Mazamitla to Ajijic

Once again we decided to modify our route slightly and skip our planned visit to Tapalpa and head for Ajijic instead.

At the motorcycle show in Calgary, one of the booths was promoting motorcycle tours in Mexico, based out of Ajijic. I stopped to talk to Lynn, one of the owners, and told her we planned to be in her area in March. She kindly gave me her email adress and asked us to stop by.

Ajijic (pronounced ah-hee-hic) in an attractive town located on the shores of Lake Chapala, about 50k from the outskirts of Guadelajara and only 35k from the international airport. It has interesting mix of residents within a wide economic range, both Mexican, Canadian and  US citizens. The gringo influence is definitly evident but it is not overpowering, as it is in Puerto Vallarta, for example.

We are staying in a B&B, run by a relocated Texan family, located in the older part of town. It is very comfortable with all the amenties one could expect. The town is typical of older towns in this area, narrow cobblestone streets and plenty of character.

The Adobe Walls B&B

As I mentioned, one of the reasons we stopped in Ajijic was to talk to Lynn and her husband John to get a better understanding of their business. Graciously, they invited us over to their lovely home, showed us their bikes (all BMWs), and explained their business to us. They are well organized, with new, well maintained bikes and experienced guides. Their location is definitely an asset. Easy access by international flights, beautiful county side, winding roads, almost perfect year round climate and proximity to some of the most historic towns and landmarks in Mexico.

Their biggest impediment to business is the misconception of the degree of danger that one assumes while in Mexico. The ironic part of this concept always makes be smile...  The amount of risk one assumes by simply riding a motorcycle is exceedingly higher than the risk you assume by visiting Mexico! Riding in Mexico adds very little to the risk, but it adds immensely to the experience and the pleasure.

If anyone reading this is interested in more information about the tours go to www.ridethesierra.com Lynn or John will be glad to answer any of your question.

Tomorrow we are heading back to Sayulita where we will stay for a week trying to pickup a bit more Spanish.


Marley... Here is the photo of the peacock in the restaurant Gramma told you about. We didn't get his name. What do think it is? Also here a picture of a cool car.

Peacock in "The Garden Restaurant"