Mexico Intel Needed [Archive]

Richard_

01-21-2006, 10:22 PM

I was looking at my Mexico map today, trying to find a fairly direct route from Del Rio to Presidio going through Mexico. My map indicates there is no paved Mexican road that basically joins Del Rio or Eagle Pass to Presidio. The map does indicate, however, that there is a combination of paved roads and dirt roads that can be used to basically enter Mexico at Del Rio or Eagle Pass and pretty much head due west and end up at Presidio. This brings up 2 questions.

First, has anybody here ever ridden west from either Del Rio or Eagle Pass over to Presidio through Mexico?

Second, anybody here ever done any exploration of the Sierra El Bonito mountains, which are due west of Del Rio, or the Sierra del Carmen mountains, which run southeast from the eastern border of Big Bend and form the Parque Internacional del Rio Bravo in Mexico?

My Mexico map shows a ton of dirt roads in that area, making me wonder if I should go exploring there.

Tourmeister

01-21-2006, 11:45 PM

I think some guys on AdvRider.com did this a while back. Danged if I can find their thread about it though... If you post up about it, you will probably get some good feedback from those guys.

JROBERTS_BREWER

01-22-2006, 12:41 AM

I went to high school in Del Rio and have driven on Mexico 16 from Ojenda (Precideo) to Chihauhau, Creel and Divesidero. The fastest way to Precedio from Del Rio is Hwy 90 on the US side. That road is very boring and dead straight.

To my knowledge, there are no direct, paved routes through the desert and mountains from Del Rio to Big Bend or Ojenda. Although Mexico has paved a great number of roads in the last 10 years, I doubt they have paved that road.

I understand that the drug lords rule that part of the world with an iron hand.. The Mexican government has deployed armed companies at key check points there, but there are very few people, no improved roads, no accessible facilities, nothing..

The only paved road from Acuna is Hwy 29 - it then turns into Hwy 57. It runs southeast to Allende and then to Saltillo. You reach the road you described by turning west at Nueva Rositas.

You can then head west to La Linda, Texas or Boquillas De Carmen.. It drops to a dirt track for the last 80 miles. There is still a narrow bridge across the Rio Grande at La Linda..

Unfortuanately the Fed's barracaded the bridge about 15 years ago. If you want to ford the Rio Grande at La Linda, I recommend you contact the Open Sky Cafe at 915-376-2235. They can speak with the local Mexico Federal Army Commander to get approval.

I understand you can continue the dirt track through Hercules to Ojenda or Precedio. I visited with a guy about 15 years ago that did just this - In a jeep with extra fuel. He said it was beautiful, but hairy. This would be a huge dual sport ride requiring lots of extra fuel and water. I always wanted to do this trip.

Let us know how it goes.

James

Richard_

01-22-2006, 08:23 AM

James,

Thanks for the intel.

I'm using the map Mexico Norte by Mapas Internacionales De Viaje with a publishing date of 2003 (got the map at Barnes & Noble). I can't vouch for the accuracy of this map.

Anyway, from Nueva Rosita the map shows Mex Hwy 53/ Coah 25 as paved and running northwest to Boquillas. However, it also shows a paved road branching west off of Coah 25 at Nuevo Milagro, going through San Miguel, La Morita and then ending at Alamos de Marquez. From there it shows a dirt trail headed west to the pueblo Alamos de San Antonio. The map shows a paved road from Alamos de San Antonio running west to Hwy 18 near Alamo Chapo and Portraro del Llano. Hwy 18 runs north into Ojinaga.

If the map is correct, then it looks like one would only have to drive a relatively short distance on dirt travelling between Nueva Rosita and Ojinaga.

Also, the map shows a ton of dirt roads between La Linda and Del Rio. I'm wondering if those dirt roads are in that area and with all the mountains there if it might be a destination for dual sport riding.

XR650Rocketman

01-22-2006, 08:55 AM

Hey Richard....Tony and I are just sitting here with two laptops and have just finished "Virtual Riding" from Del Rio to Presidio and on to Fort Hancock on the Mexican side....Tony has the GPS routes....Send me your email address and Tony'll share those with you.

Richard_

01-22-2006, 01:02 PM

Cool. My email is rgibbens@austin.rr.com

Richard_

01-24-2006, 10:58 AM

BigRoach

01-24-2006, 11:15 AM

What you need paved roads for?! lol. WOW, sounds like a real adventure to me! I have got to take a DS trip to Mexico sometime. I hope you're bringing your Glock!! :biggun: jk, you'll be fine.

