Bigguy Rides - 2014 S10 Travels - Finished Riding a Lap Around The World

[Bigguy136]

I found this Copper Canyon in Mexico. Don't know if it's the right one being that there's a few of them. About 70mi southwest of Chihuahua as the crow flies. Google Maps wouldn't map out a route.
Copper Canyon - Google Maps

Thanks for looking. I made a comment on another forum that it was 10 hours to cross and others said it takes 10 days. It looks like a series of dirt roads that make up a region. I should do more research before going somewhere but I like to just ride somewhere without knowing what to expect.
Looking back, I am happy to have gone the direction I did vs weeks of riding Copper Canyon.

 

[mybackhurts]

Damn bro be careful. Some spots out there are no joke.

 

[Bigguy136]

As I was heading west, taking in the views, I knew I was here for more than chewing up miles and taking photos. It was warmer than back home but I still wanted more. I always wanted to try a real border. I read some ride reports and crossing borders not connected to USA sounded near impossible. I figure I was just riding, why not head for Central America? The idea was to get to Guatemala and assuming I would get turned away, I would get close enough to call it good.
So begins the new purpose for this ride.







I ended up on the toll way. Looking back, I should've been on secondary roads but coming from USA and big interstates, I just stayed on the toll way. I also didn't have much for a map and didn't do any planning for this trip so I didn't even know what secondary roads to take. I went thru about $50 USD at all the tolls. Some would be 5 minutes apart.
Most of the toll way was fenced off but one evening, I saw an opening and went to find a place to collect my thoughts.


Yes, hotels are very affordable in Mexico but there are times I just want to have my space for the night.

And always some good street food. Looking back, Mexico has some of the best street food in the world.


The bikes are a bit smaller than a S10. Can you find the odd duck?

 

[Bigguy136]

As I was in southern Mexico, there was mikes of stop and go traffic. I was lane splitting but with a S10 with aluminum panniers, I am a bit wider and take my time. An ambulance was coming up so I moved over so I didn't get in their way. When they went by, I figured I would follow the opening being made for them and follow thru. The ambulance needed to go from left side to right side shoulder so a semi backed up to let them cross over. I gave some room and then followed. Semi was trying to close off the opening as I was going thru. I figured be quick and no way he would get that close but he kept coming and tapped the side of my bike and knocked it over. Years back I was T-boned by a pick-up (9 weeks in hospital) and have a short fuse for someone intentionally getting this close to a bike. I got up and he was getting out of his truck. He was maybe 5' 8" and 160 lbs. I am 6'2" and 230 lbs. The F-bombs were flying and I was going to knock the guy out. He quickly went back in his truck as I was reaching in the open window to drag him out of his truck. I was hearing several people yelling behind me and I calmed down. Got back to my bike and left.
That night, I got my first "auto motel" or sex hotels. They have private/ covered parking. I wasn't thinking about needing to hide my motorcycle but I did like having a private garage.

The street food just kept impressing me.




A bit warm temps (90°F-95°F typically), I was suppressed to see a snow covered mountain peak.


The views as I got closer to Guademalla became a lot more enjoyable.

 

[Bigguy136]

I started this trip with very little understanding of Mexico. I was still thinking like I was in USA and riding all day and eating whenever. Getting into a town for the night and then looking for a late dinner wasn't working. I end up having a dinner like below. Not bad but also no other options. The good food vendors run out of food earlier and less good food vendors then can sell their food. After dark, the very less good food is finally sold to people like me that show up late and hungry.




And always watch where you walk



Just before the Guatemala border, traffic was a lot lighter and trees were everywhere. Only question, can I get into Guatemala??




Pre-border breakfast street food. $.25
It was so good, I had to get a 2nd.

 

[Sierra1]

Maybe change the title of this thread to Southern Mexico? (instead of Korea) One of our members, and his wife, is a few countries ahead of you in Chile. He addresses some of the issues of crossing borders with little drama. TRAVELOGUE – RoamingViking

 

[mybackhurts]

Maybe change the title of this thread to Southern Mexico? (instead of Korea) One of our members, and his wife, is a few countries ahead of you in Chile. He addresses some of the issues of crossing borders with little drama. TRAVELOGUE – RoamingViking

Just got confused by that right before I read your comment lol.

 

[Bigguy136]

I got home from a lap around the world on Saturday. I will contact the mods for a title change.
Mexico and Central America was from 2020.

 

[Bigguy136]

This would be my first 'real' border crossing. I got to the Mexico side and was able to get stamped out easily.

