

10-27-2008, 08:13 PM

Thanks to the organizers and everyone who gave me tips. Jinbody and I arrived safely in Houston at 3:00AM and I arrived at home outside of Dallas today at 3:30 PM.

I bought and outfitted the KLR for this trip. I have never done much off road (as in none) and I certainly enjoyed myself and learned a lot.

My KLR performed flawlessly. I loaned out a 6" piece of bailing wire, one wrench, and one 10mm nut. I did not use any parts or repair materials at all. I fell down twice due to stalling my motor, sliding backwards, and falling down. I bent one bracket for my caribou bags but that can be easily replaced.

It was a pleasure meeting you all and talking about riding. I loved the town the mountains and the people.

I'll be back.

BIG A

10-27-2008, 08:41 PM

Richard, Milton, and all that had a part in putting together this ride, it was the best adventure that i have been on in a long time.:clap: :clap: The country side and the people were wonderful, also some of the best DS roads that i have ever ridden on. also thanks to all our riding buddies they also made it special.Thanks to Scott, Kenny, Mark, Jarret, Roberto, and Rick. Can't wait to do it again!! Also thanks to Roberto for being our interpreter, you really did a great job of getting us food and drink, and getting us directions. Again thanks for a great week of riding and adventure.:rider:

cotton

10-27-2008, 09:05 PM

I really want to thank you Richard and Meeltone for setting up this ride and all the routes. For a flatlander Fla boy to ride to 12,200 feet is really something to remember. I was over 20 years old before I make it to the highest Fla mountian (320') Enjoyed meeting and riding with Floyd,Don,Waylen and Jerry. Also enjoyed meeting everyone else. You Texas Guys are great. Have not quite made it home yet. Stoped at the Mississippi welcome station and asked for a inexpensive place to stay the night. They called and made me reservations at the Imperial Palace in Bulixi ($49.00 a night) What are all those machines with arms on them???? I guess I will have to check them out. Might not be back in Fla untill mid week. Thanks again Texans.
Cotton

Chango

10-27-2008, 10:01 PM

Richard, Thanks for putting it all together again :clap: . It was nice visiting with everyone. El General Restuarant rules !!!!!!!!! Gracias a la Municipalidad de Galeana y la Gente para la hospitalidad. Amistad para siempre !!!

Regards, Chango

LakeRat

10-28-2008, 01:14 AM

It was a blast.
Thanks you all.
Astor
http://lakerat.smugmug.com/gallery/6371579_EGKzY#402821117_KzfQg-XL-LB

Richard_

10-28-2008, 07:22 AM

The ride to McAllen was uneventful - just 330 miles of boring slab from Austin. We immediately went to the border and got all our paperwork done. The nice thing about doing your paperwork late in the evening is that there aren't any lines to wait in on either side of the border. Just ride right up, get your paperwork done, and then be on your way.

Wednesday morning came early. Luckily there was a Shoney's Big Boy a short walk from the motel. Mmmmm... breakfast as Shoneys. Unbelievably, Milton had never eaten at a Shoneys Big Boy before! Well, we got that fixed.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0823.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0825.jpg

Final packing and bike prep began in earnest once we were done with desayuno.

Milton packs a lot of stuff.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0822.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0826.jpg

Mike Frederick modelling his new "MexTrek" sticker
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0827.jpg

The boys are ready to ride and eager to get to Mexico
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0828.jpg

A total of 20 riders met there at the motel to ride in together. Since 20 is too large of a group to try and keep together, we split into 3 smaller groups. After a brief riders meeting all 3 groups headed out.

Our first stop of the day was to exchange money. Either the dollar is doing better or the peso is doing worse, because the exchange rate was more favorable than the last time I was here. 12.4 pesos to the dollar. It was about 10.4 to 1 last year.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0829.jpg

There were 8 riders in my group. The first thing that happened when we crossed the border was that one of the riders was selected for a search. The border crossing has a pass/stop system that randomly selects vehicles to be searched. Rick on the Transalp was the lucky rider today and the guards directed him to the searching area. The rest of us stopped and waited for him just outside the crossing area. The guards didn't like that at all and made us move on out. So, we pulled into the first open spot we could find on the street and continued to wait on Rick. Unfortunately, Rick didn't see where we stopped and, after surviving the search intact, took off to parts unknown. We waved and hollered at him as he rode off, but he didn't see us. Scott volunteered to go run him down and drag him back to the group.

Scott bringing the prodigal son back to the group
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0830.jpg

Once that bit of excitement was over, it was time to get serious about getting some miles under our belt. Adventure was waiting in the mountains of Galeana and we needed to get there.

About 25 miles outside of town we reached the checkpoint. You've got to have a vehicle permit to take your vehicle into the interior of Mexico. This checkpoint randomly checks vehicles traveling into the interior for their vehicle permit.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0831.jpg

After about 75 miles of slab we took a short break at a convenient store at a spot marked on the map as El Rebaje.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0833.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0834.jpg

A few hours later we lunched at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Montemorelos. The food was quite good. I recommend the place to you when you go through here.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0835.jpg

At this point, all the preliminary stuff was out of the way. We had crossed the desert/flatlands an now the mountains were right in front of us, calling to us to come play.

bigdon55

10-28-2008, 08:17 AM

Looks like fun. Wish I could have made it!:trust:

primate

10-28-2008, 10:53 AM

This thread should have been named "above and beond epic". I had a blast meeting and riding with everybody, what a great bunch. I'm bad with names when it comes to meeting that many people, but this time I could probably name 2 dozen. Can't wait to see all the pics... I shared a camera with Wayland, so ours' will get up when he gets caught back up at work...hopefully.:lol2: For those who say "wish I coulda made it", I would definately plan on next year, start now if need be, I was thinking of rides to do next year on the ride out of Mexico. If it weren't for a slight bungle on our part at the border, and a light case or three of Montezumas' Revenge, it would have been perfect. Thanks to all.:clap: :rider:

gsxrmike

10-28-2008, 12:33 PM

Yea it was a good time for all, i just about fell over when i seen this guy coming down the road,,,,,
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1132.jpg

gsxrmike

10-28-2008, 12:37 PM

Even the young ones had fun, My hats off this one,,,
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1215.jpg

gsxrmike

10-28-2008, 12:40 PM

The top of the world was worth the bumpy ride.....
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1195.jpg
Some people had to ride in a pickUP to the top,, Split front tire......
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_118510_22.jpg

miltonotto

10-28-2008, 01:37 PM

i just about fell over when i seen this guy coming down the road,,,,,
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1132.jpg
That's Chango, right?

miltonotto

10-28-2008, 01:48 PM

Mmmmm... breakfast as Shoneys. Unbelievably, Milton had never eaten at a Shoneys Big Boy before! Well, we got that fixed.

Yeah, while on my cell phone to my girlfriend Becky, I told her that Richard was excited about Shoneys Big Boy. She understood me to say Richard was excited about showing me his "big boy".

Chango

10-28-2008, 02:13 PM

Yes Milton its me.:rider:

robertodelagarza

10-28-2008, 03:55 PM

Hola Amigos !!

Thanks all you guys, i had a blast in galeana too.. Richard and Milton, great job on maping the routes and maps, you deffinetlly rock... thanks to the guys i ride with ( scott, mark, arnold, rick and kenny) i hope you guys have an excellent time like i did... let me know if you want to come back someday.. maybe we can raid together!!

Saludos!
Roberto..

Richard_

10-28-2008, 04:46 PM

Finally, we were at the good stuff.

Hwy 2 is a paved road that runs east/west, joining Rayones, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in the west to Hwy 85 in the east. It is a superb, twisty road that takes about an hour to ride if you keep moving. It's hard to keep moving though, because the vistas will have you stopping often to take pictures.

No, that's not the Alps. And it's not Colorado. It really is Mexico, and just 150 miles from the Texas border.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0837.jpg

You can see the road snaking its way around the mountains.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0836.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0845.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0846_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0848_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0854_edited.jpg

The pavement ends at Rayones, so we decided that would be a good place to take a break and have a cold drink. Rayones is a pretty little pueblo nestled in the mountains. They grow a lot of pecans in the area and most of the tiendas (stores) sell various pecan treats - candy, shelled pecans, etc.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0872_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0855.jpg

Smoke 'em if you've got 'em. Dirtbike Dave enjoying a smoke and a cold coke in Rayones.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0856.jpg

From Rayones we travelled south via a non-paved road to Galeana. Though it is only about 20 miles, the ride takes nearly an hour. The road twists, turns, climbs, drops, switchbacks, and so on. I think it's a realy fun road and my fellow riders agree. I also think it is the least fun road in the entire area, so if you like this road you are gonna love all the other dirt roads that crisscross the mountains.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0857.jpg

Last year it was a class 1 road, but this year it is most definitely a class 2 road. This area had 26 consecutive days of rain about a month before we arrived - the most rain they've had in many, many years - which caused significant deterioation of the roads in the area. Pretty much every road was one level of difficulty higher than the previous year - class 1 roads were now class 2, class 2 roads were now class 3, etc. There were also reports of landslides/mudslides on many of the roads. We didn't encounter any, but there was evidence that landslides had occurred and had been cleared as we saw many piles of fresh dirt alongside many of the roads.

We arrived in Galeana late afternoon. Quite a few riders had beaten us in, some arriving early that day while others had been there a day or more.

Galeana is a fine town sitting on a high mountain plain at about 5000 feet of elevation. It has all the necessary services - hotels, restaurants, stores of all types, a hospital, a gas station, a bank, etc. It is centrally located so that all of the great dual sport roads in the area can be reached in a reasonably short period of time. In short, it is a perfect location to base out of for any dual sport adventures you want to have in the area.

We checked in to the hotel, cleaned up, and went in search of some supper.

La Casona del General Restaurant is highly recommended. They make a really good steak. And their beer is nice and cold. Big A will back me up on both of these.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0861.jpg

The restaurant owner and his wife.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0862.jpg

After supper it was time to hang out at el zocalo (the plaza), kick tires and tell stories.

Milton ran into some friends from a previous trip. Really, they're just friends. Really.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0863_edited.jpg

Bikes parked on the plaza
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0864.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0866.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0867.jpg

It had been a good warm-up for day 2 and the best road I've ever ridden.

Chango

10-28-2008, 06:11 PM

7845

7846

7847

7848

Heres a few pics.

bikeforever

10-28-2008, 07:37 PM

From the hart thanks to Richard and to all that helped him put this together.
This turned out to be my best ride in many years. I did not think I was still capable of riding the level that Richard took dirt bike Dave, Bill and the tall guy (Aston?) on the clean XR650 and me (the hp2 guy). Every one I met from riders to locals I could not have asked for friendlier people.
Ronnie
:rider: http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg160/bikeforever/Picture006.jpgTHIS IS THE GOOD!

six50rider

10-28-2008, 08:07 PM

Thanks! I absolutely had a great time hanging out and riding with you guys. I appreciate all the time Richard put into making this ride happen. Thanks also to everyone who helped by giving a hand to those who needed it :clap: , even if it cost a few beers to pay it back :chug: .

