Mexico as a general concept tries to keep it's secrets, wonders, and idiosynchronies to itself. Never one to just open up to everyone, it must be explored by those seeking its finest. The hassle of border crossings, tvips, visas, currency exchanges, lien releases, phone plans, spousal consent extraction, and funds in pocket make for a difficult to eat soupy mix of adversity.
Living in Phoenix I suffer from an extra 2600 miles of truck travel and the co planned "Shaddock Beach Week" in Crystal Beach with extended family the week before any June Mextrek. All good cause I particularly love my family and our 50 year Beach tradition.
What I don't love is waking up at 5 am, driving to Houston, grabbing my previously stashed Moto and gear, rushing to get boots at cycle gear, loading up and driving to the border with friends. I'd kinda rather just bop on down to a local trail and ride some miles. Just like the other 10,000 dual sport riders who passed on this experience. But, alas, I know and love Mexico and all the sweet spots that those other guys are missing. So off to the Clarion, and Mambo's for dinner. And Walmart for everything else I forgot to pack.
Jeff Cole had rear brake failure halfway to mission. Eric had BMW caliper and problems before leaving the house. My brother decided to fly not drive to the good stuff, and 2 others had "life" get firmly in the way. Everett and Zara pulled a last minute coup and a borrowed vehicle to go Houston to Santiago all in one day. 15 bikes and one F150 were on Santiago. Most tired, sweaty, and exhausted, and it was just day 1. I think most were secretly feeling accomplished. We were in Mexico.
My best childhood friend Dave drove mostly overnight and by the time he had ridden to Santiago from San Antonio in a fast group had this scared happy face of what did I get myself into? He had maybe 5 full days riding in the last 3 decades. A crappy tired out old vstrom 1000 we cobbled together for the trip. No sleep. Sweaty hiking boots. And some caffeine on his pocket. And a thirst for more....