Convoy from Border Crossing

[rossmac]

The Panam 13 Team, based in Naples, Florida, would be interested in participating in a convoy at the Mexican border for the run to Guanajuato.

Based upon our total ignorance of the implications or alternatives, it seems to us that a crossing at Laredo, Texas first thing in the morning on Sunday, December 9 would be appropriate.

Is a Laredo first thing on a Sunday our best alternative? Would any other Teams originating in the Southeast or Gulf States like to join us?

[cosmic88]

Who is on this particular team and where was my invitation?

:coffeedrink:

[Rocketman]

I'm attempting to form a team out of Houston. Sunday the 9th might work out for us. Would you be going straight through to Guanajuato or spending the night along the way?

[Detslider]

I might be interested in this but I'd probably stop in San Luis Potosi

[rossmac]

Florida license plate “PANAM 13” is assigned to a Slee and Adventure Trailers prepared 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser. “PANAM 13” is an abbreviation and symbolic representation for “Overland from Naples, Florida to Panama City, Panama in 2103”, which is the current Expedition destination.

Phase I of the PANAM13 Expedition is the 2012 Maya End of the World Rally from Guanajuato to Bacalar, Mexico December 11, 2012 through December 21, 2012. If the world does not end as scheduled, the Phase I Team of Ross McIntosh and Alex Oppliger will subsequently leave the Land Cruiser in Belize, and will return to base for Christmas.

Ross (Canadian/American) and Alex (Swiss/American) have zero experience overlanding outside the U.S., and/or travelling together, and Alex’s language skills (English/Schweizerdeutsch) will be worthless on the Rally. So other than the Cruiser, the PANAM 13 Team is taking a giant leap of faith to join the Maya End of the World Rally.

Ross and his wife Shelley will return to Belize to retrieve the Land Cruiser for Phase II of the PANAM 13 Expedition: to tag along with the No Limit X Ruins and Rainforest Expedition from Belize City to Guatemala City January 24 through February 2, 2013.

Phase III and beyond, is to be determined….


Ross W. McIntosh
Licensed Real Estate Broker
720 Goodlette Rd. N
Suite 303
Naples, FL 34102-5656
239-213-1425 - Office
239-791-1221 - Fax
ross@rosswmcintosh.com

[rossmac]

If we cross into Mexico on the 9th, we have two days to arrive in Guanajuato, so a leisurely drive and overnight stop (San Luiss Potosi?) is certainly feasible.

[Detslider]

I wouldn't really want to stop or spend any time anywhere much farther north than SLP.
It's a full days drive from the border to get there but my truck is very overt and I'm not willing to risk hanging out in the border zone.

I might be able to arrange a safe spot in SLP too. Depends on how many vehicles join this convoy.

[rossmac]

I wouldn't really want to stop or spend any time anywhere much farther north than SLP.
It's a full days drive from the border to get there but my truck is very overt and I'm not willing to risk hanging out in the border zone.

I might be able to arrange a safe spot in SLP too. Depends on how many vehicles join this convoy.

Depending upon your route to Laredo, PANAM 13 can connect with you in Louisiana or Texas, but at a minimum we are prepared to commit to a rendezvous with you in Laredo, TX or environs on the evening of Saturday, December 8, 2012 in anticipation of a 7am Sunday, December 9th border crossing in to Mexico.

According to time and date.com, sunset in San Luis Potosi on December 9, 2012 is 6:01pm. If we cross the Border at 7am, we’ll have 11 hours of daylight to get to San Luis Potosi. Your offer of a safe overnight spot in SLP is appreciated and accepted.

[Detslider]

I'm stopping in San Antonio for a day probably.
Not sure yet if we'll leave San Antonio in the early hours to make an early border crossing or just spend a night in Laredo.
Probably the later.

As it gets closer we'll work out a meet somewhere in TX.

[Rocketman]

Team TEXMEX Overland is starting to come together. I will be driving down in my '72 FJ40 - maybe with my son, maybe with my sister, maybe with my dog, maybe with a gf if I have one by then. Two friends (afraid to drive their Jeeps) will fly down and rent a suitable vehicle for the rally, then fly back in time to play Santa Claus. I will continue northwest after the party to San Carlos, Sonora. My sister lives there, and I planned on spending Christmas there anyway. This will be a nice detour to the Pacific coast. :sombrero:

Ross, when do you plan on coming through Houston?

