Los Mochis, MX to Batopilas, MX

The day after (Tuesday, Nov. 6th, Day 20), we took the ferry from La Paz (130$ for bike and rider) towards Los Mochis on mainland Mexico. The ship took off around 3 PM, and we arrived at destination at about 9:30 PM. 

 Baja: done. Hasta la proxima.

There was  a few other motos on board, and we later met their owners. Jose Luis and Jimmy were heading back from the USA on their Harley Davidson Road Kings. They toured the States for the past month, and were on they way back home. There was also Gerardo, who was heading back home as well on a borrowed Can Am, as he had an accident with his own bike two days earlier. Conveniently, Gerardo was from Los Mochis, so once we were off the boat, he brought us directly to a hotel, and then we all went for supper together. The food was great, and the guys really friendly. Since we had mentioned at some point that both of our tail lights broke and were holding on with electrical tape, Gerardo's nephew, Antonio, offered that we pass by tomorrow by their family dealership to get that fixed.

The morning after, we went to Mega Autos Mochis, and the guys brought us to a car body shop that they deal with. Juan, the owner of the shop, welded both of our tail light brackets, reinforced them, and even gave them a coat of paint. After doing all of this, he refused any payment at all. So far, Mexicans have been very kind to us (except for one little kid in a village in Baja, who called me a ''pendejo'', because I didn't have a sticker to give him - he thought we were Baja racers.. LOL). 

 Waiting to disembark the ferry, with the other Mexican riders we just met

Juan working on one of the light brackets

 The bracket, welded and reinforced

With the guys from  Mega Autos Mochis and Center Valen G. Muchos gracias, amigos!

At around 1 pm, our tail lights were better than new, and we took off for El Fuerte (some facts here), which is about 70 km from there. The weather was HOT, probably around 35 deg. C. At this temperature, the air doesn't cool you down anymore, and it just feels like you're in front of a big hair dryer. On the road, we ran into a few convoys of police and military pick up trucks, with heavily armed and masked men. A reminder that we are indeed in a region where the drug problem is a reality. 

El Fuerte itself is a small town with a nice main square. However, one afternoon is more than enough to visit, as it is really just slightly bigger than what I would call a village. We are enjoying these small towns so far. The vibe is very laid back, and definitely a nice change from what life is back home. Places like this make you realize how much we are always rushing left and right, and not taking enough time to pause to enjoy the present and spend time with family and friends.

Palacio Municipal, El Fuerte (built between 1903 and 1907)

Partial view of the river (rio fuerte) from the highest point of the city

The next day (day 22), we were off for a 160 km of dirt roads through the mountains, in order to arrive to Batopilias. I was initially wondering why Mihai seemed to be excited about a village in the middle of nowhere, which doesn't even have paved roads leading to it. I get it now. 

The ride to Batopilas took us about 7 hours. Although the distance wasn't great, the road was very twisty and bit technical for heavy bikes in some areas. You really don't want to rush things, when missing a turn means falling off a cliff and crashing a hundred meters further down. The ride was very scenic too. We've been warned that we would be going through areas where there are drug plantations, but people seemed to agree that if we mind our business and just pass through, we wouldn't have any problems. It has been indeed the case, and it was yet another great day of riding.

The road to Batopilas

One of the easy sections of the road

Having a great time... What an awesome place to ride!

Basketball court in a (seemingly) abandoned village. Pass me the rock!