I've posted my pictures for free on Picasa: http://picasaweb.google.com/jarrett.avery/GaleanaOctober2008#

Cheers,

-Jarrett

WoodButcher

10-28-2008, 09:59 PM

Great pics,, Jarrett. I like the way you have the location map to show where they were taken.

miltonotto

10-28-2008, 11:35 PM

On the way to Galeana, I couldn't help but to guide my group to a little joint I knew in Montemorelos for lunch.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404940117_XYB6P-L.jpg

Lloyd risked everything, threw caution to the wind and said yes, he'd ride with me on a portion of the Little Dragon, that is Rayones - Santa Rosa - Cienega del Toro - 18 de Marzo - Galeana. We left Rayones at 4pm, headed for Galeana the long way.

PinkLloyd in Santa Rosa
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404940428_rEtA3-L.jpg

Santa Rosa door
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404940290_sk5cr-L.jpg

Climbing out of Santa Rosa
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404940702_cCu7W-L.jpg

High plateau near Cienega del Toro
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404940820_quxWh-L.jpg

Cienega del Toro
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404940912_Srh4T-L.jpg

Outside La Lagunita, en route to Galeana, we stopped to put on warmer gear
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/404941015_GasYY-L.jpg

Dave Bell

10-29-2008, 08:45 AM

I am curious about the rider who broke his collarbone. I did not get enough information in terms of names and emails to be able to check on him and how he and his friends Jim, John, and Delores reached home. Could someone please contact me? Jeff and I rode to the border with them and were going to try to get a trailer but Plan B won out and we did not help much.

Dave Bell

miltonotto

10-29-2008, 09:58 AM

Sunday morning the La General restaurant owners were taking their van and trailer to Monterrey for their weekly meat run. My understanding was that the injured rider (Jim) was inside the van headed for McAllen courtesy of (and $200) the restaurant owners. There was an escourt of several motorcycles accompaning the van. The restaurant owners were to take Jim and his bike to McAllen.

Dave Bell

10-29-2008, 10:15 AM

I was one of the escort riders. Two riders went ahead and crossed into McAllen to try to get a U Haul truck so that they could load Jim and his bike and gear and go to Houston (I think). The last word I had was on the Mexican side when Jeff and I were told that there was no U Haul places open and that the others were going to spend the night in a motel in McAllen and get a truck in the morning. At one point, Jeff and I were going to get Jeff's truck in Donna and rent a trailer so that we could load all three bikes and take Jim to Houston but obviously we could not rent a trailer. I think that the truck idea was probably better anyway.

Anyhoo, if anyone knows what happened next, let me know.

Thanks Milton.

db

TerraXpeditions

10-29-2008, 10:46 AM

Anyone know Mike Fredrick's email or TWTex Screen name?
Mike, its me, the young fella that stopped by your place on my way to Mexico. I couldnt find your email after I got home to send you a thanks for you and your wife's hospitality.

linx310

10-29-2008, 11:27 AM

Did trice pilot ever meet up with you guys?

Chango

10-29-2008, 11:55 AM

Did trice pilot ever meet up with you guys?

He did'nt get the chance . Check the Original Mextrek thread if you do not already know what happened over in Puerta Vallarta . He posted about it.

Kidder

10-29-2008, 11:58 AM

:popcorn:

Richard_

10-29-2008, 12:07 PM

Anyone know Mike Fredrick's email or TWTex Screen name?

Mike is mff here on TWT.

gsxrmike

10-29-2008, 12:38 PM

Here was the meeting place,,,
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1178.jpg
Rest stop. going to the top of the world
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1181.jpg

Richard_

10-29-2008, 07:54 PM

Thursday

There was a route I wanted to ride last year but ran out of time before I could get to it so it was the first route on my list for this year. Milton had told me that since I liked the Mesa de Oso route that I would like this route as it was somewhat similar - a tiny hidden road not on any map twisting and turning deep through the mountains. Sounded really tempting but first we had to get breakfast and the riders meeting out of the way.

The Plaza Restaurant served up a fine breakfast buffet for the riders each morning
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0868.jpg

Following breakfast we had a quick riders meeting on the plaza and then it was time to ride.

Our route took us north to Rayones, Montemorelos, Allende, Santiago and the turn off to Potrero Redondo.

The road to Rayones
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0870.jpg

Looking east toward Allende
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0878.jpg

Waterfall on the way to the Potrero Redondo cutoff
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0880.jpg

The turnoff to Potrero Redondo
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0887.jpg

The road headed south through the valley
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0888.jpg

This turned out to be the best dual sport road I've ever ridden. Wow, what a great road. It was 5 hours of class 3 goodness. Highly recommended.

Mexican dual sport units
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0889.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0901.jpg

It took 2 hours of steady riding to reach the little pueblo of Potrero Redondo
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0908.jpg

About 40 families live in Potrero Redondo. We stopped for a cold drink and a visit with some of the locals.

Ricardo and his XR400
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0912.jpg

Hector and me
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0913_edited.jpg

Waterfall on the road south of La Trinidad
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0914_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0915_edited.jpg

That's a great road
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0917.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0921_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0922_edited.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0924.jpg

more to follow...

TerraXpeditions

10-29-2008, 08:49 PM

Holy crap guys! I can't believe I missed this ride..... So, I know where I'm going in January.

Rich, what is the name of this route in the GPS routes you sent me???

PS
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0912.jpg
I might have met this guy's brother who is a mechanic at the Honda dealer in McAllen.... He said his brother lived in the mountains near Galeana and has an XR400. Did they also have a couple ATVs there?
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n188/glowingeenklr650/Trips/Mexico/P7070139.jpg
The possible brother in McAllen.

Richard_

10-30-2008, 06:24 AM

Rich, what is the name of this route in the GPS routes you sent me???

It's called "Potretro Redondo" route and is the 2nd route listed in the northern rides section of the guide.

Your XRL won't have any problems with the route.

...Did they also have a couple ATVs there?

I didn't note any 4 wheelers, but it surely is possible that I overlooked them.

Wasabi

10-30-2008, 07:44 AM

What a great ride. Richard and Milton did an awesome job setting up the logistics and coordinating each days events. The ride book, the maps, the ride meeting each morning, making sure everyone had a room, coordinating morning breakfast, all so well put together. WOW. I am ready to go again.

I was struck with Montezuma’s revenge Saturday on the return trip to the border ( Let the Adventure begin). I want to thank Richard, Dave, Jerry and anyone else who assisted me ( I was so fuzzy I can’t remember all the names) in being able to survive the return trip home. The only personal bright spot was that I lost 12 pounds in two days. I do not recommend the Montezuma’s revenge crash diet.

And to biker Dave’s wife, “Fantastic work on the T Shirts. I have three and will wear them with pride.

Pictures soon.
Bill

Richard_

10-30-2008, 07:50 AM

Bill,

Glad to see you posting. Were you able to drive home on Sunday?

Richard_

10-30-2008, 08:08 AM

Continuing on...

Now we reach The Ugly part of the day.

Dave crashed.

This wasn't the only crash of the day - I didn't count but others amongst us dropped our bikes this day. 5 hours of class 3 takes a toll. By hour 4 all of us were fatigued, especially our forearms/grips. The trail is very rocky and I had to fight the natural tendency to use my kung-fu grip on the handlebars. The kung-fu grip has its place and all, but you can't use it continuously for 5 hours and not end up with a problem or three with your fingers.

Dave's forearms pumped, he wasn't able to control the bars for just a moment and the bike got away from him. And ran into the cliff wall. Which, when you think about it, was great, because the alternative was running off the other side of the road and falling 1000 meters or something similar.

The bike's fairing took the brunt of the damage with the instrument panel absorbing the rest of the shock. Dave was, luckily, unhurt.

Ductape Man to the rescue.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0927.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0929.jpg

With the cliffside repairs complete, we continued on our way.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0930.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0931.jpg

We exited the mountains and headed east into Allende.

As we left the Potrero Redondo road behind I realized it was the best dual sport road I had ever ridden. Wow, what a great road! You've got to ride that road the next time you are in the area.

After all that rough, rocky riding we were finally back on pavement, so, naturally a flat happens. You would have thought that if anyone was going to get a flat it would have been way back in the boonies, in amongst all those rocks. Nope. Bill got a front tire flat as soon as we reached pavement. Go figure.

As the last of the day's sunlight disappeared from view, we completed the repair of Bill's bike and then headed south to Galeana, riding along in the dark. 2 hours later, we arrived back at the hotel - tired but very pleased with the day's adventure.

TerraXpeditions

10-30-2008, 08:33 AM

It's called "Potretro Redondo" route and is the 2nd route listed in the northern rides section of the guide.

Your XRL won't have any problems with the route.

Thanks. I'm actually going on my wife's XT225.... It wont like the altitude, but no need to rush, alone, with those terracerias y vistas!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0870.jpg

primate

10-30-2008, 11:40 AM

Yes Bill, I would say fuzzy:puke: , I recall you making a few scary moves when we were slabbin' it back on the toll road and getting back into Reynosa. But don't feel like the Lone Ranger, I started feeling bad not long after getting back to the Hotel 6 (no vomiting), the cramps lasted 'til Wednesday.:(

Shadman

10-30-2008, 12:11 PM

More Richard, More!

Chango

10-30-2008, 02:28 PM

This was'nt too far away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aywcr_ef4WU

LakeRat

10-30-2008, 04:28 PM

same of my pics.

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402810908_dqVko-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402814658_YmVYW-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402819759_mtcKB-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402821117_KzfQg-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402835146_GWQPk-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402838264_jHW2m-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402842825_jvZzU-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402849212_A5xwt-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402857340_zPvZM-XL-1.jpg

http://lakerat.smugmug.com/photos/402864425_CqgPL-XL-1.jpg

Pinklloyd

10-30-2008, 07:25 PM

Oye lake rat
mighty nice photos!!

:clap:
Pink

Pinklloyd

10-30-2008, 07:28 PM

also, where did you find such ugly models?:eek2:

BIG A

10-30-2008, 08:25 PM

Also wanted to thank Mr's Dirtbike Dave for the really great artwork on our "T" shirts, i bought extra, this is one of my favorite shirts to wear now, thanks again, can't wait until next years.:clap: :clap: :clap:

Jerry

10-30-2008, 08:50 PM

Los Hombres y sus Motos

Parking lot info session, Motel 6 McAllen
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406265848_zJkGz-L.jpg

Jeff on the Montemorelos/Rayones Road
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824728_3X8LY-L.jpg

Ronnie and the mighty HP2
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824734_CJ5rd-L.jpg

Wildman Mike Fredrick and his trusty KLR
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939489_Agq4M-L.jpg

Don and his KLR
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939506_mWRTp-L.jpg

Jeff's F650
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939559_NqVgp-L.jpg

Thirsty motorcyclists at Deposito El Rebaje on the libre approaching Montemorelos
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939577_okz7v-L.jpg

GTgirl

10-30-2008, 09:25 PM

OK no fair...next time I get to ride with the professional photographer!!! What amazing pictures. An what an amazing time!! I have never had so much fun riding and getting so dirty!

