Riding in Mexico
Quote from sarod on 19.04.2022, 07:55Guido, I think recall seeing somewhere that you live in Mexico - but my question is open to anyone with expertise travelling in Mexico.
I live in Texas and have been wanting to take a trip into Mexico - maybe north-east part for the first trip - Monterrey to the coast.
Pavement preferred and most likely a solo ride - so any tips on personal safety are also welcome. I have never crossed a boarder by land. I have travelled a lot internationally but always by plane.
Recommendations on places to go, places to stay also welcome.
Thanks in advance, everyone.
Guido, I think recall seeing somewhere that you live in Mexico - but my question is open to anyone with expertise travelling in Mexico.
I live in Texas and have been wanting to take a trip into Mexico - maybe north-east part for the first trip - Monterrey to the coast.
Pavement preferred and most likely a solo ride - so any tips on personal safety are also welcome. I have never crossed a boarder by land. I have travelled a lot internationally but always by plane.
Recommendations on places to go, places to stay also welcome.
Thanks in advance, everyone.
Quote from Guido on 19.04.2022, 10:08Hi @sarod,
I've personally never traveled that far up north, but I know that around Monterey is relatively safe. Tamaulipas (state east of Monterey on the Gulf of Mexico coast) is less safe. Closer to the border it becomes less safe due to increased Narco activity. However narco related crime doesn't target outsiders on purpose. Tourist related crime is mostly related to scamming / asking for 'fees' (even by official government workers, incl. police) and light crime such as pickpocketing and maybe a mugging.
Of course you have all the official sites... you probably know this one: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html Read it, and take note, of course. But don't let it scare you too much.
Some general advice: stay on the main roads, only travel in daylight, avoid the known problem areas listed on the sites, and listen to your gut. The vast majority of people are super friendly and hospitable. If you're not looking for trouble, you won't easily find it is my experience.
One big BUT... I've always traveled with two or three motorcycles. I believe that increases security a lot. Alone you are vulnerable and might be considered more of a target. Depending on your experience- and comfort level in traveling alone, you might be fine with that. Otherwise, you could consider doing an organized group ride for the first time.
This is not meant to scare you. Mexico is a great country. I've lived in Mexico for 7 years now and traveled quite a bit through the country, including some 'red' regions. On motorcycle but also by car with my family. I have never had anything bad happen to me.
I know it's not much to go on, but I hope it helps you a bit. If you have any follow up questions please let me know.
Best regards,
Guido
Hi @sarod,
I've personally never traveled that far up north, but I know that around Monterey is relatively safe. Tamaulipas (state east of Monterey on the Gulf of Mexico coast) is less safe. Closer to the border it becomes less safe due to increased Narco activity. However narco related crime doesn't target outsiders on purpose. Tourist related crime is mostly related to scamming / asking for 'fees' (even by official government workers, incl. police) and light crime such as pickpocketing and maybe a mugging.
Of course you have all the official sites... you probably know this one: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html Read it, and take note, of course. But don't let it scare you too much.
Some general advice: stay on the main roads, only travel in daylight, avoid the known problem areas listed on the sites, and listen to your gut. The vast majority of people are super friendly and hospitable. If you're not looking for trouble, you won't easily find it is my experience.
One big BUT... I've always traveled with two or three motorcycles. I believe that increases security a lot. Alone you are vulnerable and might be considered more of a target. Depending on your experience- and comfort level in traveling alone, you might be fine with that. Otherwise, you could consider doing an organized group ride for the first time.
This is not meant to scare you. Mexico is a great country. I've lived in Mexico for 7 years now and traveled quite a bit through the country, including some 'red' regions. On motorcycle but also by car with my family. I have never had anything bad happen to me.
I know it's not much to go on, but I hope it helps you a bit. If you have any follow up questions please let me know.
Best regards,
Guido
