Mexico Hwy. 2 Eastbound : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

YoDA · 04-20-2009, 04:27 PM

Next fall I plan on taking some time off and make my long anticipated ride from the West to the East Coast. I'm starting in Salt Lake City and riding West to Vegas and then down to San Diego. From SD--once I've dipped my front tire in the ocean--I will start my trek East. I'm thinking it would be fun to drop down into Mexico for a little bit, just to say I rode in Mexico. However, I've heard everything from "don't even consider it" to "it's no big deal".

I'd ride Hwy. 94 East from SD to a border crossing at Teacate. Once there I'd ride Federal Hwy. 2 along the Northern edge of Mexico past Calexico to San Luis Rio Colorado, where I'd cross back in the the USA just South of Yuma, AZ. It only looks like about 100 miles.

Has anyone riden this road? Is it dangerous doing it alone--especially being a 'white boy', not knowing a lick of Spanish and never having been to Mexico (other than a Cancun resort holiday). Or is it just not worth the risk at the start of a 6000 mile coast to coast trip.

Comments and suggestions welcome. Thanks!

route66paul · 04-20-2009, 05:06 PM

You won't be able to carry. Get insurance and it helps to have someone to ride with. Knowing what I know about the legal system, the civil system and the hospitials, there is no way i would ride a street bike in Mexico. I won't even cross the border anymore. The border towns are the worst part of Mexico, everyone is out to take what you have.

Sarge7 · 04-21-2009, 01:27 AM

In case you haven't been following the news in the papers - There's a WAR going on all along the border. People are getting killed -kidnapped - and hijacked by the boat loads.
I wouldn't advise entering Mexico until our goverment makes it the 51st state.

BandidoLenny · 04-21-2009, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoDA

I'm thinking it would be fun to drop down into Mexico for a little bit, just to say I rode in Mexico. However, I've heard everything from "don't even consider it" to "it's no big deal".

Is it dangerous doing it alone--especially being a 'white boy', not knowing a lick of Spanish and never having been to Mexico (other than a Cancun resort holiday).

Don't get offended but... your self description of not knowing the area or the language (and the slang) is a recipe for a bad time in old Mexico.
I know people who travel down there on a regular basis. These are not gringos who are unfamiliar with what's up. I cannot stress enough how much I would seriously recommend that you stay away from the border war. It is not a safe place to be a high profile tourist (on either side).
If you wanna safer taste of Mexico, go through San Antonio... Good luck.

sanfam93 · 04-23-2009, 12:47 AM

I have done it you will be fine, No guns in Mexico, at least not for the average person. Get insurance Mexico is a nice place and people are kind. Just be smart. And ride safe OH yes don't forget about drug war and heads getting chopped off.

route66paul · 04-23-2009, 01:07 AM

Be sure and take a video camera when you dip your front tire into the ocean, I want to see that, and how you get the bike to the ocean and back from it. i'll split the proceeds when it wins on "America's funniest home videos".

YoDA · 06-08-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by route66paul

Be sure and take a video camera when you dip your front tire into the ocean, I want to see that, and how you get the bike to the ocean and back from it. i'll split the proceeds when it wins on "America's funniest home videos".

I didn't say I would have the tire on the bike at the time did I. Har-har-har!!

Okay guys, you win, I'll pass on the Mexico part. That's exactly why I've posted this message, to get feedback from those who are 'more in the know' than myself. The idea of a quick ride into Mexico sounds fun... but sometimes there's a very fine line between fun and stupidity. Thanks for all the input. Cheers!