I know you are all wanting to know about Jim Knight the rider who broke his collarbone. I hope he doesn't mind me filling you all in since you were so kind. He and I rented a UHaul on Monday morning while Jim Green and John Redford headed back to Houston. Or sideways'd it back to Houston with the cross wind. All was fine until this morning when he was being sedated prior to surgery here in Houston. I stayed after work at the hospital, I am an RN, to drive him home or get him settled after surgery. Apparently when the muscles around his 4 to 6 broken ribs relaxed, a rib tore through an artery or vein and the doctors spent the next 2 hours trying to resuscitate him. Jim certainly does not do anything half way and he made every doctor on his case work hard for their money today. He is stable and in ICU for the next couple of days. They never got around to repairing the collarbone. Maybe next week. After coming around about 10 hours later his first words to the doctor were..."do ya think I will be able to ride next weekend?" Now....that's a real biker for ya! Please keep him in your prayers. He is here without his family and just us bikers to keep him company for a few days. I have thanked God many times for the good judgment He gave Jim to wait until we arrived in Houston to undergo surgery. The doctors said he most likely would not have made it had his surgery been performed anywhere other than a large cardiovascular hospital.
Life is short.....live hard and die living.

Thanks a million Chuck, Milton, David, and all the others whose names are escaping me right now. We wouldn't have gotten him this far without you! You guys ROCK!!

Delores

GTgirl

10-30-2008, 09:31 PM

OK after these pictures....anybody up for a ride back to Galeana this week? I think I missed some roads. :rider:

Delores

jhansen

10-30-2008, 09:38 PM

Which hospital?

GTgirl

10-30-2008, 09:54 PM

St. Luke's. He is in 7 south 4 ICU for now. Visiting hours are 0800-1800 then 2000-2200. I don't know him that well so I don't know if I have overstepped my boundries here but hey....we are all bikers and I am sure he would appreciate a visit or call.

Thanks,
Delores

Tourmeister

10-30-2008, 10:48 PM

Wow, glad to hear he will by okay! That is pretty scary and a sobering reminder not to take what we do for granted... :wary:

miltonotto

10-31-2008, 12:27 AM

I have thanked God many times for the good judgment He gave Jim to wait until we arrived in Houston to undergo surgery. The doctors said he most likely would not have made it had his surgery been performed anywhere other than a large cardiovascular hospital.

My rule of thumb is to always return to the States for any surgery, esp orthopedic surgery. Hope we all remember this and Richard, put it in tha book.
What a scary ordeal.

miltonotto

10-31-2008, 06:32 AM

Thursday, for our first full day of riding in Mexico, Chuck, Joe, Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694) and I did a little exploratory work in the southern sector, scouting out a new route. Basically we paralleled the asphalt Hwy 2 that runs south towards Aramberi and Dr Arroyo, leaving the hwy at Pablillo and returned via the Milpillas route.
The map looks like this
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406365444_7DvQQ-XL.jpg

After a couple of false starts in and around Pablillo, we found the right road
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193038_83cQT-L.jpg

Rest break, open pasture
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193124_w46GA-L.jpg

http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406192913_bwpJc-L.jpg

Soon we were in the rough stuff
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406404186_wZPhX-M.jpg

The photos don't convey just how rough it was.
But just ask Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694)....... http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406404279_wX97H-M.jpg

Joe’s rear wheel bearing went out. Luckily he happened to have a new one in his pocket. (Oh, he was always changing wheel bearings.) You'll have to get the details from Joe, I haven't a clue.

Nothing like replacing a wheel bearing in the field. Chuck's presence made everyone's day easier.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406404413_jxx88-L.jpg

Joe was pretty resourceful (image courtesy of Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694))
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193768_URiR9-L.jpg

You couldn't have asked for a nicer spot to do trailside repairs
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193274_z7j84-L.jpg

miltonotto

10-31-2008, 07:53 AM

Thursday, Day 2 continued. Soon we were back at the task at hand, finding a route.

Discussing options.
Image courtesy of Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406438031_n8wKy-M.jpg

Hugging the wall. Image courtesy of Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193881_n6gSx-L.jpghttp://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193377_R58HT-M.jpg

Alamar de Solis. This is it. Just one house. Image courtesy of Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406438079_FkMgD-M.jpg

GPS technology threatens to do away with one of my favorite parts of adventure riding. Asking directions. Image courtesy of Anja (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193992_EQoJu-L.jpg
We had to cut a path thru the woods to get around this truck. Anja wasn't laughing.

Then there was the tree crossing. Actually...., 3 trees. OK..., 3 small trees.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406404523_zf5H3-L.jpg

Chuck, you tha man. Oh yeah, Anja's (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694) photo.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406194110_SCBgx-L.jpg

Headed for the barn. Yet another photo I didn't take. Photo by tha Dane dame (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353694)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406194213_LMVEy-L.jpg

Out of the woods. We've found the route between Pablillo and Agua Blanca.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193498_Mmo6G-L.jpg

The map showed a trail to the Milpillas route. My Spanish isn't great, and I couldn't quite understand the directions. People kept saying the road was an arroyo. "The road is an arroyo, I repeated? Answer: yes. I still didn't get it. Well, soon enough, we discovered the road was indeed an arroyo. A dried river bed thru a tight canyon. It was after 4pm and I wasn't sure I was having fun anymore. At La Angostura the arroyo widened out into a bog.

Blazing thru the ranching community of El Jilguero (lots of closed gates)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193625_iVKbd-L.jpg

And that was Day 2. At the Milpillas route we went flying down a Class 1 to Hwy 2, then slabbed it back to Galeana as the day ended and the cold set in. Hwy 2, by the way, is beautiful.

TerraXpeditions

10-31-2008, 08:33 AM

http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406193124_w46GA-L.jpg
Wow.

Richard_

10-31-2008, 08:40 AM

Rich: Hey, Milton, my group was thinking about doing the Zaragoza loop, but I was wondering about that mysterious trail that cuts through the moutains.

Milton: I heard that trail was improved. You should go ride it and see.

Rich: Okay, we'll give it a try.

And with that bit of conversation the die was cast and the plan was set. It would be a day of exploration.

Of course, you can't go exploring without having breakfast. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. I wandered over to the Plaza Restaurant for the breakfast buffet they were putting on each morning for the moto locos.

Rose, the owner, is a sweetheart.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0935.jpg

After the morning riders meeting, my group slowly (we were both sore and tired from the previous day) got our stuff on and headed south.

Looking south toward La Ascencion
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0936.jpg

That's a big 'ol century plant. Ronnie provides scale.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0937.jpg

We took a short break in Aramberrri. These kids all had new pencils.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0939_edited.jpg

From Aramberri we rode south a ways along a fine, twisty paved mountain road to the pueblo of General Zaragoza. After another brief stop, we backtrackd out of town, located the "improved" trail and headed west across the mountains.

You know what's coming don't you? This is a Mexican adventure, so it's not hard to predict what comes next.

The trail wasn't improved. Not one bit. If anything, the locals had messed it up even further before we got there.

It started right off as a class 3 trail and didn't improve as we rode west. And, to make things even more interesting, the trail was built in a dry river bed with lots and lots of loose rocks. As you already know, lots of loose rocks = kung fu grip on the handlebars. The problem was, after the previous day's whoopin our kung fu grips had about as much strength as a 5 year old child's grip. Not good.

After fighting the river bed for about a 1/2 mile, I discovered a nice little trail running parallel to the river. Doh! we should have been on this trail the whole time instead of trying to ride the river of death. Too late, the damage was done. Our forearms were now completely trashed.

So, to help the group out and let them rest up, I got a rear flat.

No problem, I've got everything I need to fix a flat. Dave and I carefully checked the outside of the tire, looking for the source of the puncture. We didn't spot anything and decided it was likely a cactus thorn. With assistance from the group, I pulled the tire, removed the tube, checked the inside of the tire for a thorn, couldn't find one, put in a new tube, inflated the tire, remounted it and got us back on the road.

A couple of boys checking out the tire changing operation
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0942_edited.jpg

This is what the road looked like once we got out of the rock pit of doom.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0940.jpg

I've got to admit, once we were on the right trail it was pretty sweet. For a little while, anyway.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0944.jpg

But, all too soon, we were once again snaired amongst the rocks of despair
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0951.jpg

Then things started to look up - the dry river of death became the flowing river of treachery.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0952.jpg

more to follow...

Mike in Clear Lake

10-31-2008, 08:56 AM

:thumb: :popcorn:

mlstults

10-31-2008, 12:33 PM

OK after these pictures....anybody up for a ride back to Galeana this week? I think I missed some roads. :rider:

Delores

Hola De, we crossed pathes in Beeville, I think, on the way to McAllen Tuseday. How is your cracked rib working out?
I would love to return to the real Mexico this week but I would have to stay this time. I have lost my heart to the mountains and people of Sierra Leon Region. A truely memerable expience.
Martin

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:05 PM

Here are a few reasons to love Mexico;

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:19 PM

A few more reasons to love Mexico. Good food, good people, good DS roads. and cheap adventure. ( unless you get injured or tear up your moto )

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:23 PM

I am having a little truble loading pics. :giveup:

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:28 PM

This one was my favorite.

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:39 PM

This old guy was born on this spot and lived here for 70yrs. As soon as we stopped he came over and gave us permission to pee off his mountain. His name was Elio. A good man.

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:45 PM

A very good man to ride behind in the mountains of Mexico. Pancho (Frank Cummings). He knows the road, the language and the history of Mexico. Also he is a MotoDiscovery tour guide. My friend Pancho.

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:49 PM

I'll be back!

mlstults

10-31-2008, 01:55 PM

A lot of people made this trip possible for me. Just a few, Richard, Milton and of course my friend Pancho. I cannot thank you enough.

miltonotto

10-31-2008, 04:23 PM

http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/406708972_qPR9Z-L.jpg

I like it.

miltonotto

10-31-2008, 04:28 PM

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0940.jpg

This road looks improved to me. What's your problem, bro?
(My 100th post? Woo Hoo

miltonotto

10-31-2008, 04:45 PM

Rich,
Next time go thru La Encontada and Siberia.
PinkLloyd? Where are the pics of La Encontada??

Richard_

10-31-2008, 04:49 PM

This road looks improved to me. What's your problem, bro?

:lol2:

Next time I'm dragging you down that road with me.

Pinklloyd

10-31-2008, 08:48 PM

Richard,
I think Meelton is right. That looks like concrete.

Pink:rofl:

Richard_

10-31-2008, 09:07 PM

Richard,
I think Meelton is right. That looks like concrete.

Pink:rofl:

Yeah, yeah, I got your concrete right here. :evil:

I'm draggin your sorry butt down that road next year, too. :trust:

Mumble, mumble...

Richard_

11-01-2008, 09:18 AM

Continuing on...

A short distance after returning to the dry river bed, the road veered right up another canyon. This new canyon also had a river bed the road followed, except in this case the river had water in it.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0953.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0955.jpg

Actually, riding in the water was somewhat easier than in the dry areas. For whatever reason, the rocks in the water seemed more compact and stable. Anyway, I led us deeper into the canyon, following the creek the entire way.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0959.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0960.jpg

After riding back into the canyon I figured I should call a team meeting so we could discuss the situation we were in. This road was quite a bit tougher than we were expecting, and, frankly, tougher than we were looking to ride that day. Fatigue was increasing quickly from yesterday's route and then the rocks of terror earlier in the day on this route and the time had come - either commit fully to this route or retreat and have a fun, easy day of riding.

The group quickly reached a consensus - let's ride this road another day. So, we made a u-turn and fought our way back out.

Along the way we encountered a couple of guys and 4 donkeys. Not sure where they were going but I got a picture of them anyway.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0961.jpg

Once we got back to pavement, it was a straightforward but fun ride back to Galeana.

Except I got the 2nd flat of the day before we reached pavement.

