Border crossing into Mexico

Approached the border crossing with some apprehension. No need because the crossing was painless and very easy.

Four lanes of traffic in Douglas as you approach the crossing. Barricades move the flow of traffic into one lane. ( Sunday morning - it must be a slow day ). Crossed the border and in Mexico without seeing a uniform or anyone official trying to stop me. Rode around in circles trying to find an office or official to present myself to. Parked the bike back at the crossing and taking my helmet off before someone approached me.

Spot the border?

In a conversation with this guy that was more hand signals he directed me to a car park a block away and an obscure building. He sought of had the Scot Simpson public relations manner.

Walked in and met by an old guy who was chubby and happy go lucky. He sat me down and asked me fill my visa application. He gave me a one hundred and eighty day visa and directed me to another part of the office where I had to pay for the vehicle permit and the visa fee. About $20 USD for each.

Rode about three kilometres before the first roadblock. Federal Police and they were all great guys. When I told them that I was ex-police they warmed up even more. We took some photographs and exchanged email adresses. One guy gave me his badge - cool.

Rode about another thirty kilometres when I was stopped by the army at another road block. Took another photograph. Twenty very young men all armed. The next road block was by the army again.

The next road block was by Emogacion and they wanted to see my visa.

The country side was very much like Arizona until I reached the mountains. What a great road. Climbed and climbed up through some beautiful scenery high into the mountains. Who would have thought that northern Mexico is a bikers Nervana.

Reached Neuvo Casa Granda and found the best Hotel I could. It cost me $30. Went and had a feed of Mexican tucker - just pointed to an item on the menu and out came a surprise that cost me $7 with coffee.