We have carefully considered the situation in northern Mexico including riding into this area and seeing for ourselves. What we found was not very promising. It seems to us that proceeding with our plans to have the route go through northern Mexico may put our participants at substantial risk. This obviously is not an acceptable situation for us to continue to pursue. In order to avoid the situation in Mexico, we have decided to eliminate that first leg of the trip altogether and will hold the start of the event in Mesa, AZ. As we are riding through a significant portion of California along the northern coast of the state, the coast to coast and California content of the route will be maintained. The ride would go from the Golden Gate to Nova Scotia.
Chester's Harley Davidson of Mesa, AZ will be the host for the 2011 pre-challenge kick off party. Together we will be coordinating the event with live music, food and drinks. Watch our blog and website for updates!!
I guess I'm a little bummed about Mexico being canned but do understand the logic behind it. Would have added to the "Challenge" part of the ride to be sure. I probably wouldn't ride there normally but would not have hesitated to go south of the border if it had remained part of the Challenge. See you all in August.
ReplyDeleteI concur with the change. It's a challenge to ride in that country with all that is dorked up. I am bilingual and trust me, it does not help at all.
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