No sooner had we exited the river of death than my rear tire went flat again. What the ****? Dave and I checked the tire again and this time I spotted the problem. I had the shank of a small nail embedded in the tire. I could just barely see the end of the shank buried in the tire. A set of needle nose pliers extracted the shank, finally eliminating the source of my 2 flats. I installed a patched tube and off we went. For a little while. Then my tire went flat again. The patch was leaking. I borrowed some slime from Bill, reinflated the tire, and was able to make it all the way back to Galeana without getting a 4th flat. Sweet.

Back at ride HQ, the party was in full swing. Mike wanted a hug from the waitress and she made him wear the party hat before she would give him one.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0962_edited.jpg

Jerry and Milton were in a deep discussion of DSLRs, f-stops, and aperture priority for night shooting...
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0963_edited.jpg

I managed to get their attention just long enough to get a great little picture with my Canon point and shoot.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0964.jpg

The shoe shine man came around and for just 10 pesos (about 90 cents) did a fantastic job shining our riding boots.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0967_edited.jpg

A little while later the owner of the Hotel Magdelana sought me out so we could discuss a little business. He was very pleased to have us in his town and was very eager to have us back next year. In addition to the hotel he also owns a restaurant and he has a banquet room easily large enough to support several hundred people. So, I'm pleased to announce that next year the Hotel Magdelana will be our ride HQ and we will have a catered banquet (with bar) on the final day of next year's rally.

After several hours of visiting, I got one final shot for the night and off to bed I went. Sadly, I'm headed home tomorrow.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0965.jpg

Jerry

11-01-2008, 12:28 PM

Rayónes was established as a municipality in 1852 and named after the Rayón brothers who were local heroes during the Mexican revolution. It is home to about 430 people.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939586_n26W9-L.jpg

The road leading to Rayónes from Montemorelos is spectacular. I spent most of my time concentrating on riding rather than looking. Someday soon I will visit again and focus on the latter.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824636_NUTeD-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824651_Vq5sd-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824669_B9ZHj-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824723_cqu6W-L.jpg

The town itself is simple and beautiful. Like most all Mexican towns it is built around a central square.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939647_MrVGB-L.jpg

Three old caballeros pass the afternoon in plaza Benito Juarez
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939662_9MXSf-L.jpg

The streets are paved with stones set in cement. Given the smoothness of the rocks and the grade of the streets, I imagine they would be treacherous on motorcycles when wet.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939627_kujHh-L.jpg

Police Headquarters
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939641_BVgYG-L.jpg

Municipal Auditorium
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939612_HwXGo-L.jpg

http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404939681_hQ9vT-L.jpg

Hay nos vemos Rayónes! Hasta Luego.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824765_H7aFy-L.jpg

miltonotto

11-01-2008, 12:47 PM

Great shots, Jerry. The best treatment I've seen of Rayones.
There are lots of nooks and crannies in Rayones.
Everyone should remember it sits next to a river, and the scene down by the river is very tranquil too.

miltonotto

11-01-2008, 01:50 PM

For Friday, my Day 3 in Mexico, we had more exploration in mind. A bit of unfinished business, if you will. That being to find a way across the mountains from Aramberi to the great Hwy 85 running north and south from Monterrey to Ciudad Victoria (and onto Tampico) on the eastside of the Sierra Madre Orientales. I've always heard conflicting reports about such a passage, mostly that it doesn't exist, but occasionally I'll find a map or something that suggests a way. So, my plan was to go to Aramberi and head east as far as the road went, and just ask the locals there for any information. Two of my riding companions from the day before were game, so we were three. Chuck, Joe and I.

60 miles south of Galeana via Hwy 2 is the paved cutoff to Aramberi.
Another 8 miles, Aramberi itself, where we topped off our gas for the great unknown. It was great having Chuck along as his fuel capacity is 5.5 gallons, making him our de facto "tanker". Good 'ole Chuck.

Topping off in Aramberi. (Chuck insisted he didn't need to top off.)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407094130_6YnNy-L.jpg

Heading east out of Aramberi, some pavement, for a little while
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407094273_3aTnc-L.jpg

We asked directions of local truck drivers, with dubious results. One actually didn't know anything about the area! One was making his rounds selling vegetables. The first driver I asked stated there was no outlet. No way thru the mountains. I was ready to accept that. Then we came to a river.
"Well, heck," I said, "let's just go back to Aramberi, I know another route." We stopped there long enough to shed our cold weather gear, and here come two Mexican motorcyclists flying down the road from the mountains we faced, crossing the river without missing a beat, making us feel silly for hesitating. I flagged one down.
"Yes, there is a way, you come out in Mainero".
I had no idea where Mainero was but was assured it was in the state of Tamalipas and it connected to 85. Another driver, another answer: yes. Now we had 2 yes's to one "no". Simple decision: proceed with original plan.

Crossing the Milpillas River at Lampacitos
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407094349_JLhQw-L.jpg

A few miles past Lampasitos, looking towards Rodeo (?)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407094463_F7ztt-L.jpg

The community of Rodeo (pronounced like the Rodeo Drive in L.A.)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407094695_jbadc-L.jpg

Shortly the road deteriorated to a two track across cow pastures.
Then single track across pastures.
Then cow trails.

There were lots of closed gates
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407094801_fatd8-L.jpg

I call this a cow trail
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095026_kGfFZ-L.jpg

Stay tuned. More to come.

mlstults

11-01-2008, 03:13 PM

mlstults

11-01-2008, 03:17 PM

I need to contact Ronnie the HP2 rider. What does he go by on this site? I forgot to ask him about the Valve cover/injector covers protectors he had on the HP2. I need a set. BAD.

Pinklloyd

11-01-2008, 03:22 PM

Hey Jerry,

Deetto what Meelton said. Great pics and justice to so ofter overlooked Rayones, and I suspect that Meelton knows alot about those "nooks and crannies in Rayones". What say you "Papasito".

Honestly, you guys, I am not wasting my time and carrying capacity with a camera in future. Your pics are just awesome. I have already told everybody they are my pictures. I don't say that I took them, just that they are mine. Besides I notice Meeton that you place a little copyright doohickey on yours. Being just a dumb immigrant I don't want any legal problems.

Pink:giveup:

miltonotto

11-01-2008, 03:36 PM

Soon, there were no more gates or fences to close, and our cow trail gave way to a gnarly scramble, uphill. Finally we crested a pass of some sort. By this time we realized that if one of our bikes were to break down out here, the only way we were getting it out was in pieces, on horseback.

And now we had the formidable task of descending the other side of the pass on an equally gnarly wash. No one took pictures up there, as far as I know. We were all too busy trying not to worry.
Well, at least we were over the pass, I reasoned. It was all down hill from here........
Right?
Well, nooooot exactly.

More gentle territory, the far side of our little pass
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095111_2Ubg7-L.jpg

All downhill from here
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095202_is3uG-L.jpg

Kool road
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095362_3EqjG-L.jpg

Our first person on the road. Jose Cerda
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095478_6kRZq-L.jpg

A few miles later, the community of Alamos. This is Jose's father. Note the solar panel in the background.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095528_yHovg-L.jpg

Chuck & Joe in Alamos
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095602_gduTW-L.jpg

Feeling pretty good now. The fields were ablaze with yellow flowers.
We were amongst communities again, even saw a pickup truck.
All good signs.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095748_Znmg6-L.jpg

So we stopped for lunch
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095860_qpZSW-L.jpg

Gearing up on the bridge after lunch Joe says, "San Antonio River."

His GPS put us on the San Antonio River. Hummmmm. I looked at my map.
Nothing? Nothing.
No wait, San Antonio River, and there's Alamos.
We were no where near where I thought we'd be, exiting the mountains, headed towards Hwy 85 and the long slab back to Galeana.

We were headed north... Not a problem.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095997_U6qiK-L.jpg

San Manuel. This lady set me straight.
She knew every community and every crossroad and explained it so I could understand.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407096119_44JYB-L.jpg

And he wisely let the woman do all the talking.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407096070_HFRkR-XL.jpg

"Down the road 1.5 miles you come to a "Y". Right leads you to Mainero. Don't go left, that takes you to Camarones."
Camarones? ........

"Chuck, do you think that's the same Camarones we know?"

It was 5:30 and getting late.
Such a decision, one way led to Mainero and slab, accomplishing our goal, but a long way from home. The other more dubious was a "short cut" home but one part of the connection was unknown.
As in, NOMM. Not on my map.

Joe began to squirm, but he was with us.

The lady assured us we would get thru. "No se queda," she repeated. (You won't stay.)

We left our steadily improving road for a tight class III thru the woods and a fold in the hills, then a pass, and finally......

Puerto Camarones
Me: "This is the right road, allright."
Joe: "The right road to where?"
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407096194_jg5PF-L.jpg

Headed north towards Cuevas and Inturbide.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407096311_qSKvw-M.jpg

We still had two river crossings at Cuevas, one fairly substantial. We had come a long way from hesitating at that comparitively "little" stream this morning. We made it to asphalt by dark.
Then Galeana.

A perfect day.

But to answer the question, is there a way thru the mountains from Aramberi to Hwy 85?
The answer, I'm afraid, is the same as it was when we started: maybe.

But I have more ideas.

It ain't over.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407096380_jgksr-M.jpg

mlstults

11-01-2008, 03:39 PM

The Ugly

miltonotto

11-01-2008, 03:44 PM

Besides I notice Meeton that you place a little copyright doohickey on yours.
Pink:giveup:

Lloyd, its a long story but that little doohickey was actually a mistake, and I was too lazy to re-do it. Sorry. Didn't mean to intimidate.

PS. Chuck or Joe. Does anyone have the GPS tracks of our ride??? I can't quite figure out where Rodeo is or how we got to Alamos. I've scoured Google Earth and nothing seems to fit my notes.

GTgirl

11-01-2008, 07:41 PM

Update on Jim:

He is doing ok. I checked in on him every couple of hours last night while I was working. He is having much more pain than he had prior to entering the hospital. The chest tube was placed right in the midst of his broken ribs so there is no comfortable position for him. The good news is he is out of ICU and in a regular room. The bad news is...he is out of ICU and in a regular room so there is no rest for the weary. As you may know, the hospital is no place to get a good nights rest. The nurses wake you up to give you a sleeping pill then 5 minutes later they wake you up to ask if the sleeping pill is working. Hopefully the docs can get around to fixing that collar bone next week.

Delores

Vinny

11-01-2008, 10:38 PM

Here is a few pictures of my view of our trip.
Thank you Richard.:rider:
Thanks everyone for the support when I had that bad torn front tire.

http://picasaweb.google.com/vinnyrubicon/GaleanaOct08?authkey=Z0FVCxqavDY#

miltonotto

11-02-2008, 01:36 AM

Vinny,

:clap: :clap:
Excellent.

:thumb:

Quick-Silver

11-02-2008, 07:01 AM

DIRT BIKE DAVE

11-02-2008, 07:36 AM

:rider: A rare posting by dirte bike dave.I had to let the goup see this unique photo of our ride master. I guess this would go under the ugly category.

Richard_

11-02-2008, 07:51 AM

:rider: A rare posting by dirte bike dave.I had to let the goup see this unique photo of our ride master. I guess this would go under the ugly category.

Ouch. That's ugly. :-P

maximo

11-02-2008, 10:47 AM

I'm newby here at TWTEX. This trip looks awesome. If there is another trip in 09, I plan on attending come **** or high water.

miltonotto

11-02-2008, 11:21 AM

Hope he gets better real soon.

