Richard Gibbens
If you want to stop at Pollos Asados Charly's, here's where to find it:
Your exact GPS coordinates are:
N 24 02' 59"
W 098 53' 49"
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The Wild Bunch In The Remote Backcountry of Mexico's Sierra Gorda
- Thread starter tricepilot
- Start date
Richard Gibbens
If you want to stop at Pollos Asados Charly's, here's where to find it:
Your exact GPS coordinates are:
N 24 02' 59"
W 098 53' 49"
Got caught up! So far, so good! 
The story so far;
Food - Border - Rain - Food
'Bout get it?
Food - Border - Rain - Food
'Bout get it?
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 4,491
- Reaction score
- 1,286
- Location
- Buda, TX
- First Name
- Rich
- Last Name
- Gibbens
Yes, that's it.
If you prefer one word summaries we can go ahead and finish the ride report now and not waste time with a more complete write-up.
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 4,491
- Reaction score
- 1,286
- Location
- Buda, TX
- First Name
- Rich
- Last Name
- Gibbens
Once our hunger was satiated, we mounted up and continued our journey. Aside from the areas where road construction slowed things up we made reasonable progress.
If you are ever in the area, I recommend riding (the old) Highway 101 south out of Victoria versus taking (the new) Highway 126. 101 winds through the mountains while 126 bypasses them as much as possible. Most of the traffic and all of the big trucks take the new highway because it's much faster, leaving hwy 101 empty for folks like us. The twists are fun and the scenery is great - you'll be glad you took this road.
Many hours later we finally arrived in the town of Tula. With a little bit of searching we located the Hotel Mollinedo near the town square. It was a nice place, typically of the type of hotels we sought out during this trip.
They had a courtyard that was big enough for us to secure the bikes overnight.
Once the bikes were unloaded and we were all cleaned up, it was time for a night on the town. After all, we like to PARTY! (And by party, I mean take naps.)
Our night on the town consisted of finding a place to eat, sightseeing, eating ice cream, visiting with the locals, and taking pictures. Not necessarily in that order.
I love the design on this building.
Life is short - make time for ice cream
This little fellow was really interested in the gringo and his camera.
We wandered back to the hotel about 9pm or so (like I said, we are party animals), thus ending the first night.
The boring, straight pavement stuff was now out of the way. The first new dirt of the trip was scheduled for the first thing tomorrow morning and we were ready.
If you are ever in the area, I recommend riding (the old) Highway 101 south out of Victoria versus taking (the new) Highway 126. 101 winds through the mountains while 126 bypasses them as much as possible. Most of the traffic and all of the big trucks take the new highway because it's much faster, leaving hwy 101 empty for folks like us. The twists are fun and the scenery is great - you'll be glad you took this road.
Many hours later we finally arrived in the town of Tula. With a little bit of searching we located the Hotel Mollinedo near the town square. It was a nice place, typically of the type of hotels we sought out during this trip.
They had a courtyard that was big enough for us to secure the bikes overnight.
Once the bikes were unloaded and we were all cleaned up, it was time for a night on the town. After all, we like to PARTY! (And by party, I mean take naps.)
Our night on the town consisted of finding a place to eat, sightseeing, eating ice cream, visiting with the locals, and taking pictures. Not necessarily in that order.
I love the design on this building.
Life is short - make time for ice cream
This little fellow was really interested in the gringo and his camera.
We wandered back to the hotel about 9pm or so (like I said, we are party animals), thus ending the first night.
The boring, straight pavement stuff was now out of the way. The first new dirt of the trip was scheduled for the first thing tomorrow morning and we were ready.
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The pic of y'all crowding around the ice cream counter; I can see the boys inside the grown men. Ice cream does that.
pretty good.
pretty good.
Things finally got interesting on old Hwy 101 south of Ciudad Victoria
Mexican rodeo
I've never been to a Mexican rodeo and was tempted.
But Rich had "that look" in his eye.
Great scenery south of Cd. Victoria. And finally Tula and our hotel.
The sign behind the front desk clearly states a single room is 260 pesos (about $18). However this little concierge was getting 305 pesos each by promising a fractura or receipt.
The 'ole receipt scam
The extra guy is another motorcyclist who joined us for dinner
I've never been to a Mexican rodeo and was tempted.
But Rich had "that look" in his eye.
Great scenery south of Cd. Victoria. And finally Tula and our hotel.
The sign behind the front desk clearly states a single room is 260 pesos (about $18). However this little concierge was getting 305 pesos each by promising a fractura or receipt.
