Copper Canyon Mexico

Just got back from a 12 day, 1400 mile trip to the Copper Canyon region in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Not the blogger type, and I'm not going to write a book about it, but just want to post up some info & pics and get some discussion going.
First off, I'm sure everyone has heard the horror stories about Mexico and how you will be killed instantly upon stepping foot across the border. All I can say is BS. I've never encountered more friendly and helpful people. We were greeted with smiles and waves everywhere we went. I never once felt afraid, unsafe, or insecure. And I feel more concerned about theft of bike and gear here in the US than I ever did there.
The roads and scenery can hardly be described in words. We rode for hours on mile after mile of perfect sweeper paved roads, and were challenged on dirt roads that also happened to be surrounded by the most spectacular and beautiful terrain I've ever seen.
As I said, I'm not going to write reams about the trip, but will watch this thread and answer any questions. I hope to spread the word about what a fabulous opportunity for adventure we have in our neighbor country.

PS: I had the smallest bike of the five on the trip. You all know what I'm going to say next: I can't imagine doing this trip on any other bike; I think I had the perfect tool for the job. Next time I do a trip like this, I won't hestitate to take the same bike.

The bike: 2011 WR250R, bone stock except for the following mods & accessories:

Barkbusters VPS handguards.
Skid plate, can't remember the brand right now; I'm sure someone will remind me.
Wolfman Expedition Dry Saddle Bags/ Wolf Side Racks/ Wolf Bottle Holsters (2)/ Wolfman Side Plate for RotoPax mount.
AMS Big Rack.
VW Sandman sprocket cover/case saver.
13/47 sprockets, RK XW-ring chain
Shinko 244s
Agri Supply tool tube

All pics show the bike fully packed. I carried a 1 gal. RotoPax on the Wolfman Side Plate, and a Camelbak Lobo strapped to the rear rack.

On my bucket list, thanks for the good info. Did you go through a tour company? Camp out or have accommodations through the tour company. Where did you start? Cost?

The locals there are famous for running insane distances. They run slow but they run forever.

There's a book called "Born to Run" ... they are discussed in about 1/3 of the book.

miniceptor86 wrote:

On my bucket list, thanks for the good info. Did you go through a tour company? Camp out or have accommodations through the tour company. Where did you start? Cost?

Sorry for the late reply; I've been away from the computer for two weeks.
I did the trip through Lance Carnes of ADV Cartel. We stayed in hotels, sometimes reserved but usually just found a place when we got into town. We entered and exited Mexico through Ojinaga, Chihuahua across from Presidio, Texas. The entire trip including guide fee, insurance, hotels, meals, drinks, and gas cost me around $1600.

Thanks for the info.

More pics.

The road down to Batopilas. It's still unpaved, but they're working on it. Go now before it's gone forever!





Deluxe parking. Most hotels have an enclosed courtyard or gated parking area. I was able to leave my soft bags & tools on the bike at night with no worries.


100+ bicycles were donated by the state of Chihuahua and TelMex and given to the children of Batopilas for El Día de Los Niños. You don't see that on the news!

Thanks for the photos, just more reasons to schedule this trip!

Great ride. Have done it twice, once on a F650 and once on the WR250X. The WR was by far the better bike for this. We did a report at

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=872365&highlight=barrancas+cobre&page=2

There were 2 WR250's on the ride and some 650's. Fun to see photos of the same hotels, etc......

chabon,
I finally got around to reading all of that thread, thanks for the link. Interesting to read about and see pics of many of the same places we rode/stayed/ate.
805gregg's photos don't show up--can they be viewed anyplace else?

I just got home from another Mexico trip during which I went to many of the same places, but driving my Scout this time. The whole trip I was thinking about how effortless it had been to ride the same roads on the WR. My 1967 Scout is just about as labor intensive to drive as it gets (manual steering, no power brakes, wide ratio trans, and automatic locker).  Of course it was in its element in the dirt, but it beat us up the whole time. And it sure was a handful on the curvy mountain roads! It just made me appreciate the WR even more.
The main reason for this post:  I wanted to show this pic of a gasolinera we went to today. I didn't see this on my April bike trip, but it turns out we passed within a few miles of it. A solar panel, 12V battery, 12V pump, and a tank, and you're in business. Check out the deluxe bathroom!