How and when did this accident happen?

Thanks
Day 4. Last day. Jim (seated) suckin' it in for this photo. He was a hurtin dog with 4 (6?) broken ribs and collarbone. Near Rayones on the road to Galeana.
Later in a Houston hospital there were complications.
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407996438_fTNC3-L.jpg

Sunday morning the La General restaurant owners were taking their van and trailer to Monterrey for their weekly meat run. My understanding was that the injured rider (Jim) was inside the van headed for McAllen courtesy of the restaurant owners (+$200). There was an escourt of several motorcycles accompaning the van. The restaurant owners were to take Jim and his bike to McAllen.

I was one of the escort riders. Two riders went ahead and crossed into McAllen to try to get a U Haul truck so that they could load Jim and his bike and gear and go to Houston (I think). The last word I had was on the Mexican side when Jeff and I were told that there was no U Haul places open and that the others were going to spend the night in a motel in McAllen and get a truck in the morning. db

I know you are all wanting to know about Jim Knight the rider who broke his collarbone. I hope he doesn't mind me filling you all in since you were so kind. He and I rented a UHaul on Monday morning while Jim Green and John Redford headed back to Houston. Or sideways'd it back to Houston with the cross wind. All was fine until this morning when he was being sedated prior to surgery here in Houston. I stayed after work at the hospital, I am an RN, to drive him home or get him settled after surgery. Apparently when the muscles around his 4 to 6 broken ribs relaxed, a rib tore through an artery or vein and the doctors spent the next 2 hours trying to resuscitate him. Jim certainly does not do anything half way and he made every doctor on his case work hard for their money today. He is stable and in ICU for the next couple of days. They never got around to repairing the collarbone. Maybe next week. After coming around about 10 hours later his first words to the doctor were..."do ya think I will be able to ride next weekend?" Now....that's a real biker for ya! Please keep him in your prayers. He is here without his family and just us bikers to keep him company for a few days. I have thanked God many times for the good judgment He gave Jim to wait until we arrived in Houston to undergo surgery. The doctors said he most likely would not have made it had his surgery been performed anywhere other than a large cardiovascular hospital.
Life is short.....live hard and die living.
Delores

94GTVert

11-02-2008, 02:49 PM

Finally, something more versatile than the KLR.

yeah, we call them Land Rovers!!! ha ha ha

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/5/l_851239379ffc4b36b0a86f464b94f2d4.jpg

BIG A

11-02-2008, 03:59 PM

Richard, if you and Rick keep posting pictures like that, you may start a new fashion trend.(heaven forbid):eek2: :eek2: :lol2: :giveup:

slowoldguy

11-02-2008, 05:56 PM

I have scaled new heights of envy. Let's see...lose another 50lbs , buy a beater bike, learn to speak Spanish....aaaahhh...screw it. I'm in for next year. Fat and language limited BUT I will get something lighter than my Adventure. Sheesh Richard. Are there any Class 1/2 Roads? Those Class :eek2: 3's look like 11's to me.

slowoldguy

11-02-2008, 05:59 PM

(BTW, that would be Class "one-half" I was asking about.)

Richard_

11-02-2008, 06:51 PM

...I'm in for next year...Sheesh Richard. Are there any Class 1/2 Roads? Those Class :eek2: 3's look like 11's to me.

No 1/2s but there are a bunch of class 2 roads that you will do fine on. Plus a number of paved roads to go explore, too.

TerraXpeditions

11-02-2008, 07:07 PM

Anyone interested in going to this area in Late Dec and early Jan? As in like Dec 29-Jan 4th plus or minus a couple days?

slowoldguy

11-02-2008, 07:31 PM

Hmmmmm. Let's see. If I file for divorce now, sixty day mandatory waiting period.....naught from naught is naught...........which is what I'll have left....

Jerry

11-02-2008, 10:11 PM

There has been far too little discussion of food in this tread. This is Mexico! The land of enchiladas... birthplace of the Chile Rellino... Purgatory for Tacos al Pastor.... Postres galore!!! Lets Eat :eat::eat::eat:

Mike starts us off with a Grand Taco from La Casona de General
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/408614727_MqU3V-L.jpg

An El Indio is the perfect compliment to these Tacos de Pollo with Salsa Verde
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406206379_CLiMb-L.jpg

Pharr Side enjoys an evening meal at El General
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221382_ayQnt-L.jpg

Another enticing El General entree with a bubbly Topo Chico. A delicious stuffed and deep fried jalapeno lurks on a nearby plate.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406257282_s3W6K-L.jpg

Saturday was TWT's official International Pie Run Day. Rick M gets into the spirit with an outstanding selection from El General
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221396_xBa5a-L.jpg

Big A confirms that pie makes everyone happy
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221402_2Y55i-L.jpg

Mike sampled the flan everywhere. This particular selection from La Plaza was deemed the winner
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221409_zVoeV-L.jpg

Richard, our fearless leader samples the flan an El General. As you can see by his rapidly moving and blurred hand - this postre did not last long.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406257284_eat3V-L.jpg

Buen aprovecho amigos!

GTgirl

11-02-2008, 11:19 PM

Yep! My mind is made up! Next time I am hanging with ya'll. You ride with a professional photographer and you know enough spanish to order good food. I think I ate cheese all week since my food spanish is limited to queso and tortilla. :eat: Thanks guys for helping John get something besides cauliflower and brocolli enchilladas! What a chore! After that ordeal....queso was just fine for me!

Delores

Tourmeister

11-03-2008, 12:26 AM

So how many people wound up with Montezuma's Revenge? Moreover, how do they think they got it? Was everyone drinking bottled water? Are you sure bottled water is really any better than non bottled? Did anyone carry any of those little water treatment pills or a small filter? I have a little MSR hand filter than can crank quite a bit of water through it. It is like the one Tx Rider had on our Az trip that kept us alive after drinking some really nasty and dirty river water. It supposedly removes little buggers that make you sick :shrug: As easy as it is to use, I'd consider filtering the local tap water with it.

GTgirl

11-03-2008, 01:43 AM

I havent heard any reports of the revenge. If someone did suffer....I am a nurse, I brought a pharmacy of really good stuff just for those situations. Sorry if the word didn't get out.
I read an article in the past that suspected that the M.Revenge was related to the salsa..not the water. Quite interesting. I ran the hypothesis with queso. All results were negative. The cheese is acceptable to eat.

Tourmeister

11-03-2008, 02:35 AM

What is it that causes the revenge? Bacteria? Virus? Something else?

Mike in Clear Lake

11-03-2008, 06:10 AM

...I ran the hypothesis with queso. All results were negative. The cheese is acceptable to eat.

Mexican cheeses in themselves are worthy of culinary study. This may not be known in the US, but their fresh cheeses are actually world famous and there is a huge variety of them throughout the country which are exported around the world. Someone in Mexico really needs to write a book of the different cheeses so that these can be cataloged. These cheeses vary by region and town. It kinda reminds me of when I lived in Germany where each town would have one or more particular beers brewed and sold only locally.

Mike

Richard_

11-03-2008, 06:27 AM

Tourmeister,

Three people I know of had intestinal difficulties. One severely on Saturday and 2 others with milder cases on Sunday (the day after leaving Mexico).

Many people ate the same foods & drank the same water, so if it was something global - such as non-purified bottled water - it would seem more people would have gotten the revenge. But this was not the case. Bill ate breakfast with a large group of other riders on Saturday but was the only one who came down with the revenge. He suspects the egg he ate was the culprit (not fully cooked).

miltonotto

11-03-2008, 07:45 AM

I have had decades of Latin American experiences, and been sick a few memorable times. I have yet to come up with a reason as to why people get sick. Personally, I think it's the change in diet, or the change in the cultural way things are cooked. I've spent months in Peru with no problems, only to get a raunchy stomach when I returned to the States, after I returned to the States.

Of course, obviously, different folks act in different ways. My rule of thumb is, if you don't feel really comfortable eating it, don't eat it. I've seen people get sick when the likely culprit was a fancy expensive restaurant. Go figure. If it looks good, it probably is. I totally disregard all the nonsense about uncooked vegetables, ice, etc. Just squeeze lime juice all over everything and have at it. If it don't look right, skip it.

But that's just me.

TerraXpeditions

11-03-2008, 09:08 AM

With folks from the US, it is prominently the change in diet that causes "the revenge."

Try this, folks, eat enchiladas and tacos followed up by your choice of postre every day for a week to see if you get a change in bowel movements.

I get sort of the opposite. When I have traveled to Costa Rica, I get stopped up. They have a high fiber intake diet and although good for the colon when you actually... eh... pass that high fiber wad through... it can be quite uncomfortable.
And to compare to that. My wife, she will be a dietician in a couple years (we're still in school), has me on a decently high fiber diet. Well, I'm experienced my "tico tummy" for a while and finally got back to close to normal. Oh and i'm on a high fiber diet because my family has a history of prostate and colon cancer... so she's lookin out for me.

Then again, there are things in the water and food that our body isnt used to. Mainly protozoans not bacteria.

Its also a matter of food handling and preparation. I was living with a family in costa rica. The hostess cooked some chicken and then left it out on the counter all day and then put it in some rice and gravy. Well.... I got sick. But thats not to say that injesting river water and getting car sick had anything to do with it. I never get car sick. Who knows.

Enough about poo. Any more pics?

kennyanc

11-03-2008, 09:36 AM

I just wanted to thank Richard, Milton, and anyone else who played a part in organizing this great time. I had a blast and am sure to be there next year.

And thanks to all my riding buddies (Rick, Arnold, Mark, Roberto, Jarrett, and Scott) for putting up with me. Special thanks to Rick for helping with the flat and loaning me his spare tube (I left my spare at the Magdalena :headbang: ) and to Scott for his help when I broke my subframe.

A really great bunch of guys to ride with. :rider: :clap:

Kenny

stingray

11-03-2008, 12:40 PM

So how many people wound up with Montezuma's Revenge? Moreover, how do they think they got it? Was everyone drinking bottled water?

I got really sick on Saturday, not just Montezuma’s revenge but a really high fever and cold sweats as well. After about 5hrs of this I decided it was time to see a doctor so asked my ride buddy to walk me over to the pharmacia, luckily he had some medicine (Cipro) from being sick on a previous trip and that cured the fever in about 3hrs. Montezuma took a few more days to get over. I ate an omelet that morning (as Bill did) so maybe that was it, not sure. I did drink only bottled water, beer and soda the whole time. I also got to eat some of the best food I've ever eaten!

This won't even come close to stopping me from going again. What I will do different is to go see my doctor and get some meds before I go (his suggestion) so I'll be prepared next time.

Mike in Clear Lake

11-03-2008, 12:50 PM

...I decided it was time to see a doctor so asked my ride buddy to walk me over to the pharmacia, luckily he had some medicine (Cipro) from being sick on a previous trip and that cured the fever in about 3hrs...

Cipro is excellent. For my work overseas I carry an emergency medical kit. This includes things like Cipro and also blood pathogen supplies. If you are in Houston and travel to remote areas for work or adventure, then you may want to visit IMC (http://www.traveldoc.com/) and outfit yourself with one of these emergency medical kits. If you read my recent ride report to Cuatrocienegas, MEX you would have also noticed I have a First Aid kit strapped to my tail rack right under my SPOT.

kennyanc

11-03-2008, 01:38 PM

I got really sick on Saturday, not just Montezuma’s revenge but a really high fever and cold sweats as well.....

