Skyway's heading south to Cabo San Lucas

[skyway]

No spot in regional ride planning for south of the border, so I’ll start it here.

There is a plan in motion involving a group of riders to head south in march of ’06 to Cabo San Lucas. 2 of the party involved have done it several times before, but I have never been into Mexico on 2 wheels. A quick check on MS&T's add’s up to a round trip of around 3100 miles, which will be done over a period of around 10 days. I would like to hear from anyone who has ever done this ride and would like to learn of any potential pitfalls to be aware of while riding south of the border.

Hola!

 

[SkooterG]

Ahhhhh Skyway. You lucky *******!

I did this same trip a year ago over the Thanksgiving holiday. What a great time. Mui bueno!!!! There were four of us, one of whom was experienced in the ways of Mexico travel. Don't worry about anything. It's really not that big a deal, especially the Baja peninsula. Oh yeah, of course don't drink the water!

You will have all kinds of fun. I can't wait to do it again some day. Here's some photos from my trip, to provide a little teaser:

Enjoy mi amigo!

 

[BBIII]

I would be interested in that. A buddy & I rode rented new Harley Hertitage Softails from sandy eggo to ensenada a few years ago without incident. Everyone was super nice to us, and the food was awesome. It helps if you speak the language, but don't use it...that way you can understand what they are talking about. My only concern on a ride that far was being without cell phone service the whole way. I'm sure you could get a temporary upgrade or just a new phone for a month.

 

[FJRrambo]

Scooter;

This talk about riding down to Cabo has my juices flowing. My wife and I go to Mexico almost every year, mostly by airplane. Several years ago we drove our GMC half ton pickup pulling an Apache Coleman popup tent trailer down to Lake Chappala. There are a lot of RV parks along the way and we had a blast. We spent a month in Mexico that trip. Baja would be a whole different ball game but we have been talking about driving the car down into the Baja but probably not all the way to Cabo. Might be a scouting trip. How many miles of unpaved road did you have to contend with?

 

[twowheelnut]

Hmmm, do tell. What are the tentative lodging plans for this little ride? And who's bringing the Pemex fuel filters and ocatane boosters?

This may be a doable deal for the 'Nut'ster...

 

[FJR_pig]

Make it an annual trip and I'd be very interested in '07 - the '06 won't be in my garage in time for this March. Been to Cabo several times, never on two wheels though! Say hello to the Federalees!! B)

 

[skyway]

Thank for sharing the pics scooter, I'm really hoping this ride pans out for me, it's still in the early stages of planning.

What do things cost down there, lodging, gas, food, women. Oops, no need to reply on the latter.

 

[gtex1970]

Thank for sharing the pics scooter, I'm really hoping this ride pans out for me, it's still in the early stages of planning.
What do things cost down there, lodging, gas, food, women. Oops, no need to reply on the latter.

I was in cabo last fall, and had a blast. Cost for most items is about the same or just a little less than in the states. Except for the women. You're money will go a little farther there, than here at home. Or, so I've been told

there's a restaurant just outside of Town called La Villa Serena. I ate there like 4 times in the week I was there, it was that good. I ad a $25 Surf and Turf combo, that rivaled any I've had here in Texas (and I eat pretty good).

I managed to rent a car and get around OK, with the little bit of spanglish I know. If you play nice, and don't try to haul anytghing remotely illegal, you should be fine. Leave the weapons at home, travel in a group!

here are some pics from my trip to cabo (via plane, unfortunately):

https://www.thedreyerfamily.com/Cabo/GregsCaboWabo.htm

I'd love to go. Anybody else from Texas interested?

 

[skyway]

gtex - thanks for the tips and pics. One thing that has not been addressed is insurance while riding in Mexico. Anyone?

It does sound as though there is some interest to make Cabo San Lucas a group ride, as judging by the pics the riding experience looks 1st class. Since I have never been down there, I am not in the position to assemble such a gathering. As it stands now I have been invited to tag along with a small group where I only know one of the riders, who is a long time friend and business associate.

If it turns out to be a success in '06, I am prepared to offer any help that I can in assembling a crew of FJR pilots to head into Mexico.

 

[downn2(aka starcruiser)]

And old friend (like 70) always use to ride to Acapulco from Texas......he'd stay in Mexico for weeks.....He especiallyloved the small villages....($10 rooms and $5 hookers, .50 tequilla shots and .25 beer) He was always trying to talk me into going with him...Never did and he passed away....Could kick myself in the butt, but that was a long time ago and when I was young. I have every intention of not only exploring Mexico, but would luv to ride all the way down to the tip of S America (The Cape).......

Ride on....enjoy my boy, smoke a doobie for me!!!!

 

[BBIII]

One thing that has not been addressed is insurance while riding in Mexico. Anyone?

You just buy your Mexican vehicle insurance on the U.S. side of the border. Plan on spending about an hour to get that done, they live and work at a different pace then we do. Don't forget your passport.

 

[Ric in Sac]

Skyway - Glad to hear you are doing well. What is the status of your FJR? Is it getting repaired?

