Winter Escape to Mexico

[Randy]

About a month before this year’s Curve Cowboy Reunion, Bob Carreras contacted me about wanting to get a winter group ride together. He wanted to give us an opportunity to get away from the winter doldrums for a great winter escape to Mexico. He was inspired by some of the other rides we had planned for the summer.

Bob realized that this trip might be a little challenging for some of our riders, so he wanted to involve Skip Mascorro of MotoDiscovery Tours in the process, so that we would have the kind of support that can make an adventure like this a true joy. Skip and Bob put together a 7-day Mexico adventure, specifically tailored for our group. Skip has always supported this community and worked up a trip that represents a real value, but does not skimp on the typical MotoDiscovery style. Skip also donated one of these adventures to the Curve Cowboy Reunion silent auction this year.

This trip will begin on Saturday February 6 at the Hotel Renaissance Casa de Palmas in McAllen, TX. The travel through Mexico will take place over the next 7 days with 6 nights in 5 different hotels, returning to McAllen on Saturday, February 13. We have put together a webpage (http://www.bmwlt.com/rides/motomexico) outlining the plans for this trip.

This adventure requires a minimum of 8 people to confirm their reservations with a $400 deposit on or before November 1, 2009. The trip is best with groups about 20-25 people. If needed, additional groups may be formed, based upon room availability.

The price of this adventure is $1895 and includes: Accommodations double occupancy for seven (7) nights
6 dinners & 6 breakfasts
Transfers round trip from Matehuala to the mining ghost town of Real de Catorce
Support luggage van & trailer
Bilingual staff assistant in the van
Bilingual riding tour staff
MotoDiscovery apparel gift
Maps, pre-tour preparation materials
Critical GPS waypointsIt does not include: Temporary import fee for motorcycle and tourist card fee (approx $24 each)
Alcoholic beverages
Fuel (about $2.65/Gal…approx total mileage 1400 miles)
Tolls ($10-$12)
Emergency medical evac insurance ($4/day)
Mexico Motorcycle insurance ($12/day)
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Bob Carreras - pm (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=6258) or email (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/sendmessage.php?do=mailmember&u=6258) BeemerRiderBob (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/member.php?u=6258)

[BeemerRiderBoB]

Thanks Randy for getting the word out, and for your help with the webpage. Should be a great trip.

If anyone wants to contact MotoDiscovery directly, their number is
Toll Free USA & Canada 1(800) 233-0564

If you wanna chat with me about this trip PM me and I'll send you my phone number.

See you in McAllen...Bob

[Wolfgang]

I assume that all roads are suitable for a loaded LT?

[Randy]

That was one of the criteria for designing this ride. All roads are suitable for touring bikes. I am planning on making the trip and will probably be on the GT.

[Lonewuff]

Having done a bit of.....ummmmmm..."Hunting" ;) south of the border, I thought y'all should read this information, not to talk anyone out of it, but just so you are aware and prepared:

http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-california-travel/mexico-travel-warning.htm

[Randy]

Having done a bit of.....ummmmmm..."Hunting" ;) south of the border, I thought y'all should read this information, not to talk anyone out of it, but just so you are aware and prepared:

http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-california-travel/mexico-travel-warning.htmHaving been to Juarez and Tijuana several times over the last few years, those northern border towns are a complete mess. As the story in the link above states, these are the areas of most concern, especially the northern Baja region around Tijuana. I rode my GS into Juarez last year and the city looked like it was under police lockdown, with heavily armed police everywhere. Despite all of that, I had an uneventful few days riding around the area, though I did have several motorcops accompany me - mostly out of interest in the GS :)

When you leave those border towns and go into the heart of Mexico, it is a totally different story. One of the reasons Bob wanted to coordinate with Skip is for his vast experience travelling Mexico. The beauty of starting the ride in McAllen and crossing into Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon is that you are avoiding the problematic northern cities and going immediately into the beauty and charm of central Mexico. This ride will also have the added advantage of being a large group and having experienced and bi-lingual guides in support vehicles for the entire duration.

As you can see, the route selected for this ride is in a vastly different part of Mexico from Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez.

http://www.bmwlt.com/rides/motomexico/images/mexico2010sm.jpg (http://www.bmwlt.com/rides/motomexico/images/mexico2010.jpg)

If any of you have concerns before signing up for this trip, give MotoDiscovery a call or contact Bob Carreras.