I think that is all part of it Scott. At least it was with me. On my last trip south of the border I had it off and on for about 3 weeks. Spent several nights in cold sweats and couldn't get more than about 20 feet from a toilet. I first tried amodium and pepto. Got to feeling better and about a week later I had to have something else. Got some Ciproflaxen at the pharmacy and it seemed to do the trick. About 6 days later after I got home it reared it's ugly head again. I just never could seem to get it completely knocked out. I went to the doctor at home he gave me 1 pill - levoflaxin. He said it was like Cipro on steroids. Knocked it right out. I meant to get some before this last trip but didn't make it to the doc. Luckily I didn't need it. :lol2:

Kenny

GTgirl

11-03-2008, 03:31 PM

I would recommend staying away from Imodium and other such meds on trips like this if at all possible. I know it is more than uncomfortable but if the revenge is due to a bacteria, you want to get it out as quickly as possible. One of the reasons the symptom keep returning may be because the Imodium never let the body completely expell the pathogen. Also always remember to complete the recommended dose of any antibiotic. By taking only 1-2 doses, you are allowing the pathogen to become a super-bug and it will be immune to the same antibiotic the next time. Cipro may be the exception. Fortunately for us travelers, the pathogens in these remote locations have not been exposed to antibiotics therefore making them very responsive to 1-2 doses. Unfortunately for those who will remain living in these remote areas....the pathogens we have left behind most likely will not respond to their available antibiotics. It is the whole whiteman vs. the indian thing all over again. But the best defense against any pathogen is good handwashing! Sing the ABC song whild washing your hands so that you know you have done a decent job removing most pathogens. But NO toe tapping at the urinals guys!:lol2:

OK...I will step down from my soapbox now..I agree with the above requests...enough about poo. Post more picks and show me what other great things I missed by taking off in a different direction.

Delores

Tourmeister

11-03-2008, 04:29 PM

The possibility of bad poo is all part of the adventure :lol2: :eek2: Since it could easily wipe out a trip... I was just wondering how best to avoid it if possible :wary:

I concur though that there have not been even remotely enough pics in this thread for an adventure of this proportion! :nana:

stingray

11-03-2008, 04:31 PM

Also always remember to complete the recommended dose of any antibiotic. By taking only 1-2 doses, you are allowing the pathogen to become a super-bug and it will be immune to the same antibiotic the next time. Cipro may be the exception.

Delores

I went to my Doc here in Austin the next day and he prescribed more Cipro which I did take until it was gone. I did want to ask, why would Cipro be any different? Is it not required to finish out the prescription on it as well or did you mean that 1 -2 doses of Cipro is enough to kill the bug? Just curious.

Thanks

TerraXpeditions

11-03-2008, 04:35 PM

I went to my Doc here in Austin the next day and he prescribed more Cipro which I did take until it was gone. I did want to ask, why would Cipro be any different? Is it not required to finish out the prescription on it as well or did you mean that 1 -2 doses of Cipro is enough to kill the bug? Just curious.

Thanks

One to two doses is capable of killing some/all of the bacteria... but its way better to take the full prescription to make sure. Like Delores said, taking only part of the Rx could make it a super-bug. Not good.

GTgirl

11-03-2008, 04:39 PM

I went to my Doc here in Austin the next day and he prescribed more Cipro which I did take until it was gone. I did want to ask, why would Cipro be any different? Is it not required to finish out the prescription on it as well or did you mean that 1 -2 doses of Cipro is enough to kill the bug? Just curious.

Thanks

In cases of exposure to bacterial meningitis a one time Cipro dose is recommended. Cipro is a good broad spectrum super antibiotic.

PharrSide

11-03-2008, 05:00 PM

I was attacked by Montezuma about 20 minutes after I got home. Very intense. It took until this past weekend to taper off to nothing. I was very careful what I ate and drank but I slipped up on Thursday and drank some coke poured over ice before thinking about it. Of course I can't be sure but that is the most likely cause. I will be more careful in the future. I can't imagine if it had hit during the trip back. The 5 second warning I was getting would not have been enough to even stop the bike.

stingray

11-03-2008, 05:13 PM

In cases of exposure to bacterial meningitis a one time Cipro dose is recommended.

Got it, thanks!

Richard_

11-03-2008, 07:22 PM

Time to go home...

All too soon it was time to head back to Austin. Dave and I along with a bunch of other riders grabbed one last breakfast at the Plaza Restaurant.

Omlettes, beans, fruit, juice, etc... an excellent breakfast.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0970.jpg

All around the plaza riders were packing their bikes.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0971.jpg

If you recall, Milton had a new-to-him DRZ400. His KLX had given up the ghost, so on Monday he had flown to Dallas, bought the 400, and then rode it back to Austin. I asked him on Tuesday what he thought of the 400. He said he didn't like it on Monday and sort of liked it on Tuesday. After all the great riding he and Chuck and others had been doing for the past few days I think he will likely keep the DRZ. Time will tell.

It was clean when he loaded it in my trailer back on Tuesday. Now it's all dusty with Mexican dirt. As an adaptation to what someone else once wrote - Mexican dirt: fun to ride on and looks good on your bike
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0972.jpg

About 10 a.m. we said our final goodbyes and rode away from Galeana.

Mexico wasn't through with me just yet, though. A few miles down the road, I got flat #4. Yep, yesterday's slimed and patched tube still wasn't fully holding air. I borrowed a tube from John Primo and with a bit of assistance from some other riders, we quickly swapped out the tube. The fourth time was the charm - the tube is still holding today.

Final thoughts

I thought the event went great. The riding was as excellent as I remembered, the weather fully cooperated, and the town of Galeana was very accommodating (and apparently eager for us to return).

Looking for a special adventure? I recommend this area to you. The riding is superb.

Galeana - the new Creel

Thanks for reading. Hope to see you at MexTrek 2009.

Mike in Clear Lake

11-03-2008, 07:41 PM

Excellent Richard! I hope to join y'all one of these years.

Mike

benpbdy

11-03-2008, 07:46 PM

For Montezuma's Curse try this Rifaximin sold in U.S as Xifaxan.This is an antibiotic.What's notable about it is that,unlike bacteria -fighting drugs such a cipro,which enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body ,Xifanxan remains exculusively in the gut.I take a pill each day and watch what I eat and drink and never have a problem.RIFAXIMIN (Xifaxan 200MG)Ben P

GTgirl

11-03-2008, 08:18 PM

For those of you looking for a great time. Galeana is wonderful. And don't forget how close it is to us Texans. Much closer than Colorado, N. California, and even Tennesee! And it is just as beautiful! AND...very quiet and peaceful if you are like me and can't communicate in Spanish :)

Delores

Jerry

11-03-2008, 10:08 PM

Thursday over breakfast, PharrSide and I decided to go wandering. I particularly wanted to visit the towns of Aramberri and General Zaragoza. Dale said that sounded good to him... so away we went.

First a stop at the Deposito for Aguas Frescas and Chicharones
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404993710_sRTaB-L.jpg

The house next door: Dogs are commonly kept on rooftops in Mexico. This interprising fellow has discovered that he can expand his territory by using the cornice that encircles the building.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824784_WuAf8-L.jpg

Patos
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824815_2bHW4-L.jpg

We pass the baseball fieldhttp://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404993757_Q7W6J-L.jpg

Riding South, the road climbs into the mountains and trees grow more dense. This road seems tailor made for my WeeStrom as it constantly curves back and forth and changes elevation.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405733984_RtpaZ-L.jpg

We pause for a cause between La Escondida and Aramberri
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405733998_DsPRp-L.jpg

Big sister Maria steadies Antonio on the moto as Mama watches. Antonio isn't too sure about this strange looking gringo in the funny spaceman suit.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405734021_GeJnF-L.jpg

We've arrived in Zaragosa just as school is letting out. Smiling kiddos and backpacks are everywhere
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405734038_K3iV5-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/409595116_RTsCx-L.jpg

Its lunchtime and we find Mike's group in the Restaurant Lopez: Jeff, Mike, Lloyd, John, Wayland, Don & Cotton
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405734107_Jzi2f-L.jpg

Cotton had a small bag of candy, and for awhile was the most popular guy in town.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405734057_ouh4p-L.jpg

Two tacos and soda, 15 pesos = $1.20
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406206313_BnzXw-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405734098_Q2dDn-L.jpg

http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/409595085_zUN3x-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/gallery/6390034_iPZeS#405734077_ULxhG

Leaving town Dale's XR needs a drink.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406206326_gUiAJ-L.jpg

Farmhouse on the return to Galeana
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/409518006_tqKg9-L.jpg

Roadside Vaca
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406206339_MRYku-L.jpg
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/409517981_iJzBA-L.jpg

Cerro Potosi in the distance from South of Galeana. We'll ride there tomorrow.
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406206349_rixrd-L.jpg

Tourmeister

11-04-2008, 11:52 AM

Great shots Jerry. You using a flash for any of that? If not, what is the F-stop range on your lens?

bogriffinrides

11-04-2008, 02:12 PM

I enjoyed your pictures Vinny, as I did everyone else's too. Y'all did a great job. I sure like that Potrero Chico area too. Can you pass through there on a paved road or is it just one-way getting in and out? Does the town have much to offer?

Here is a few pictures of my view of our trip.
Thank you Richard.:rider:
Thanks everyone for the support when I had that bad torn front tire.

http://picasaweb.google.com/vinnyrubicon/GaleanaOct08?authkey=Z0FVCxqavDY#

TombstoneRider

11-04-2008, 03:53 PM

RICK M

11-04-2008, 03:59 PM

Heck no , everyone needs 3 bikes
Touring bike - Goldwing-Harley-Bmw
Semi- sport or sport touring bike -- FJR- ST1300 -- Vee Strom 1000
Dual Sport Bike -- KLR -GS - DR ect .
Tell your wife we all have 3
Dang it. I really dis-like it when ya'll go on these trips and then post pictures. It always puts me in a place to stop listening to my wife and go out and buy a dual sport. I don't think these pics are good for my marriage. Thats alright. Pay off one bike and buy another, not much longer now. Is three bikes for one person and one garage too many?

kennyanc

11-04-2008, 04:33 PM

Hey Rick, what's up?

How are things with Mark? Can you forward his last email about the crash and tell me how to track him?

Kenny

FJR Bandit

11-04-2008, 04:46 PM

Dang it. I really dis-like it when ya'll go on these trips and then post pictures. It always puts me in a place to stop listening to my wife and go out and buy a dual sport. I don't think these pics are good for my marriage. Thats alright. Pay off one bike and buy another, not much longer now. Is three bikes for one person and one garage too many?

I don't think so. I don't have a garage, but I have more than 3 bikes. And the post above is correct, everone needs a bike for touring, sport touring/sport, dual sport, and of course dirt only. :trust: :mrgreen:

Pinklloyd

11-04-2008, 05:20 PM

Vinny

11-04-2008, 05:54 PM

I enjoyed your pictures Vinny, as I did everyone else's too. Y'all did a great job. I sure like that Potrero Chico area too. Can you pass through there on a paved road or is it just one-way getting in and out? Does the town have much to offer?

