Travel To Mexico
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 122
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From: Mission, Tx
Travel To Mexico
I have read several post on traveling to Mexico, most have been about how dangerous it would be. I myself have traveled to Mexico several times and have not had any problems, other than language. I don’t speak Spanish. Here are some of the places and rides that I’ve been on in groups or alone.
The last trip was to the HOG 2009 rally in Zacatecas, the HOG rally is held in a different city each year. Zacatecas is about 450miles southwest from where I live in the Rio Grande Valley (mission). There were three of us that attended the rally.
We left Pharr, Texas and traveled thru Reynosa, Monterrey, and Saltillo. Most of the route from Reynosa to Saltillo was toll roads. Not a lot of traffic on tolls road, because most Mexicans cannot afford them. From Saltillo most of the road was 4 lanes and in good condition, only on area about a mile long under construction, but even that was in good condition. Plenty of places to buy fuel. Along the way our group grew as we met other riders going to the rally.
We stayed a City Express hotel, like holiday Inn Express, 60.00 a night. The rally was held about a mile a way at the convention center. When I went to pay for the rally is was 1900. Peso, which 140.00 Us. I thought that it was kind of expense, but so is everything else that has a Harley name. I usually on pay a couple hundred peso at rally’s and some a free. Turn out that the amount covered tours, meals and other events that were held.
There were riders from all over Mexico and some from Little Rock, Ar. It was like any Harley rally, you would attend any place else. You were treated as a long lost brother or sister. I was surprised by the number of expiates that were there. A night they had a party down town, which featured a laser light show, about the history and the culture of Mexico. I wish I could have bought a DVD of the show. They also had a breakfast and bus tour of the city, and a tour of old silver mine, with a night club built into it. They took a group picture at an old monastery call LA Buffa. There were close to 3 thousand riders at this event.
They will announce the place of the next HOG rally sometime this summer and you can be I’ll be there.
Other places I’ve been to be Tampico, the pyramids at Teotihuacan, North of Mexico, San Luis Potosí, matehuala, Linares, Montemorlos, Acuna and Rayones.
I only travel in daylight and obey the local traffic laws. I have never had any problems with the military or police. As far a military goes, I wear my colors and they can see that I’m retired Army. We usually get into a conversation on life in the military and the other problem I have with them is that they want to get their pictures taken on my bike. As far as the police, I’ve stop them to ask for direction or advise on a place to stay.
I buy travel insurance from Seven Corners; this takes care of hospital expense and Air Evac, and return of remains. I usually purchase 500.00 to one million, just to make the wife happy. It cost about 30-35 dollar a trip. I buy my bike insurance buy the year. 268.00. I get six month visa and documents for my bike. I do not put the sticker on my windshield, and have never had a problem with that. If they ask for it I show it to them, and then put it back with my travel docs.
As far as Hotels and Places to park your bikes, I chose to try to stay in the towns center, there usually hotels around the center that are comfortable, clean and cheap. Some have parking, other don’t, but usually have a garage not far away. Once a Xilitla, we asked about parking, they said no problem; they just move everything out of the lobby for use to park. I also insure my bike for a certain value, which is what I think it would cost be to replace it. Minus 1000.00 deductable. This is getting long so I’ll post more latter.
Bob
The last trip was to the HOG 2009 rally in Zacatecas, the HOG rally is held in a different city each year. Zacatecas is about 450miles southwest from where I live in the Rio Grande Valley (mission). There were three of us that attended the rally.
We left Pharr, Texas and traveled thru Reynosa, Monterrey, and Saltillo. Most of the route from Reynosa to Saltillo was toll roads. Not a lot of traffic on tolls road, because most Mexicans cannot afford them. From Saltillo most of the road was 4 lanes and in good condition, only on area about a mile long under construction, but even that was in good condition. Plenty of places to buy fuel. Along the way our group grew as we met other riders going to the rally.