I kept my TIP (temporary vehicle import deposit) as I would need it on my return. People recommend to close TIP, get your money and then start a new one when returning just in case your motorcycle breaks down and you can't return to Mexico as you lose your money. No worries, I'm on a S10.
Another thing I learned is there is a 'no man's land' between borders. I left Mexico and had 2.5 miles before I got to Guatemala's border.
Pulling up to customs office, my tires were sprayed and then asked for money. Hmmm, all locals are riding motorcycles back and forth without the tire fumigation/ tourist shake down.
I brought in my bike papers and passport and hoped for the best. I was told I needed a PCR test. I didn't understand and I tried using my phone translator app but they refuse to let a phone be used. They wrote something on a piece of paper and gave it to me and pushed me out the door. I had a look of defeat on my face because I didn't understand what they said or what I needed to do. Outside there was a border guard that came over and with limited English, asked what was wrong. I showed him the paper and he said doctor and pointed back to Mexico. Said building on right. I turned back and saw a symbol for hospital but nobody was there. I went to next building (Mexico customs) as the lady there knew English. She said doctor was out but would be back soon. Great, maybe this will work.
With time to kill, I want looking around no man's land




The doc returned, showed him the note and learned I needed a covid negative test. I expedited the test to 1 hour, got my paperwork and returned to customs. A few minutes later I was getting a new sticker installed on my windshield.


And with that, I was in Guatemala.

 

[Bigguy136]

As soon as I crossed into Guatemala, Goole Maps stopped working. My cell package didn't include Central America. No problem, Garmin is working. 30 minutes later, Garmin stopped working. I understand that Central America is part of North America but Garmin feels differently. No problem. I had a city saved in my favorites and I had to keep my Garmin in the menu showing saved points to select but I couldn't select it because it couldn't find a route. I had to leave the selection menu show and an arrow showed what direction to go in.
I went to a gas station for paper maps but nothing. No GPS and no cell phone. And then off and on showers. Welcome to being unprepared for Guatemala.
It was getting dark and I couldn't find a place open and flat to put up my tent. I got to a town and kept asking for a place to sleep. Hand signals and pointing, I got to a hotel. I asked for parking and ended up moving a display case and bringing my bike into a store.


I went up to my room and my head was spinning. I never been on an airplane, never travelled outside of USA, Canada and just went across Mexico for the first time in my life. Now I got to Guatemala and parked my bike in a retail store and was sleeping above the store. My adventure bubble was getting stretched much larger by the second.
I was woke at 5:30AM because the market was going to get set up in the street and that will block off me being able to get my bike out of parking spot. No hot water so no need for a shower. 5 minutes later and I'm getting on my bike and discovering a whole new world for me.
I love markets. I found one and was perfect to get something for breakfast.




It was time to go see a new world with no phone, GPS or paper map.

 

[Bigguy136]

With no maps, GPS or phone, I was heading towards El Salvador.




Not sure what roads to take, the ones I was on was working for me.






I got to about half way across Guatemala and traffic came to a stop. I rode the opposite traffic side of the road until I got to the issue. The roads were blocked from a protest. There was an official in a truck next to me and he spoke English. Perfect. All good sir? No, roads will be blocked for an unknown time and more roads are getting block.
That wasn't what I wanted to hear and not having a phone or GPS, I back tracked my route and headed back to Mexico. I got the answer to what I was there for and that was if I could get across foreign borders of borders not connected to USA.
A hotel stop for the night. Very basic shower, no hot water and never a toilet seat.



But good parking spot

 

[Bigguy136]

And the next day I continued to the Mexico border. Being the end of October and I live in Minnesota, I felt better being in Mexico in case the weather changed. I knew I would be back to see Guatemala and I would be more prepared.

 

[Bigguy136]

Being back in Mexico, my cell phone and GPS started working again. I carry a tablet with Garmin Basecamp and able to create routes I feel I would like. About 10 minutes after entering Mexico, there was a row of food stands. How to decide what one to visit. One would think go to the one with all the cars. That would be the smart thing but being a single guy, I tend to visit the stands with a nice looking lady. I know, shame on me.....
I got these tacos. Very average at best. Veggies were the best part of the meal.


But then there was the lady who made them. I was trying to talk to her but she knew little English and I knew zero Spanish. She let me take her photo then took my phone and put her phone number in it. That was easy....


It was time to start riding the smaller roads of Mexico and enjoy not having to pay a toll every 10 minutes.



And more street food. If you like food and ever thought about travelling, get to Mexico. Their food is more than worth it.
And these were fantastic.


Some fresh fruit and juice.


Stopped in El Playon. Place was empty. Sad to see so little business but I was happy to be the only one there.

 

[Bigguy136]

Dinner was good. I was in a resort town and very little going on.



