BC to Panama on a KLR

[Lonewolf]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Day 55[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A crappy sleep in the crapper, how fitting... Moving inside last night turned out to be a good call. The thunderstorms lasted all night and well into the morning, I would have been soaked if I'd stayed outside for sure.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I'm awake early and packing up the tent when an employee walks into the washroom to start cleaning only to give me a surprised look and quickly apologize and leave. With the bike loaded and warmed up I toss on my gear and brace myself for the downpour that awaited me outside the shelter of the washroom.[/FONT]

Interesting photo at the hotel "Women, Wine and tobaco make a man _____"

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My plan is to hit Mexico city today, it's only 300 or so KM away but the locals I talk to say it can take 6+ hours. For the first hour or so I ride along the coast in the varying weather, everything from full on downpour to light drizzle and some broken sunshine here and there.
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Turning inland the road slowly starts winding up into the hills and before long the torrential rain has caught up to me again. By now I'm wet and starting to get chilled. I pull over and rummage around in my tank bag for the fuses I had pulled out of my axillary circuits a week prior when my 12V USB adaptor had gone up in smoke. With my heated grips running at full blast and 175KM yet to go I hunker down and try to find my happy place.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Near the top of the pass I turn in for fuel and almost crash when my leg doesn't want to move, cold seized in place... Like an airplane, I apply full power, pull away and come around for another try this time making sure the landing gear was fully functional. I take this opportunity to get a hot bowl of soup and a cup of coffee.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With some hot food and drink in me and in a slightly better mood because of it I head off towards Mexico city. Soon the rain dies off and I'm riding in the glorious sunshine and having a great time, its amazing how much the weather can effect your mood.[/FONT]
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After everything I had heard about Mexico City I would have figured it for a much less driver friendly and much more overbearing spot. The signage is great, the people friendly and while I didn't visit the outer (read: poor) areas of the city it never felt dirty, dubious or dangerous as everyone had warned me.
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Without fuss I find my way to the expansive central plaza flanked by the presidential palace, the metropolitan cathedral and various other government buildings. I ride around in circles looking for the various Hostels in the area. I try three all of which are full before finding a great spot off to the side of the main cathedral where I'm even allowed topush my bike up a couple stairs and inside for parking.[/FONT]

Welcome to me Casa...

Rockstar parking @ the hostel

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The vibe here is amazing, the whole city feels electrified and I don't know why until its explained to me as I check into the Hostel that the Mexico vs France football game is on. A goal is scored as I fill out my details and the whole city erupts, cheers are shouted from the rooftops, horns honk and church bells ring, its quite an experience.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Checked into my dorm I'm off for a wonder around town hoping to soak up some of this energy that seems to be flowing so freely. As I leave the hostel I pass nearly 100 cases of beer headed for the rooftop patio and get reminded that if Mexico win's the game there will be free tequila flowing later tonight.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Walking around the city I find crowds of Mexicans grouped around small shops screaming at miniscule TV screens and am overwhelmed by the synchronous sounds of the football announcers emanating from every passing vehicle, home and small shop along the road.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The Metropolitan Cathedral (the largest and oldest in the America's) is an amazing sight both inside and out. The amount of detail in all but the smallest of spots is absolutely astounding and one can only wonder how many man hours are invested in this priceless piece of work.[/FONT]

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WOW!

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Amazing Detail!

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What an Organ!

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A bad night shot... Wish that other camera was working...

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The city explodes and the central square comes alive with music and cheering as Mexico wins the soccer game. Horns honk to the tune of “Lets go Mex-i-co” and everyone in the streets start patting each other on the back and laughing at the few people dressed up in France's colors.[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Presidential Palace[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]...
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I hang out in the square taking in the atmosphere and some great music in the “FIFA fan zone” that has been setup there before heading back to the hostel to find some food and prepare myself for what I'm told promises to be a great party on the rooftop terrace tonight...[/FONT]

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FIFA Fan Zone

Random night shots

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I grab a few beers with some Aussies and we discuss our travells into the evening, by 11pm the party is starting to heat up, local college students are now starting to filter in and by midnight the patio is packed. The beer is cold, the mojito's are cheap and the atmosphere unique, its late when I finally retire managing to wake the two English girls in my dorm as I wonder in.[/FONT]

Oi!

