Fall 2008 adventure ride

This trip to the Copper Canyon region of Mexico far exceeded my expectations. The beauty of the region, with it's dramatic, chiseled canyons and lush vegetation, is nothing short of breathtaking. Not at all what I'd expected. The routes chosen by the guide were absolutely fantastic. With limited experience on dirt bikes, I was initially hesitant about the trip, but with tips and techniques from Pete, I found the trailriding to be immensely enjoyable. It was challenging at times, but that's why I went on an adventure touring vacation. I didn't want mundane, and Pete delivered. As a guide, Pete Shepard is fabulous. With his many years of experience, he has a detailed knowledge of the region and it's people. Pete is able to use his knowledge and his contacts to take tours off the beaten path, and see parts of the canyons that most tourists never know exist. Pete is very detail oriented, which means that once on the tour, I never had to worry about trip requirements, whether meal, hotel, gas, etc. Seeing several other tour groups which lacked Pete's preparedness made for very stark contrast. The hotels were wonderful and the food was deliciously authentic. I recommend Rosen's Rides for a trip to the Copper Canyon region of Mexico without the slightest hesitation. This recommendation is based on my experience of being on the tour, as well as seeing tours (while in Mexico) run by other outfits. With Pete, we saw more, rode more, and just had more experiences than I'm sure can be provided on any other tour, and certainly more than would be possible on an unguided tour. I look forward to returning for additional adventures with Rosen's Rides in the future. J. Daniel Rasband, M.D.

fall 2008 ride

In critiquing the experience of a motorcycle tour there are two aspects of the tour which should be evaluated. I’ve been on other tours and I’ve done this before. (1) The first thing is the sights. The tour was really excellent in this regard. The Copper Canyon(s) was really stunning and quite different than I expected. The canyons were deep—that I expected. What I didn’t expect is how green and forested they were. The elevation changes are always compared with the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and so I expected dry country and barren rock. Instead there were numerous vistas overlooking deep canyons with pine forests and other vegetation. In fact in going from the mountain passes to the towns of Urique or Batopilas the change in the vegetation from dry mountain pine to palm trees and beaugainnvilla and everything in between was very interesting. It was also interesting to see the culture and life of the Tarahumara Indians. The sights were interesting and different from anything I had previously seen. On a scale from 1 to 10, the sights rate a 10. (2) The second aspect is how well the tour was handled. In this regard Pete and Ana did a better job than any tour I’ve been on or even heard of. Certainly the fact that because of some last minute cancellations there were only three of us had an effect. But it was abundantly clear that they had made their preparations. The accommodations were very nice with furnishings suited to the Indian and Mexican culture—totally opposite from what is found in a chain hotel. The food was good and authentic Mexican. The hotel personnel were obviously close personal friends of Pete and Ana and it showed. We had exceptional service. The motorcycles were followed by a chase truck with our gear, tools, cold drinks and anything else we would likely need in an emergency. For the three of us paying patrons, there were typically three support personnel. It can’t get much better than that. There was no searching for accommodations or meals once we arrived in the towns. Those things were all planned out—in contrast to other tour groups that we encountered along the way. On the same scale from 1 to 10, the tour arrangements and planning rates about 15, in other words it was really outstanding. My overall reaction is that this was an outstanding experience. The riding was challenging at times but I did it and I believe anybody looking for an adventure on motorcycles who is in reasonably good shape would be able to do it also. I am glad that I wasn’t riding the heavier BMW GS 1200 or something similar. Where we were, the 400cc Yamaha and Kawasakis seemed to be just right, although my DR650 Suzuki was pretty good. Cheers, Neil