[Jim]

My wife and I spent a couple of years on a sailboat in Mexico. We also traveled inland by car, train and bus. Saw quite a bit of the southern area of that loop. There is the possibility of trouble in any country, including ours, but as Randy said once you get away from the border towns, it is a beautiful country with friendly people.

Wish we could join you.

[BeemerRiderBoB]

From its inception this ride has been designed specifically around the need and concern for safety. Randy has related all the right points including the use of professional tour guides, support vehicles, etc.

I know MotoDiscovery ran some 14 tours into Mexico this past season, some when the media frenzy over Mexico was at its height, and they did so without incident. Their experience & knowledge really helped me decide to go on this ride.

Skip at MotoDiscovery can certainly address any safety concern. Please feel free to give him a call at (800) 233-0564. Or PM me....Bob

[ferrasr]

Bob

I assume bike rentals are also available? Cost/models of ones suitable for 2 up riding for the duration of the tour?

Randy Ferras
K1200LT - 05
ferrasr@shaw.ca

[BeemerRiderBoB]

Randy, yes bike rentals are available. You can judge the suitability for 2-up riding by model. There are actually a couple of options. You can rent directly from MotoDiscovery and the bike will be waiting in McAllen, Tx. These are the bike's available and prices as provided by MotoDiscovery:
$1,256 BMW 1200GS
$1,215 BMW 1150 GS
$ 920 Suzuki 650 VStrom
(includes Mexico Insurance & Side Bags)

There's another option in Austin, Tx at Hill Country Rentals (http://www.hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com/bikes__rental_rates).

Web address: http://www.hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com/bikes__rental_rates

They have a wider selection of bikes including an RT and 800GS. Am checking for other options and will post as I get the details.

Hope this helps...Bob

[jcrowleyiv]

Whoever put together this trip was definitely on their "A" game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I travel in Mexico often, as I do a substantial amount of business there and also live in nearby Tejas (that is Texas for you Gringos). I have been in virtually every border town, a fact that my liver will attest to with much chagrin. Like others, I would try diligently to dissuade anyone from visiting any of them - dirty, high crime, cheesy tourista spots - just not places that I would consider destination potential.

This trip is ABSOLUTELY the polar opposite.

The first stop in McAllen - the Renaissance Casa de Palmas (house of palms) is a very nice hotel with great food and even better margaritas. I have conducted many business meetings at this locale, and have never had a complaint from anyone about this facility.

Next is Santiago in the very US-friendly state of Nuevo Leon. This small city near Monterrey is known for being the home of the largest waterfall in Northern Mexico, Cola de Caballo (Tail of the Horse). The architecture in this colonial city is marvelous with examples such as Iglesia de Santiago Apostsal that are must see photo ops in daylight and dark. The area is famous for foods such as cabrito (roasted kid goat), carne asada (roasted beef) and machacado con huevo, a dish which consists of shredded dry beef that is scrambled with eggs. I highly recommend each to first-time visitors.

Next on the list to visit is Real de Catorce, in the state of San Luis Potosi. This mining village is a quaint return to time-gone-by with as friendly of people as you could ever hope to find.

The real jewel of this tour is the next stop, San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato. San Miguel is commonly known to be the most exquisite destination in the interior of Mexico. It is by far the most incredible city I have visited in Mexico. Founded in 1542, San Miguel is home to an incredibly large group of American and Canadian ex-patriots. Named after Ignacio Allende, a renowned General who is credited as being one of the initiators of Mexico's war of Independence with Spain. The architecture is awe inspiring, with one of the highlights being La Parroquia, Church of St. Michael the Archangel. Incredible in the day, breathtaking when lit at night. My only warning: you will not want to leave this city. If I had only one city that I could recommend to someone who wants a real native flavor of what makes Mexico great, it would be San Miguel de Allende.

The state of Queretaro is the locale for the next stop, Jalpan de Serra. The Jalpan Mission was the first Mission built by Fray Junipero Serra, and is considered one of the most stunning examples of baroque architecture in the new world. The waterfall Cascada el Chuveje is a photo op that you will remember for your entire life.

Santa Engracia in the state of Nuevo Leon. While I have never been here myself, it appears to be a beautifully quaint village ideal to host a departure fiesta.

I am going to do everything in my power to make this trip, and speaking from experience it will be a marvelous taste of the great country of Mexico.

