Riding in Puerto Rico

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Mar 3, 2009 | 05:59 PM

DoomBuggy

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From: Oak Park, IL

Riding in Puerto Rico

I am taking my wife and daughter to Puerto Rico in a couple of weeks and planned on renting a bike while there. My wife and daughter plan to take a day doing some of the tourest tours and I wanted to get some miles under my butt. Any big does or don'ts while there?

Thanks

Mar 4, 2009 | 10:14 AM

Ghostrek

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I haven't rented a bike in Puerto Rico, but I spent a week there in the mid 90's working on a Government weather radar tower project. We stayed in San Juan and then had to drive to the other side of the island and back every day. The people drove fast on the highways like I like and the police just sat on the side of the road and didn't pull anyone over for going over the speed limit as long as you didn't cause any traffic disruption. People would change lanes if they had half a car length to get in so you had to be on your toes, but I loved it. Things may have changed since it has been about 12 or 13 years since then.

Have a good time and keep your eyes on your surroundings. Be careful where you turn off since there are good places and very bad places just like any where. I almost got myself cornered by a not so nice looking group of guys after I turned off to get gas and the station ended up being on a deadend road.

Mar 4, 2009 | 10:29 AM

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you may wish to reconsider a motorcycle in the san juan area.
i have been to PR multiple times always by car.
"a GPS unit should be considered mandatory"
reasons:
1-street signage is **** poor.
2-road conditions are variable and very very slippery after a rain.
3-drivers use a unique system of getting from point a to b with-out stopping, signaling and generally aggressive.
4-special "new" motorcycle laws regarding alcohol and protective gear.
5-traffic jams for absolutely no reason..just total grid lock.
unless riding the outside areas you may wish to reconsider.

Mar 4, 2009 | 10:51 AM

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if you decide to rent a car these are some nice places to see:
absolute first thing would be to walk around old san juan and see the forts.
then
1-biobay tour really cool and near rain forest "el yunque" in fajardo? area i used YAKAHU guys name was Luis and there phone number was 787-604-7375..go when there is little to no moon...for an iidea see link
http://www.elyunque.com/biolbay.html
2-el yunque "rain forest" be prepared to get wet "rain forest"
http://www.elyunque.com/biolbay.html
3-caves ---http://www.whattodoinpr.com/camuy.html
4-satelite dish---http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecibo_Observatory
#1 and #2 are on one side of island and #3 and #4 are on the other..center being san juan...for #1 and #2 i usually spend the day in the rain forest and then visit the hotel conquistador about 15 minutes from rain forest for great view and maybe a drink.(expensive) then do the early tour of bio bay so that i paddle into lagoon in daylight and return in absolute darkness...There are maybe two food stands in the area tour departs.
#3 and #4 is on the other side and is again an all day deal..
Use lots of bug spray on the rain forest and bio bay trips...again use lots..

Mar 4, 2009 | 10:57 AM

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finally enjoy your trip...i am sure you will have some fun.
island runs to a different beat...
island celebrates all holidays known and unknown and weekends start with social friday and continue thru monday afternoon..
confirm and reconfirm all priorities the day before and then again morning of departure..

Mar 4, 2009 | 11:56 AM

DoomBuggy

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From: Oak Park, IL

Thanks all,

I am so looking forward to getting out of Chicago for a few days! I may end up rethinking the renting a bike, but that was one of the main draws for me. Heck I ride the Eisnhower expressway everyday during the season, I am used to crazy drivers, but I am used to "my" crazy drivers. I will play it by ear.

IM, I am interested in the "New Motorcycle Laws" you mention. How bad are they and what do they entail. Is it the boots, gloves, jacket, & helmet that I have been reading about?

Best regards,
Harry

Mar 4, 2009 | 05:58 PM

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last time i was in PR they were about to pass the "full gear" laws including a reflective vest deal..that did not seem so bad considering the traffic in San Juan area and nearby..the tuff one was the alcohol one they were trying to pass..something like 1/2 the limit for cars..basically one beer and your over..found this link for you below..if you decide on renting consider riding in daylight hours outside of rush hour..very very limited parking available in old san juan...outer coastal areas could be fun.
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/1...motorcycle-law