Originally Posted by
Cyclesafe
I live in San Diego. Nobody I know who lives here would EVER consider crossing the border to ride their bike.
Nevertheless, there is a constant stream of (usually European) cycle tourists southbound on Pacific Coast Highway who know better.
I think that if you have the "homeless on a bike" look, you'll fit in better with the locals down there who do not ride bikes just because they want too. Speaking Spanish would kinda help too. The typical bright colored spandex wearing middle aged cycle tourist might as well have a sign on their back saying (in espanol of course) "ROB ME".
Take the advice above with a grain of salt. Actually, hundreds of Americans cross the border twice a year from the U.S. to Tijuana for the
Rosarito-Ensenada bike ride. But there are always xenophobic people everywhere who will tell you a bunch of crap to scare you away.
No one is going to rob you in Mexico whether you wear spandex or not. People here are used to seeing cyclists even in the smallest of towns. I wear spandex every single time I bike. I have NEVER had a problem.
gdlerner: I am not familiar with biking from the Yucatan Peninsula to Mexico City. Your plan of stopping short of entering Mexico City is a good one, mainly due to the heavy traffic. I would reconsider not biking in Chiapas or Oaxaca. Everyone here tells me those are some the most interesting states in Mexico.