John

[Wolfgang]

Randy, yes bike rentals are available. You can judge the suitability for 2-up riding by model. There are actually a couple of options. You can rent directly from MotoDiscovery and the bike will be waiting in McAllen, Tx. These are the bike's available and prices as provided by MotoDiscovery:
$1,256 BMW 1200GS
$1,215 BMW 1150 GS
$ 920 Suzuki 650 VStrom
(includes Mexico Insurance & Side Bags)

There's another option in Austin, Tx at Hill Country Rentals (http://www.hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com/bikes__rental_rates).

Web address: http://www.hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com/bikes__rental_rates

They have a wider selection of bikes including an RT and 800GS. Am checking for other options and will post as I get the details.

Hope this helps...Bob

Randy,

I have an extra bike. A 20k top shape 1994 R1100RS with bags, and barbacks. Ready for touring. By then it will have a larger windshield. Yours in exchange for a few Margaritas in Mexico... Fly into Houston and we take off from my place.

[BeemerRiderBoB]

"......it will be a marvelous taste of the great country of Mexico."

John

John, you hit the nail on the head. This trip is really built to be a great sampling of what Mexico has to offer. I always find it difficult to explain the beauty of the land and culture, not to mention the local food & friendly folks. It's obvious from your past experience that you know the true beauty of Mexico. And not to forget there's some great riding.

Thanks for describing some details of the route for us....Bob

[ferrasr]

Wolfgang

Thanks for the generous offer. Our challenge right now is a time conflict. So I am working on that right now.

Great to hear from you.

[BeemerRiderBoB]

Update for those interested in Bike Rentals....looks like renting from either MotoDiscovery or Hill Country Rentals are the best options.

Hill Country Motorcycle Rentals definitely has bike rental options for this Winter Escapetour. No problem going into Mexico and has Mexican insurance lined up. Contact them directly for details, prices and bike selections. Mention you're going on this tour.
Austin, TX
ph: 512-906-2396
fax: 512-906-2396
tourbike<wbr>rent<wbr>@gmail<wbr>.com (tourbikerent@gmail.com)




<style> blockquote {margin-right:0;padding-right:0} </style>Hill Country Motorcycle Rentals

http://hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/BMW-LogoON.317191226.jpg

BMW Touring Motorcycle Rentals

tourbikerent.com (http://www.tourbikerent.com/) (Tour Bike Rentals)

[BeemerRiderBoB]

Update.....thus far only a small number of folks, 6, have indicated they are going on this tour. If you've got any interest at all please let me or MotoDiscovery know by 1 Nov. At that point we'll decide whether the tour is a "go or no go".

thanks, Bob

[motorhead]

Wife and I will be a bit further south in mid December, roads a tad less LT friendly ... actually a LOT less so. Costa Rica's Osa peninsula !
Thinking more FWD and a good pair of boots :dance:

[quattro]

Greetings from Finland :wave

I saw this thread just today, and it inspired me to consider to take part of this trip. Of course if you guys accept a Finn with you.
And I'll need a bike, but I noticed there is renting possibility too. I'm celebrating my 50's later in February, but when I metioned about this trip to my dear wife, she gave me a permission to go as a pre-gift! :)

So, what I'll need to do? I hope that some of you, BRBob or Randy, will give to me some councel for this trip.

Cheers

Kari

[Randy]

Greetings from Finland :wave

I saw this thread just today, and it inspired me to consider to take part of this trip. Of course if you guys accept a Finn with you.
And I'll need a bike, but I noticed there is renting possibility too. I'm celebrating my 50's later in February, but when I metioned about this trip to my dear wife, she gave me a permission to go as a pre-gift! :)

So, what I'll need to do? I hope that some of you, BRBob or Randy, will give to me some councel for this trip.

Cheers

KariKari;

You are welcome any time and anywhere we ride. It would be great if you could join us on this trip. Further, I think the trip would be more enjoyable and interesting if there were representation from several different countries.

I hope enough will sign up for this to make it happen, I think it will be a great trip.
I'll let Bob get with you on the rental options, since he has been looking into them.

[Handlebar]

Looks like a real fun ride..

[BeemerRiderBoB]

Kari, we welcome anyone...especially Finn's....on this ride. You guys like to have fun I know that much! And just let me say happy 50's...it's not so bad as I know from personal experience.

