eemsreno said:
Wecome Juam
From Iowa here
Is it safe to ride down there?
eemsreno said:
Wecome Juam
From Iowa here
Is it safe to ride down there?
Dear EEMSRENO:
First, my apology: my name is Juan (like in "Juan in a million"); the JuaM thing was a typo.
I've learned that "safe" is a relative word (I´ve lived in Mexico, Norway, Australia, U.S.A. and a couple of two month stays in Singapore). Also, I'm not clear if you mean safe as in safe riding or your question has to do with personal safety.
As safe riding as it is in the U.S., the answer is clearly no. We have is less of a driving and riding culture. Some drivers resent riders becase of their wreckless demeanor (riding 100+ mph on higways and between cars aggresively in traffic in the city). Also, some drivers kind of take advantage of the smaller frame of the motorcycles to change lanes, creating unnecessary risky conditions for motorcyclists. Some others may want to race motorcyles, etc. Another hazzardous condition is the pavement, particularly in heavily transited roads: you should expect to find holes or bumps here and there.
I have never had an accident, but I do factor these conditions into my riding, I expect them; if you decide to venture into the country, you should too.
Regarding personal safey, you should also raise your level of awarenes a few notches up: use common sense, but more so. There are certain hotspots you should avoid: the States of Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Morelos, Guerrero and Oaxaca. Also, do not recommend to travel alone or after 5:00 pm in some areas.
Because of my personal circumstances I do most of my riding in a 250 km radius around Mexico City at early hours on weekends; in particular, I recommend the following places to visit (motorcycle friendly): Malinalco (State of Mexico or "Estado de México), Tepoztlan (part of Morelos closest to Mexico City, is safe), Amealco (Querétaro an area known as "Ruta de las Haciendas" or Route of the Haciendas) and Peña de Bernal (Querétaro). Beautiful places, decent roads and great lanscapes getting there. Also, if you adventurous with food, you can get real-deal frsh and delicious Mexican food (a little on the hot side, as expected).
Also, I have never had any difficult situation and I do ride alone most of the time, but mostly because the areas where I ride and the hours that I ride (early morning on Sundays) are overall very safe.
I hope this information is helpful. If I may be of assistance or you decide to visit the Mexico City area, do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Juan
