Mexico More Backroads HH

Real Mexican-Yucatecan Culture. 

Small Pueblos, Mayan Ruins, Cenotes - Underground Swimming Holes,

Fishing Villages, Gulf Coast Beaches, Flamingos, Colonial Architecture, Art, History, Food, Markets, Culture.

14 Days, 10 days cycling,  Average day -70 km, Max day 90 km.

Total 730 km. 

January 24 - February 7, 2020

This is a self supported bike ride.  As we cycle  the mostly flat peninsula,  we will ride on paved and tree canopied roads, through fields of agave, pass by the remnants of the henequen era and through contrasting Mayan villages. We will stop occasionally to climb a pyramid or bathe in an underground pool of fresh water.  We will stay in basic hotels and luxurious spa hotels - whatever is available!

Each day we will pass through several little villages where we will rest in the town square, taste authentic  fresh Mexican tortillas & quesadillas or shop at the market for fresh produce & bakery items to carry with us.  In the evenings we will have the choice to eat out as a group and wander the village.

We will depart early each morning to beat the heat of the day which will run in the mid 20's to 30 degrees C. Humidity could be high on occasions but a warm steady breeze along the ocean will keep us refreshed and part of the trip promises a tailwind.

The estimated cost of the trip is $2200.00 and includes all of the administration to plan the trip, the itinerary and route preparation,  our accommodations, food and our guides.  Bike Mexico guides will be with us from the moment we arrive, make hotel reservations each night, organize our meals and stops in the pueblos, translate anything in Spanish,  change our flats, help with bike repairs and find a doctor in a small center if needed. They will guide us through the back country of Mexico avoiding busy highways and get us safely through cities while sharing parts of Mexico that most tourists would never dream of visiting. 

It does not include air fare, bus transfers or travel insurance. 

All participants require travel insurance and a valid passport as well as the new liability insurance for out of country rides that the EVCC has recently introduced.

A total of $1465 to administer the event will be collected as follows:

1. A non refundable $200 US  ($265 CAD) will be paid directly to  Bike Mexico
2. $1200 balance to EVCC 
3. The remaining $735+/- is an estimation of what you will need in cash for meals and hotels as we travel. There are ATMs in many of the towns where you will be able to withdraw extra cash as necessary. Charge cards might be accepted in the larger centers, but most of the small hotels and restaurants will only take cash. The Spanish word for cash is "efectivo"! Interesting....

To sign on for this event you will need to complete the EVCC registration, then Pay BikeMexico the $200 fee  and also sign their waiver.

On their website you will find  pictures and rave reviews from happy cyclists including some EVCC members who participated in 2015.

The event allows for 12 cyclists which is an easy number to manage in the small towns with restricted  accommodations. Although Bike Mexico have created this event for the EVCC, I have agreed that it could be opened to the public. For this reason their website may include information not applicable to us. 

 I suggest signing up soon! A pre-trip social will be held in early January.

Cancellation Policy

• Once your deposit/payment has been received, a cancellation fee of $25 will be deducted from your refund, regardless of when you cancel.
• Up to 30 days prior to tour departure a full refund minus the $25 cancellation fee will be available.  Cancelling  less than 30 days there will be no refund unless a replacement is found to take your place.
• If a paying replacement is found, then you will receive a full refund minus the $25 automatic cancellation fee.
• In the unlikely event that the tour is entirely cancelled, your payment will be fully refunded.
• Costs such as air-line tickets, costs incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations or illness and related costs incurred by a member but not included in the EVCC trip fee are not refundable by the EVCC. Members are advised to purchase their own travel cancellation insurance.

  We have the option to fly into Cancun,  spend one night and then take the bus to Merida  OR we can take a non direct flight through Toronto or another US city to Merida where we will meet our guides, spend a night and prepare to ride out the following morning. 

Either way, extra travel days will need to be planned in order to be in Merida for departure on the 24th. I suggest leaving Calgary January 22 via  Westjet  for Cancun at 9:25 AM.  The flight cost is $324.00.