Party!

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I pass out and sleep like a baby until the late hours of the morning...[/FONT]

 

[Lonewolf]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Day 56 [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The veil of tequila induced darkness wears off quickly as the hostel comes alive early with the sunrise. A cold shower and the walk upstairs to the rooftop for the included breakfast has me feeling like a human being again.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]My plan today is to head 300KM north of Mexico city to the silver mining town of Guanajuato which is a feat of engineering in its own right and quite beautiful from what I've seen and read on the internet.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Once packed I spend an hour and a bit trying to find my way out of Mexico city, it is a maze of one was streets and roads that don't lead where they should. I figure myself out and end up on the proper highway out of town with only a few wrong turns.[/FONT]

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[/FONT]Goodbye Mexico city!

Very cool art gallery/parking garage I passed by...

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Four hours riding through the mountains in the pouring rain has me arriving in Guanajuato, its an amazing city clinging t[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]o the sides of a steep ravine. 6500 feet above sea level and a world heritage site this formerly very prosperous silver mining town is now more of a tourist draw.[/FONT][/FONT]

The taco god's were kind to me today...

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The city was originally built on top of the [/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Guanajuato River, which flowed through tunnels underneath the city. After repeatedly raising the buildings to accommodate yearly flooding. When they'd finally had enough engineers built a dam and redirected the river. The preexisting tunnels were lit and paved with cobblestones for automobile traffic, and this underground road network carries the majority of cars driving through the city today and It's one of the most notable features of the city.[/FONT]

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[/FONT] underground streets anyone?

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I find a hotel, paying more than I think I should but im soaked, tired and don't care enough to argue or find another. After a hot shower to warm up and a fresh set of clothes I look outside to see the roan has stopped and decide to go for a walk to see the city.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With pedestrian streets mainly above ground and automobile's, bus stops and parking below the city functions amazingly well. As I wonder around the city seems to be coming alive as most do with the after work crowd. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The central market is a gorgeous structure and is full of vendors plying their various wares, everything from Chinese made plastic crap to local handcrafted jewelry and art. I find a great little roadside stand and get the best corn on the cob I've ever had, its on a stick, slathered with “hint of lime” mayo, doused in parmesan(?) cheese and then a dash of chilli powder... Mmmmm, delicious![/FONT]

Gorgeous church

Its a colorful city...

The central market...

Awesome pedestrian area's...

Evidence of a mining past...

Delicious street vender corn!

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I could spend a day or two here, its a cool spot with a lot of history and interesting engineering, definitely a must see if you ever pass through the area![/FONT]

 

[beaver steve]

Excellent write ups Patrick, after discovering your thread I've enjoyed reading about your travels for last couple of days during work. A dream a lot of us are living through your posts...keep 'em coming. Sunny and high teens here in Nanaimo for the last couple of days...not much of a spring/summer to miss out on.

Safe travels.

 

[bigmac]

Hello?!!!!

 

[mudPie]

Hopefully our DualSport brother doing fine in a hacienda with a little seniority. :dr:
Best ride report I've ever seen. Thanks man. Be safe . See ya on the Island.

 

[KLRsuperRIO]

Patrick is home safe and sound. I hope he finishes his ride report it was awesome following his adventure.

 

[icanpopawheeli]

Great report, thanks! Is that the MEC wanderer tent you have? Is it ok for a downpour or two?

 

[Lonewolf]

Yes, I am home, alive and well... I guess I got caught up enjoying the fine summer weather with friends and family! I'm back to work on the report now and updates will follow soon!

That is a MEC Wanderer tent and it has held up fine in even the worst storms since I bought it...