The first thing is you'll need to do is make arrangements with MotoDiscovery to hold your spot. They require a $400 deposit. If the tour doesn't make you'll get a refund or you can use on another tour.

Secondly, since you're 'over there' I can help you with other details like getting a bike/rental, travel arrangements/where you need to fly in, etc. Hopefully it will make it easier for you.

I will PM you all the details tomorrow and if you send me back your email address we can communicate further on bike rentals and/or other options. Email me at carreras7@verizon.net.

Talk to you soon....Bob

[quattro]

O'kay guys, :cool:

The reservation for the Winter Escape has now done. I have spoken to some of my friends for this trip and tried to get them join it with me. My biggest concern is if we don't find enough participants for the trip. If this trip will canceled,I hate even think about that, are there any interesting spots in TEXAS, cause I have a permission from my wife spent 12-14 days vacation on my own??
In any case I will ride and explore the southern part of US.

Hop, hop, everyone who has chance to join this great trip, go to Motodiscovery website and make a reservation!! Today! :)

Kari :sun:

[BrianV]

Having done a bit of.....ummmmmm..."Hunting" ;) south of the border, I thought y'all should read this information, not to talk anyone out of it, but just so you are aware and prepared:

http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-california-travel/mexico-travel-warning.htm


So - Jerry, can I assume you won't be making this trip, or will you be going along as a security detail?

-Brian

[Wolfgang]

Count me in, just not certain yet if alone, or with pillion.

[Texas42]

Count Fangfei and I in it will be an anniversary trip for us :)

[BeemerRiderBoB]

Bo, welcome to you and the bride! This will definitely be a trip to enjoy an anniversary.

[BeemerRiderBoB]

DEADLINE FOR SIGNUP EXTENDED TO 15 DECEMBER!

We've recieved a lot of inquires and interest for this trip and there was a universal expression of needing a little more time to sort out individual schedules, logistics, travel, etc. MotoDiscovery has extended the signup deadline to 15 Dec to allow our group more time to make their reservation.

For those of you on the bubble trying to decide, The Finn's are coming and they're ready to ride! The Canadians are working it and States as far away as Maryland and California appear ready to join the fun.

If you haven't already, let MotoDiscovery know you're interested so they can hold you a spot.

This is going to be a great tour!

[MattKas]

I rode my LT to Mexican BMW Rally last year to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta from Arizona. Even some of the toll roads have pot holes and speed bumbs. My Lts bottom hit the speed bumbs every time. I would suggest you ride GS instead of LT to Mexico.No wonder at least 75% of the bikes were GSs at the Rally.

DEADLINE FOR SIGNUP EXTENDED TO 15 DECEMBER!

We've recieved a lot of inquires and interest for this trip and there was a universal expression of needing a little more time to sort out individual schedules, logistics, travel, etc. MotoDiscovery has extended the signup deadline to 15 Dec to allow our group more time to make their reservation.

For those of you on the bubble trying to decide, The Finn's are coming and they're ready to ride! The Canadians are working it and States as far away as Maryland and California appear ready to join the fun.

If you haven't already, let MotoDiscovery know you're interested so they can hold you a spot.

This is going to be a great tour!

[BeemerRiderBoB]

I too hit a speed bump here and there in Mexico. And I've ridden my LT here in the US and hit bottom on many occasions as well...comes with owning big bikes. LT's, Harleys and other big bikes are all ridden in Mexico every year, on tours, private trips and by locals. I wouldn't hesitate taking an LT...and good point about GS's as they're the most popular bike. I believe, as a percentage, the Mexico National Rally parallels the US National Rally in number of GS's vs big bikes.

If anyone is concerned about taking a particular bike, give Skip at MotoDiscovery a call. He can provide some good advice and direction.

[MattKas]

Well this Friday, I am riding my LT to Mexico again :-) (I do not have a GS)

www.rockypointrally.com



I too hit a speed bump here and there in Mexico. And I've ridden my LT here in the US and hit bottom on many occasions as well...comes with owning big bikes. LT's, Harleys and other big bikes are all ridden in Mexico every year, on tours, private trips and by locals. I wouldn't hesitate taking an LT...and good point about GS's as they're the most popular bike. I believe, as a percentage, the Mexico National Rally parallels the US National Rally in number of GS's vs big bikes.

If anyone is concerned about taking a particular bike, give Skip at MotoDiscovery a call. He can provide some good advice and direction.