The popularity of motorcycling in Mexico has its modern roots in the first half of the 20th century. And through blogs and other online means of mass communication, especially over the last decade, writing about this particular means of seeing the country has increased exponentially. However, the subject has not received a comprehensive treatment in an extremely informative and entertaining way, until now.
In Mexico by Motorcycle: An Adventure Story and Guide (Sombrero Books, 2015), Mexico expert and motorcycle enthusiast William B. Kaliher takes us on a ride that spans more than two decades. No, Kaliher hasn’t been riding continuously all that time; his first visit was in 1964, and the essence of his book is based on extensive experiences in 1971 and 1993.
Kaliher immediately catches his interest. From the start, she lets you know what he’s in for in terms of her use of descriptive anecdotes interspersed with gems of travel advice. It quickly becomes apparent that the author is a talented writer and ex-motorcyclist who has been recording his rides for decades; not just the top two narrated motorcycling adventures, but for literally fifty years using different modes of travel while traversing thousands of roads connecting the towns, cities, and villages of Mexico.
Advice includes: night walks; what and how much to wear and why (even cyclists should have a nice shirt and pair of pants on hand); climatic considerations; repair issues; modern perceptions of drugs, violence, fragments and associated anxieties; sure; maps; border; relations; motorcycle size (a mind blowing surprise to me); lodging, restaurants and places of interest; parking lot; security; dogs; and everything that makes the adventure worthwhile and more importantly a life-changing experience.
Although a plethora of valuable advice is detailed in the first two chapters, Kaliher’s style is to intersperse additional nuggets of wisdom throughout the book. He imparts the fruits of his experience through the use of richly descriptive and sometimes humorous narratives, such as referring to “the mother of all potholes” and how traffic lights and stop signs suddenly become “obstacles to be overcome.” live through”. Her knowledge of Mexico’s past, as well as its unique and diverse traditions and personalities today, shines through.
Mexico on a Motorcycle is an exquisite photographic essay, a guide full of extremely important advice and tips that will surprise you because Kaliher even considered mentioning them, and an adventure through the landscapes, history, and contemporary cultures of the country.
My review is with the title, but only because would-be visitors to the country by car or van may miss out on one of the most important books of modern times on travel in Mexico. The audience should include Mexicanophiles who have no interest in driving in the country. The reading will induce fond memories of past experiences and spark interest in a comeback, perhaps even on a motorcycle.