Saturday, June 14th, 2008: Brownsville, Texas, USA to Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico
          On the first day we'll go through immigration and head south on a nice pastoral drive through rich flat farm country. Around halfway through the ride we'll cross the tropic of cancer.
          The first destination Tampico is the main city in the state of Tamaulipas and the economic powerhouse of the gulf. The city lies in a rich petroleum-producing region and is a chief commercial center of northeastern Mexico and one of the most important seaports of the country. The name "Tampico" is believed to be of Huastec origin: tam-piko, meaning "place of otters." The city is surrounded by rivers and lagoons which hosted a large population of otters in the past. Tampico's downtown architecture is an eclectic mix and reflects the growth of the city during the Porfiriato (the period of rule by President Porfirio Díaz). It includes many New Orleans inspired balconies (mostly built of English cast iron) in Plaza de Libertad, a fine Neo-classical Town Hall (or Palacio Municipal) in Plaza de Armas, and a superb English redbrick customs house in the docks. The town is especially known for their crab dishes, and the locals are called jaibas which of course means crabs.
Accomodations: Holiday Inn Tampico
Distance: 315 Miles   Estimated Time: 6 hours

Sunday, June 15th: Tampico, Tamaulipas to Veracruz, Veracruz
          Having crossed the tropic of cancer becomes more evident as we ride through increasingly tropical rolling countryside and citrus plantations. The road than flattens out as it hugs the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the northern section of the state of Veracruz which has a magnificent stretch of beach known as Costa Esmeralda or Emerald Coast. The vegetation is lush with mahogany, cedar and chicozapote. Citrus is everywhere.
          The warm and vivacious costal city of Veracruz has a strong and distinctive colonial feel to it very similar to Havana, Cuba. Just like the Havana of old, Veracruz is well known for its hedonistic pleasures. Palm trees line the streets of the Zocalo (main plaza) where at night Marimba (Afro-Caribbean) music fills the streets and people meet to talk, dine, dance and just watch the world go by. That is just an appetizer for the night ahead because the bars clubs don't get heated up until midnight. Veracruz is also famed for its frenetic carnival that, according to some, rivals Rio and New Orleans. The city is also known to have the best seafood in all of Mexico so bring your appetite.
Accomodations: Hotel Veracruz Centro Historico
Distance: 291 Miles   Estimated Time: 5 hours

Monday, June 16th: Rest Day, Veracruz, Veracruz
          Possible excursions include:
                  - Scuba diving
                  - Boat rides to nearby islands
                  - Excellent white water rafting near the town of Xalapa
                  - Visits to the white capped dormant volcano Citlaltepetl which is also the third highest
                    peak in North America
                  - Visits to nearby fishing towns

Tuesday, June 17th: Veracruz, Veracruz to San Cristobal de las casas, Chiapas
          From Veracruz we follow a toll road past huge expanses of ranch land and rich green valleys crossing lakes and rivers until we pass the town of Tuxtla Guittierrez. The road than rises dramatically (5000 ft in 50 miles) up the Sierra Los Altos de Chiapas and tall pines start to be seen alongside. The sultry heat of the valley far below gives way to dry and crisp air perfumed by the smell of pine needles and wood smoke. Before you know it you're in the highland jungles of Chiapas and a stones throw from the Guatemalan border. The road finally settles into San Cristobal Las Casas.
          The town of San Cristobal has been a favorite destination among travelers for decades. Characterized by peaceful and welcoming atmosphere coupled with an artistic and bohemian flair, San Cristobal is the heart of one of the most deeply rooted indigenous populations in all of Mexico surrounded by dozens of Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages. Here, age old customs coexist with modern day elements. The colonial streets lined with red-roof tiles and white-washed walls beg to be explored. Alleyways open up into picturesque arcades and plazas showing off authentic colonial architecture and hosting churches, museums, cafés, restaurants and artisan workshops. The city is situated at 7000 feet above sea level in a lush green valley bathed by clear, highland light, and the weather is almost always springlike. The stark change in the landscape, weather and people from the day before will leave you in awe.
Accomodations: Hotel Diego de Mazariegos
Distance: 387 Miles   Estimated Time: 6 hours

Wednesday, June 18th: Rest Day, San Cristobal, Chiapas
          Besides exploring the town, an infinite option of excursions can be organized. Some highlights include the following:
                  - Boat trip down Canon del Sumidero (a reservoir located in a spectacular fissure in the earth)
                  - Guided tours to indigenous villages in the area
                  - Absolutely beautiful scenic motorcycle ride to the Lagunas de Montebello (lagoons
                    famed for it's vivid colors)
                  - A full day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Palenque (the most romantic
                    of the Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle) coupled with a trip to the thunderous
                    waterfalls of Agua Azul and Mislo-Ha for a much deserved swim
          All trips are a must, so it will be hard to decide on which one.