Richard_

01-26-2006, 03:15 PM

Here is the route the first group originally planned to follow from Del Rio to Presido through Mexico. They mentioned they didn't follow this exact route but it gives you an idea of the general path followed.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/Mexico%20DS/route3.jpg

Here's a dual sport route I mapped out via Google Earth that looks like it may be fun. The norther part of this route is the same as that used to go from Del Rio to Presidio.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/rgibbens/Mexico%20DS/DelRioMorelosEaglePassDSRoute800x60.jpg

WoodButcher

01-27-2006, 08:25 AM

I have relatives that are ranchers down in that part of Mexico. If you draw a line between Santa Rosita and Chupadero del Caballo, they are smack dab in the middle of those mountains. I haven't been down there in 6 or 7 years, but my memory of the pavement around Santa Rosita is that it is narrow two lane with some elevation changes and curves. Nothing radical, but definitely not boring. Who knows what the surface could be like now. It wasn't new then, but wasn't bad.

Richard_

01-27-2006, 11:17 AM

Rusty,

Sounds like you would be a natural choice for ride leader of a ride on the loop in the Google Earth picture above. Interested?

WoodButcher

01-27-2006, 03:12 PM

Well, I can think of lots of reasons I shouldn't be the leader...but the main is that I really don't do long trips on the drz. Long being more than about 200 miles. And that's my only street legal bike at this point. Also, I've never driven that road. Always been a passenger. Been going up there every 7-10 years since I was a kid, but was usually watching out the back window at the different people and stuff and not watching the roads.

Richard_

01-27-2006, 04:56 PM

Rusty,

Okay, just thought I would ask. An 800 mile trip on the DRZ might not be the most fun thing a person could do.

Photojojo

01-27-2006, 08:46 PM

I've really been thinking about this exact Mexico DS trip lately (Del Rio to Presidio). Mostly spured on by those same threads on ADVrider.

When are you going? Want company? I don't speak spanish but I can eat a mean taco ;-)

Richard_

01-27-2006, 09:18 PM

Chris,

I don't think I'm going to be able to make the trip this year. I've got some other riding plans already in the works and likely won't be able to swing the extra time off to get that ride in too. I definitely want to do that route, but my best guess is 2007 is going to be my earliest opportunity. When I do go, you are welcome to come along.

I'm kind of hoping somebody else here will run that route before 2007 and then provide us with lots more details, navigational aids, logistics, and pics than the threads on ADV rider (hint, hint, rocketman, tony, tourmeister, gotdurt, sleepyweasel, hillcountryrambler, etc).

Teeds

01-27-2006, 10:15 PM

I'm kind of hoping somebody else here will run that route before 2007 and then provide us with lots more details, navigational aids, logistics, and pics than the threads on ADV rider (hint, hint, rocketman, tony, tourmeister, gotdurt, sleepyweasel, hillcountryrambler, etc).

Hey ... I resemble that statement! We are charting a course towards a ride from Fort Hancock to Presidio on the American side of the border. We already can "see" on the map a route on the Mexican side. Steve has done the trek before and says there was a rancher willing to sell gas along the way. At this moment we have a gap that can only be closed via some "groundwork" which we will be doing starting next weekend.

I would like to see this extended into the trip you mention and get all the way to Del Rio.

I am planning on ordering the Mexican maps for my Garmin as soon as one of my eagles (read "client") poops. Things are a bit tight in the ol' Eeds household at the moment. :miffed:

Photojojo

01-27-2006, 10:25 PM

(hint, hint, rocketman, tony, tourmeister, gotdurt, sleepyweasel, hillcountryrambler, etc).

I am about 80% serious about this now. If anybody starts talking plans it automatically jumps to 90%.

Richard_

01-28-2006, 07:18 AM

Tony,

Very cool! Got my fingers crossed you guys will be able to extend the trip to cover the ground between Presidio and Del Rio.

XR650Rocketman

01-28-2006, 10:05 AM

Hey Guys.....I'm sorry but it's time for one of my " Soap Box Speeches".....

When I first met Tony Eeds in person it was at a gas station in Fort Stockton TX.....He was working in the area and I was heading to one of our frequent riding weekends in Big Bend....
We decided we were somewhat compatable and that we should ride together some time....I'd been working on the route for what we now call "The Lost Trail Ride" and when I figured it out I asked Tony if he'd like to try riding it with me....
He said "You bet, let's do it in the fall when it's cooler"
"But Tony" I said " What if we get run over by a truck in the meantime, we'll miss the ride"
If you've read any of the ride report here or on the TON you know we didn't wait for fall and did the ride in the middle of August and a few other like minded riders came with us.
The temperature didn't get over 85 degrees and we had some blinding rainstorms....We actually stopped to try and warm up on Pinto Canyon Road where it's about 6000 feet.
Who would have expected that?????
Life truly is what happens in between the things you plan....Unfortunatly many of the things that happen in life will stop you doing the things you plan...
The main reason for waiting 'til tomorrow to do something you want to do today is that you're too busy today doing what you couldn't get done yesterday....
Tony and I and few other of the original "Lost Trail Riders" will be exploring the area South and West of Van Horn on Super Bowl weekend, 2006...
All are welcome to join us before something else in life gets in the way.

