Sunday, February 14, 2010
Snow, Ice, Screeching Tires and Squeeling Brakes
Snow, Ice, Squealing Brakes and Screeching Tires: this CAN'T be good!
Well, we're well on our way into the Mexican heartland and so far the trip has been fantastic! I can't believe it's been just two days!
We arrived safe and sound in Phoenix and I took a day to prep the bike and take care of a few things and we had a great time going out for dinner with Dad and Carol (who were fantastic as always, and REALLY patient with my last minute goings on to get ready), Ward and Bonnie and Mick and Sharon. On Friday morning I still had some last minute prep because I had to complete the wiring for Rosi's heated vest but we finally hit the road at 9:00. A little later than I'd originally hoped but that was due to my over optimistic plans, not anything else.
The ride to the border was longer than last year because this time we crossed at Douglas rather than Nogales. Along the way we had a great lunch at a historic old hotel in Bisbee and a quick tour through downtown Tombstone. The snow on the side of the road at the top of the pass overlooking Bisbee was unexpected but by then it was just after noon so it had warmed up a bit and wasn't too bad.
We pulled into Douglas around 2:00 and decided to play it safe. The next town of size was a good 200 klm away and we still had to clear customs so rather than chance arriving in the dark we crossed into Mexico, checked into a nice hotel and walked back to Customs to take care of our tourist visa's etc. I'd like to say we then had an exciting first night in Mexico by partying until dawn but that would be just a wee bit of a fib. Instead, we had a great dinner at the hotel restaurant and, thanks to fresh air, too much excitement and 425 kilometers on the first day, we were both sound asleep before 9:30!
The next day(today) was a bit of a shock. We knew Northern Mexico is cold due to the elevation but we weren't prepared for quite how cold. Last year, south of Nogales was cold, this morning however was freak'n freezing!
It was right at zero when we took off at 7:30. We're riding in our mesh gear because we expect it to get hot at some point and we're using rain gear and long johns to layer up and cut the wind. This is an OK compromise when it's cool but today it was woefully inadequate. It warmed up a bit as the sun rose but just as we thought, OK, that's not so bad, we started to climb over the continental divide between Agua Prieta and Janos. I have no idea how high we were but I'm guessing 5,000 feet(?) and the temperature gauge on my bike dropped to minus five. There was hard crusty snow all around us and the mud puddles in the ditch were frozen solid. Who would guess that we'd travel to Mexico and our biggest worry wouldn't be the drug war but instead was black ice?!
The rest of the trip this morning was fairly uneventful. We picked up the Autopista half way to Chihuahua and were able to make some great time. And yes, my bike will still do 140 kph fully loaded and two-up! The autopista, gotta love it!
The only mishap - more like a VERY close call - was arriving into Chihuahua around 3:00, just in time for rush hour. The Mexican traffic light system is confusing at the best of times but it's even worse when you start to pull an illegal u-turn and then decide to abort and pull back into traffic at the last minute. But hey, the other guys brakes apparently worked really well, at least from what I could hear, and we finally arrived safe and sound, if not a little shaken after another 525 klm.
Total so far = 950 klm
The only other thing of note is our plans have changed quite a bit. The five day forecast for Veracruz is highs of 12 -13 and a 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms. There have been some wicked storms down here and it's been unseasonably cold in some areas so we're going g to stay further west. Our plan now is to head to Lake Chapala for a few days and then dogleg down to Cuyutlan just south of Manzanillo where it'll hopefully be hot and sunny.
That's it for now
Cheers!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Just a short update
Nothing new or terribly exciting to pass on - just a brief up date on what's happening.
First, although Rosi is able to temper it quite well, I'm REALLY freak'n excited about our upcoming trip! I've now bought all the gadgets and gizmo's that Rosi will allow so the prep is all done. We leave on the 10th for Phoenix where I'll pull the bike from storage and get a service done and install all the gear that's been shipped and waiting for me at Dad's. The plan is to be on the bike and rolling by 7:00am on the 12th because it's like last year. There's not a lot to see in Northern Mexico so we'll have three fairly long days in the saddle before we make out first major stop in Saltillo, just outside of Monterrey.
The last few weeks have been a real whirlwind of activity. I was away for a week in Kamloops conducting an audit, got home on Friday night and by noon Saturday we were heading to Vancouver to attend David's fiftieth birthday party. It was a great time and we're glad we could be part of it. On Sunday Tami and Rosi drove back together and I caught an early flight to Winnipeg where I was for three days teaching a course. And just for the record, I'll NEVER complain about the weather here in Summerland EVER again. Not now that I've experienced 20 below with 80kph winds and a windchill of minus 30! Thanks, but not for me!
