I really enjoyed the trip. You [Karin & Joel] looked after us very well. Now I am skiing in snow country.....But biking will start here soon, April I hope.

Lo siento Karin que [no] te escribí más pronto. Muchas gracias a ti y Joel por el viaje que me disfrute mucho. Tu y Joel son guías muy bueno. Antes de viaje pensé que no pude ir nada más. Pero durante el viaje pens&eacute que quiero continúa. Me sentí buena y fuerte. También me gustaba mucho el grupo... Si continúo con salud buena quiero ir otra vez con ustedes. En domingo fui sol a las ruinas dzilbchton. No entere porque pensé que era bastante para llagar allá. Gracias a las direcciones de Joel. El regreso era más directo porque en domingo no había mucho tráfico. Ahora estoy viviendo en una casa en la colonia de campestre que es más norte y más cerca a #60. La escuela empezó hoy. Voy a practicar español más. Quizás voy otra vez a las ruinas o al Progreso Espero que tu también disfrutaste del viaje y que su regreso a su casa era fácil. Otra vez muchas gracias a ti y Joel.

Many thanks [Karin & Joel] for leading us on such an interesting and very enjoyable Yucatan cycle trip. Not only was it more educational than I expected but also more comfortable.
Maybe another trip with you sometime to learn about another part of Mexico.

thank you both [Karin & Joel] again for the guiding. We enjoyed the trip. We are now back in Calgary after a lovely stay on the beach in Tulum.

Hello Karin and Joel,
Thank you for the great trip through Yucatan. You were excellent guides. It was my first time in Mexico, and I really enjoyed the trip. I will recommend you as guides to anyone I know who is interested in doing a cycling trip in Mexico.
Good luck in the future with your business.

This was our third tour with our friends Alix and Basil, and we wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our time in Oaxaca. The scenery was amazing, the cycling great, especially the hills, but what really made it the best were the people. It is always an adventure meeting new people and the group of people we were privileged to join were fun loving, supportive and a joy to be with. We feel that we have made some great new friends!

As always, our guides Alix and Basil were great, ready to help in any way needed and very informative about our surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and will recommend it to all our friends!

This was my first trip to Mexico and so my first time with Bike Mexico - and Basil & Alix. Mexico had been recommended to me a few years ago, as a winter cycling destination, and the same people had also recommended Bike Mexico. That proved to be good advice on both counts. I've cycled in a great many parts of the world and I can say with confidence that Mexico ranks right up there amongst the best. The scenery was varied and pretty spectacular, the history and all of the different sights provided plenty of interest away from the bike, the food was a revelation - absolutely delicious and so much more varied than I'd expected, roads were generally quiet and drivers on the whole considerate, and people everywhere were friendly and helpful. My positive comments about Mexico are no doubt due in no small measure to Basil's [and Alix'] route planning. The areas which Bike Mexico visit and the routes which they use are clearly chosen carefully - to provide the best possible experience for visiting cyclists. On the road, and at overnight stops, Basil and Alix maintain a similar focus - sharing their knowledge and love of Mexico, encouraging the group to gel through their own friendly input, showing real concern for everyone's wellbeing and finally finding suitable hotels and restaurants. I knew that there would be a couple of days on the Pilgrimage in Oaxaca tour that would test me, but the Bike Mexico style is to facilitate such days by an early start and by keeping an eye out for everyone. In the end, therefore, those days were long - but still enjoyable. Finally, whilst in Mexico, I'd decided to do some independent touring with friends - after our Bike Mexico tour. Despite our plans leaning quite heavily on some other Bike Mexico routes, Basil & Alix couldn't have been more helpful - providing all sorts of helpful advice. I have a lot of other places that I want to cycle, but it's quite possible that I'll return to Mexico some time - and become one of Bike Mexico's many returning customers.

Thank you again for another great tour! The Puebla volcano ride is a great new ride. Great city shopping to high country scenic riding. I believe this could be my 9th ride with Bike Mexico. Every ride is special in its own way.