I continued on smaller roads and getting into small towns. I was very happy to be experiencing this. I can see how people can go to Mexico for years and never see the same thing twice.
I stopped in a small restaurant and the locals were not used to seeing tourist. I just wanted some chicken and ended up with what looked to be a chicken plus.


I was leaving and the lady wanted a photo together. I was really enjoying the back roads of Mexico.


And more riding




And more food. A bit American looking....


This is better

 

[Bigguy136]

Continuing north thru Mexico continued to impress. Stopped for lunch and had some of the best pork ever



Scenery was impressive. Had some drizzle in higher elevation.






I love small town markets. Perfect ending to a great day's ride.



Never thought I would like pineapple with what I thought was red pepper. It was great but not hot. Not sure what it was but I would have it again.

 

[Bigguy136]

More market viewing


Decided on dinner. A lesson learned on eating late in the evening getting food from the only vendor who still has food...


As usual, no toilet seats. Being born and raised in USA, a toilet seat is normal. Being an engineer, I love finding creative solutions to whatever needs fixing....


And my creative solution would be needed that night. About 2:00AM, dinner was telling me I made a bad choice of where to eat. Fortunate thing is being able to puke and shit at the same time in a bathroom as such. Then turn the shower on and wash everything down. It was a rough night and weak in the morning but the smell in my room was making me ill. I rode to the closest gas station and got some Gatorade.



Next night I wasn't feeling great and it was Halloween. I got a room early and relaxed most of the evening on the balcony. Not sure if the town was just hopping or if they were celebrating Halloween also.





I can barely fit myself on my S10 and here is a family on a scooter.

 

[Bigguy136]

In the morning, I was more towards 98% and feeling great.
Here is my parking spot for the night.


The riding didn't disappoint.

 

[Bigguy136]

Along the way





Trying to eat food again


My last night in Mexico


About 2 hours before USA border and my feelings of Mexico (hopefully everyone sees pick as thumbs up and not the other hand gesture)


Back in USA and very different food



And coming home.


With my 2020 riding season done, it was time to start planning. Having confidence in border crossings, my trip planning was no longer limited to North America. A lot of work and planning to do over the winter.

 

[Bigguy136]

Over the winter of 2020/2021, I wanted to look at a few items on my bike. One was the rear end gear coupler. I did a modify a few years prior and now with some miles on my bike, I wanted to know if it was fixed for lifetime or not.

I decided I needed a tool to help pull the driveshaft out. Much easier.


And now the moment of truth..... It was perfect


I never was a video guy but decided it was time to mount some GoPro camera. If you are on the fence about getting a video camera, do so, just stay away from GoPro. Over the years, I have lost a lot of video because camera decides to lock up just because.

GoPro 8 with power cable.


Custom mounts so all cameras use the same quick disconnect.


I was very happy with everything on my bike and it was time for spring and to play

North Dakota on my way to Wyoming


It was end of May 2021 and my planned camp spots in the Big Horns were still snowed in. I went back towards Dayton, WY to lower elevation but not much for remote camping. I found a small area with enough of a flat spot for my tent

Not much for the tent but it will work


Tent is up and feeling good about my travel set-up.


The road in


And a wheel chock just in case


And dinner

 

[Bigguy136]

Finding better areas for camping in lower elevation on my way back thru North Dakota. I love the remoteness of these roads.






With my set-up how I want it, it was time for the next big chapter in my travels with my Super Tenere. Get it to Europe.
I decided to have my bike shipped out of Orlando, Florida and I needed my bike to them beginning of March. Living in Minnesota, I didn't know what weather would be so I decided weather was good enough for a November 1 ride to FL. I left after work on a Friday. I had 2 hours of daylight then riding in dark and cold. Not fun but I got the miles in. I made just north of Orlando by Sunday afternoon. I stopped in a Walmart for an oil change and all was set.
I got up at 5AM and was on I75 in Monday morning rush hour with everyone doing 80MPH+ and so was I until I hit something big. Bike was shaking but settled down but my GPS was telling me I have no air in my front tire. Shit....
I work my way to the shoulder and as I was getting onto the shoulder, a handful of brakes. At the bike dropped in speed, the front wheel came off both beads and was flopping back and forth. Get off the front brakes and stand on the rear. I kept the bike up, rode off the road a bit so I could work on my bike. Pulled the front wheel and put an innertube in.


30 PSI is all I could put in tire before the tube wanted to come out thru the cut. All good, I'm still going. Sucks being a brand new tire.


And I made it


My bike inside for the winter. Flipped the windshield and all set. Next time I would see my bike would be in Europe.