Laguna Milagros, Mexico

Day 77, Sep 17, 2013, 469km

Today was a great ride over the flat and very straight road from Palenque to Chetumal. This was a welcome relief from the twisty roads that we have been doing the last few weeks.

Kind of weird though back at home I would  do anything to get off the straight road but after 3 weeks of not being able to ride one single piece of road in a straight line and at speeds not greater that 80km tops today's road was great for a change, speeds at 120km/h, wow we are flying, at least for today.

Was able to make the booking to Columbia and will be sailing from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia on 12 October on the Independence, this is a four day sailing trip and lets hope that there are no storms at that time.

Staying at Gringo Dave's Cabina's on Laguna Milagros that is just before Chetumal for 300 pesos, here is his link: http://www.gringodaves.com/ check it out.

Tomorrow off to Orange Walk in Belize, if we make the border crossing.

Here's a picture of Gringo Dave's in front of 2 of his new Bungalow’s on the water, and currently almost in the water because of all the rain.

 

Palenque, Mexico

Day 76, Sep 16, 2014, 214km

Nice sunny day with temps in the high 20' c and another beautiful twisty road through the mountains towards Palenque. This time we  had to wait 4 hours for a road block that was setup for the protest for school reform.

This was a total drag standing there in the hot sun and with all the towns people coming at us and asking all the usual questions of course, at the end we had to pay a donation (10 pesos) for there cause and off we went.

 

Tomorrow heading towards Chetumal.

Street photo from Wei

 

San Cristobal 2

Day 75, Sep 15, 2013

Spent the day in San Cristobal for the Mexican Independence day celebration by walking the market area and the towns busy streets. The town was filled  with people and had a small fair going on for the kids making this very lively. Reminded me a lot of the old cobblestone streets in downtown  Holland where they would have the same cordoned off walking areas for the markets and such. Really had a great day.

San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico

Day 74, Sep 14, 2013, 342km

Followed Hwy 190 further from Juchitan to San Cristobal de Las Casas in the poring rain again today but now we had several washouts along the way. I almost lost it in one of the washouts when I hit a huge hole under the water, luckily I was able to put me feet down and catch the bike from tipping over just in time but that also had the effect that now my boots were full to the rim, not much good all the water proofing did.

Than we hit a line up of cars and trucks that were stopped by a local protest action, we went past the whole convoy to the front of the line and stopped. The  demonstrators looked friendly so I started asking if anyone could tell me what it was about and I said that I would video it (which I did). One of the young ladies was able to tell me that the protest action was for reform of the education system. Goes to show as much as things are different in this country something's are the same. After they had there giggles about being on film they fond us to be so nice they said we could go pass the blockade if we wanted. Did not wait to hear that twice, back to the bike's and away.

We than took the toll road further because the rain was now coming down in buckets so most likely more washouts or god knows what.

In San Cristobal we fond hostel Rossco that has a special 2 for1 for bikers (stay one night and get the second for free) this also includes free breakfast, wifi, hot showers and free parking. Private rooms are 500 pesos or you can go for the dorm even cheaper. This place is clean and is close to the centre of town. The owner rides a motorcycle of course and that's why he gives the special to motorcyclist.

Tomorrow taking the free day and watching the big Mexican celebration take place.

 

Up through the clouds to San Cristobal

 

Juchitan de Zaragoza, Mexico

Day 73, Sep 13, 2013,  280km

We did leave early this morning in the rain from Oaxaca towards Juchitan de Zaragoza, taking the free Hwy 190 which is a beautiful twisty road along some of the greenest of green mountains around.

 

Monte Alban, Mexico

Day 72, Sep 12, 2013,

This morning we drove up to see the Ancient Zapotec Capital of Monte Alban and we did the guided tour for 250 pesos. Our guide was really good in explaining the history and how things were built back then, and was well worth the money.

This place dates back to around 500 BC and at it's peak around 700 AD had about 25,000 people living there just before it's demise.

Makes you wonder though if history will repeat itself, because we as a whole still haven’t learned things like sustainability.

