After completing the usual paperwork shuffle (start here, go there, then get copies, then go over there, then back to here for final approval), we finally were on our way to Galeana via the supremely twisty road to Rayones followed by some fun class 2 dirt.
As Mexico vets know, the ride from Reynosa to the mountains isn't anything to brag about. 150 miles or so of riding highway across the desert. It was mostly flat, hot, and boring. We did, however, stop for a bite to eat.
Finally, we arrived at the turn off to Rayones. Yes! I love this road! It's paved but oh so twisty and fun. And the views are inspiring.
A long time ago my friend Milton Otto, the World's Foremost Adventure Dentist, told me about another road to Rayones. He said the road was dirt and followed a canyon through the mountains to the outskirts of Rayones. He spoke of a river and all the times you had to cross that river in order to reach Rayones. He didn't make it sound particularly fun. No one I know of, beside Milton, has ridden that road.
See the canyon in the pic below? That road is down there. Waiting. For you.
Once we reached the bridge over the river just outside of Rayones, we decided to take a short detour to see the western end of the fabled dirt road to Rayones.
We followed the dirt road from the bridge to the first water crossing. The river was wide and running quickly, but didn't appear to be too deep for us to cross on our bikes. JT asked me if I wanted to continue, but I politely declined. I wanted to go to Rayones, not back to Montemorelos and sure didn't need to do a bunch of river crossings to try and prove something. So we made a U-turn and headed to the Pemex in Rayones for much needed fuel.
Uh oh! The Pemex is closed. And I don't mean closed for today. I mean closed as in it doesn't appear to be re-opening tomorrow or anytime soon. Don't plan on getting gas there.
We ended up buying gas from a 55 gallon drum from a vendor on the side of the road. For $7 a gallon! If you are coming this way to Galeana I suggest buying your gas in Montemorelos before entering the mountains.