Yes, I did indeed have a great time. The bicycling was fun once my stomach recovered to normalcy. It was very enjoyable and educational traveling through rural Mexico and experiencing the very different lifesytle of the pueblos compared with small towns in the U.S. The large public markets, the busy zocallos fronted by a Catholic church and municipal palace in every pueblo, the streets with concrete tiles, and the general friendliness of the people were all a novelty coming from the U.S. I made it home with no problems. Sitting next to me on the plane was a Mexican who worked in finance at the Volkswagen factory in Puebla. 80% of their production is exported to the U.S. market. I'm pleased that I signed up for the trip. I look forward to joining you again on a future trip.

Basil and Alex, I enjoyed the ride, the company and the sites. You were great host and guides with much knowledge about Mexico and the areas we rode through. Thanks for putting together such and interesting and entertaining ride. The food was good and filling with all the nutrition needed to power me along the way. Some of the roads had heavy traffic and the riders needed to stay alert, but they were all ridable and almost all of the Mexican drivers were very courteous careful around bikers. Thanks again for the great time. Jerry Crump

"Under the Volcano" bike trip in March was a new experience for my husband and I. First of all, we had never been to Mexico, so that was interesting in itself. We were more than pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the people we met en route and their interest in us. It was very amusing to find how funny we looked to the school children. Secondly, we have only done shorter bike tours in Great Britain where we had our bags taken each day to our next stop. We were a bit anxious about cycling with panniers, but as one of our more experienced companions told us, you soon forget they are there, and we found that to be true. We enjoyed this trip so much - our guides, Basil and Alix - were superb, so supportive and so much fun. The daily rides varied in length, hilliness and terrain and were always interesting. A couple of days were more challenging, but they came towards the end when we were more able to handle them. Being a relatively recent cyclist myself, it felt like an achievement to manage these days. The days off seemed to come just when they were needed and we loved the day spent at Cantona - what a fabulous archeological site. There were lots of other stops/side trips - markets, churches, botanical garden which allowed us to see something of the people and the country. We liked the variety of restaurants - from posh to a roadside taco stand, and the variety of hotels - again a variety, but each charming in its own way. It was great to be away from other tourists - we rarely saw any others.
We look forward to another trip with Basil and Alix.
Helen and Peter, British Columbia, Canada

How did I love my "Under the Volcano" bike trip... let me count the ways.

• The ride... rural and urban, salt flats and mountains, easy and challenging rides
• The guides... Basil and Alix, always there to support and have fun with us
• The Mexican people... so friendly; loved the schoolgirls giggling at the sight of us
• The lack of tourists... we were them
• The food... my favourite - tacos at Monica's roadside stand, with the surprising yet delicious ingredient of mashed potato
• The weather... lovely after our long Canadian winter
• The company... all our group of eleven
• The post-ride Coronas, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the interesting pulque
• The extras... archaeological sites, especially fabulous Cantona, the glittering churches, the vibrant markets, botanical garden, brewery tour, puppet museum, etc.
• The hotels... all charming in their individuality
• The topes... lots of them, therefore the only Spanish word my husband really got the hang of

Looking forward to our next trip with Basil and Alix.
Helen, British Columbia, Canada

Biking: At altitudes up to almost 10,000 feet, the first week of adaptation was a bit of a challenge. But the landscapes, like the stark beauty of the altoplano, were gorgeous. Grade: A
Social: Most meals together, an attitude of everyone looking out for each other during the rides--by the end of the trip, there was a sense of being part of a close and caring bicycling family . Grade A
Cultural: From a side trip to a cactus biosphere to exploration of the magnificent Mesoamerican archaeological site at Cantona to checking out the palatability of pulque (puke-eh for Canadians), this was an unexpected bonus of the trip. Travelling off the gringo grid showed us Mexican communities unspoiled by the hype one often sees on the coast. Grade A+
When friends ask me what the trip was like, my one word summary is "Fabulous".

Cycling the mountainous terrain of Oaxaca was certainly a challenge for us on our Co Motion tandem- lots of long climbs and whirlwind downs. We have never been photographed and given thumbs up so often. Each day's end destination was a different experience. Weather changes were dramatic. We met the challenges and enjoyed the adventure with very memorable moments.

