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15.000km ON THE ODO: Riding in Mexico the Itchy Boots way
Season 6: Project Alaska
1 June 2022Another milestone was reached, when I saw 15.000 kilometers being clocked on the odometer of Alaska. The past 15.000 kilometers I spend riding in The Netherlands, the UK, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, and now Mexico.
Where am I? In Central or North America?
Crossing the border into Mexico felt like an important part of the journey, as it marks the end of my travels through Central America.
Although… it depends on who you ask. People from North America, tend to consider Mexico as part of Central America, whereas people from Central America usually consider Mexico as being part of North America. According to the definition of continents, Central America is not a continent, but the southernmost region of North America, between Mexico and South America. So that excludes Mexico.
But what about Latin America then? Latin America is not a continent, but a region defined by cultural instead of geographical elements such as history and language. Mexico is certainly part of Latin America, therefore bringing it close to the Central American countries. Looking at geopolitics and economics, Mexico is the largest trade partner of the United States, so the connection to North America is strong too.
What makes crossing the border into Mexico special
But wherever you want to put Mexico, under whatever definition, for me, it was a big moment when I crossed the border. Mexico will be the last Spanish-speaking country on this journey to Alaska, as well as the first of the 'big' countries that I will ride through. That means that distances between destinations are increasing massively, and my riding days are going to become much longer. Personally, I look forward to those long riding days. There is nothing like leaving early morning and spend the entire day riding on your motorcycle. If you are a rider yourself, you must know what I'm talking about!
How I plan to stay safe in Mexico
Another change that comes with riding through Mexico, is that I can't quite ride through this country like I've been riding through all the previous countries I've gone through. Even though large parts of Mexico are generally safe, there are certain areas where it's seriously dangerous. And, as a foreigner, it's almost impossible to know which area is fine, and which area is dangerous.
So for the first time in all of my travels, I wasn't in charge of my own route planning. Or well, I was still plotting my routes, but I had to make sure to check them with locals to see if I wouldn't ride through an area I wasn't supposed to.
I quite quickly realized that the biker community is very strong in Mexico, and once you know one rider, he can then ask his riding buddies in other areas for information and tips, who will then ask their buddies again for the next area. Tapping into the rider community like that was extremely valuable, and they gave me first-hand info and great advice on routes.
Another source of information that I use in practically every country, is the app iOverlander. Every traveler that travels around the world in their own vehicle, like a motorcycle or car, can add points of interest, hotels, restaurants, border crossing information to this app. But you can also give warnings for bad roads, or other dangerous situations. I generally consider this reliable information, and for Mexico this app also proved very helpful in giving me a heads-up about specific notorious roads.
That is how I plan my next 5.000km on the ODO. I am looking forward to riding through Mexico with her beautiful nature, incredible off-road riding, fascinating history and delicious food. I intend to explore it all!
Your reply
Although from the UK I lived in Mexico for 12 years. I was very surprised when I first arrived at just how modern the city was and have now subsequently (after 12 years) realised how much I miss the country. Your journey has made me realise just how much. The Copper Canyon was an extraordinary example of the beauty of the country, thank you for a wonderful video. I am new here and have spent almost 4 days straight watching your videos and have to go back and check that I have not missed any. I'll be here waiting for the next.
Madinmex
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Been watching your travels through season 6 and looks like a fantastic journey. I imagine you are now in Canada at time of this comment. If in need if anything as you go through the Kamloops area, I will keep an eye out and wave you on if I see you. Have a great trip!
Nordhaven
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Watched from day 1 season 1. Best of Youtube.
I, like many. will offer up FREE support anywhere from North California to the Washington state border to Canada. I have tools to do any repairs. I have a welder to fix any metal or plastic repairs too. You can order tires and drop ship them to me and we can change them out when you are near. Order a chain and sprockets and drop ship them too.
Last week I got my two sets of Itchy Boots stickers. YEAH!
I ride a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter. With 55 years riding all types of bikes, this scooter does 95% of most other bikes. I can load it up with 300 pounds of gear and still do 85 MPH all day for 400+ miles per day or cruise the small side roads at 25 MPH. Can ride any gravel roads when needed, not a lot of ground clearance.
DaveJ in 98002
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Now I already know how to travel wisely and experience luxury on a lesser cost
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS STERLING HEIGHT
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Hello there! I hope all is well. I just got my motorcycle license after not having it for 30+ years. Inspired by yourself and a few other vloggers/youtubers. Hope to see you when you ride through the Southwest US. So long!
Wackmobile
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Noraly. I have ridden in Mexico and traveled quite a bit there while working. Depending on your route there is no shortage of beautiful places off the beaten path. In the East central state of San Louis Potosi there are many waterfalls such as Tamul and Tamosopo as well as the surreal gardens of Edward James. South of that is a special hot water mountain spring and Grutas of Tolontongo. In the center of the country there are many colonial cities such as Calvillo with nice boutique hotels and miles of mountain roads. On the west coast just south of Puerto Vallarta is the most remote stretch of beach I have ever seen. A small bungaló called Cabanas El Cielito near the village of Villa Del Mar and Tehualmixtle would be my highest recommendation. The routes around the area as you go north are just the kind of roads and people that you like. I suggest the FB page called Motorcycle Mexico as a good resource. My wife and I have enjoyed all of your travels and look forward to what’s next. You are always a topic among our adventure touring gatherings. Safe travels amiga
Kevin NC Adventure Rider
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Hello Noraly,
I don't know where you are on your trip at this point, but I would suggest seeing the Sierra Gorda. I did a trip on my Honda CX500 in 1979 from Texas to Cuidad Victoria and south into the Sierra Gorda. I did a lot of backroads on my non ADV bike and it was a challenge. In the town of Xilitia there is one of Mexicos Pueblos Magicos called Las Pozas de Edward James. Read up on this site, it is very unique. Just a suggestion of its on your way.
Safe travels Bob Barelman
wyobob
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I'll be watching you all the way.
Dave Marriott
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Hi Norley,
This Christmas I rented a 250 Italica and toured around Peurto Vallarta and rhe surrounding hills and countryside; well worth it.
When you enter Canada, I am in Prince George B.C , hope you pass through here.
.webp)
Ron Campbell
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Hi Noraly!
I've been enjoying your trips since about half-way through Season 1. I am really enjoying Season 6. Lots of great rides and stunning vistas. I am sure I was not alone in being concerned about the potential for danger in parts of Mexico, but was sure you were well aware of it as you have shown many times before. So I was pleased to learn of how you are working with locals to help figure out the best routes.
As a Canadian, I will be especially interested to see what routes you will take through the USA and Canada on your way to your ultimate goal of Alaska. As someone else commented, I am concerned if you have enough time left to make it this season. Snow starts to show up in Banff and Jasper as early as September! However, I know you do extensive research and planning, so you probably have it all figured out.
One tiny possible correction. You refer to Mexico as the largest trading partner with the USA. If you meant out of the Latin American countries, that is correct. But out of all countries, Mexico is number three. China and Canada both do more trade with the USA than Mexico.
Stay safe and keep the rubber on the road!!
David Forfun
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