Keyskruiser

When doing the South America trip in 2006, I rode the Pacific coast from Mazatlan down to Tapachula.  On my return, I rode from Tapachula to Brownsville – up the Gulf coast.  All I really did then was pass through Mexico.  I did not really see and experience the culture and the people there.  Mexico was another country I had to get through then – as part of a bigger ride.  I did manage to see enough to know that I wanted to return when I could forget my Iron Butt mentality, relax, and maybe even spend more than one night in a perfect place – perfect meaning good wine, fine food and great accommodations.  I found many such places and did spend more than one night in a few of them.

The route would be from my home in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, down to Brownsville, Texas.  From there, we would enter Matemoros, Mexico.  My riding buddy, Robbie Saccoman, is an Iron Butt member, a two time Hyderseek veteran, and a very good friend.

I rode my trusty 2005 V-Strom and Robbie rode his 2007 Concourse.  The plan was to make a big loop and see a cross-section of Mexico that would entail riding Gulf coast, Pacific coast, mountains, desert and farm country – all at a leisurely pace.  I wanted to stop often and take lots of pictures.

January 1, 2006 7:34pm
I started the trip to South America the day after Christmas, by riding from Marathon in the Keys, to Jacksonville. The weather was great, and the trip uneventful.Total miles 457

Pirate John was going to ride with me to Mexico and after a dinner at Applebys, and some great hospitality, we left his house Tuesday morning at about 10:00a.m. It was 38 degrees, so the electrics were on. After the late start, we were ready to stop at D Iberville, MS rather than pressing on in hurricane country where rooms might be at a premium. Total miles 477

Wednesday morning brought an early start and we rode into Brownsville at about 7:30p.m. Total miles 770

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Day One – Tuesday, May 20, 2003

I didn’t sleep well after I awakened around 1:30, so I finally got up at 2:30 and got dressed.  By 3:30 AM, Ginger and I were on our way down to Key West to start the trip I had been planning for more than 8 months.  I was glad to get going after all of these weeks of planning and anticipation!  Ging followed in the Yukon and was there to take my picture at the Southernmost Point in Key West, a requisite beginning spot for the official  “4 Corners Tour” sponsored by the Southern California Motorcycle Association.  My odometer reading was 5,548 miles to start.  I had an easy 512 mile, 7 ? hour ride up to Jacksonville Beach, with one stop in Ft. Pierce for fuel.  My only disappointment was that my cruise control didn’t seem to be working, but all of my other equipment performed beautifully.  I checked in at the previously arranged Days Inn in Jacksonville Beach, called Pirate John Gilmer who is a certified Iron Butt Association witness for the 50 CC Ride, completed the required paperwork with John, collected the symbolic jarful of saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean, and went to bed to rest up for the next 2 day challenge.