 

[Lonewolf]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Day 57[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The overnight rain has cleared and sunlight floods into the courtyard and through the windows of the room waking we. I contemplate spending another day here, there is so much to see and with the nice weather I could really go for a rest day. After some consideration I decide that I need to keep on keeping on and will head for Zacatecas today.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The ride out to Zacatecas is a decent one albeit mostly flat and straight, amazing what a little sunshine can do for your mental state! I manage to get some dirt in my eye which irritates me for the rest of the day as I'm unable to get it out.
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Saw this along the way, I don't quite understand the Mexican fascination with the dead, but it looked cool so I took a picture anyway.[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The weather was hot and the trains were long...[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]No waggons on this road...[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Winding narrow streets of Zacatecas
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]When I finally arrive in Zacatecas I spend an hour working my way in circles through the maze of steep one way streets trying to find the Hostel that my GPS tells me is near the city centre. With a little help from the locals and riding down a few pedestrian walkways and staircases I find the place, unload and grab a shower.[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A little research before heading out on the town... I could get used to this![/FONT]


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The intricately detailed cathedral you can see from the previous picture.


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I hurry and get cleaned up hoping to catch the cable car over the city and up to the Bluff before the 6pm cutoff of the cheap tickets. With a quick walk from the hostel and up about 400 stairs on the other side of the ravine I find the Cable car station which for the measly sum of $30 paso's whisks me over the city and up to the bluff. The ride is about 5 minutes and the views are amazing, if only the windows opened so you could get a nice clear shot of the city.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Views from the cable car as we pass over the city...[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Made it to the top!
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Arriving at the top you are greeted by panoramic views of the city and surrounding hillsides as well as three imposing statues of the revolutionary hero's on horseback with some very interesting plaques about the history of the area and the revolutionary war.[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I walk around taking in the sights of the main plaza before touring up the the Zacatecas Mosolium of famous people, where you guessed it, all the famous people who played important roles in the city of Zacatecas are buried. Its a room with a view no doubt![/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Before heading back down into town I scout of the food situation up here and come across a great little Taco shop. $30 paso's buys me a bottle of coke and 5 of the best Taco's I've had since leaving the Baja Peninsula well over a month ago. The taco gods smile upon me and its amazing that something so simple as some meat in a tortilla could make my day, but it does.[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mmmm, I'm sitting at home just drooling looking at this picture...
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Back to the bottom of the bluff I continue exploring the city, It's colourful and vibrant much like Guanajuato. The pink stone Cathedral is an amazing piece of craftsmanship, the intricate carvings and masonry work must have taken years to complete.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]As I return to the hostel I pass by the Plaza de Arma's where a stage is being erected and I see a sign that says “Secret Woman, Lingerie and Erotica” I figure I'll come back later tonight. I'm in for a decent “Victoria's Secret” type fashion show or some sort of Cross Dresser parade, either way it will be entertaining.[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Some days it amazes me how many of these massive cathedrals a town can contain...
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I'll be back to check this out for better or for worse later in the evening...



[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The hostel has an amazing rooftop terrace which soon becomes the hub of traveller story time. I hang out for a while and chat to the very friendly guests and staff where I learn I've just missed another moto-traveller (Mr. Miserygoat - www.miserygoat.com) who had stayed for a week and just left yesterday to points south. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I head back to the square to check out the “Secret Woman” event that I had passed earlier in the evening, unfortunately it turns out to be a Gay and Lesbian pride parade and a 'miss transsexual' pageant with entries from all across the state. Its a good laugh and everyone has a decent time they even have some top notch live entertainment including Shakira, Cher and a few local favourites.[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Secret women indeed....[/FONT]


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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Everyone had a good time...
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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Cramming some street food into my face to ward off the evening munchies was a top priority as I made my way back to the hostel, Bacon wrapped hotdogs? Worked for me! The rooftop patio served as a great spot for some beer and a little journaling.[/FONT]

 