I'm back home again for a few days and on Monday I leave again for another week to conduct an audit in Clearwater. So far it's been great. I'm busy and having a ball!
Rosi is well and holding down the fort and has her game face on for the trip. It was scary for a brief time because the weather in the area we're going to was unseasonably cold - but it's great again and we're looking forward to some hot hot days. And more important - it'll be great to see the sun again. The Okanagan may be mild in the winter but sunny it's not.
Anyway, that's it for now
Cheers
First, although Rosi is able to temper it quite well, I'm REALLY freak'n excited about our upcoming trip! I've now bought all the gadgets and gizmo's that Rosi will allow so the prep is all done. We leave on the 10th for Phoenix where I'll pull the bike from storage and get a service done and install all the gear that's been shipped and waiting for me at Dad's. The plan is to be on the bike and rolling by 7:00am on the 12th because it's like last year. There's not a lot to see in Northern Mexico so we'll have three fairly long days in the saddle before we make out first major stop in Saltillo, just outside of Monterrey.
The last few weeks have been a real whirlwind of activity. I was away for a week in Kamloops conducting an audit, got home on Friday night and by noon Saturday we were heading to Vancouver to attend David's fiftieth birthday party. It was a great time and we're glad we could be part of it. On Sunday Tami and Rosi drove back together and I caught an early flight to Winnipeg where I was for three days teaching a course. And just for the record, I'll NEVER complain about the weather here in Summerland EVER again. Not now that I've experienced 20 below with 80kph winds and a windchill of minus 30! Thanks, but not for me!
I'm back home again for a few days and on Monday I leave again for another week to conduct an audit in Clearwater. So far it's been great. I'm busy and having a ball!
Rosi is well and holding down the fort and has her game face on for the trip. It was scary for a brief time because the weather in the area we're going to was unseasonably cold - but it's great again and we're looking forward to some hot hot days. And more important - it'll be great to see the sun again. The Okanagan may be mild in the winter but sunny it's not.
Anyway, that's it for now
Cheers
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Busy Times Indeed
Just a quick update to let friends and family know we're alive and well. Not much new to report I'm afraid - just same ol, same ol.
In the past few weeks we've concentrated on getting things back to normal after Christmas and I've continued on my prep for the trip. Nothing too exciting there either. I don't want to say it's old hat, because that implies we're not excited, but it is a lot easier now that we've done it a few times. I've ordered a few more things for delivery to AJ (thanks Dad!) and there'll be a flurry of activity just before we leave but at this point the prep it's pretty much done.
The next few weeks will just fly by because we're really going to be busy. I'm leaving this Monday for a week in Kamloops to conduct an audit. When I get back I have two more assignments out of town and then we leave on our trip. And between business trips we're making a quick trip down to Vancouver to attend David's 50th birthday party. Wow - who would have thought, 50? Yikes, that means I'm not far behind!
Business wise things are really cooking. The three assignments I have this month are all repeated to some degree every month we get back until the end of June. July and Aug are always slow for training and audit and then it'll all start back up in the second half of the year. When we're on the trip I'll be working most evenings. (What can I say? Work is the necessary evil that pays for the trip so I guess it's a fair trade) I signed up as a mentor for an on-line cohort for two different credit union courses which take about 10 hours/week each and I'm working with a marketing consultant and a website developer to rebrand my business. Very soon Dexco Training Consultants will officially be Dexco Consulting to better reflect the other things I'm doing besides training. I'll be dealing with this during the trip too so that I can launch my new website as soon as I'm back. I guess it's true, there really is no rest for the wicked :-)
That's it for now
Cheers
In the past few weeks we've concentrated on getting things back to normal after Christmas and I've continued on my prep for the trip. Nothing too exciting there either. I don't want to say it's old hat, because that implies we're not excited, but it is a lot easier now that we've done it a few times. I've ordered a few more things for delivery to AJ (thanks Dad!) and there'll be a flurry of activity just before we leave but at this point the prep it's pretty much done.
The next few weeks will just fly by because we're really going to be busy. I'm leaving this Monday for a week in Kamloops to conduct an audit. When I get back I have two more assignments out of town and then we leave on our trip. And between business trips we're making a quick trip down to Vancouver to attend David's 50th birthday party. Wow - who would have thought, 50? Yikes, that means I'm not far behind!