Thursday, June 19th: San Cristobal de las casas, Chiapas to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca
          We unfortunately say goodbye to San Cristobal and descend back down from the clouds again towards Tuxtla Gutierrez. After we pass Tuxtla, the road once again climbs through beautiful mountain roads as we cross the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. The ride starts off climbing in and out of several micro valleys then winds through lush mountains dotted with picturesque ranchos and tiny cornfields. Here perfect S curves make a wonderful treat for the sport riders. The road than flattens near the coast as we approach the days destination of Salina Cruz. Here we get our first view of the Pacific.
          Salina Cruz is really nothing but a mid point to Puerto Escondido. It is a blue collar industrial town but a decent place to kick back, send some emails or look over you bike. Salina Cruz does however have one of the best shrimp cocktails in Mexico.
Accomodations: To Be Determined
Distance: 255 Miles   Estimated Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Friday, June 20th: Salina Cruz, Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
          The road to Puerto Escondido winds through the arid foothills of the Sierra Madre Del Sur which hugs the coast giving us glimpses of the beautiful Pacific. Plenty of twists and turns abound.
          Get ready for fun and the sun. Situated on the Pacific Coast Puerto Escondido is a well known surfing town that boasts one of the heaviest surf breaks in the world. It is aptly named the Mexican Pipe line. The town however has much more to offer than just surf. Unlike the manufactured resorts of Cancun and Acapulco, Puerto is a true Mexican beach town, and many foreigners fall in love with its authentic feel and beautiful beaches. Of course tourists also come for the great party scene that erupts when the sun goes down.
Accomodations: Hotel Caracol
Distance: 156 Miles   Estimated Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Saturday, June 21st: Rest Day, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
          Puerto Escondido is a great place to do nothing but lay in a hammock on the beach but there are many other activities that we can arrange for the more ambitious including:
                  - World class deep sea fishing for marlin and sailfish
                  - Diving
                  - Horse back riding on the beach
                  - Trips to a turtle sanctuary
                  - Lagoon and bird watching trips
                  - Surfing lessons

Sunday, June 22nd: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca to Oaxaca, Oaxaca
          The ride to Oaxaca is an exceptionally gorgeous and challenging ride that traverses the Sierra Madre Del Sur. This is reputed to be one of the most beautiful motorcycle rides in the world. Picturesque villages perched on mountainsides and waterfalls dot the landscape. Deep green valleys give way to alpine forest and coffee plantations as we rise to 8000 ft. The distance to Oaxaca is only 162 miles, but takes over 6 hours, so you can imagine the challenging hairpin turns we'll have to negotiate. It is very important on this leg to take your time and stay focused as your technical skill will be pushed to the limit.
          This state capital declared a UNESCO Heritage site owes its fame to the beauty and harmony of its architecture, the richness of its cultural traditions, mezcal, the wide variety of its typical foods especially its use of chocolate, and its soft temperate climate spring-like throughout the year. The city has some first class museums, art galleries and arguably the best handicraft shopping in Mexico. It also has a vibrant and cosmopolitan bar, restaurant and music scene. The city remains a favorite of many who visit Mexico.
Accomodations: Casa Conzatti
Distance: 162 Miles   Estimated Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Monday, June 23rd: Oaxaca, Oaxaca to Puebla, Puebla
          The road to Puebla is a short but scenic ride. From Oaxaca the route follows winding roads across mountain ridges. Sections of the road are connected by tall bridges giving you fantastic views of the valleys bellow. Pull over on this lonely portion of the road turn your engine off and listen to how eerily quiet it is here. The road than straightens out like an arrow covering huge expanses of desert which is followed by pleasant rolling hills. This is a great road just to cruise on and is a welcomed change of pace from the technical sections. The road finally passes through some urban areas than empties out into Puebla.
          Founded in 1531, The UNESCO World Heritage city of Puebla, also known as the city of angels, is one of Mexico's oldest Spanish cities. The city has some of the deepest Spanish roots in Mexico. Puebla is renowned for its distinctive colonial architecture with over a thousand colonial buildings in the historic center alone. The city is also known for its savory cuisine including mole and chile poblano, talavera ceramics primarily used for tiles, onyx crafts, and textile industry. The main plaza is the central focus here where visitors and locals enjoy the relaxed atmosphere street performers and live bands. Four volcanoes including the highest peak in Mexico are visible from the city. Time permitting, a visit to the widest pyramid ever built located near the town of Cholula can be arranged. The pyramid is overgrown, but there is a beautiful church perched on top with the impressive and active volcano Popocatepetl framing the background, making for a great picture.
Accomodations: Hotel Portal
Distance: 216 Miles   Estimated Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Tuesday, June 24th: Puebla, Puebla to Taxco, Guerrero
          The days ride is another short one. Upon leaving Puebla, we cross serene deserts before navigating through the towns of Cuautla and Cuernavaca. We conveniently skirt Mexico City, which is at best total bedlam and not a place to get lost. We than head back into the Sierrra Madre del Sur and wind through some fantastic twisty roads and finally reach Taxco.
          The first glance of Taxco is just stunning. Clinging to the side of a mountain, white buildings with clay roof tops seem to be built right on top of each other, making for one of Mexico's most picturesque towns. Unlike some other colonial cities Taxco is spared the urban sprawl on the outskirts of the city and maintains strict zoning regulations that preserve its colonial architecture. Narrow cobblestone alleyways meander through the town opening up to hidden parks and beautiful vistas. Taxco is the perfect place to get lost and just wander around exploring every corner. Taxco is also touted as the silver capital of Mexico and well known for its handmade silver jewelry. If you want to buy silver, Taxco is the place to do it.
          Time permitting we can arrange excursions including:
                  - Ixtapan de la Sal where you can rest your weary bones in thermal pools
                  - Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, the most well known cave in Mexico
                    which is 2 km long and has chambers up to 82 m in height. Lights inside the cave
                    reveal its many stalactites and stalagmites
Accomodations: Hotel Loma Linda
Distance: 139 Miles   Estimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Wednesday, June 25th: Taxco Guerrero to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
          Leaving Taxco we continue up the western end of the Sierra Madre del Sur rising through more twisty roads with great panoramic views of the green mountains and valleys. The road then levels off until we encounter another scenic mountain road. This one leads us across abyss like gorges and winds through pretty alpine forests. This section is also a major flower growing region, so you will get wafts of the sweet flowers mixed with the pine as you happily angle through the turns. The road than descends down through Toluca after which we get back on toll roads and ride through high plain deserts. The road than passes through some desert mountains eventually emptying out onto San Miguel de Allende.
          San Miguel, declared a national historic monument is another favorite among travelers and especially ex-pats who flock here for its perfect year round weather. San Miguel is a very cosmopolitan yet quaint and picturesque town with impeccably clean coble stone streets, arched colonial mansions, magnificent light and flower filled patios. Its especially known for its ever expanding art scene that draws artists from all over the world giving the town a very funky flavor. It also boasts a very diverse mix of shops, quality international restaurants, and bars. It is easy to understand why so many foreigners buy property here and make this place their home. Don't be surprised if you end up wandering into one of the many real estate offices yourself. A perfect place for a rest day.
Accomodations: Hotel Mision de los Angeles
Distance: 237 Miles   Estimated Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Thursday, June 26th: Rest Day, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
          You'll most likely want to rest and explore in San Miguel but worthwhile excursions include
                  - Soothing hot springs
                  - Trip to Guanajuato a stunning pastel colored mining town with tunnels that
                    burrow underneath the city like swiss cheese