We stayed a City Express hotel, like holiday Inn Express, 60.00 a night. The rally was held about a mile a way at the convention center. When I went to pay for the rally is was 1900. Peso, which 140.00 Us. I thought that it was kind of expense, but so is everything else that has a Harley name. I usually on pay a couple hundred peso at rally’s and some a free. Turn out that the amount covered tours, meals and other events that were held.
There were riders from all over Mexico and some from Little Rock, Ar. It was like any Harley rally, you would attend any place else. You were treated as a long lost brother or sister. I was surprised by the number of expiates that were there. A night they had a party down town, which featured a laser light show, about the history and the culture of Mexico. I wish I could have bought a DVD of the show. They also had a breakfast and bus tour of the city, and a tour of old silver mine, with a night club built into it. They took a group picture at an old monastery call LA Buffa. There were close to 3 thousand riders at this event.
They will announce the place of the next HOG rally sometime this summer and you can be I’ll be there.
Other places I’ve been to be Tampico, the pyramids at Teotihuacan, North of Mexico, San Luis Potosí, matehuala, Linares, Montemorlos, Acuna and Rayones.
I only travel in daylight and obey the local traffic laws. I have never had any problems with the military or police. As far a military goes, I wear my colors and they can see that I’m retired Army. We usually get into a conversation on life in the military and the other problem I have with them is that they want to get their pictures taken on my bike. As far as the police, I’ve stop them to ask for direction or advise on a place to stay.
I buy travel insurance from Seven Corners; this takes care of hospital expense and Air Evac, and return of remains. I usually purchase 500.00 to one million, just to make the wife happy. It cost about 30-35 dollar a trip. I buy my bike insurance buy the year. 268.00. I get six month visa and documents for my bike. I do not put the sticker on my windshield, and have never had a problem with that. If they ask for it I show it to them, and then put it back with my travel docs.
As far as Hotels and Places to park your bikes, I chose to try to stay in the towns center, there usually hotels around the center that are comfortable, clean and cheap. Some have parking, other don’t, but usually have a garage not far away. Once a Xilitla, we asked about parking, they said no problem; they just move everything out of the lobby for use to park. I also insure my bike for a certain value, which is what I think it would cost be to replace it. Minus 1000.00 deductable. This is getting long so I’ll post more latter.
Bob
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
The last time I went to Mexico the Policia told me to go back to the US and never come back. That's exactly what I did 25 years ago. I will never go back to that hell hole of a place. BTW have you ever been to Plaza Jail in Tijuana? I have.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 512
Likes: 288
From: DFW
There are some guys I would take this ride with and some I would not. If you think your are going to Mexico to drink heavily and party hard, then you are probably asking for trouble.
If you are respectful and conservative - then you can have a safe and fun time.
I have guys that I ride with all the time and they are the life of the party! They need to stay in the States.
If you are respectful and conservative - then you can have a safe and fun time.
I have guys that I ride with all the time and they are the life of the party! They need to stay in the States.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ
A lot depends on where in Mexico you are traveling. I go mostly to Mexico City and when I am traveling on business, I always have a driver that works for my company (and speaks MEXICAN fluently). I feel more comfortable and safe in Bogota Colombia. But that's me.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Antarctica
See? Some people get offended by the idea of going to Mexico, i guess it's their loss. If you live in fear of going to places outside of your confort zone, just stay home. The whole point of travel is the adventure. If you go looking for ****, then trust me, you'll get it. If you're just looking for fun, you'll surly get it. I myself love going to Mexico, cheap, fun, and amazing sights. Like anywhere in the world, it really depends where and what you do.
Best of luck to all and ride safe
Best of luck to all and ride safe
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
No one's afraid of going to new places......but fully knowing the current problems of kidnapping, murders, drug cartels, gangs, corrupt police & military.... I'm sorry, but riding a bike, alone or in a small group into Mexico these days isn't adventure.......it's insanity...
There are plenty of places in the U.S.A. & Canada to experience adventure.
But.....to each their own. Just be sure you're life insurance policy is paid up Amigo.
There are plenty of places in the U.S.A. & Canada to experience adventure.
But.....to each their own. Just be sure you're life insurance policy is paid up Amigo.
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