[Lonewolf]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Day 58 - Sunday June 20th [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The hostel rustles to life early here in Zacatecas. With people running out for morning Spanish lessons or to the bakery for some fresh bread with breakfast it isn't long before I'm rejoining the world of the living. Coffee is on downstairs and the owners are keen to hear what I think of their community and establishment over a steaming cup of joe.[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I pack up and head out after goodbyes from the other travellers and the proprietors of the hostel, I get around the block and a vibrant little cafe jumps out at me begging me to stop and eat before the long ride north to Durango.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I'm handed a order sheet and tick off a few items not knowing exactly what to expect. My food shows up as flat bread stuffed with my selections, chilli's, eggs and beans. I'm sure I burned most of the flesh from the roof of my mouth as I bit into the delicious but spicy concoction, it was well worth it in the end as I wouldn't end up stopping to eat for another 500+ KM's.[/FONT]

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[/FONT]not much to look at but here's a picture just because...
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The road to Durango was flat and straight for the most part but as I clicked into 5th gear on the way out of town the universe seemed to fall into alignment, good music, no traffic and great weather made for an easy push through the desert.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]300Km accounted for I find myself in Durango, its a nice enough spot but just another big city from what I could see. I make an executive decision and decide there is still enough light to push on to Mazatlan for the evening via the Devils Dackbone.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Highway 40 (Devils backbone) cuts across the Sierra Madre mountains from Durango on the east to Mazatlan on the west it is the only pass across the mountains for nearly 500 miles. The route is mainly tight 2 lane road clinging to the sides of cliffs and balancing on the crests of mountains. [/FONT]

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[/FONT]Climbing away from the heat of the desert floor on my way to the coast

Cliffside! (but very wide compared to the rest of the road)

Managed to roll the ol' KLR over 60,000KM today...

I knew I was going to get wet but I never expected this. Those hailstones are the size of marbles and the rain is just pissing down as well... I ended up having bruises on my hands from the hail.

On the other side of the Ridge the terrain gets more rugged and... wait for it...DRY!

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Here you can see the new road which the Mexicans have started constructing over the pass in the distance. Tunnels are being bored, bridges built and existing roads widened. If you have the chance to ride this road before the 2012 completion date DO IT![/FONT]

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[/FONT]A nice, natural shelf for the roadbed, to the left the mountain side is nearly identical to what you see above the road here...

As I descended the pass the Fog started to creep in again... This sign dedicates the road and documents the expense burdened by the Mexican taxpayers.

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]200KM of twisting, turning, climbing and falling road through a myriad weather conditions (including snow & hail ?!) ends up taking me well over 5 hours to complete and I pull into a truckers hotel on the outskirts of Mazatlan around 8pm thoroughly expired needing some food, a shower but most of all sleep.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The restaurant on site is closed, not wanting to get back on the bike and without anything else in walking range I relegated myself to the fact that dinner would be provided by the gas station across the street. Stale granola bars, a bag of chips and some juice round things out for the evening, I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. [/FONT]

 

[Mollygrubber]

Missed you Patrick, great to have you back to complete this epic report!

 

[Lonewolf]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Day 59 [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I'm up early this morning forgetting that I had crossed into another time zone. I use the extra hour to look up a motorcycle shop in Mazatlan as I need some more chain lube and a litre of oil to top off the engine and replenish my reserves. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Without much luck looking a shop up I pack up the bike and check out of the hotel only to find a flat tire while going over the bike. Airing up at the gas station across the street I ascertain it to be a slow leak and decide to chance the ride into downtown Mazatlan looking for a new tube now as well as the other items on my list.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]After riding around aimlessly for an hour trying to find the motorcycle shop we had passed over a month ago as we disembarked the ferry from Baja I resort to asking a local businessman for directions. “Two blocks straight, turn left, two blocks, turn right, half a block on your right hand side” I get out of him after repeating it twice to make sure I was translating correctly.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]These directions lead me to a small repair shop, they don't have chain lube or oil for sale, but they try to dig up a 17” tube for me without luck. I ask about an “[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif]otra tienda de motocicletas” and they talk back and forth amongst themselves before the Police office who was having his bike serviced offers to show me where the other shop is. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]David says something along the lines of “stay close to me” and we're off! Following motorcycle police is always a great time, first in Panama, then Honduras and now Mexico. You get to do all the crazy stuff you know you want to do in the back of your head but are afraid to get caught doing, jumping over curbs, riding down sidewalks, running red lights and other such asshat'ery. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We pull up to what at first glance looks like a bicycle shop, David (the cop) makes a few comments to the owner “be good to the Canadian” or some such thing shakes my hand and then takes off sirens blaring.[/FONT]