Our 2008 ride was incredible

It’s hard to know where to start when singing the praises of the recent adventure I was thrilled to share with my brother, son and 3 close friends. Adventure-seekers and major motor heads all, I booked us on the motorcycle-riders trip that turned out to exceed all our expectations and will be one that we’ll never forget. The awesome memories we’ll no doubt be sharing forever (perhaps to our wives’/girlfriends’ chagrin) are owed to the amazing experience created for us by Pete, his wife Ana and their trusted side-kick Paco. I’d always wanted to ride “Copper Canyon” and after mulling over the prospects of putting it together by myself I decided to surf the web for potential resources. It was there that I came across Pete Shepard’s information. Pete immediately replied to my inquiry and I knew right away that I’d found my guy. He answered my every question and then some. With his assistance I was able to gauge the nature of the ride and understand what I’d need to know to get our group organized. With Pete’s help I simply had to tell my guys to get their bikes and riding gear ready and book the dates. Pete took care of everything else – including providing us with all the information we needed to procure Mexican auto insurance and medical/evacuation coverage. He told us exactly what documents would be needed to cross the boarder and told us exactly how to get them. He gave us emergency contact information so that we could be reached while traveling. In terms of plan preparation efforts required of me, this was one of the easiest ever! We met up with Pete, Ana and Paco at a quaint (and amazingly nice) hotel in [ ]. Once acquaintances were made, our bikes were off-loaded, gear was donned, suitcases were loaded into Paco’s chase truck, our trucks were locked up in a secure storage area and we were off. A couple of hundreds of yards into the ride and we were experiencing the vast and amazing landscape of Copper Canyon. The next six days and nights only got better. We rode up to great vistas, and down to ancient little towns that belie description (believe me, I’ve tried). We’d stop long enough to notice indigenous Indians peeking at us from little hovels up hills so steep that could only be traversed on foot. We ate in little towns where the local kids would gather to look at our bikes and grin at us from behind the visors of the motorcycle helmets we put on them. A river in the way of the next destination? No problem. Pete knew the best spot and the best way for us to cross (and I’m not talking bridges here!). Paco stood at the ready should anyone need help. Strong as an ox, that ready offer was a constant comfort. Ana snapped pictures that we were happy to have if only so our wives/girlfriends would believe us when we told them how amazing we were. While we had no mechanical issues there’s no doubt in my mind that Pete and Paco would have remedied any issue we might have experienced. We ate at fun little local establishments – good food always. The hotels exceeded our every expectation. They were immaculate, comfortable, friendly and charming. At one we had wood-burning fireplaces in the bedrooms. At another we had a great view from the patio where we sat and drank margaritas and beer until the sun went down. Quite simply, thanks to Pete, Ana and Paco, we wanted for nothing – ever. I feel sorry for those adventurers that make this trip without the experience, expertise and down-right fun provided by Pete and his cohorts (one of whom happens to be his lovely wife). Pete is so much more than a “tour guide”. Oh sure, he’s a great rider, he knows the area like the back of his hand, he’s a handy mechanic, has amazing contacts (and is obviously loved by the locals everywhere), and takes his responsibilities seriously, but what’s the best part of Pete is Pete. He’s smart, friendly, curious, down-to-earth, hilarious and a general all-around really, really great guy. We left the adventure with life-long memories, but with a life-long friend, too.

Your Copper Canyon ride was absolutely great

Just a short note to let you know we arrived back home to Canada safe and sound. Your Copper Canyon ride was absolutely great! I have ridden the Alps four times but for beauty and adrenaline flow, this beats them all. Justin did a great job and everyone agreed the tour was a good value. Marlies enjoyed your driver Viejo and the two of them got along well. Jeremys nature and astronomy comments added to the adventure. Well done everyone! I am already talking about taking up another Rosen’s Ride.

Regards,
Alan and Marlies Sands

You will understand more when you experience it for yourself!

I saw the video, read the literature and scoured the internet for tid bits of what I might experience on this ride. Trust me, the Rosen’s Rides tour surpassed my wildest dreams.

We arrived in Presidio and met up with all of the other riders from all over the country. It was instant comradery, we were a team ready to battle the badlands of mainland Mexico. Justin and John made us feel at ease about the every aspect of the trip we were about to begin. The paved roads were fun and offered alot scenery. I particulary liked traveling in a pack like rogue bikers. Most of the locals will wave and cheer you on as you ride by. The dirt roads offered alot of everything. I especially liked the low road to Cerocahui. We snapped pictures of each other crossing a few of the many rivers and streams, rode next to the train tracks , saw a train go by, stopped for more pictures in front of a huge train tunnel and then rode over a bridge made entirely of loose upside down railroad tracks.You will understand more when you experience it for yourself!

On our way down to Urique canyon, we stopped at the overlook which had the best view of the whole trip and here comes Viejo with a truck load of smiling Federales. Viejo is our support truck driver. He offered to give the boys a ride down to the bottom of the canyon so they could call their families. We swapped stories and ended up eating at the same restaurant in Urique. We were hot, the beer was cold and the food was delicious. It does not get any better.

Anyway, I think the October, 2000 trip was dubbed the “Beyond Tequila Tour” and if John Marshall happens to be one of the tour guides on your trip, ask him why he sleeps with a stuffed Nutria.

Thank you Ricki, Justin and John for the great vacation

Brent Brewer
Ramona, CA

Yearning for the next ride into paradise

A heart-pounding, visually exhilarating experience into untamed terrain. Sights, Sounds, Smell abounds as one passes through villages of gracious natives. Evenings spent sharing thoughts and enjoying new relationships bound by tales of other journeys. Only to return home - desperately yearning for the next ride into paradise

I can't remember when I have had more fun.

I just wanted to thank you for a very enjoyable trip. I can't remember when I have had more fun. The off road riding was a new experience for me and I was not as skilled as the other riders, but your patience and help made it a very pleasant experience. It was quite evident to me that you have invested considerable time and effort in the organization and planning of this trip. The scenery was beautiful and the food and lodging were excellent. Thanks again and I look forward to joining you on another Rosen's Rides Mexican adventure.

Larry Callahan
Topeka, Kansas