OK.....I'm off the soap box now.

Hood Ornament

01-28-2006, 10:28 AM

Well said Steve. Some of the best rides I've been on were spontaneous, with little or no planning.

XR650Rocketman

01-28-2006, 06:58 PM

Now I don't want anyone to think that we don't plan....That's far from the truth...We plan gas stops and meal stops and hotel stops we just don't let the planning stop us from "doing"....

If we hadn't done the "Lost Trail Ride" in August 2005 several things would have happened....Steve Jr would have not got to do it, #1....#2.. When we tried to do it again later that year the Rio Grande river was so high the trail was under water and none of us were able to do it!!

You just never know what is in store in the future......Live for today!!!

Teeds

01-28-2006, 07:12 PM

Now I don't want anyone to think that we don't plan....That's far from the truth...We plan gas stops and meal stops and hotel stops we just don't let the planning stop us from "doing"...

Anyone that knows either Steve or I knows that we are all about knowing where we are going to get some gas, some food or lay our heads down next.

Everything else in life is supposed to be an adventure. I am all about filling the "dash".

Seen on a T shirt at Moab ...

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

See there is NO Someday

Richard_

01-28-2006, 07:55 PM

Hey Guys.....I'm sorry but it's time for one of my " Soap Box Speeches".....

The main reason for waiting 'til tomorrow to do something you want to do today is that you're too busy today doing what you couldn't get done yesterday....

Steve,

There isn't anything wrong with getting up on top of the soap box every now and then. I've been known to do it myself from time to time.

I'm not sure, however, that the main reason people wait till tomorrow to do something is because they're too busy doing today what didn't get done yesterday. That statement seems way too broad to me - how does one accurately determine amongst millions of people what is the main reason they put things off?

I know in my own case that the reason I don't drop everything and go ride that ride right now or in the near future is due to several factors - family and work obligations, limited time off, limited funds, and a list of some other trips I'm more interested in doing before riding that particular one.

XR650Rocketman

01-29-2006, 08:41 AM

I'm impressed that someone took the time to try and understand my "Soap Box speech".
As Richard pointed out that's a very broad statement...However it comes directly from observations and events in my life to date...
It's always easy to find reasons to put something off...Richard listed them very well and they are very real.
Be assured I have all the same limitations that everyone else I know has...

But.....This is getting way too deep!!!!

Richard, How's your wife's arm doing?
Let's "plan" getting together with all our maps and talk riding.

Richard_

01-29-2006, 07:20 PM

Steve,

Thanks for asking about the wife. She had surgery on Thursday and it went fairly well. The doc did what he could, but she is going to permanently lose mobility/function in her left elbow. We won't know how much function she is ultimately going to lose until after the cast comes off and she goes through some physical therapy.

Looking at maps and talking riding? I'm in!

ta2240

01-29-2006, 09:46 PM

I posted this same question over on ADVrider.com and got some interesting responses. At least 2 groups of riders have made the trek from Del Rio to Presidio via Mexico on the roads I've been looking at on the map.

Original trip planning thread - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11279

Trip Report 1 - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11902

Trip Report 2 - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40531

Trip Report 3 - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74218

The bottom line is that it is possible and, apparently a lot of fun, to travel to the Big Bend region on dirt roads through Mexico.

Hey Richard, I was just reading along here trying to suck up some experience from you old guys:lol2: when I am reading the trip reports I was looking at the photos and for some reason the photos looked familer. The all of the sudden I see two guys in the photos that I work with one of them is Txhardcore from advrider. I looked that those photos shortly after the returned from that ride.

Anyway, yall may not see the irony but that is another story.

My point is, if you have not already talked to him I can see if he will give you a call and you can swap information.
There are three guys I work with that ride in that area all of the time. I have never hooked up with them because they ride their bikes from Houston to Del Rio and I am not a fan of blacktop or concrete. I trailer to the trailhead if ya know what I mean.

Let me know

Richard_

01-30-2006, 06:34 AM

ta2240,

Sure, I would be eager to talk to those guys who have run that route. The more intel the better.

ta2240

01-30-2006, 06:42 AM

I will call him today PM me your contact #'s or I can just tell him about the site. I think the phone numbers would be easier.