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[/FONT]A well stocked and genuinely nice shop keeper, who has everything I need, somewhere...

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The shop though seeming unorganized has at least one of everything you could ever want and the owner knew exactly where to look. A 17” tube, some chain lube and a litre of oil, $250 paso's and I was on my way again figuring I would swap out the tube at the first convenient (Pemex) spot along the road north.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The next gas station is over 70KM up the road and after a quick fill up I manage to negotiate an area of shade under the awning next to a pump where I could rip my bike apart and swap in a new tube.[/FONT]

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[/FONT]Just prior to the "incident"

Hrrrm... I guess that could have done it...

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Halfway through swapping in the new tube with the bike propped up on my Pelican cases I reach for the tire pressure gauge which was sitting in my tank bag. Working on feel alone I manage to knock the bike from its precarious perch and send it crashing to the ground narrowly missing my leg much to the amusement of the pump attendants. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With the tube holding air and a full tank of gas I thank the attendant for the use of his shade and head out towards Los Mochas and El Fuerte. The roadside landscape is flat and dry as it steadily rolls by with only an occasional jagged peak jutting up in the distance to break the cycle.[/FONT]

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[/FONT]The landscape passes slowly, even at 100KM/h

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I was expecting more from El Fuerte to be honest. Known as the “tourist's gateway to copper canyon” in much of the online info and in many of the guidebooks. I had pictured a bustling tourist oriented town complete with all the amenities. What I found was a small town slowly starting to grow into this image.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I find myself in a picturesque central square, flanked by a nondescript church and some colonial style government buildings. A quick walk around the block finds me three or four potential hotels.
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The public square at sundown left me wishing for my old camera. This one just doesn't capture the same feeling.

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Even the government of Mexico is cutting costs these days. Leaving the Christmas decorations up all year is a real time and money saver.

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[/FONT] The local church, not the most intricate nor biggest, but is beautiful none the less.

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The closest hotel also turns out to be the most expensive, a 5 star lusciously landscaped villa for the measly sum of $850 paso's a night. As I ask about a more economical hotel and my intentions to leave become clear the attitude starts to change.
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[/FONT] Gorgeous hotel right next to the square...

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The lady at the desk asks me to wait a moment and disappears into the back room, when she returns the question posed to me is “how much would you like to pay?” a little negotiating leaves us at an agreement of $400 pasos for the night and that I would buy my beer from their bar...It was a bit more than I wanted to pay but for such a nice spot I felt I could spoil myself for one evening.[/FONT]

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[/FONT]Mmmmmhmm, Yumm!

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The pescado ranchero at the hotel restaurant was delicious and washed down well with a couple of ice cold beer. I stole an hour to walk around the downtown core taking pictures and feeling much like an animal at the zoo with everyone watching my every move. I pass by a place called the “three amigo's” and make a note to check in when they are open in the morning for some up to date copper canyon info.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The rest of my night is spent enjoying the AC, a couple cold beer, a decent internet connection and the best bed of the trip so far! I fall asleep excited about the prospect of a full day off-road in Copper Canyon tomorrow![/FONT]

 

