Touring - California to Guatemala anyone?

I'm planning on biking from Southern California to Guatemala starting Feb. or March 2006. Anyone else going that wants a partner? This is my first bike trip of this length, so information on the route, time it took people, or other helpful information is also welcomed if you've done this trip before! Also, if you've gone all the way down Mexico to Guatemala, how long did it take you? I've estimated between 2 and 3 months--does that sound right? If I can't find a partner, any advice for convincing mom that I'd be safe as a woman travelling alone? Thanks!

Well, I was thinking Sanfran- Charleston SC for about that same time period and I'm flexible. Also a first time tourer but yea. I <3 my bike. I just need to build a rack that will fit it.

Not plans for those days, but since most of your ride will be in Mexico I may be able to help.
I live in Juarez (right next to El Paso, TX), wich may be off your route depending on what do you want to see and visit, but if you happen to ride around here or if you want a local perspective, then I am in.

Randy Fay and others did part of the great divide plus the cooper canyon in Mexico last year, you may want to check his notes.
http://www.hobobiker.com/taxonomy_menu/1/2?PHPSESSID=bfdfb9288708984a440c8f9f7a44b337

Also, there is http://www.rutachichimeca.org/ which is a young event to promote bike touring in Mexico, but the info is in Spanish.

I you want to ask something just send me a mail at fabianhm@yahoo.com, I am really new to touring, but if I can help, I will be glad to do it.

RIOTBOI--when are you planning on leaving? have you done other long bike trips before? I'm thinking it would take at least 2 months to get from southern cal. to guatemala city. I'd probably be camping along the way since I'm on a tight budget. Let me know if you're interested or have questions. Unfortuantely I don't have an exact date on when I'm leaving yet as it's rather dependent on how much money I can earn in the next few months.
-lamanda

well, I traveled alone along the CA coast and had no issues as a woman.

although my mother did want me to call her everyday.

No set leaving date. I'm living for free right now and just got a job as a bike messenger which is nice. Never toured before but I really want to do a tour before I turn 20(july 4) Thinking maybe Aprilish or something? I dunno. I'm not going to bother training or anything cuz yeh, work is now training for touring :)

Hi -- I just got back from Guatemala, and I want to warn you that conditions there for biking seem very bad. The air quality is very bad -- lots of diesel exhaust from old cars and trucks, dusty roads OR cobblestones, and high altitude. Also, the traffic is out of control, with no stop lights, and no one obeys stop signs. Very bad ambulance/first aid if at all, outside of the major cities. The bikers I talked there (there are a few) all have done mountain biking, and won't go on the roads. Good luck. I would definitely try to find someone who has biked there before. Nothing against Guatemala (I love it there, the food is awesome, the mountains and volcanoes make great climbs) just not the best biking venue....