Alix and Basil, Just a brief thank you for your great tour around Oaxaca. The tour was well planned and executed, as always. The cycling was easy to moderate, which coming from a person of my age was welcome. And yes, I did enjoy the challenges of the three hills we did have to ascent. Living in the Yucatan, that was a major change for me. Alix continues to astound me with her knowledge of the pueblitos and the indigenous peoples of Mexico. She seems to have a magnet that attracts her to the most interesting crafts and people. Not just to the village, but to the houses. And purchasing arte a mano from the artists in their own home in their own village is sooo special. And the prices without the middle men is always super affordable. Since we carried all of our own gear, without the use of a SAG wagon, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants is welcome. All of the hotels were very clean and quiet. All hat hot water. And we had private rooms with private baths, when desired. All at a very reasonable price. But the comradery of the riders was the highlight for me. With small groups limited to ten riders, everyone gets to know everyone else. Of the nine riders I had ridden with five on previous BikeMexico tours. So it was like to old home week. This was my fourth BikeMexico ride. And I am looking forward to my fifth on the Under the Volcano ride in January.

I believe this may have been my 8th ride with Bike Mexico.com. It is the first ride offered in the 3 valleys of Oaxaca. What a great time with a few challenging days and some easier days thrown in. This is the best tour for learning and understanding the culture of the Oaxacan people. We weren't pushed on this ride. Plenty of time to get to know each other and the area. Day of the dead, black pottery, painted figurines, mescal, awesome Oaxacan rugs. There is nothing not to like about this ride. After riding a number of the challenge tours out of Oaxaca this was refreshing to take a little time and enjoy.

I just finished riding my seventh straight year with Bike Mexico.com. What a great two week tour I had with my brother , Dave. This time was my first time with Joel and Karin and they did a great job keeping up the tradition of excellent guiding you will find with BikeMexico. Com. If you live in the North there is nothing like a getaway to Mexico. One or two week tours are interesting and warm. The price is right too!

Journey to Ixtlan 2012

The best word to describe this trip and route is EPIC. In the 13 days that we were gone (there were only two other guests besides myself), once we left Oaxaca we saw no other white people. We were out where white people don't go. Some of the places we went the locals didn't speak Spanish, but rather their own language.

Oaxaca the city is beautiful, and full of artists, restaurants, creative energy, it's worth a visit on its own. Every night there are a ton of events going on, performances, etc., never a lack of anything to do. There are some ruins nearby (Monte Alban) that we did not get to. Couple of good museums, and a very nice Zocalo for hanging out. And of course tons of outdoor markets filled with amazing foods.

The route--First, Oaxaca the state is HUGE. It has within its borders 6 distinct climates, so it is a lot like California in that way. We started out by heading up into the mountains to the North of town. Pine forests, rivers, mountain towns. Roads generally good, light traffic. Climate is pretty much sunny every day, no wind. Some days were hot.

I was not prepared for the scale there. It felt like you were always on the edge of the Grand Canyon or something similar, with huge dropoffs, unending vistas, 100 plus mile visibility. The uphills and downhills were typically in the 15 to 30 mile range. We had one downhill that was 40 miles long. And some of these are STEEP!! Like I was in my very lowest gear standing up praying I could keep the bike moving up the hill and trying not to fall over. Didn't want to stop because then would have to head downhill to get going again. Two of the days were exceptionally hard, the rest were pretty makeable.

So, we start with the mountains, pine forests, great vistas. We climb to 10,000 feet, then we have the 40 mile downhill. Immediately upon heading down, we get our first climate change. Mist comes in. We are now in a cloud forest, huge ferns, massive green everywhere, total jungle. Terribly steep descent, riding the brakes hard, everybody screaming down the mountain. Then the fog gets really dense, like in you can't see the road anymore. And the road is wet, and in bad shape at times. Completely wild, then the fog clears and we are in the foothills and eventually the valley, and it looks like Thailand/Hawaii, hot humid, rivers, jungle valley.