Business wise things are really cooking. The three assignments I have this month are all repeated to some degree every month we get back until the end of June. July and Aug are always slow for training and audit and then it'll all start back up in the second half of the year. When we're on the trip I'll be working most evenings. (What can I say? Work is the necessary evil that pays for the trip so I guess it's a fair trade) I signed up as a mentor for an on-line cohort for two different credit union courses which take about 10 hours/week each and I'm working with a marketing consultant and a website developer to rebrand my business. Very soon Dexco Training Consultants will officially be Dexco Consulting to better reflect the other things I'm doing besides training. I'll be dealing with this during the trip too so that I can launch my new website as soon as I'm back. I guess it's true, there really is no rest for the wicked :-)
That's it for now
Cheers
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
All over but the crying!
Well, Christmas is now over and it's on to other things.
We had a wonderful Christmas, with lots of great food and good times. Brad flew in from Victoria and Pam and the kids and Anne joined us for Christmas eve and Christmas dinner.
Here's wishing all our friends and family a healthy and prosperous 2010!
But.............NOW, we can turn our minds to more important things, motorcycling!!
We leave for Veracruz in just over six weeks and things are starting to fall into place. Through the marvel of modern technology and the magic of the Internet I was able to buy my Mexican motorcycle insurance and out-of-country medical insurance all online, all from the comfort of home. Likewise, even the Mexican Govt has jumped on the Internet bandwagon. You have to understand; crossing personally into Mexico is easy, whether by plane or bus. All you need is a quick stamp in your passport and a simple tourist visa and you're on your way. But.......taking a vehicle into Mexico is another matter. Now it's not immigration you're dealing with, it's Customs. It's still relatively easy but certainly not painless. There's LOT's of paperwork, stamps, fees and a LONG lineup at the border if it's a busy time. Or........you can just log onto the new Mexican Govt website and fill out everything online, pay with your visa and wham, bam, thank you ma'am, you're on your way! FedEx delivers all your import documents directly to your door ten days later - you scan your drivers license, passport and vehicle registration along with a letter promising to ensure your vehicle leaves the country within a specified time period and you're done. When you show up at the border you still have to get your visa and passport stamped but it's in a separate (MUCH faster) line and you just drive on through. Gotta love it!
And of course, no Mexico motorcycle trip would be complete without some new kit. I was well behaved at the Seattle motorcycle show so I don't feel too guilty;
http://www.cycleluggage.com/shad-sh46-top-case.html
http://www.bestrestproducts.com/c-98-beadbrakr.aspx
And of course my poor Dad in Apache Junction now has to play the part of shipping receiver and accept delivery of all my spur of the moment purchases. Every time I order something I promise him it's the last time......and then inevitably I follow up with something else....thanks Dad!
Well that's it for now - lots of planning still to do. It'll be close to 6,000 klm return and this time we're determined that Rosi will have a better time than last year!
Cheers
We had a wonderful Christmas, with lots of great food and good times. Brad flew in from Victoria and Pam and the kids and Anne joined us for Christmas eve and Christmas dinner.
Here's wishing all our friends and family a healthy and prosperous 2010!
But.............NOW, we can turn our minds to more important things, motorcycling!!
We leave for Veracruz in just over six weeks and things are starting to fall into place. Through the marvel of modern technology and the magic of the Internet I was able to buy my Mexican motorcycle insurance and out-of-country medical insurance all online, all from the comfort of home. Likewise, even the Mexican Govt has jumped on the Internet bandwagon. You have to understand; crossing personally into Mexico is easy, whether by plane or bus. All you need is a quick stamp in your passport and a simple tourist visa and you're on your way. But.......taking a vehicle into Mexico is another matter. Now it's not immigration you're dealing with, it's Customs. It's still relatively easy but certainly not painless. There's LOT's of paperwork, stamps, fees and a LONG lineup at the border if it's a busy time. Or........you can just log onto the new Mexican Govt website and fill out everything online, pay with your visa and wham, bam, thank you ma'am, you're on your way! FedEx delivers all your import documents directly to your door ten days later - you scan your drivers license, passport and vehicle registration along with a letter promising to ensure your vehicle leaves the country within a specified time period and you're done. When you show up at the border you still have to get your visa and passport stamped but it's in a separate (MUCH faster) line and you just drive on through. Gotta love it!
And of course, no Mexico motorcycle trip would be complete without some new kit. I was well behaved at the Seattle motorcycle show so I don't feel too guilty;
http://www.cycleluggage.com/shad-sh46-top-case.html
http://www.bestrestproducts.com/c-98-beadbrakr.aspx
And of course my poor Dad in Apache Junction now has to play the part of shipping receiver and accept delivery of all my spur of the moment purchases. Every time I order something I promise him it's the last time......and then inevitably I follow up with something else....thanks Dad!
