I think we all agree riding through Ciudad Jurez is a bad idea, I've said like five times I wouldn't take that route, it's easy enough to avoid. But there is a lot more to Mexico than Ciudad Jurez, the vast majority of the murders are committed in areas that represent a small fraction of a huge country where cartels and trafficking centers are based. Avoid them and you would probably be fine.

 

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

 

Unless you live down here some people are not going to get bro. I have been through South Central, and even to a furniture place in Compton (good prices from the factory) a number of times (Not to mention South east Dago). I take a firearm and I know I can call the cops if the **** gets hairy. In mexico you are in a third world country where if some **** goes down calling the cops could make your situation worse. There is no U.S. city that compares to what is going on down south of us right now.

 

Schu, you are too much. I can't stop laughing. The C&C Pendejos is classic.

 

I would not drive anything in Mexico. Chances are you might be ok. But that one chance in a thousand is the killer. I recall a story about two guys who were down there diving. They had a pickup, and a small trailer/boat. They sideswiped (or were sideswiped by) a Federale truck. Driver was held. Two or three weeks in a Mexican prison (don't recall exactly, but it was a while) and $25K later, the driver was released on 'bail' and promptly skipped the country. Factor in the drug war, and...yeah, the advice to stay in the resort is good advice. If you want to ride in a tropical location, maybe try the keys, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.

Alan

 

One has to understand the risks involved in traveling anywhere. Mexico is certainly not the most dangerous place to travel for Americans - it's just the closest somewhat (relatively speaking) dangerous place to travel for Americans (and Canadians), so it's controversial. I have auto traveled Mexico and I have many friends who have moto-traveled there. It's a beautiful country, the riding is amazing and overall, the people are quite welcoming.

But, like any less developed country there are risks that one must factor. As adults, we weigh those risks and decide if it is for us - much like throwing a leg over a motorcycle and going for a ride.

That said - My last fear in Mexico is being killed by Narcos. I would be more concerned about getting injured in a crash and having to spend even 10 minutes in a Mexican hospital. Another issue is traffic - they do drive differently and the laws are different too. If you are in a crash, you can be held until you pay damages - insurance (Mexican or otherwise) is irrelevant. You will absolutely, positively, get pulled over by local LE and hit for a bribe if you're out riding around on a Harley and looking "American". Many moto-travelers make sport of this and getting away without paying a bribe is an art. You basically play dumb long enough to frustrate the cop who has absolutely NO intention of taking it any further than the roadside. There is a thread on ADVrider called "No Fumar Espanol" (Literal translation - I don't smoke Spanish) about the many, many traffic stops and subsequent dialogue. It's pretty damn funny. The big advice is carry two wallets. One real, and one for show - with a few bucks and a fake drivers license.

If you choose to ride any country other than US or Canada, be prepared to be hit up for bribes and deal with crazy drivers (Okay - also in Toronto). If you do choose to ride - get MedJet assistance. It's cheap and if you are injured, a private jet will come get you and fly you back to the states for treatment. I do it every time I leave North America.

Enjoy life. Don't hide from it. But don't be stupid either.

A video sent to me by my cousin who has a hotel in Melague JA. Cracks me up.

http://youtu.be/5Pzb3dIazGc

PS - I never did find dollar beers anywhere in Mexico.

 

I guess if these adventure bikers have to do this type of planning and are relatively 'unscathed', don't you think it might be something for the OP to consider when planning to make a trip into Mexico? Like you said, these guys plan to the extreme. I would do that even if I was to take a trip to North Dakota, or New York, or Miami, or London, England. Planning is the key of having a safe trip, no matter where you go. These adventure riders are going places where many 'ordinary' bikers wouldn't even dream of, but trips into the unknown require research, planning and contacts with locals of the area. this is something the OP MUST consider before going to Mexico. It can be done, but he needs to face all the facts, not just the hyped media reports. That's why earlier on I asked people to submit their ACTUAL personal experiences in Mexico, so he could have reliable information to make his decision on....and why I suggested he look at the ADV board. There are contacts galore there who don't give a shyte about whether he rides a Harley, a BMW, honda or frikken bicycle. They are bikers and will open their homes to travelers and make sure they are safe.

 

The bottom line is this, the US and Canada have an Adversarial justice system, Mexico has an Inquisitorial justice system. What this means is, up here if you get into a bind the judge sits as an impartial judge between the prosecutor and the defense. In Mexico the judge is part of the investigative body and YOU must PROVE your innocence. Minding your own business and obeying the law is not going to help you.

 

Thanks for the helpful and thoughtful suggestions!

 

[QUOTE=Then Came Bronson;9483000]Name one U.S. city in 2010 that had 3000 people killed by drug cartel violence. Not even New Orleans, Detroit, or Baltimore have a fraction of that many people murdered in a single year.

Camden NJ. Relatively speaking. AKA deaths per 1000