MEXICO BICYCLE TOUR
Puerto Vallarta to Colima.

Hope you can come and join us in the sun for a bicycle tour along Mexico’s ‘Gold Coast’-- PUERTO VALLARTA to COLIMA. We’ll visit some small beach towns and villages where few ‘Gringo’ tourists ever set foot. Some Mexican local riders will join us for some rides out of Colima. This will be our 21st year leading bicycle tours in Mexico.

Photo Gallery View entire photo gallery


Mexico, Jan 2010


Mexico PV to Colima. Courtesy Al Harvey.


Mexico, Jan 2010



Breakfast, Mexico Jan 2010.


Mexico, Jan 2010.


Mexico, Jan 2010

Getting There & Back

Our trip starts in Puerto Vallarta (PV). We rendezvous with riders the evening of December 11th at our hotel. The airport is 8 miles north of town-- a taxi ride is about $25-30 US. Most airport taxis are Suburbans, which can easily accommodate a bike box. Our tour finishes in the city of Manzanillo. Cyclists are responsible for getting themselves back to PV from Manzanillo at the end of the tour. We will transport bikes back to PV and store them at our hotel. It is a 5 hour comfortable bus ride from Manzanillo to P.V. (see itinerary). Some people may choose to fly home from Manzanillo. We will store your bike box in at our Hotel in PV or carry it with us if you are returning from Manzanillo. Many riders in past years have chosen to spend some extra time relaxing on a beach in the small resort town of Melaque., which is near the Manzanillo Airport and about a 3.5 hour bus to PV. Alaska, American Airlines, America West, Continental Airlines, Aeromexico, Mexicana, West Jet, among others offer flights to PV. and Manzanillo Airports.

Getting In

A passport is now required for passing through or returning to the U.S. and Canada. A Mexican Tourist Card is also required –these will be handed out on the airplane, hang on to it you will need it at the time of your return.

The Riding

The roads are paved and for the most part in very good shape. A mountain bike with slicks or a road bike will do. Our van will carry a comprehensive set of tools and a floor pump. Bike rentals options are now limited. (5 mountain bikes available with slicks at 90 us). We might have access to some road bikes depending on your size and needs. We recommend bringing your own. - Airlines may charge from $60 - $100 one-way, for your bike. All airlines have different policies about carrying bikes.

Riders are expected to ride the distances, but in the event of sore knees or illness, we will make arrangements for a shuttle.
Helmets are mandatory. A safety vest is a GOOD idea. For stretches, there is very little shoulder, but there is very little traffic and, for the most part, the Mexican drivers are great. Most of the traffic heads inland to the big cities, we are cruising along the coast.

Accommodations

We will rest in moderately priced hotels, clean and well situated, nothing fancy. Hotels where Mexican tourists go. Most have pools and/or beach access. Rooms will be reserved on a double occupancy basis. Persons wishing a room to themselves may do so at their own expense (add $225Can). If traveling on your own and you don’t specifically request single occupancy, in this trip you will not be charged the single supplement if we don’t find a room buddy for you. Note while on the topic of roommates--- Mexican hotels / towns are noisier than Canadian. Everything is made of tile, so reflects noise. Mexicans tend to stay up later than us, roosters are common, and you roommate might snore ---- Ear plugs can work magic.

Water

Bottled water can be purchased in all towns and is readily available at all our hotels. Our van carries several six gallon jugs to keep a supply of clean fresh water. Bicycle touring in Mexico requires you drink lots of water. Your bike should have the capacity to carry a minimum of 2 water bottles.

Meals

We provide 7 meals throughout the course of the tour ( 1 Lunch, 6 Breakfasts). We provide basic breakfasts so you can get an early start on the day.

There will always be plenty of bananas, peanut butter and honey handy for anyone wanting to pack a snack long for the ride. A fruit platter will be available at the end of most rides. People are on their own for beer and wine ---we’ll keep a cooler full and you can simply replace/pay what you drink.

Climate

We run our Mexico tours at the coolest time of year, but still, the afternoons get into the high 20C/80’sF. It is your holiday so you can start to ride at whatever time of day you like, but early mornings are a good idea to beat the heat. Most rides you will finish before the heat of the day. Rain is very unlikely; if it does rain it will be short and refreshing. You will be able to wear shorts every day. No need to bring riding tights. Mornings are in the 21-26C / 70-80 F range.

Other

  • We require that all cyclists purchase medical insurance valid in Mexico. Travel agents or your bank can arrange this. We buy ours through BCAA.
  • Canadian dollars are very difficult to exchange (other than in P.V.) US$ are easier to exchange.
  • Bank machines are everywhere now.

Cost

$1255 Cdn. Per person on double occupancy. Add $225 Cdn. single occupancy.

$100 non-refundable deposit reserves a spot. Full payment is due 60 days before the tour start. (Oct 11th). We are not required to collect GST on this trip (tour is outside Canada). Please make cheques payable to GABRIOLA CYCLE & KAYAK. We are not able to process credit cards. Thank you.

Cancellation fee 31-90 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 20% final payment.
Cancellation fee 1-30 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 40% final payment.

We Provide

  • 10 nights in hotels/double occupancy (December 11th-20th)
  • 7 meals (6 breakfasts + 1 lunch)
  • snacks at the end of some rides
  • support vehicle
  • 3 Mexican bilingual guides

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from Mexico, Puerto Vallarta
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • bike (some rentals available from local shops)
  • alcohol (we keep a cooler full, everyone chips in)
  • incidentals during the trip

Note: Minimum 10 to run the trip. Please check for availability.

Tour Dates

December 11-20, 2010

9 riding days / 10 nights

COST: $1255 CDN (based on double occupancy), + $225 for single occupancy.

There is no GST charged on trips outside Canada.


Please check for availability and make sure to send in your deposit to secure your reservation.

Mexico 2002 Photo Gallery Courtesy John Litherland