Keep your eyes open at the new Anzalduas bridge re: CIITEV/car permits.We should get into McAllen early enough Tuesday night, we can ride across the old bridge and get visas. Plans subject to change of course...
Heads up central Texas riders - the Mexican Consulate in Austin has moved to a new location. Their new address is 410 Baylor Street (one block west of Lamar, on Baylor Street, between 4th and 5th streets). Just an FYI if you are planning on doing your vehicle permit paperwork there.
I think this is the quickest fastest Get-ur-papers-and-Get-tha-puck-outathere route thru Reynosa,
if you are crossing at the McAllen (Hidalgo)-Reynosa bridge, that is.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
This route avoids fumbling thru confusing downtown Reynosa.
After crossing the bridge and passing the Mexican customs exactly where the bridge ends, you may not even realize this is Mexican customs, you may (or may not) be stopped for a very cursory "inspection", after this watch for the blue CIITEV (Car Permits) sign. The building is on the Rio Grande river, to the left of the bridge as you cross into Mexico. Or just remember to turn left at the plaza area (do not ride straight thru the plaza, turn left before it).
I always get my Tourist "card" papers at the CIITEV building (also where you'll get your vehicle permit if you haven't already done so). It's huge, has lots of parking with security attendants, and just seems less confusing and intimidating than the Mexican customs right at the bridge.
This is the route after the CIITEV building.
The route will probably be signed for Matamoros at first.
I know this is confusing but soon you will given the choice of Monterrey or Matamoros, where you choose Monterrey.
After you clear all vestiges of Reynosa, Hwy 40 splits into Monterrey Cuota (toll) or Monterrey Libre (free). I recommend the cuota. Do your sight seeing and cultural exchange further inland.
You have a TVIP for your vehicle but you probably need a Tourist "card" for your person. (It's not really a "card" per se, but that's what I call it.) You can get said tourist permit, whatever you want to call it, at the Mexican customs right at the Mexico side of the bridge, I think. (I think that's where you would get it if you were entering Mexico on a bus.) Personally, I don't like this place, the Mexican aduana, and I just do it at the CIITEV building 'cause usually I gotta go there anyway.Great info, Milton, thanks. But what if I have my TVIP, do I need to stop on the way in, or just check in on the way back to the US. Refresh my memory, please.
You definitely don't want to forget that.or just check in on the way back to the US.
You have a TVIP for your vehicle but you probably need a Tourist "card" for your person. (It's not really a "card" per se, but that's what I call it.) You can get said tourist permit, whatever you want to call it, at the Mexican customs right at the Mexico side of the bridge, I think. (I think that's where you would get it if you were entering Mexico on a bus.) Personally, I don't like this place, the Mexican aduana, and I just do it at the CIITEV building 'cause usually I gotta go there anyway.
If you already have your TVIP papers, I suggest you go to the CIITEV building anyway to get your tourist permit. It's much more relaxed there.
And..... it's on the way out of town.
You definitely don't want to forget that.
Hey TerraXpeditions,
What sprocket ratio did you run on your XR650L when you went to Mexico?
I have a 45T rear and 14T and 15T front. I was planning on running the 15T on the ride to Galeana but was thinking about switching out to the 14T for all the day rides.
Thoughts?
Richard,
I have a Zumo 550 GPS with the stock NA mapping package. Do I need to or should I buy the Garmin Mexico Atlas 2010 package or BiciMaps or some other package to use the provided GPS routes files for this trip?
Thanks,
Bill Payne
2008 KLR 650
bpayne13@aol.com
Richard,
I have a Zumo 550 GPS with the stock NA mapping package. Do I need to or should I buy the Garmin Mexico Atlas 2010 package or BiciMaps or some other package to use the provided GPS routes files for this trip?
bpayne13@aol.com
Bill,
I'll echo Tricepilot's comments and suggest buying the Bicimaps.
I strongly urge you to carry the paper maps too and not rely solely on the GPS.
Finally, I use the autorouting with Bicimaps, but I am also always crosschecking with the paper map.
I'll be ready when Mexpedition comes around in November though.
I ran stock gearing. I brought a 14t also, but never changed it. I really didnt feel the need, except on my "Nothing special" route... but its only a couple miles long. Steep and rocky with the side of angry toro.
Richard, did you add that route to the book or saving it for later? John (JThompson) should have the route and be able to somewhat guide folks. I was bloody sick on that route last year... it sucked. Fell twice because I couldnt keep the bike upright in a couple of easy turns!