Well, I didn't get the FJR put back together in time, so I had to take the Super Tenere. Sometimes things just work out the way they're supposed to. The FJR really wasn't the bike for this trip. There are some perfectly spectacular surfaces in Mexico, and then there are some that are not fit for donkeys. Quite often the lines between the two are not very clearly defined.
There were a few reasons for making the trip south this time. The first was the ever-present need for the moto-psycho-therapy. In addition, the BigMoneyRally organizers, in their infinite wisdom, decided to put some pretty substantial bonus points in Mexico for (I believe) the first time ever. They did this to coincide with an Asphalt Rats Endurance Motorcycling/ IronButt Association Mexico event that was sponsored by the Resistencia Motorcycle Club in Queretero...the 2017 Resistencia BunBurner Gold Challenge.
While a BunBurner Gold, 1500 miles in 24 hours, is no small thing no matter where you are, in Mexico they seem to take an almost diabolical pride in making theirs especially challenging. Every scenery imaginable, temperature extremes, traffic, towns, 21 toll booths, mountains, deserts, military checkpoints...you name it. You get through one of these and you've done something.
Lots of talk about how dangerous Mexico is. I'm sure that is probably true somewhere, but all of my experience has been the exact opposite. I have never felt unsafe or threatened anywhere. This comes with a dose of common sense; I don't spend time in the border towns and I behave reasonably wherever I am. I find that once I get into the interior of the country, the people are as warm and friendly and helpful as you could hope for. Even the military checkpoints haven't posed any problems. More than anything, the soldiers are more interested in our bikes. I'm sure that these are fine young men serving their country, but it seems that the older I get...the younger they get; babies with fully automatic weapons. I'm happy for them to check out the bike to their heart's content as long as they are not angry at me. These exchanges are never more than a few minutes and usually end with smiles and waves.
Queretero is just north and a little west of Mexico City. It's situated in the mountains at about 6100 feet; clean, safe and becoming quite modern. I've been through there before, but had never stayed. This was a very enjoyable stay and I have plans to return.
The headquarters for the event was a really interesting place called the Black Dog House. It's an assemblage of shipping containers arranged in a U shape stacked 2 high which provides a courtyard in the middle which they have covered. One of the containers is a full bar (of course.) The container on the second level in the middle is the sound stage, and the others are different food venues. Kind of like having a ring of food trucks and the food is really good. From what I was able to gather, this place is considered "neutral ground" for all the motorcycle clubs. I saw many different clubs represented, but no tensions or posturing of any kind. Everyone was having a great time and getting along splendidly.
Started the clock at 5:04am on Friday morning and headed south toward Mexico City. The route turned west past Morelia to Guadalajara, and then north-ish through Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Durango. At Durango the route turned back toward the north/east through Torreon and Monclova before heading south back to Queretero. Made it back at 4:43. Back to the hotel for a hot shower and a cold beer (in the shower,) and a little sleep before the activities kicked back up.
Really enjoyed spending time with a fantastic bunch of folks. Some of the most incredible hosts you could imagine. Gracious an accommodating in ways I have no right to expect. I only hope I can do as good a job of making them feel as welcome when they come north.
Left early Sunday morning; back in the States right at dark. It was a good trip.