Hi,
I have been going to Potrero Chico for a few years due to it's rock climbing. It is world renowned, specially for Europeans and Canadians. This time I went w/ the bike and talked to some of the locals. One guy (the American manager at the place I stayed) has a 400cc bike. He wished he had the capital to start a motorcycle business. Lots of roads to explore. He recommended a GPS since there is so much of it :rider: .
Its also a great area for mountain biking, hiking, camping. The locals like tourist and are very nice.
To get there by pavement you just go on 1 or 85 south until you hit 53 and go NW. Its in the town of Hidalgo (there is a couple of those in Mexico)
If you look up "Potrero Chico" on the web you can get exact directions.
Hope that helps. Its a great area to stop halfway to Galeana.

Vinny

Jerry

11-04-2008, 06:16 PM

Early morning departures from Galeana and those late dark arrivals in fog had my fingers frozen. I will be putting on some heated grips before my next trip south. Anybody have experience with this on their KLR? Which model works best? :rider:

Symtec. (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16025&Category_Code=SYMT)
Different L & R elements compensate for throttle tube/handlebar properties. Plus they are relatively inexpensive. Wire them through a switched circuit - otherwise you will return to a "dead" motorcycle. I know this for a fact. :trust:

Jerry

11-04-2008, 06:25 PM

Great shots Jerry. You using a flash for any of that? If not, what is the F-stop range on your lens?

About half of the shots inside restaurants are with flash. Most of the "dessert" pics and the ones inside the Lopez are with. Most "entree" shots are without. No flash fill on any exterior shots. Nikon D40 with the kit lens - 18-55 f1:3.5

Jerry

11-04-2008, 07:06 PM

From the "Top of the World" summit of Cerro Potosi:

Cotton
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221445_2TyHo-L.jpg

Don
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221439_YLv8y-L.jpg

Jeff
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/410236258_EUtCF-L.jpg

Not Jeff
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406221451_Y4z2E-L.jpg

Galeana Valley
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/406361907_xWwvq-L.jpg

GTgirl

11-04-2008, 08:18 PM

Heck no , everyone needs 3 bikes
Touring bike - Goldwing-Harley-Bmw
Semi- sport or sport touring bike -- FJR- ST1300 -- Vee Strom 1000
Dual Sport Bike -- KLR -GS - DR ect .
Tell your wife we all have 3

Tell you wife the girl on the trip has 4 bikes and the guys must try to keep up!

Delores
Touring - BMW K1200GT
Dual Sport - KLR 650
Fancy Girly Bike - V-Star 650 Classic
For Sale Bike - Harley 883R

GTgirl

11-04-2008, 08:19 PM

By the way....post more pictures of Jeff - He is such a cutie!:trust:

Chango

11-04-2008, 08:40 PM

:rider:

Tourmeister

11-04-2008, 11:01 PM

About half of the shots inside restaurants are with flash. Most of the "dessert" pics and the ones inside the Lopez are with. Most "entree" shots are without. No flash fill on any exterior shots. Nikon D40 with the kit lens - 18-55 f1:3.5

Stock flash in the body or an external unit?

GTgirl

11-04-2008, 11:12 PM

Tell you wife the girl on the trip has 4 bikes and the guys must try to keep up!

Delores
Touring - BMW K1200GT
Dual Sport - KLR 650
Fancy Girly Bike - V-Star 650 Classic
For Sale Bike - Harley 883R
Correction.....one of the girls on the trip. Sorry Anna. Have a great ride girl! Maybe one day I can ride like you. What an adventure!
Delores

TombstoneRider

11-04-2008, 11:27 PM

Dee, maybe you should tell her that, and let her tell you NO.

GTgirl

11-05-2008, 12:59 AM

It is sort of like when you buy her jewelry. You buy her jewelry and she does something nice for you. You do something nice for her.....she buys you a motorcycle.

T-Man

11-05-2008, 05:33 AM

Gilk51

11-05-2008, 06:40 AM

Great story and photos! :thumb:

I know you are all wanting to know about Jim Knight the rider who broke his collarbone. I hope he doesn't mind me filling you all in since you were so kind.

I don't know him that well so I don't know if I have overstepped my boundries here but hey....we are all bikers and I am sure he would appreciate a visit or call.

I am a nurse,

Well, I am not much of a dual-sporter, but I'll have you know that if I did one of these rides, I would want Delores along! :clap: Kudos to ya for watching out after an injured rider. :thumb:

GTgirl

11-05-2008, 07:17 AM

Thanks Chuck. It is just what we fellow riders do. Could not have done it without your truck. What a wild ride! Best rollercoaster I have ever been on!

TerraXpeditions

11-05-2008, 08:32 AM

Man, this trip looks like a blast. I hope I'm still able to do something like this when my son is old enough to do it with me, cause I am so in. And I know he will be. He's only 5 and wants to go now.

Awesome man. My 2 year old daughter allready loves riding around in the field with daddy, wearing her pink Dora the Explorer bicycle helmet. :mrgreen:

I forsee a great riding buddys in the future.

Jerry

11-05-2008, 09:42 AM

Stock flash in the body or an external unit?

Std. "flip up" flash in the body.

Tourmeister

11-05-2008, 03:58 PM

Std. "flip up" flash in the body.

Does the D40 take the Nikon D lenses? I still have all my lenses from my N70. I also have the SB-26 external flash. Then I have a bunch of 52mm filters. It would be cool if I could use all that on the D40.

GTgirl

11-05-2008, 04:28 PM

Well.....as most of you guys know....I broke a rib or two on this trip. It is now time for me to suck up the vanity and go to the doctor. As most of you who have broken ribs know...the time during the initial break is bearable but about a week later, intercostitis sets in and it is extremely painful. So....off I go to the MD. :giveup:
But...not to worry...to keep the stats down on motorcycle related injuries, I will report this one as a sexy underwear related injury. **** underwire bras!!:lol2: I wear all the armor I can and I am injured by my bra!

Jerry

11-05-2008, 04:33 PM

Does the D40 take the Nikon D lenses? I still have all my lenses from my N70. I also have the SB-26 external flash. Then I have a bunch of 52mm filters. It would be cool if I could use all that on the D40.

It is my understanding that all older Nikkor lenses will fit the D40 and take pictures - however only the AF-S and AF-I series lenses allow use of the autofocus feature.

The kit 18-55 lens is 52mm - so all of your filters should work. Of course you could also buy the sweet new Nikkor 18-200 VR lens and then you wouldn't have to worry about carrying all of that extra equipment around. :trust:

TerraXpeditions

11-06-2008, 09:08 AM

So, for you guys who trailered to McAllen, where did you park? How much did it cost? Security?

Thanks

RICK M

11-06-2008, 09:17 AM

We parked at the Airport ,extended stay area ,it cost 5.00 per day - truck and trailer included ... thats dang cheap and it is gated and guarded .
Rick M
So, for you guys who trailered to McAllen, where did you park? How much did it cost? Security?

Thanks

Richard_

11-06-2008, 09:18 AM

I was going to park at the airport too, but ended up leaving my truck/trailer at the Motel 6 with the permission of the manager. Not gated or locked but my vehicle was fine.

Pinklloyd

11-06-2008, 09:53 AM

Hey GT Girl
That just goes to show you. Sometimes it doesn't pay to wear underware.

Pink:trust:

bogriffinrides

11-06-2008, 10:27 AM

Thank you Vinny, I'll definitely check it out.

stingray

11-06-2008, 10:36 AM

So, for you guys who trailered to McAllen, where did you park? How much did it cost? Security?

Thanks

There is also an Economy parking area at the McAllen airport that cost only $3 a day, it has the same gated security. It's just down from the long term parking.

Here's a link to their site. Link (http://www.mcallenairport.com/)

TerraXpeditions

11-06-2008, 10:59 AM

Thanks guys.
I was also pointed towards a Rennaissance hotel in the area with good parking... $10/day

The economy parking at the airport is a better deal for me and is closer to the Pharr crossing.

Thanks

Calgary-Yogi

11-06-2008, 11:21 AM

Hey GT Girl
That just goes to show you. Sometimes it doesn't pay to wear underware.

Pink:trust:

+1 from us kilt wearing Scotties

cotton

11-06-2008, 01:30 PM

Lloyd,
I agree with jerry Syntec is the way to go. I have them on my strom. Two settings high and low - no need for any type of thermostat. Work great-
under $30.00
cotton

ramblinrog (aka) Uncle

11-06-2008, 02:12 PM

Mike thanks for filling in for me with that pretty waitress!!!! What a friend!!

Pinklloyd

11-06-2008, 04:23 PM

Thanks Jerry and Cotton,
Syntec is in my budget. I will try to install them myself.

Uncle, I don't know why the big guys and the white haired guys (Meeltone) got the hugs. It must be the "Santa Claus" thing.

Pink:clap:

BatCountry

11-06-2008, 07:53 PM

Oh man i have to go on this next time. I have another DRZ now plus my Strom is all done up in full battle gear now so having a proper ride is not going to be an issue. I want to shake the guys hand who drove the DRZ from Dallas to Austin.... now that is EPIC!!!

miltonotto

11-06-2008, 08:58 PM

I want to shake the guys hand who drove the DRZ from Dallas to Austin.... now that is EPIC!!!That, ahem, would be me.

Tourmiester won't allow me to tell you how I really felt for those 4 hours. (at least not on this forum).

But wait, Bat Country. That was nothing. You've got to follow the amazing, Anja. All this on a 400DRZ (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8039756#post8039756)

Now that is EPIC.

BatCountry

11-06-2008, 09:17 PM

***!!!:eek2:
That looks like the stock seat! Truly humbling.

TerraXpeditions

11-06-2008, 09:27 PM

***!!!:eek2:
That looks like the stock seat! Truly humbling.

My brother did a 4 day tour of Arkansas on a DRZ400.... 1300 miles... He rode from Eureka Springs, Arkansas to Alexandria, La in one day.

miltonotto

11-06-2008, 09:55 PM

***!!!:eek2:
That looks like the stock seat!
Yep. Stock seat.

Richard_

11-06-2008, 10:42 PM

Yep. Stock seat.

Milton,

The stock seat on a Wee-Strom is a Lazy Boy recliner compared to a DRZ stock seat. Slap an AirHawk on the Wee and you won't ever have to stop riding because your butt is hurting.

Nudge, nudge...

TerraXpeditions

11-06-2008, 10:44 PM

Milton, the next time you ride with me, you can borrow my AirHawk.

miltonotto

11-07-2008, 09:02 AM

Saturday, Day 4 of MexTrek 2008, Chuck, Jeff and I decide on an "easy" route, one that is actually in the book, the Potrero Redondo route.