Friday, June 27th: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato to Zacatecas, Zacatecas
          The days ride starts off with some tight turns leading through the beautiful mining town of Guanajuato. The road than straightens out into dry, rugged, cactus strewn high plain deserts. The weather gradually gets cooler as we ascend to Zacatecas, which is the second highest city in Mexico.
          The stately mining town of Zacatecas is a true hidden gem and relatively unknown even though it stands proudly as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Being the second highest city in Mexico, the weather always stays cool and dry. Magnificent colonial buildings give off an heir of affluence, and one might mistake the town as being Italian rather than Mexican. The town prides itself with having one of the most beautiful churches in all of Mexico, while wandering around the cobble stone streets you get a strong sense of its aristocratic past. With many families there still living off the fortunes made when silver was king, the town exudes old money. Being a very cosmopolitan and trendy town, the dining and nightlife scene is exceptional. During the day you can try their many fine restaurants and at night party in the infamous Eden Mine where an old silver mine has been turned into a disco! Zacatecas is a totally unexpected surprise in the middle of the desert. You'll leave the town thinking that you know of a well kept secret.
Accomodations: In Zacatecas, we will be hosted by a hotel owned by one of the organizers, Federico.
Distance: 228 Miles   Estimated Time: 4 hours

Saturday, June 28th: Zacatecas, Zacatecas to Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosi
          Leaving Zacatecas the road passes through the quiet desert with views of the Sierra Madre Occidental in the distance. The roads here are very straight and give you a sense of quiet solitude. We than reach the turn off for Real de Catorce. The route leading into town consists of a 10 mile cobble stone road that leads you by a dry river bed and before guiding you into a 1.5 mile one lane tunnel which spills you out into town.
          Real de Catorce once a booming mining town, then a ghost town, and is now reawakening as a truly magical place. Upon entering the town you are immediately struck by its energy. The town is inhabited by Huichol Indians who are known for incorporating peyote, a hallucenogenic cactus, into their rituals. You can sometimes hear the drum beat of these rituals late at night. Some foreigners visit the town to take peyote, but their indiscriminate use offends some of the Huichol who consider the cactus sacred. Protected by its location relative to major cities, it is spared the influx of visitors seen in other more popular locations. However, the ones who are lucky enough to make it here are treated with an experience they will not soon forget. Of note, many films have been shot at this location because of its exotic setting and fantastic light including the Mexican starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. This will be a favorite stop for many on the trip. We will conclude our trip with a unique outdoor barbeque.
Accomodations: El Meson de la Abundancia and Hotel El Real
Distance: 223 Miles   Estimated Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Sunday, June 29th: Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosi to Brownsville, Texas, USA
          This is the last days drive back to the US. The road passes through the northern deserts of Mexico and for the most part is very straight allowing you to easily cruise and reflect on the journey accomplished. We then reach the border and cross back into the US.
Distance: 403 Miles   Estimated Time: 6 hours 30 minutes