Nothing compares to the experience of accelerating the motorcycle and running at full speed through the mountains, dunes, forests and jungles of Mexico watching how the landscape is sliding. Here are three routes to fulfill this one that seems to be more than a dream for any of us.
Valle de Bravo – Malinalco – Tepoztlán Route
Estimated time: three days
Distance traveled: 265 km
The trip begins in Valle de Bravo and is driven by dirt roads passing through the majestic Xinantécatl or Nevado de Toluca, crossing the fertile cultivation areas of the Valley of Mexico, until reaching the picturesque archaeological site of Malinalco, where the temple is located. largest monolithic in North and Central America. There they will be greeted with a delicious and steaming barbecue. On Sunday, the slopes of the mountains bordering the state of Morelos are crossed, following royal roads and gaps traced by the old railroad, to the center of Tepoztlán, an attractive tourist center, in the heart of the hot land.
Veracruz Route
Estimated time: three days.
Distance traveled: 150 km.
This route explores the tropical and coastal region of the state of Veracruz. It begins in the small town of Jalcomulco, nestled on the banks of the Pescados River, enjoying the hospitality and beauty of Okavango, the village of Río y Montaña service providers, which has a fabulous spa, pool, zip line and climbing wall. They specialize in the operation of rafting excursions, one of the main attractions of this region.
On Saturday morning the 70 km route continues, entering the sugar cane growing area, where the La Gloria sugar mill is located, heading to the Gulf of Mexico. When you arrive at the picturesque little town of Chachalacas, you will not be able to believe when you are at the foot of the fantastic dunes. You will discover the unparalleled thrill of driving through those gigantic mountains of sand at the foot of the Atlantic Ocean.
After a couple of hours of fun and surely a couple of wallowing in the sand, you can enjoy a break in the shade of the tents and enjoy an ice cold beer, accompanied by seafood and Mexican snacks that Motor Explor will have ready. Rested and with the gas tank full, they return to the village to enjoy the pool, a good bath and a magnificent dinner. The next day, if you wish, you can go rafting down the Pescados River.
Trans Baja Expedition Route
Estimated time: 14 days.
Distance traveled: 2,400 km.
To travel this route you don't have to be a professional racer and it is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and challenging expeditions in enduro motorcycling. You will discover the most beautiful landscapes of Baja California driving through Bahía de los Ángeles, the Vizcaíno biosphere reserve, Bahía Concepción, Loreto and San Felipe. Baja has it all, but without a doubt the best thing is the thousands of kilometers of gaps, roads and beaches that you can see on board your motorcycle.
Another way to get to know Mexico: rallies
The latest version of Enduro are motorcycle raids, where the distances to be covered are much greater, and the routes of less technical difficulty. Drivers have to go through established checkpoints, but they can take whatever route seems quickest. For this reason, the competitor's orientation capacity plays a crucial role, often equipped with satellite coordinate positioners (gps), in addition to a road-book normally supplied by the organizers and indicating more or less less precision the way to follow to reach the successive controls that define each stage.
Low 1000
In Mexico numerous enduro and rally competitions are held. Among the latter are the world famous Baja 1000, which has taken place every year since 1975 in the Baja California peninsula. As its name implies, the route consists of 1,000 miles (1,600 km) and begins in Ensenada and ends in La Paz or Los Cabos. It is one of the toughest races in the world, in which the drivers have to drive for hours through the worst roads. Sand, rocks and desert heat are the main obstacles to overcome.
In addition to motorcycles, vehicles that are registered in different categories participate, and are completely modified and equipped with a tubular frame that protects the driver in case of rollovers, as well as an altered engine and modified suspension. To participate in this event, a good sponsor is required, since a considerable investment is required to maintain the car or motorcycle, dedicate a lot of time to modifications, training, reconnaissance of the terrain and also the assistance of a team of expert mechanics. .
Enduro
It is a form of off-road motorcycling born in England. The first motocross race was held in the English town of Camberley in 1924. The sport took root in Great Britain and gradually increased in popularity in Western Europe and the United States. It became international in 1947 with the introduction of the Motocross of Nations, an annual event by teams and categories.
In enduro there are three different variants: recreation and travel; that of competitions in marked circuits; and the long distance motorcycle rallies are examples of this are the Baja 1000 and the famous Paris Dakkar Rally.
Basic team
- Boots
- Crash helmet
- Special pants for enduro
- Long sleeve sweater
- Torso-shoulders protector
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Kneepads
- Elbow pads
- Belt
Where to do recreational enduro in Mexico?
The most frequented places around Mexico City on weekends are: El Ajusco, La Marquesa and Valle de Bravo. Between the Nevado de Toluca and Valle de Bravo there are endless ideal routes. It is recommended to go to a specialized store to know the routes and join a group. Remember that whenever you are going out, it is essential to be accompanied by at least one friend to be able to solve any unforeseen event.
Photographer specialized in adventure sports. He has worked for MD for over 10 years!