 

While walking around I was offered many trinkets from lots of people that are trying to sell there stuff around here, but coming towards the end of our tour I was approached by this old ancient looking guy in the towns square of Monte Alban. As he approached me he said this is for you and it was a hand made clay Owl like the Owl that had swooped down at me. Of coarse I had to buy this, just too coincidental to let that go.

After all the walking my leg does hurt and I will need a bit of rest and some ibuprofen to make that feel better again.

 

Oaxaca, Mexico

Day 71, Sep 11, 2013,  258km

Today from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca (pronounced as wa-haca) we did take Hwy 131 and this is one very twisty road through the mountains. The rain did cause several landslides that covered the road, but luckily enough space to get through the 258 km stretch.

It did take 6hrs to do and of course the last hour in the rain again. This time not wanting to get wet I stopped and put on my Hog Togs and that worked really well.

I also went past the 26,000 km mark or 16,250 Mi for this part of the trip, can't belief it's been 10 weeks on the road.

 

Tomorrow will be Oaxaca the ancient city discovery day and I hope that my leg can hold up to this, if it works I will have some good pictures to post.

 

 

Did Walk to Iglesia de Santo Domingo in Oaxaca, it was built in 1580 for the Dominican monastery by some of the best artisans of the time, even though Oaxaca has been destroyed twice by earthquakes this building has survived because of it's immensely thick stone walls.

 

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Day 70, Sep 10, 2013,  402km

Today started with us getting flagged down by police because they said we ran a stop light. But we never did see the darn thing.

We both pulled over but Wei was closer to the Cop and he made Wei sweat for a few moments before giving him a warning to be more careful, did someone just say horseshoe up our ass, just wait till you read the rest of this.

More nice and twisty roads today but the last four hours before we made Puerto Escondido it started to rain and I mean poring rain like some fire engine crew with all the hoses pointed at you.

Man did it come down, needless to say not a thread left dry, if you did not zipper bag it on you it was wet. And if the rain isn't enough when the trucks coming at you pass and there is about 2” of water or more on the road it makes for a small tidal wave hitting you with a wham.

This is bad enough if your in a car but on the bike it's a whole new experience, all I can say is don't ride with your mouth open. Horseshoe my ass indeed.

 

Acapulco, Mexico

Day 69, Sep 9, 2013, 256km

Made it to Acapulco today in hot sticky weather. The ride was not as interesting as the last few days and has way to many towns with the speed bumps, all I can say is take the toll road if you want to make good time.

 

This is one crazy town to drive through. The traffic is nuts and much like driving in some European cities so no problem for me.

If you like playing punch buggy and play it here most likely you will be black and blue within the first hour, man what a lot of VW Beatles riding around.

 

Was able to find another 600 peso deal at Hotel Marbella, but most of the time you have to haggle with the owner/receptionist to get these kind of deals. At first it was 850 so I offered 500 they came back at 750 and  I offer 600 or I walk, done. Lucky for us it is the slow season at the moment and you can do this, if it was the high season and that will be around December you can forget about doing this.

 

Hotel-Villas Las Azucenas

Day 68, Sep 8, 2013

Today we decided to take a rest day. We are at the Hotel-Villas Las Azucenas and are on the beach for only 600 pesos or $48 and then divide by two, not bad.

 

Tomorrow further along Hwy 200 and Acapulco.

 

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Day 67, Sep 7, 2013, 448km

 

Today started with a cloudy overcast and some drizzle. My ankle and knee did hurt a bit less so we thought of taking it easy for a while. But once we hit the road it was a good feeling and I told Wei lets see how far we can go. Even though we started very late 11:30am, we went back onto Hwy 200 along the west coast and the mountains, and ended in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

 

Most of this road is again a beautiful twisty ride with here and there some construction going on but not to bad.

 

We also were stopped by the militia and all they could look at was our cameras on top of our helmets. The guy interrogating me pointing up and saying something in Spanish and me yes, yes camera recording. They then stepped back and waved us through, phew what a relief the guns looked very intimidating.

I think the camera is a good way to get you through these things faster.