The 'ole receipt scam
The extra guy is another motorcyclist who joined us for dinner
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Every bit the Wild Bunch, don't you think?
Interesting dude down at the plaza.
I asked if he were a musician, did he have an instrument in the bag.
No, he said, that's my luggage.
Interesting dude down at the plaza.
I asked if he were a musician, did he have an instrument in the bag.
No, he said, that's my luggage.
Great scenery south of Cd. Victoria.
That guy gets about.
Saturday night, downtown Tula, Tamaulipas
We asked these guys what was going on that they would ride their horses into town.
They insisted it was nothing special. They always did this.
We asked these guys what was going on that they would ride their horses into town.
They insisted it was nothing special. They always did this.
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stingray
0
I'm a little late to the party but better late then never right?
I rode down to border with JT and Bob.
We arrived in McAllen early enough that we went ahead and took care of the paperwork at the Anzalduas crossing the evening before the official start of the ride. Having ran through this process in the past we arrived with all the appropriate copies of our paperwork to avoid the added fee of making copies at the border. I guess the copy clerk started feeling left out so they now require you to make a copy of your tourist visa, which of course you get there on-site and have no way of making a copy of other then paying them to do it for you. Crafty buggers! Luckily for me I was the first in line with the cashier and must have had the right twinkle in my eye because she made my copy for me. She wasn't having it for JT and Bob and sent them across the street to the copy center.
JT and Bob taking care of business
Morning of the ride, Milton getting a crash course on how to operate the camera he borrowed from Richard
Shout out to my fellow Conquistador brothers!
Great thing about being "Head of Security" (Tongue-in-cheek here folks) is that I just kicked back and followed the guys around. I pretty much stayed out of the navigation decisions, heck we've got peeps for that already. But when lunch time came about I was all in on that conversation! Bring up food and sometimes I can get a little crazy eyed!
The senoritas impressed with Miltons bargaining skills
Chuck wasn't letting anyone get near that pit in the background
He wanted these bad boys all to himself!
Highway 101 was our first taste of the twisties and was a real treat. Here I am with my favorite Uncle Milty checking out the scenery
Once in Tula we cleaned up and headed out for dinner (man we ate a lot on this trip) and then to the town square to see the sights.
JT showing off his strength by pushing this light pole off center
Bob tuning in with the locals
Everyone was talking about ice cream so I thought I'd do this on my own. I walked up to this cart and before I know it had a cup of corn with cream and chili. Not what I was going for...
This portable library in the town square was pretty cool
The nightlife was hopping on the square. The young guys were drinking juice and the older guys had their beer. They were very friendly and were interested it what we were doing in their town. One guy told us that they thought we were reporters (because of the camera's) that were doing a story on their town so they all wanted to be in the pictures. Then they asked if we were going to put there pictures on the internet, so here they are
The next morning Bob and Chuck made a few repairs to Bob's bike
Richard took everyone's money in a game of craps
I had two plates of breakfast. Why not, we're in Mexico!
And Milton decided to do a little road-side maintenance. I'm sure that story is coming soon...
I rode down to border with JT and Bob.
We arrived in McAllen early enough that we went ahead and took care of the paperwork at the Anzalduas crossing the evening before the official start of the ride. Having ran through this process in the past we arrived with all the appropriate copies of our paperwork to avoid the added fee of making copies at the border. I guess the copy clerk started feeling left out so they now require you to make a copy of your tourist visa, which of course you get there on-site and have no way of making a copy of other then paying them to do it for you. Crafty buggers! Luckily for me I was the first in line with the cashier and must have had the right twinkle in my eye because she made my copy for me. She wasn't having it for JT and Bob and sent them across the street to the copy center.
JT and Bob taking care of business
Morning of the ride, Milton getting a crash course on how to operate the camera he borrowed from Richard
Shout out to my fellow Conquistador brothers!
Great thing about being "Head of Security" (Tongue-in-cheek here folks) is that I just kicked back and followed the guys around. I pretty much stayed out of the navigation decisions, heck we've got peeps for that already. But when lunch time came about I was all in on that conversation! Bring up food and sometimes I can get a little crazy eyed!
The senoritas impressed with Miltons bargaining skills
Chuck wasn't letting anyone get near that pit in the background
He wanted these bad boys all to himself!
Highway 101 was our first taste of the twisties and was a real treat. Here I am with my favorite Uncle Milty checking out the scenery
Once in Tula we cleaned up and headed out for dinner (man we ate a lot on this trip) and then to the town square to see the sights.