The next change was the foothills, we went to a town near a huge reservoir. Still humid, but now rolling green hills, with a bit of a jungly look, it reminded me of Africa.

Then the hardest day, out of the foothills to the top of the mountain. The last 15 km were straight up, this was an 8000 foot elevation gain day. And it was hot. Just about killed me. So we hit the top, and then there is a 20 mile or so downhill, the road is near perfect, the curves are banked, a big bus lets us go by, and we just scream down the mountain into climate number 3, the desert. Cactus everywhere, dry and hot.

Next day's ride was one of my favorites, rolling hills through desert canyons, with an overall elevation drop. I felt pretty good so I hammered this one, would have loved to have my road bike.

Last day's ride was a bit of a slog, 80 miles and 6000 feet, gradual hill back for around 50 miles, couldn't go fast, just hanging on, then rolling to back in town.

Would highly recommend this trip, Basil and Alix will take you to places you will not forget!

Day of the Dead Tour 2012

This is my second tour with Alexandra and Basil with the first being Pacific Views 2011. Pacific Views was so wonderful that when my friend Ken informed me that he had signed up for the Day of the Dead Tour, I became committed to joining him on the ride even though I had a torn meniscus in my knee and only 6 weeks to have surgery, train and be released by the doctor before the start of the ride. The tour was far better than I had expected and I know of no better way to experience a country than on a bicycle tour lead by highly skilled tour guides with a love and passion for the country and its people. I was not once disappointed with the routes, destinations, food or lodging. Despite the bad press in the US regarding Mexico, I never felt unsafe and found the country to be quite hospitable. We were also joined on the ride by Alix and Basil's friend and fellow guide Joel. Joel is a native Mexican and was a great addition to the ride. I enjoyed Joel and look forward to doing a tour with him in the future should the opportunity arise. My fellow riders on both rides were friendly, fun, respectful as well as very interesting people. Basil and Alix are very special people and I am grateful for the opportunity to see Mexico through their eyes. I highly recommend this tour and look forward to doing future tours with Bike Mexico.

El tour ha superado todas mis expectativas, Alix y Basil ofrecieron un tour con una planeación impecable, y una experiencia inigualable. En ningún momento de las 2 semanas tuve que preocuparme por la ruta, la comida, el hospedaje ó las actividades, dejando mi reloj en casa rápidamente olvide que día de la semana era y me dedique disfrutar la experiencia a tiempo completo.

La ruta fue excelente, las zonas arqueológicas y cenotes impresionantes, la playa deslumbrante, la comida deliciosa, y la compañía muy cálida.

Como tapatío (nativo de Guadalajara), tengo que decir que Yucatán es prácticamente otro país, y explorarlo en bicicleta ha sido una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida, bikemexico ha reafirmado mi amor por el cicloturismo.

Tour Blog

My first week-long bike tour and I'm hooked! Not only is the Yucatan a beautiful and inspiring place, but the people are the friendliest and most genuine you'll ever meet. And Basil and Alix must be Mayan since they're equally as friendly, motivating, knowledgeable and helpful-- very good at keeping the group together while enjoying cycling. Ok, so getting on the road shortly after dawn without a leisurely breakfast isn't exactly my thing :-) but it's certainly worth it to see the morning glories crawling over the corn fields, see the roosters and birds, and have a few hours of cycling in cool(er) temperatures. And knowing that only 20k down the road there's a plateful of huevos a la Mexicana certainly puts fuel in the pedals. I loved this tour and can only recommend it!

It was fantastic. I must admit that I was more than a little apprehensive about going to Mexico let alone biking there but decided to go for it and I'm so happy I did. I never felt frightened once; the people were wonderful, kind and gracious and seemed genuinely happy to see us biking through their country. The group was diverse, the guides superb. I'm planning my next cycling tour with Bike Mexico... "Backroads to the Beach" here I come.

Thank you so much for such an enjoyable experience!! You and Alex were organized, helpful, informative and personable. The variation of villages, cities, cenotes and ruins provided for a well-rounded cultural experience. During our travels, I felt safe and secure with the wealth of knowlege you both have with cycling and over-all health during vigerous exercise in the sun. We hope to join you in the near future for another adventure. Family, friends and strangers have been victims of my raving and stories. Bike Mexico is awsome!!!