Tourmeister

01-30-2006, 02:27 PM

TxHardcore signed up here quite a while back. However, his registration was ever completed :shrug: Ask him to contact me. I have activated his account but he may not recall his password. I think his email had a type in it so I was never able to get in touch with him.

Steve, I hear where you are coming from. I spent nine years living in delayed gratification to get through college and law school. Then I spent another six years doing nothing but working so I could make the student loan payments. One day I woke up and realized I'd never get all those years back and I was determined to start living more for the now instead of the future and the past. Sure, there are obligations that I chose to honor that get in the way sometimes ;-) But that does not change my focus!

topes

01-30-2006, 06:36 PM

Hey Richard, I'm the one who first came up with the idea of riding From Del Rio to Presidio. (Well, the first person I know of.) I've done the trip twice. The first time, I didn't have a GPS and the second time my GPS crapped out. I have part of the track from the first trip and a route that I laid out for the second trip that turned out to be accurate. The total route is 385 miles and gas can be found in three different towns. Most of the route is high center dual track with some groomed gravel and even about 10 miles of pavement.

The best maps are in maps-of-mexico.com.

As someone else stated, we've also done Fort Hancock to Presidio. This route is just over 200 miles and is more secluded than the Del Rio to Presidio run. Gas can be bought about 50 miles from Ft Hancock, but after that, there's no known gas. There are sand dunes but mostly dual track.

topes

01-30-2006, 06:39 PM

Here's the route we took:

http://baltopilas.smugmug.com/photos/16172330-M.jpg

topes

01-30-2006, 06:52 PM

Hey ... I resemble that statement! We are charting a course towards a ride from Fort Hancock to Presidio on the American side of the border. We already can "see" on the map a route on the Mexican side. Steve has done the trek before and says there was a rancher willing to sell gas along the way. At this moment we have a gap that can only be closed via some "groundwork" which we will be doing starting next weekend.

I would like to see this extended into the trip you mention and get all the way to Del Rio.

I am planning on ordering the Mexican maps for my Garmin as soon as one of my eagles (read "client") poops. Things are a bit tight in the ol' Eeds household at the moment. :miffed:

Bicimaps has the entire route and I've ridden that route. Great trip!

Richard_

01-30-2006, 07:05 PM

topes

01-30-2006, 07:07 PM

Here are some photographs of the Ft Hancock to Presidio route.

http://baltopilas.smugmug.com/gallery/456075/1

topes

01-30-2006, 07:09 PM

Del Rio to Presidio:

http://baltopilas.smugmug.com/gallery/129888

http://baltopilas.smugmug.com/gallery/107387

topes

01-30-2006, 07:30 PM

topes,

Thanks for the reply, the info, and the track.

I'm wanting to do the run from Del Rio to Presidio, but before I have the opportunity to do that route I'm going to try and do the loop shown in that Google Earth picture I posted. Basically enter at Del Rio, loop north around to Morelos, then loop south around back to either Eagle Pass or Del Rio. Can you offer any info or advice on that route?

About 70 miles west of Del Rio you'll gain some elevation and then enter a canyon. At the end of that canyon, you'll drop down to some flats and the road fork like crazy. There is no single route. If you look due west at that point you'll see the eastern edge of the Sierra Del Carmen mountains. Simply head west towards those mountains and you'll run into a well groomed north/south gravel road that goes to La Linda at the north end and a paved road at the south end. There are no motels in Morelos and the one store sells both regular and premium gasoline. (Green or Verde is regular and Red or rojo is premium.) If asked, the woman who runs the store may cook you up some food.

Again, you'll go south from Morelos and then turn left onto the paved road. It should be a no-brainer from that point on.

topes

01-30-2006, 07:38 PM

Oh, and once you hit the flats you go through a town called Las Norias. In Las Norias, you'll actually encounter a few black families. They speak Spanish only. I can only imagine that they were brought in to work some of the mines. Las Norias was somewhat unusual in that the people were somewhat skittish. Normally, when you enter a remote Mexico pueblo on the motorcycle, the locals kids and a few adults will treat you like a rock star.

Richard_

01-30-2006, 07:43 PM

Thanks topes!

topes

01-30-2006, 07:59 PM

This is where I want to go. I've been there by canoe but never by land. There's a very cool natural springs that comes out of the rock right next to a rapid in the Rio Grande River. The Spring is on the Mexican side and access from the US side is difficult to say the least. There are three pools below the spring and the water is perfectly clear and drinkable. The Spring is on a Mexican ranch and permission would have to be gained before one could venture down the 9 mile creek bed road from San Rosendo. It would be a great place to chill for a day or two while swimming in both the Rio Grande and the springs. A two man raft would be very cool for running the rapids.

http://baltopilas.smugmug.com/photos/38207260-O.jpg