JT showing off his strength by pushing this light pole off center
Bob tuning in with the locals
Everyone was talking about ice cream so I thought I'd do this on my own. I walked up to this cart and before I know it had a cup of corn with cream and chili. Not what I was going for...
This portable library in the town square was pretty cool
The nightlife was hopping on the square. The young guys were drinking juice and the older guys had their beer. They were very friendly and were interested it what we were doing in their town. One guy told us that they thought we were reporters (because of the camera's) that were doing a story on their town so they all wanted to be in the pictures. Then they asked if we were going to put there pictures on the internet, so here they are
The next morning Bob and Chuck made a few repairs to Bob's bike
Richard took everyone's money in a game of craps
I had two plates of breakfast. Why not, we're in Mexico!
And Milton decided to do a little road-side maintenance. I'm sure that story is coming soon...
Thanks for adding your vantage point, Stingray.
Makes it even mo innerestin.
Makes it even mo innerestin.
Poxy
0
amazing story I don't want to miss a beat
Thanks for the report, can't wait to try some of these routes...got the Mexico bug bad!
Scott and I missed out on the first ice cream foray.
On our way to the plaza.
Apparently Tula's version of "Draggin' Main"
Down at the 'ole plaza
Scott warned me that the little cart seen here below did not sell ice cream.
Hey. There are some gringos in town taking pictures.
That was the buzz.
Everyone wanted to be a part of it. They thought we were reporters.
And they longed to practice their English. I'd say at least 50% bragged that they had been to the 'States. (Aquel lado)
This guy lived 8 of his formative years in the US and attended school there.
When he returned to Mexico he had to learn a whole new life style.
On our way to the plaza.
Apparently Tula's version of "Draggin' Main"
Down at the 'ole plaza
Scott warned me that the little cart seen here below did not sell ice cream.
Hey. There are some gringos in town taking pictures.
That was the buzz.
Everyone wanted to be a part of it. They thought we were reporters.
And they longed to practice their English. I'd say at least 50% bragged that they had been to the 'States. (Aquel lado)
This guy lived 8 of his formative years in the US and attended school there.
When he returned to Mexico he had to learn a whole new life style.
Via the internet and FaceBook we learned that back home Austin and Central Texas were experiencing historic flooding.
That night I dreamed it was raining outside. The dream was so vivid that when I woke, my first thought was "surely we won't be riding in the rain."
But wait, was that a dream?
Which brings us to this episode.
Ah, yes. Packed up and ready to go I went to warm up my bike.
The engine took a quarter turn and froze.
Shucks. That didn’t sound good. I had a brand new battery and couldn’t understand how it could have gone to zero so quickly.
We tried push starting it. We put Stingray Scott on it and pushed him down a hill. The engine was froze tight and wouldn't turn over. Rear wheel locked up. Do you have oil in it?
Hydro-lock ? Could it be hydro locked?
Well the answer from the two mechanics, JT and Chuck, was, of course, it had to be. So, at the bottom of the hill a block away from our hotel it was off with the luggage, off with the side covers and seat. Remove the gas tank. Pull the spark plug. Stand back. Turn the key and Whoosh, out sprays gasoline spewing out of the open cylinder in all directions.
A couple more cycles the cylinder dry and the plug replaced, the bike started right up.
Yea! Applause from all around.
Put everything back together. But unanswered was the Why? The petcock is bad, both mechanics agreed. And the needle in the float bowl of the carburetor must not be doing its job. JT gave me a pair of hemostadts so that I could clamp off the fuel line since gas was leaking past the petcock.
Much discussion regarding US gas containing ethanol and Mexican gas being more pure. No ethanol.
And off we go into Day2
After we search for and find the Pemex station in town (out on the highway). By the time we are ready to go it's 11:30.
That night I dreamed it was raining outside. The dream was so vivid that when I woke, my first thought was "surely we won't be riding in the rain."
But wait, was that a dream?
Which brings us to this episode.
Milton decided to do a little road-side maintenance. I'm sure that story is coming soon...
Ah, yes. Packed up and ready to go I went to warm up my bike.
The engine took a quarter turn and froze.
Shucks. That didn’t sound good. I had a brand new battery and couldn’t understand how it could have gone to zero so quickly.
We tried push starting it. We put Stingray Scott on it and pushed him down a hill. The engine was froze tight and wouldn't turn over. Rear wheel locked up. Do you have oil in it?
Hydro-lock ? Could it be hydro locked?
Well the answer from the two mechanics, JT and Chuck, was, of course, it had to be. So, at the bottom of the hill a block away from our hotel it was off with the luggage, off with the side covers and seat. Remove the gas tank. Pull the spark plug. Stand back. Turn the key and Whoosh, out sprays gasoline spewing out of the open cylinder in all directions.