[Lonewolf]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Day 60 – Welcome to Copper Canyon![/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Morning comes much too early, I could have stayed in this amazing bed for days. With the usual morning routine well underway, I take care of the basic necessities, at the top of the list, Coffee, the come food and a little motorcycle maintenance.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Last night while wandering around town I had found the office for an adventure outfitter by the name of “Tres Amigo's” and made a note to stop in and get some up to date information this morning. The woman I spoke with was very knowledgeable about the area and offered me more information and route suggestions than I ever could have hoped for.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Hand drawn, up to date maps complete with GPS co-ordinates and recent road conditions are handed my with only a request to pass them on to another deserving traveller when I was finished. I went in expecting the hard sell to take their tour or buy their maps and came away elated in the fact that these people were just passionate about the area and willing to share with whomever was interested.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With local knowledge in hand I found a gas station and topped up the bike before what was expected to be a long day in the dirt. After fuelling I find that one of quick release fasteners on my pannier racks had recently given up the ghost leaving my flapping in the breeze. Not wanting to tempt fate, I located a welding shop in town and had both sides welded before continuing on.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The road from El Fuerte to Choix is in a state of disrepair but nothing when compared with what was to come. Out of Choix I join an unnamed road that winds its was up and into the mountains. The loose gravel/sand mixture has me performing two wheel slides before long and while with a dirt biking background I don't mind slipping and sliding around, a fully loaded bike makes this a much more difficult feat. Better judgment prevails and I decide to air down before this becomes more of an issue than it already is.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, however; I must note that I'm still quite unhappy with the quality of photo's from this cheap replacement point and shoot.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]If I had visited Copper canyon before seeing most of Central America I would tell you that the road from Choix to Divisidero through the Urique canyon and over the mountains is a crazy road, full of steep drop offs, cliffs, switchbacks and amazing vista's. My description would be full of exclamation points and capital letters, and while Copper Canyon is all these things, one seems to loose his grasp of, or re-define what exactly is “normal” with time spent travelling by motorcycle.[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I'm lucky to average thirty five kilometres per hour on these roads, bumping and bouncing through the hills, asking directions and making the occasional adjustment to my suspension. It takes me over six and a half hours to complete the two hundred and fifty'ish kilometres of dirt between the two towns.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]With a thick layer of caked up dust and sweat covering my face and neck I arrive in Divisidero much to the amusement of the local population. It takes me a while before I realize that I look like I haven't seen civilization for weeks. Divisidero has an amazing viewpoint which overlooks the three main canyons that make up “Copper Canyon”, Del Cobre, Urique and Tararecura. Unfortunately the photo's here were corrupted somehow, a real shame as i had a few great shots![/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The road to Creel has recently been engineered and paved, its a gorgeous piece of road and the long sweeping corners beg you to twist the throttle to its stops. The views are amazing but end all too suddenly as you pull into the canyon top town of Creel.[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Creel is a up and coming tourist mecca, a great place to use as a base for exploring all that copper canyon has to offer. Side trips to waterfalls, rock formations, lakes, missions as well as the awe inspiring canyons are all possible from here.[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]A quick ride around town confirms my hunch that there is very little in the way of budget accommodations in town. I stay at Hostal/Hotel Casa Margarita's for about $15 a night which, however does include spartan breakfasts and dinners. The staff is very helpful, bilingual, and a great evening is spent gathering local information and sharing travel stories over beer in the dining room.[/FONT]

 

[Mad Max]

This Ride + Report have been AWESOME Pat !
I know you hate your little camera but remember... Better a Second-class photo than a First-class description ANY time..
Thanx for posting

Max

 

[Shuswap]

This Ride + Report have been AWESOME Pat !

+1, certainly appreciate the effort it has taken, thoroughly enjoyed reading about your traveling adventures!!

 

[Scorpion71]

Loving your ride report. Can you perhaps gives us a summary of your total trip.

Total KM's
Breakdowns
Tire Repairs
Total cost

If you did the trip again would you choose the KLR again?

Thanks

 

[dualsportrider]

Great postings! Looks like you had a lot of good food and great riding. I noticed that you have your GPS covering your speedo - Doesn't it fit if you swing it to the side? I added a bar hoop around my gauges to mount my doodads and doesn't cover the gauges.