Manzanillo, Mexico

Day 666 (just kidding) Sep, 6, 2013,  262km

Today started great, this section from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo on Hwy 200 is such a sweet ride twisting and turning up and down through the mountains and this time not as much construction as in yesterdays ride, absolutely fun to do.

Then just before Manzanillo we were going through a small suburb of the town when a pick-up truck coming from the left looked like it wasn't going to stop so I hit the breaks and Wei slips on the sand covered road and rides into me, slam dunk down I go into the street crossing with me getting my right leg pinned again while being thrown off the bike. The people on the street were amazing though and in no time was the bike back up and off to the side. Within 5 min the paramedics show up while I'm still laying there trying not to show that I'm in terrible pain and about to pass out, sweating like an idiot the paramedics checked my knee and says it looks like its not broken, but we can take you to the Hospital, I ask to be taken to the sidewalk so I can catch my breath from the shock.

While sitting there the paramedics stayed the whole time and made sure I was OK, he wrapped the knee in a stretch bandage and about 20min later I asked to be put back on my feet and see if I could walk. Limping I tell the guys that I'm OK so they can take off but again they offer to take me to the Hospital, I'm just fine I insist, just need to get back in the saddle. The ambulance did leave but sent one guy back until we actually took-off.

This is absolutely amazing here we are riding in what we consider a third world country and look at how great they treat you, even while sitting there a hobo setting on the corner comes up to me and offers his coke without asking nothing just giving me the gesture of here you need this more than me. Strange occurrence of events and it's not like I need my leg to hurt anymore then it does already but it has taught me one thing that these people are great, not only just here but during this whole trip through Mexico.

 

Tomorrow I will see how my knee and ankle feels, but for now I'm limping and will probable take a few weeks again to get somewhat better, back to the short walks, damn.

 

Greetings

Jeff Limpalot

 

 

Me sweating it off at the corner where it happened.

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Day 65, Sep 5, 2013, 178km

 

Travelling Hwy 200 along the west coast of Mexico is a very beautiful ride except for the speed bumps in the towns of course. The part we did today has lots of construction going on and did take more time as you end-up behind large convoy's of trucks/buses etc. The weather has been from very hot in the Baja and now a little rain that is a welcome relief from that sun and heat.

Today we rode from San Blas to Puerto Vallarta and currently staying at the Vallarta Sun Hotel/Hostel for 550 pesos. Puerto Vallarta is right on the ocean front and is a real busy place with lots of things going on.

 

 

 

Puerto Vallarta beach and pier.

 

 

 

Tomorrow further down the Hwy 200 towards Manzanillo

San Blas, Mexico

Day 64, Sep 4, 2013, 298km

 

Once on board the ferry you will find yourself at the very bottom of the boat and will need to climb several stairs to get up to the main deck. We tried to get some sleep but was troublesome to say the least because there are baby’s and kids crying or running around the whole time. Luckily after 11pm they do turn off the movies and dim the light but for some this does not matter.

We arrived in Mazatlan just before 12 noon and made our way to San Blas where we are staying at Hotel Posada Delray for 714 pesos, we had tried a few places but most had no secure parking or were more expensive.

 

Pichilinque, Baja California

Day 63, Sep 3, 2013, 245km

Made the trip back to La Paz today but you need to get go Pichilinque to get on the ferry. We bought the tickets for the bike and rider for 1963 pesos $150 and this includes a free diner and breakfast plus a seat in the AC lounge with reclining seats and continuous movies.

When you go to the ticket office you will first need to get a size ticket from the size measuring guy that is next to the ticket office. Lucky for us the ladies at the office was so nice as to call the guy over and then you can get your boarding ticket. Be there at least two hours before boarding and go through Aduana and then the weigh scale (74 pesos), this process is very simple but can be confusing as to where to go.

 

I added a picture diagram below and hope this will help some of you out.