A couple more cycles the cylinder dry and the plug replaced, the bike started right up.
Yea! Applause from all around.
Put everything back together. But unanswered was the Why? The petcock is bad, both mechanics agreed. And the needle in the float bowl of the carburetor must not be doing its job. JT gave me a pair of hemostadts so that I could clamp off the fuel line since gas was leaking past the petcock.
Much discussion regarding US gas containing ethanol and Mexican gas being more pure. No ethanol.
And off we go into Day2
After we search for and find the Pemex station in town (out on the highway). By the time we are ready to go it's 11:30.
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- Joined
- Sep 30, 2010
- Messages
- 1,592
- Reaction score
- 8
- Location
- Tyler TX
- First Name
- Donny
- Last Name
- Stuart
Excellent story! More, more, more...
Poxy
0
dang it, that is not supposed to happen when you are in Mexico.
Any Suzuki dealers around there?
Any Suzuki dealers around there?
stingray
0
Leaving Tula.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSCyYmE20UI"]Leaving Tula 2015 - YouTube[/ame]
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSCyYmE20UI"]Leaving Tula 2015 - YouTube[/ame]
Where's Waldo? errrr.... Milton?
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 4,491
- Reaction score
- 1,286
- Location
- Buda, TX
- First Name
- Rich
- Last Name
- Gibbens
Day 2
The goal for Day 2 was to reach the town of Aquismon, about 160 miles south of Tula, but our route included a generous portion of dirt roads running through the mountains that we weren't sure actually existed or that went all the way through. In other words, exactly the type of riding and exploring we were here to do.
But before we could venture into the unknown, we had to get out of town. That proved to be a bit of challenge.
As was to become our habit, each of us woke up about 6am, got dressed, and then wandered out of our rooms about 7am in search of coffee and breakfast (in that order). I carried my camera with me in search of photographic opportunities.
Saturday night is party night in Mexico. Which means Sunday mornings are a bit quite and sleepy
Tula is in the process of building a walking / amphitheater area for use by the citizens. It looks like it will be quite nice, once complete. The clerk at the hotel told me about it after he saw my camera so I had to go have a look.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has been at work in Mexico and told the workers they could no longer jump the gap - the potential to injury from the 10 foot was too great. So, this ladder was pressed into duty as a bridge. Looks okay to me.
There are shrines all over Mexico. This is one of the more elaborate ones I've seen.
After a bit of wandering around, it was time for breakfast. The restaurant at the hotel proved to be a good choice.
After breakfast we began packing our bikes, ready to ride.
Unfortunately, Milton's bike was hydro-locked. His petcock and carb float had both failed, allowing his cylinder to fill with gasoline. Chuck and JT set about solving the issue...
...while Bob worked to win the hearts and minds of the locals.
The goal for Day 2 was to reach the town of Aquismon, about 160 miles south of Tula, but our route included a generous portion of dirt roads running through the mountains that we weren't sure actually existed or that went all the way through. In other words, exactly the type of riding and exploring we were here to do.
But before we could venture into the unknown, we had to get out of town. That proved to be a bit of challenge.
As was to become our habit, each of us woke up about 6am, got dressed, and then wandered out of our rooms about 7am in search of coffee and breakfast (in that order). I carried my camera with me in search of photographic opportunities.
Saturday night is party night in Mexico. Which means Sunday mornings are a bit quite and sleepy
Tula is in the process of building a walking / amphitheater area for use by the citizens. It looks like it will be quite nice, once complete. The clerk at the hotel told me about it after he saw my camera so I had to go have a look.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has been at work in Mexico and told the workers they could no longer jump the gap - the potential to injury from the 10 foot was too great. So, this ladder was pressed into duty as a bridge. Looks okay to me.
There are shrines all over Mexico. This is one of the more elaborate ones I've seen.
After a bit of wandering around, it was time for breakfast. The restaurant at the hotel proved to be a good choice.
After breakfast we began packing our bikes, ready to ride.
Unfortunately, Milton's bike was hydro-locked. His petcock and carb float had both failed, allowing his cylinder to fill with gasoline. Chuck and JT set about solving the issue...
...while Bob worked to win the hearts and minds of the locals.
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Tula in the morning
If you're lucky enough to get street signs in Mexico, they are usually on the corners of buildings
An antique mail box
OK. Let's ride
If you're lucky enough to get street signs in Mexico, they are usually on the corners of buildings
An antique mail box
OK. Let's ride
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