[rossmac]

I'm attempting to form a team out of Houston. Sunday the 9th might work out for us. Would you be going straight through to Guanajuato or spending the night along the way? If we elect to sprint from Naples to Laredo, which seems likely, PANAM13 should be coming through Houston mid-day, Saturday, December 8, in anticipation of an early evening arrival in Laredo.

[MattScott]

Team Ralph will be bar-hopping their way down the coast of Mexico eating fish tacos until they stumble upon Guanajuato, all are welcome to join.

12V blenders and ample tequila are required.

[Rocketman]

I wouldn't want to slow you down if you're in a hurry. My 40 is only good for 65 mph. Houston to Laredo is a good 7 hrs at speed - probably 8 for me.

[Dgurley2000]

it seems to us that a crossing at Laredo, Texas first thing in the morning on Sunday, December 9 would be appropriate.

Is a Laredo first thing on a Sunday our best alternative? Would any other Teams originating in the Southeast or Gulf States like to join us?

We're not making the rally but are planning on crossing December 8 in Laredo.


.

According to time and date.com, sunset in San Luis Potosi on December 9, 2012 is 6:01pm. If we cross the Border at 7am, we’ll have 11 hours of daylight to get to San Luis Potosi. Your offer of a safe overnight spot in SLP is appreciated and accepted.

We crossed at Bridge II in Laredo Dec 18 last year and it took 8 hours to get through. Lots of paisanos were heading south for Christmas. Might not be as bad ten days earlier, but you might plan accordingly. There's a Holiday Inn across the border in Nuevo Laredo with good security and right off the highway if its too late in the day to travel south.

We'll probably try the Columbia Bridge crossing this time.
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

EDIT: From reading this, looks like December 18 was during the peak of paisano travel:
http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/16/border-town-rest-stop-a-sanctuary-for-mexican-travelers-heading-home-for-holidays/

[rossmac]

I wouldn't want to slow you down if you're in a hurry. My 40 is only good for 65 mph. Houston to Laredo is a good 7 hrs at speed - probably 8 for me. PANAM13 can either mosey from Houston to Laredo in convoy with your 40, or meet you when you arrive at our to be determined overnight location in Laredo. Once in Mexico, your limited cruising speed won’t be an issue for us. We will want to travel at a more leisurely pace once South of the border.

[rossmac]

We're not making the rally but are planning on crossing December 8 in Laredo.



We crossed at Bridge II in Laredo Dec 18 last year and it took 8 hours to get through. Lots of paisanos were heading south for Christmas. Might not be as bad ten days earlier, but you might plan accordingly. There's a Holiday Inn across the border in Nuevo Laredo with good security and right off the highway if its too late in the day to travel south.

We'll probably try the Columbia Bridge crossing this time.
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

EDIT: From reading this, looks like December 18 was during the peak of paisano travel:
http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/16/border-town-rest-stop-a-sanctuary-for-mexican-travelers-heading-home-for-holidays/

Thanks for the "wait times" website. Looks like you chose the precise wrong time to cross last year!

[Rocketman]

PANAM13 can either mosey from Houston to Laredo in convoy with your 40, or meet you when you arrive at our to be determined overnight location in Laredo. Once in Mexico, your limited cruising speed won’t be an issue for us. We will want to travel at a more leisurely pace once South of the border.Either works for me. I might even leave early and wait for you guys to catch up (hopefully not sitting on the side of the road). We'll figure it out as it gets closer to the end of the world. Just let me know where and I'll be there before you leave in the morning.

So, what type of route are you shooting for once the rally starts - mild, moderate, challenging, or mexican goat trails? I'm assuming there will be hidden items in easy places as well as off the beaten path, but in addition to the scavenger hunt, I'm planning on hitting the Palenque, Bonampak, and Calakmul ruins at the very least. I really don't know what there is to see in the mountains except scenery, so I haven't really planned anything besides the ruins.

[SFROMAN]

I havent registered for the event yet and im in the early planning phase but i might be intrested in convoying from the border crossing. my initial plan was to cross in brownsville and drive down the coast but i am up to for changing my route. My starting point is Pensacola Florida.

[Rocketman]

Looks like TEXMEX Overland is going to be stuck in TX for the end of the world. I'll watch for the explosion from across the Gulf. My kid's school calendar came out and his last day before Christmas break is the 21st. I'm a single parent and there is no way I can take him out 2 weeks beforehand. One week, maybe, but not two. I'm out. :(

[ihatemybike]

But it would be a good cultural learning trip for him. Surely the school could agree.