Once on board I Did meet Alex, Vitor and Araia travelling in a Van across Central America. They are using there love of sporting and adventure to promote the Latin America culture and the idea that a simpler way of life can co exist with nature and culture. You can check out there web site and see for yourself: www.saltyconscience.com

 

 

San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California

Day 62, Sep 2, 2013, 522km

 

Travelled today from Loreto to La Paz and then decided to go see Hotel California in Todos Santos where we thought the Eagles may have recorded the original song Hotel California. Well as it turns out this is a urban myth created by god knows who (most likely the owners), you can buy all the swag and commercialized items here though and all of it with Hotel California the Legend on it.

 

Wei had checked out earlier today if there were any cheap hotel/motels around and he found Hotel Estancia Real in San Jose Del Cabo for 400 pesos ($32). This place has AC, swimming pool and a protected area for the bikes, plus it is really nice.

 

Tomorrow back to La Paz and then a 18 hour trip with the Ferry to Mazatlan.

 

 

 

Here's a picture of The Coyote Village Tree house that we stayed in yesterday. This is a very cool place to go to if you have a chance. The owners Mike and Gus will treat you like family and entertain you with great stories from the past and present times. After having travelled a lot themselves they decided to build this place the way they would have liked something to be during there travelling days and so it has come to existence.

 

Loreto, Baja California

Day 61, Sep 1, 2013,  419km

 

Stayed at the Malarimo Hotel in Guerrero Negro last night for 580 pesos ($46)  for a room with AC.

While at the Malarimo Hotel I started talking to Günter originally from Germany and now living in San Diego who has a Yamaha marine dealership there, anyway as it turns out he used to ride and organize motocross races in the Netherlands back in the 70's and that's when I was also doing the races. Turns out that we were hanging around in the same circles back then and I may have met him but can't remember it and now meet this guy out here, what are the odds in that, just think about this for a moment out of all the hotels that he and we could have picked and or places that we could have been, this is astronomically huge. Had a great talk with him and later on he asked Wei about his chain and what he would do if it breaks down, needless to say he did give some good advise to Wei and his chain breakdown program that was none existing before. So was this coincidence, maybe but I think not.

 

Headed to Loreto today, where we are now at the renown Coyote Village. The price is 450 pesos per person but this includes all you can drink and a gigantic breakfast, just a simple breakfast will cost you about 100 pesos and the all you can drink thing well we won't get into that, except that 450 pesos is not a bad deal.

 

On our way to Loreto we stopped at Santa Rosalia out of curiosity to go see the all steel Church designed and manufactured in France by Gustave Eiffel himself, thinking this would be something spectacular of course, well you be the judge.

 

Guerrero Negro, Baja California

Day 60, Aug 31, 2013, 406km

This morning we have left Paul and Asli to go on there own ride. Since they are not going to Tierra del Fuego they don't have as much of a must get here by a certain time agenda as us. During the last few days we have become good friends with them and we wish them a safe journey ahead, we also hope to maybe see them down the road some time again.

 
Here is a link to there blog:
http://theroadtoca.tumblr.com/

Wei, Paul, Me, Asli.

 

 

 

Today we went through an area known as the rock garden and this is really cool to see with all those rocks just piled up on top of each other.

This is not a great picture of it but you get the idea.

 

 

San Quintin, Baja California

Day 59, Aug 30, 2013, 461km

 

Made the ride back to Ensenada and then down Mex1 to San Quintin. After looking around for a while and at some really bad places we headed just outside of town  to the beautiful Mission Santa Maria Hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

The price for a double bedroom is only 600 pesos or about $48.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Felipe, Baja California

Day 58, Aug 29, 2013,  165km

 

This morning we decided that it would be best to head back to San Felipe considering the road condition. To bad that we did not get to see Coco’s corners but were not out to get ourselves killed to do so. On our way back we hit a massive rain storm and got thoroughly soaked of course, but it was a warm kind of soak.

 

Some of the towns roads are impassable due to the high water and the Motel's courtyard has turned into a swimming pool. For now they let us keep our bikes stored under the entrance canopy, and how nice is that.

According to locals it has not been this bad since 20 years in San Felipe.

 

Tomorrow we head back to Mex1 via Ensenada and then eventually down to La Paz and the ferry to Mazatlan.