Mexico

Last week Jonell and I snuck down to Puerto Vallarta (PV) Mexico. Bottom line it was a fantastic trip. Out of the dozen or so times we have been down there, probably appreciated this trip the most.  The last time we were there 5 years ago, I was still dealing with the Lyme junk and the heat was not good. I pretty much hung low in the hotel room not doing much at all and we cut our trip a day short. 

The days this year were great, not much on the agenda other than relaxing, eating and taking in the scene. I did bring my mtb down and got out each morning for a couple of hours or so.

PV and Mexico from what we saw, hasn't changed much. Families still riding in the back of cars with kids riding on laps in the front. Folks work hard, are honest, everyone was super friendly and there isn't this sense of entitlement that seems to be filtering into America.

When we arrived on Sunday, the middle lane was closed down for a road crit! I couldn't believe it! With the busiest week of the year on tap with Holy week, this is a major thing to happen, especially during the middle of the day.

I split riding time between on the road to the south, enjoying the long climbs up into the mountains and heading north to PV and then up into the mountains on mountain roads. In Mexico there is no such thing as purpose built, flow, progressive trail etc. It is raw, rough and real!

When I first started riding down here, there weren't any atv tours and the roads were a bit more rough, now there is more atv traffic (tours) which is fine other than the dust. All good, riding in the mountains. The singletrack is few and far between, mainly because the jungle keeps it difficult to maintain. The cycling app Strava is fun to see where people are riding. Flying in you can see all the mountain roads and there is some serious rides going down deep in the mountains.  

Video clips below of riding in the area.

Pool time.

The cathedral, just off the malecon, the mainstay of PV. PV has grown leaps and bounds. Mainly to the north and west. My parents used to drive down here in the 70's and there weren't many years missed. The character and "real feel" of the town is the malecon, old town or the romantic zone they say. The hotel zone is all inclusive resorts which we stay away from.

Holy week is pretty much a zoo in PV with action on the beaches from dawn until dusk. Jonell found a great spot 15-20 minutes that was relatively quiet and peaceful.

Fully loaded food stand on the malecon. Pretty much got the basis covered.

The taxi drivers are always fun to talk with. Some drive absolutely insane and others are tranquil. This kid was in his first year. Got us from point a to point b so no complaints.

Exploring a lesser traveled part of the area.

Fantastic local ethnicity on display beachfront.

Eggs in supermarket not refrigerated. The dairy reminds me of the dairy in Norway. Rich, creamy and "real" tasting.

In the states it seems like we have every piece of motorized equipment possible to do "work". The attachments for a Bobcat too numerous to mention. People wouldn't even think of walking a block let alone carry something that distance.

Trademark PV sunset. Awesome trip, thanks to the Granmas for helping with the kids and holding down the fort.