[Rocketman]

But it would be a good cultural learning trip for him. Surely the school could agree.That's the excuse I used last year when we went to Mt. Rushmore for Labor Day. It cost him 3 days of school. Then his mother had him for an extra 3 days after Christmas break for a total of 6 missed days. He did not receive credit for his classes on the final report card due to excessive absences and we have to appeal when school starts back up. I suppose when we appeal, I could ask them about the ramifications if I take him out for a week this year.

[aka rover]

Team Ralph will be bar-hopping their way down the coast of Mexico eating fish tacos until they stumble upon Guanajuato, all are welcome to join.

12V blenders and ample tequila are required.

Nice

I will tag along so we can share spares to make sure one of the old Rovers makes the END!!

[WorldRallyTeam]

Our plan is to drive out of Laredo on Dec 10th if we end up going...So pm me for contact info.

FYI fastest way to get to Guanajuato is after crossing the San Luis Potosi Toll Booth is to head towards Queretaro and take Villa de Reyes route to San Felipe - Silao or if you want a bad *** off road trail run cut thru Ortega to Santa Rosa then down thru Valenciana, that is what we raced in WRC (do it only be day), you can have breakfast at la cabana de lolita before hitting the old road from Dolores Hidalgo to GTO.

[technichen]

I plan on crossing in the same place on the 10th, what time are you going to try to cross? Maybe we could meet up & cross together and stay together.

[WorldRallyTeam]

I plan on crossing in the same place on the 10th, what time are you going to try to cross? Maybe we could meet up & cross together and stay together.

Got your PM. See you here on the Dec 10th.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/481821_245243192269822_1034971215_n.jpg

[snowbear]

Our departure date keeps getting pushed back. Maybe we can meet up w/you guys in Laredo.

[WorldRallyTeam]

Talked to Enrique, and left a voicemail on Ross's phone. our plan still remains to depart Laredo before noon
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0611/feature3/images/gallery.3.4.jpg

to arrive in GTO around 10pm.
http://www.nytstore.com/assets/images/Natgeo/1063940.jpg

[rossmac]

The Panam13 2012 Maya Rally Team#16 currently plans to convoy from Laredo to Guanajuato on Monday, December 10 with minority racer, technichen, Enrique Vega and anyone else in their company.

The group apparently intends a late morning Laredo departure, very long day’s drive, and an after dark Guanajuato arrival. Panam13 would prefer a first light departure, two day drive, and daylight Guanajuato arrival.

Is anyone else up for a convoy departing Laredo at first light on Sunday, December 9, overnighting at Las Palmas Motel in Matehuala, and continuing to Guanajuato on Monday, December 10?

If so, email me at ross@rosswmcintosh.com, or call my cell 239-450-0977. The Panam13 Team leaves Naples, Florida Wednesday, December 5, for Laredo (the long way).

[WorldRallyTeam]

We can leave on saturday or sunday, but rather wait for the green light on Monday:) dont worry we will guide to gto even under thick fog and get some cabrito in matehuala at el hotel las palmas, get ready for the Bongo!

[WorldRallyTeam]

We can leave early on Monday morning to arrive before the sun goes down in GTO. We still need to get our vehicle permits, plan is to get it on Friday or Saturday, we can just walk across the bridge, no need to take the vehicles. Or if you want to get a head start, I can guide you to the vehicle permit office and tell you where to go from there. I can just walk back and catch up with your team on Monday in Matehuala.

Good info here http://centraloverland.com/2011/12/running-the-gauntlet/

http://centraloverland.com/wp-content/themes/goodnews/framework/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://centraloverland.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/CIITEV.jpg&h=275&w=600&zc=1

[WorldRallyTeam]

Stephen, Ross, and Enrique

Just wanted to let you know that we plan on taking you guys offroading at our local offroad trails, these are very unique probably the only one of its kind in the whole world with a tricky caliche terrain where you have to dodge pointy carrizo shrubs that will tear up most tires, and mezquite trees that will bash your rig...

So maybe we can head over the the Mexican office in Nuevo Laredo on Saturday early and get the vehicle permits and then BBQ and wheel on Sunday.

Here is what you will experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGM0CRPbHI4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3feMh-qlr-Y

Bongo! Bongo! Bongo!
http://www.worldrallyteam.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bongoskinnypedaldecal.jpg

[WorldRallyTeam]

Its been a long night but the CrocTarp is almost done :grinpimp: Time to pack!

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[The Rover Shop]

YoungRovers left Fort Lauderdale Thursday mid day and should be pulling into Loredo around 8-9 tonight (Sat). Thinking a Sunday crossing allows for a more pleasurable cruise into Guanajuato

We can be reached at 954-778-0346