Well that's it for now - lots of planning still to do. It'll be close to 6,000 klm return and this time we're determined that Rosi will have a better time than last year!
Cheers
Monday, December 14, 2009
Seattle Motorcycle Show
We drove down to Seattle on the weekend to attend the motorcycle show. Some great bikes to try on for size and some good deals on accessories!
And Priceline came through once again! We received a screaming good deal on our hotel in Seattle, and an even better deal at the Marriot in Vancouver the next night. I highly recommend Priceline the next time you're trying to book a hotel.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Find Me Spot!
Hi All
Not much new to report - pretty much same ol, same ol.
I completed my assignment in Lillooet and did a quick turnaround and headed right back out to Ashcroft. I was there for a week conducting another audit and then back home to catch up on paperwork, complete a project and present a webinar on-line to approx 20 participants.
Tomorrow Rosi and I are heading down to Seattle to go to their big motorcycle show. Brad is joining us and from there we'll head up to David's and Terry's for their annual Christmas party. A good time is sure to be had by all - and my credit card will undoubtedly get a good work out at the show. Rosi and I both need new helmets ( OK she needs one and I just want one - but hey, a want is pretty close to a need, right?) and I'm always looking for new gadgets for the bike. It should be fun.
One interesting thing I just bought though, is the SPOT GPS tracker. It's VERY cool!
http://www.findmespot.ca/en/
We originally saw one of these at the Horizon's rally in Nakusp and I've wanted one ever since. It's basically a one-way GPS communications device. You sign up for their annual service and then you can pre-program up to ten separate e-mail addresses into your account. Every time you press the button it sends a pre-formatted e-mail to your contact list letting them know you're alive and well, plus it gives your GPS co-ordinates and links them to an embedded Google map that plots your course as you travel. Rosi and I will be on the Road in Mexico pretty soon when we go to Veracruz and this will allow friends to follow along. It also has another cool feature - if you press the SOS button it sends a signal to a monitoring centre in Houston. They then can get in touch with the authorities in over 200 countries and dispatch help directly to your GPS co-ordinates. And if they don't have access to the authorities in the particular country you're in they'll immediately get in touch with your Consulate or Embassy to solicit their assistance. If Search and Rescue is necessary they'll pay up to $100,000 to cover this expense as part of their insurance program.
It's probably overkill for just Mexico but I'll be on some pretty remote roads this summer because I'm riding to Colorado and I'm still planning on a South American trip in the near future and this will give Rosi a degree of comfort while I'm away on the road.
Well that's it for now
Cheers
Not much new to report - pretty much same ol, same ol.
I completed my assignment in Lillooet and did a quick turnaround and headed right back out to Ashcroft. I was there for a week conducting another audit and then back home to catch up on paperwork, complete a project and present a webinar on-line to approx 20 participants.
Tomorrow Rosi and I are heading down to Seattle to go to their big motorcycle show. Brad is joining us and from there we'll head up to David's and Terry's for their annual Christmas party. A good time is sure to be had by all - and my credit card will undoubtedly get a good work out at the show. Rosi and I both need new helmets ( OK she needs one and I just want one - but hey, a want is pretty close to a need, right?) and I'm always looking for new gadgets for the bike. It should be fun.
One interesting thing I just bought though, is the SPOT GPS tracker. It's VERY cool!
http://www.findmespot.ca/en/
We originally saw one of these at the Horizon's rally in Nakusp and I've wanted one ever since. It's basically a one-way GPS communications device. You sign up for their annual service and then you can pre-program up to ten separate e-mail addresses into your account. Every time you press the button it sends a pre-formatted e-mail to your contact list letting them know you're alive and well, plus it gives your GPS co-ordinates and links them to an embedded Google map that plots your course as you travel. Rosi and I will be on the Road in Mexico pretty soon when we go to Veracruz and this will allow friends to follow along. It also has another cool feature - if you press the SOS button it sends a signal to a monitoring centre in Houston. They then can get in touch with the authorities in over 200 countries and dispatch help directly to your GPS co-ordinates. And if they don't have access to the authorities in the particular country you're in they'll immediately get in touch with your Consulate or Embassy to solicit their assistance. If Search and Rescue is necessary they'll pay up to $100,000 to cover this expense as part of their insurance program.
It's probably overkill for just Mexico but I'll be on some pretty remote roads this summer because I'm riding to Colorado and I'm still planning on a South American trip in the near future and this will give Rosi a degree of comfort while I'm away on the road.
Well that's it for now
Cheers
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