 

[skyway]

Skyway - Glad to hear you are doing well.  What is the status of your FJR?  Is it getting repaired?

Hi Ric,

I am getting ready to report on the final analysis. I have been given a verbal notification, but will hold off until I get the final written report. The bike should be ready for pick-up in the next few days.

 

[downn2(aka starcruiser)]

Pretty Kewl Pics you took there Tex.....Got married there one time, don't really want to go back on a motorcycle as I'd want to have my Golf clubs and play the new Nicholas Course in Cabo.........Would rather ride the bikes down into real Mexico and end up somewhere like Puerto Villarta........I hear it's A LOT CHEAPER to cruise the interior of Mexico (even bought a book about it), not to mention all the side attractions.......

 

[gtex1970]

I think it was exactly a year ago that I was there. I am so ready to go back. It's a very fun place. Although, it takes a little practice to start drinking at noon and stay up to party at the Cabo Wabo Cantina, which doesn't start kicking until after 10pm. All too often I found myslef partied out way too early That's OK, I was usually up early anyway fishing or diving or ATV riding....

 

[galxy5]

Hi,

I am leaving Roanoke Va. on Jan 3rd heading for Puerto Escondido, I have a friend there that owns a bungalo hotel,

so I would also like to hear what others have to say about riding in Mexico,,

I am going solo ,,

plan to enter at Loredo TX ,,then Monteray ,, Mexico city ,, then into Oxaca and Puerto Escondido

I plan to be in Mexico for 2 > 3 months,,

 

[SkooterG]

For cryin out loud! Get busy for a few days and all hell breaks loose. Let's see where do I begin........

Cell phones: For crying out loud BBIII, mankind survived without cell phones for thousands of years! Just say NO to cell phones. Surely you can survive two weeks without the damned cell phone! Seriously, one thing about Mexico - they are on a different clock than us. Things there are a LOT slower and laid back. So get into the spirit of things or prepared to be frustrated. Cell phones? We don't need no stinkin cell phones. Ok, rant over, all the above being said, IIRC, my roommate's cell phone worked at every place we stopped for the night, I think. Don't know what service provider he had, or how much that was costing him, nor do I want to even think about it. All I know was that he was pleasantly surprised that it worked. Bah humbug!

FJRambo said:

How many miles of unpaved road did you have to contend with?

ZERO. Paved the whole way. Not quite US roads mind you in that the lanes are thinner and with no shoulder generally, but pavement is in good condition. Meeting semis, especially on curves can momentarily raise your blood pressure, but traffic is generally extremely light, so it doesn't happen too often. Since we were coming from Arizona, we entered Mexico at Tecate (Where the Tecate beer brewery is - go figure) and took Route 3 passing through wine country and vineyards to Ensenda. The whole rest of the trip is was Route 1.

Skyway said:

What do things cost down there, lodging, gas, food, women. Oops, no need to reply on the latter.

I would say prices were similar to inexpensive to moderate for the U.S. I think the rooms were about $70-$90 a night for two. Meals were not dirt cheap, but generally less than $10. Gas - I have no idea. Never did get the simultaneous litres to gallons and pesos to dollars conversions down in my head. Don't think it was all that expensive. Also, no problems with the gas. They usually have two grades, normal and premium, and I think I almost always used their normal grade - without issue. As for the women - what happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!!! Cabo San Lucas is the exception. Very commercial, and things are significantly more expensive there. Actually, Cabo was not my favorite part of the trip as after the serene beauty of most of the trip, I found the commercialism too much like the U.S. Fun, but it could almost be any tourist trap in the U.S IMHO.

Insurance

I highly recommend getting your insurance from MEXPRO. You can do it online, or over the phone as I did it. Do it ahead of time so there are no delays while on your trip. This company may be a little more expensive than some, but according to our seasoned Mexico traveller, they are the best. They provide some coverages no other companies do apparently. IIRC, it cost me just under $100 for 9 days of coverage.

Hasta luego!

 

[downn2(aka starcruiser)]

Galazy, I know one thing for sure.....you won't want to cum back....Once you enjoy the freedoms of Mexico for a month or two (nothing is against the law other than murder) the minute you cross back into the U.S. you'll feel like you've enter Nazi Germany......

Yep, you can drink a beer while cruising down the highway down there(no open container laws)......you can stop in about any town and ask where the girls are and they'll point you to the local house of pleasure (no rape in Mexico) or any innkeeper will arrange you to spend the night with their daughter for $10 $20 if she's good looking...for $50 you can enjoy his wife & his daughter......God, I luv Mexico.....Not to mention everyone smokes down there (I'm not talking Cigs).....And a $100 bill will get you out of about any unpleasant situation you might find yourself in.....True Capitalist they are!

I want to hear all about it when you get back......There are some interesting books on Travel in Mexico writen my motorcyclist if your a reader...

Enjoy

 

[SkooterG]

I don't know downn2. That is not the Mexico I saw, nor is it the kind of Mexico I want to see. Me thinks you exaggerate a bit much.

You make it sound like there are no laws there whatsoever and that you can get away with anything. Typical arrogant ****** thinking that will get you into trouble down there IMHO.