There was no buffet today, breakfast was on your own
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411812995_GJ4xm-L-1.jpg

The Pilon valley, looking towards Rayones from the paved road
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411904857_MvSfV-L.jpg

The paved road to Rayones
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813146_ugmJP-L.jpg

Another view of the paved road to Rayones
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813190_vHHWe-L.jpg

We did the route backwards, entering the back roads at Allende and heading towards Trinidad
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813246_sEayw-L.jpg

Looking back towards Allende and our road. I hate the steep exposed switchbacks. Just hate 'em. (Means do more, right?)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813292_aip2o-L.jpg

Between Trinidad and Allende, closer to Trinidad
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813343_eyUhn-L.jpg

Jeff, at our tamale break at the seasonal falls
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813380_GkQqA-L.jpg

Narciso ("Cizo") Hernandez, Potrero Redondo. His house is at the trailhead to Chipitin falls 45 min hike away
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813422_hC5eM-L.jpg

Chuck & Jeff outside Potrero Redondo. (Do you fall down alot?)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813465_HQiRD-L.jpg

Some Mexican dudes out riding Saturday afternoon, Potrero Redondo road
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813518_AudWu-L.jpg

My heaven (Note: El Cercado mislabeled)
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813640_VPSvE-XL.jpg

Jeff, this should be your avatar
http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813591_qNLGX-M.jpg

TerraXpeditions

11-07-2008, 09:19 AM

Great pics Mr Otto.

TerraXpeditions

11-07-2008, 09:30 AM

One more dumb question. How much was gas in these parts?

miltonotto

11-07-2008, 09:54 AM

One more dumb question. How much was gas in these parts?

'bout the same as here, but I really wasn't paying attention. Used to be cheaper but as prices have fallen so lately, probably 'bout the same these days.

TerraXpeditions

11-07-2008, 10:00 AM

10-4

mlstults

11-07-2008, 10:32 AM

One more dumb question. How much was gas in these parts?

I believe about .97 pasos per liter. Does that sound about right?

TerraXpeditions

11-07-2008, 10:37 AM

I believe about .97 pasos per liter. Does that sound about right?

That would make it about 3.60 a gallon

Pushin50

11-08-2008, 04:35 PM

I missed this opportunity due to my (ahem) 30th college reunion. However Richard was so kind as to send me the maps and guidebook and I'm heading out solo on Monday the 10th from DFW area figuring 2 days down, 2 days there, 2 days back.
Your photos and write up's are a high bar, it'll be fun to reach for it (or limbo under it?).
Randy on an R80G/S

TerraXpeditions

11-08-2008, 05:57 PM

Be safe out there! I've got a small group going (3-4) in December.

Cant wait. We are going to spend 5 days south of the border!!!

Pinklloyd

11-08-2008, 08:15 PM

Hey pushin50 and terra,
let me know when you are going down. i've got my documents open through february. i expect to make more trips south this winter. maybe we can ride.
there are some modifications on the ride guide possible depending on your style otherwise just pick a route from the guide. PM if you are interested.
Pink:rider:

Pushin50

11-08-2008, 09:13 PM

Pink: I'm leaving the morning of 10November, that's like, less than 48 hours! Still have packing to do.
Lots of encouragement from the list.
I plan I-35 to Laredo, then the cuota to the MTY bypass, and hook around the west route into Galeana.
Randy

Ruidoso Ron

11-09-2008, 05:40 PM

miltonotto

11-09-2008, 06:40 PM

Randy,
Make note that the road off of the Saltillo Highway to Galeana is Hwy 60.Best to just look for the signs that say Saltillo, Cuota. There may be a Hwy 60 out there but Saltillo - Cuota is all you need to know. The exit is right about where the old Monterrey airport is.

Eventually the signs you want to follow will say Matehuala (or San Luis Potosi or Queretaro). You don't want to actually go into Saltillo, of course. The cuotas (there are 3-4) will bend you south instead of entering Saltillo.

Google Earth probably has a good treatment of it.

Tourmeister

11-11-2008, 01:21 AM

Man... if this does not make a person want to get down there and ride...

http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813246_sEayw-L.jpg

:tab Something is seriously wrong with them!! :trust:

Awesome pics Milton :clap:

jhansen

11-11-2008, 03:32 AM

http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/411813246_sEayw-L.jpg

[QUOTE=Tourmeister;517299]Man... if this does not make a person want to get down there and ride...

:tab Something is seriously wrong with them!! :trust:

Awesome pics Milton :clap:

+1....and I hope Scott, you've "borrowed" this one for the front page rotation. Too good not to.

miltonotto

11-11-2008, 07:16 AM

Gee, Thanks, guys
Personally, I like this

http://trailblazer.smugmug.com/photos/407095997_U6qiK-L.jpg

And this

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/MexTrek%202008/IMG_0922_edited.jpg

And of course this

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1132.jpg

And, ok, this one too

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melaniesartor/IMG_1195.jpg

And as long as we’re talkin’ favorites,
http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/404824784_WuAf8-L.jpg

(Sorry Jerry, for having to pick just one.)
Oh, what the hey, these too

http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/405734057_ouh4p-L.jpg

http://papawheelie.smugmug.com/photos/409595085_zUN3x-L.jpg

And.... Last but not least, I love these short videos from Vinny
The road keeps getting rougher (http://picasaweb.google.com/vinnyrubicon/GaleanaOct08?authkey=Z0FVCxqavDY#52638666260278136 66)

And this one is priceless (http://picasaweb.google.com/vinnyrubicon/GaleanaOct08?authkey=Z0FVCxqavDY#52638729132606023 22).......Also Vinny's

Any questions?

Majorpayne

11-11-2008, 12:52 PM

Tourmeister

11-11-2008, 02:15 PM

JLS1126

11-14-2008, 11:46 PM

Milton, I think I already snagged quite a few of the ones you listed as favorites ;-) I am adding to the collection of images that I will be using for the next batch of front page images, the ones you see in the center of the page when you enter twtex.com in your browser. The problem is, the street riders don't seem to take as many good pictures as the DS guys so there will seem to be a DS bias in the pictures :doh: :lol2:

Heck, I'm a street guy only right now and I give a big thumbs up to those type pics...they're awesome. Of course they're going to "cost me" about $8k this winter so I can join in...;-)

CeeBee

11-16-2008, 12:58 PM

I want to thank Richard and all involved with this ride! :rider: :rider: :rider: It was a blast!!! I was fortunate enough to ride Copper Canyon and then drive through Mexico to Galeana for a two-fer.:trust: If I was forced to pick only one, it would have to be Richards Galeana ride. :sun: The people were great, both the locals and the riders. The tequila was flowing in the evenings, well after dark actually, and was glad the hotel was with-in walking distance. Anja, Scott (Stingray) and his buddy can knock back a few and get pretty goofy after a hard days ride. :eek2: OH, and a piece of advice If you ride with Milton, Make sure you have a good headlight! :lol2:
I couldn't have had better riding partners and would ride with all of them again in a minute - After dark Milton, Wheel bearing Joe, Freaking out Anja and Do you fall down a lot Jeff. :rofl:
Before I go I would like to THANK Deloris for keeping the suspension on my truck intact!! That couldn't have been a pleasant ride.
Didn't take many pics but here's what I have:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08042.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08045.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08047.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08049.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08051.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08052.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08053.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08054.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08055.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08027.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08029.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08031.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08035.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08036.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08038.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08041.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08017.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08016.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08025.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08021.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/cpbtx72/Mexico%20Oct%2008/MexicoOct08019.jpg

CeeBee

11-16-2008, 01:05 PM

Sorry Delores (not Deloris)

GTgirl

11-17-2008, 06:18 AM

No problem Chuck! My name gets spelled many ways. Sometimes guys even start it with a B and end it with an H :)

As far as the truck goes...you were an angel. We had been riding those roads for a couple of days and never saw anyone. Then just a few minutes after the accident here ya'll come and you have a truck we can borrow. The ride down the mountain was the scariest thing I have done! And I have jumped out of perfectly good airplanes, sailed my bike off bridges, and driven my bike at 150mph. But bouncing down that mountain during "rush hour" in someone elses truck, with an injured riding buddy is something I don't care to do on a regular basis. I am sure you have the imprints of my hands permanently on your steering wheel. But...thanks a million!
By the way, we are heading back down the day after Christmas. We are trailering the bikes this time. You mentioned you have MediVac Insurance. Who do you recommend we purchase it from? Cause I ain't leaving the states without it ever again. I have heard too many bad stories about getting stuck in the hospital in a foreign country. If we had taken Jim to Monterrey for surgery, or even McAllen, his outcome would have been very grave. And.....we are considering staying in Magdelena because of their secure parking. But which hotel do ya'll prefer?

Thanks again Chuck, Milton, David, Jeff, and everyone else! Oh Yeah and Richard.
Delores

Richard_

11-17-2008, 08:26 AM

TerraXpeditions

11-17-2008, 08:34 AM

Heck, I'm a street guy only right now and I give a big thumbs up to those type pics...they're awesome. Of course they're going to "cost me" about $8k this winter so I can join in...;-)

Thats bologna! you can be south of the border on a great bike for less than $3,000!

If you're like me, you could do it for less than $1500;-)

CeeBee

11-17-2008, 09:56 AM

By the way, we are heading back down the day after Christmas. We are trailering the bikes this time. You mentioned you have MediVac Insurance. Who do you recommend we purchase it from? Cause I ain't leaving the states without it ever again. I have heard too many bad stories about getting stuck in the hospital in a foreign country. If we had taken Jim to Monterrey for surgery, or even McAllen, his outcome would have been very grave. And.....we are considering staying in Magdelena because of their secure parking. But which hotel do ya'll prefer?
Delores

Hi Delores,
The Magdelena has wider hallways and access to parking BUT no maid service. If you ask you may get it though. The Jardin, I think, is a little nicer and has balcones in some rooms.
Here are a few med sites and the mex insurance that Richard is talking about. I actually bought both.

https://www.medexassist.com/Default.aspx

http://www.medjetassist.com/images/mja_front_big_image_2.jpg

http://www.insuremytrip.com/evacuation-1000-0-30153-0.html

http://www.mexadventure.com/

GTgirl

11-17-2008, 10:01 AM

Delores,

MediVac insurance is included in full-coverage Mexico motorcycle insurance. It will get you an ambulance ride/flight back to the US, and will transport your bike/vehicle and up to 4 people back to the states. I bought it from mexadventure.com

Thanks....Jim had full coverage. I guess he should have used it.

I just found out that my DAN, scuba diving insurance will also take care of non-dive injuries if I am more than 50 miles from home. And provides much the same deal. I guess it pays to read all that paperwork you get in the policy.

Delores

CeeBee

11-17-2008, 10:50 AM

Forgot to mention - If your bike was NOT designed to be sold as a - on the road bike - you can NOT get full coverage ins. Bikes that were converted and plated are not eligible. So I bought liability and Med-a-jet.

Of course you must read the policies - some offer you, to make the decision to transport, and others make that decision for you.

This link shows a friend of mine that bought Med-a-jet ins. for a Baja trip but used it in the USA before it expired - Warning - there is an advrider salute in the pic. ---- The Med-a-jet experience starts on post #19 I think.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379767&referrerid=28820

jredford

11-17-2008, 07:44 PM

Great job Richard, you are a master organizer!! Thanks to all who helped Jim Knight get back to Houston.

jredford

11-17-2008, 09:36 PM

Here are some pics from our adventure...

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2642.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2635.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2636.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2645.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2647.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2659.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2677.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2678.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2687.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2688.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2689.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2690.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2691.jpg

jredford

11-17-2008, 10:11 PM

More Photos.....

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/CIMG2669.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/CIMG2671.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/CIMG2672.jpg

Where did my tire go? Bad wheel bearing in Monterey.
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008005.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008013.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008014.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008019.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008020.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008026.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008027.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008029.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008039.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008047.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008049.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008053.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008069.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/mextrex%2008%201/MexTrek2008070.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2689.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2690.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/jgredford/CIMG2691.jpg