The Summit-to-Sea Moto Expedition Mexico
Background: For four consecutive years we have led a trip from Southern California into the amazing Copper Canyon area of central Mexico; and these trips helped us to realize that there is so much more to see in Mexico than we ever imagined.
Everyone has heard the evening news' hype about Mexico, and unfortunately many have been swayed by what they've seen and heard. But it's ludicrous to allow yourself to be influenced by such stuff as is presented in the news. It's a much more complicated subject, and frankly every country has "Border issues." So, let's put things in perspective.
Think about this fact: nearly every country that shares a border also shares a measure of animosity or discord with their neighbors. In Europe, Spain has unbelievable immigration issues with North Africa, Germany and France have a rivalry that carries over from two World Wars, and the Belgians and the Dutch make jokes about each others idiosyncrasies. Also, India and Pakistan have far more border strife than we do with Mexico, and the list goes on. Yet tourism thrives in all these countries in spite of the "border problems."
Make your own decision, then let us show you what we call "the secret side of Mexico!"
Those of us who live in the USA will find that Mexico represents an awesome opportunity to do some International Adventure Riding close to home. Mexico happens to be the 12th most vibrant economy in the world; and is no longer considered a "third world country," but rather an intermediate income country (read more here: Economy of Mexico).
I knew we needed some local talent within Mexico to help develop other trips, and we have found that "local talent" through our friends at Moto Explor.
I first met Gerardo Ibarra at a Horizons Unlimited meeting in Creel, Mexico four years ago. Gerardo was the local organizer of the H. U. meeting, and was a wealth of knowledge not only on the local area, but on the off-roading available in the rest of Mexico. He and I spent a couple of evenings getting to know each other, and have kept in touch ever since. About a year ago, Gerardo called to say that he had teamed up with the owner of a chain of boutique hotels with the idea of launching a motorcycle tour company that revolved around awesome riding and the total luxury represented by his partners' hotel chain. Needless to say my interest was piqued. The company, Moto Explor, is the result of Gerardo's effort. I recently visited them at their home offices in Valle de Bravo, Mexico and came away thoroughly impressed.
Valle de Bravo is to Mexico City what Palm Springs is to Los Angeles. It serves as a beautiful "retreat" for Mexico's elite. Located about 2-hours west of Mexico City, The Valle is reminiscent of Lake Tahoe in the 1950's. A twisting single-lane road leads up to the nearly 6000-foot elevation and the immense pine forests of the area. Huge haciendas and villas hide amongst the trees in a setting that might otherwise be seen in the romantic hill country of Italy. I have nicknamed the Valle "the secret side of Mexico", because its truly a well kept secret from the average "Norte Americano" (North American).
Just as a teaser - the hotel where our tour begins was voted one of Mexico's top 10 boutique hotels by the Mexican travel ministry. Our tour starts in luxury, as Rodavento (the hotel) is truly a 4-star hotel, with fabulous gourmet cuisine, a perfect pool and amazing accommodations; but that's only the beginning. Please consider joining us for the inaugural "International RawHyde Adventure," with our friends from Moto Explor.
The trip is called the Summit to Sea Moto Expedition and is scheduled for October 5th to the 11th, 2008!
The price is $3200 (double occupancy)—if you choose not to share a room, a single supplement of $600 applies.
The trip's outline is below; also you can click this link for details about Moto Explor: motoexplor.com
The Summit to Sea Moto Expedition '08
Here is an outline of what I am certain you will view as an amazing journey.
7-Days: Sunday to Saturday
This incredible trip covers a broad range of terrain, which varies from the top of extinct volcanos to steamy jungles, Alpine meadows to sugar cane and coffee plantations, plus dune riding at the beaches of Veracruz. It's an all inclusive 7-day tour with 7-nights of accommodations and 6-days of riding. Your Motorcycle will either be a new Husquavarna 610 or BMW X-challenge 650.
The Riding: You will ride through an incredible array of differing landscapes, mostly "off pavement" on easy to moderate dirt roads. The road conditions can and will change dramatically based on weather and location due to the variety of terrain: it ranges from hot and dusty, to pure rock on the volcanoes, and muddy in the jungles. And, if you like challenging riding don't worry, there is plenty of difficult technical riding, and your guides will be happy to take you off on "side loops" for more challenging riding as opportunities present themselves. Overall you will experience about 70% off-road vs. 30% highway riding.
The Climate and Terrain: This part of Mexico enjoys a full range of weather. You can expect a little bit of everything from hot days and cold nights in the Valle to warm and balmy in the jungle and downright cold on top of the volcanoes (but we'll only be there a short while). The Elevations will range from sea level to 15,700; and you'll experience five ecosystems: pine Forests, temperate forests, sub-tropic, tropic and Jungle.
Meals and lodging: Meals (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) listed each day are those included in the cost of your trip. You are on your own for all other meals. Lodging will include Rio y Montaña's signature lodges in Valle de Bravo and Jalcomulco, as well as the best possible options in other locations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Lodging: The Hotels and lodges are nothing short of amazing, combining boutique award winning hotels with historic villas in stunning settings.
- History and topography: This tour route follows the historic Ruta de Cortes (Route of Cortez) and crosses the three highest volcanoes in Mexico and then descends through coffee & sugar cane plantations to lush tropical environs.
- Amazing riding through the most diverse terrain possible.