Yucatan 2012
The pavement was smooth, the weather was warm, the group was fun and interesting, and Alix and Basil provide an in depth cultural anthropological experience that was unique to us all. I will be joining the 70% of clients who repeat and will keep coming back for more so long as the Alix and Basil show keeps running.

I just completed your most difficult ride at 64 years old. It is the 4th tour out of Oaxaca for me with Bike Mexico.com and the 7th total tour with Basil and Alix. The Oaxacan tour is one you do not want to approach without being prepared. It is challenging and it is a very gratifying experience to complete. The food is awesome in the state of Oaxaca. The scenery is great and the tour guides know what they are doing. I don't know how it could be made better.

I am rarely at a loss for words, but this time I am having difficulty expressing my feelings and experiences of the Views of the Pacific ride last month. First of all, let me say the two of you did an excellent job of leading the ride. Basil is a superb technician keeping everyone on track. Alix is a superb people person keeping everyone happy and together. Your care of the guests, helping them with lost bikes, bus schedules and difficult airlines was way beyond anything I have experienced on other group rides which I have taken.

The route was more beautiful than I expected. The hills to the left (East) and the Pacific to the right (West). Green is the color of the land and blue is the color of the ocean. Flowers were everywhere. The sand was a beautiful milk chocolate color. The sun overhead was gold and hot. But the ever present breeze kept us comfortable.

The tiny pueblitos where we stayed were unlike anything most foreigners ever get to experience in Mexico. Including me, and I have lived in Mexico for almost three years. The coves were gorgeous. The food excellent. And the people friendly. Just experiencing that part of Mexico in a way few foreigners get to do was soooo rewarding. And it can only be done on a bike.

Zihuatanejo was the final treat of the ride. It seems to be a fishing village that has been discovered. Development is small scale and environmentally friendly. And nicely done with the walking streets blocked off to cars. Our boat ride to Playa Manzanillo was unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable. Seeing the schools of Black Tuna. The video taken on my iPod of my bringing in the first Black Tuna is a hit with my friends here in Merida. The tiritas de pescada (cervechi) made on the beach was so fresh and delicious.

The November '11 Tour along the Pacific Coast from Puerto Vallarta to Zihuatanejo was my fifth enjoyable tour with your company. Thanks for your consideration and care to your guests.

I loved this experience and learned so much since it was my maiden voyage as a bike tourist. Thank you all for your good natures, good advice, and good times. What a great experience!

The tour was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was great to get away from the resorts, and see the real Mexico. I really enjoyed riding through some of the small towns, and seeing how another culture lives. Joel and Karin were amazing, and were very knowledgable in the area, routes, and towns. They were a lot of fun to ride with and very helpful when mechanical issues arose. Also, it was fun having people who could tell me about the foods, and sights in the different areas. The roads were excellent, my aluminum road bike was adequete in all situations (Although I may have ben a little more comfortable with slightly wider tires).The ruins of Coba, Ek Balam, and Chichen Itza were all awe inspiring. Izamal was absolutely beatuiful.

Alot of my friends and co-workers asked me about my concnerns for saftey while in Mexico. I honestly felt safer the entire trip than I do while walking around my hometown of Seattle.

I hope to be able to go on another Bike Mexico tour in the future!

Backroads to the Beach was a "moving feast" of the Yucatan! Each day we biked from one "gem" to another weaving a rich tapestry of tastes, sights, and now memories.

Dear friends,
The past days in the peninsula of Yucatan have brought unexplainable satisfaction. Not only did we get to see, smell and taste this remarkable part of Mexico, but we've also conquered fears, hills, kilometers, clouds and winds.
But above all, we've made new friends, on a bike. And it is precisely the bike that I so much thank for having brought us here, but specially for having stung Alejandra and Basilio in a way so intense that their passion for what they do is infectious, contagious and overpowering. Alejandra's ever present smiles, good vibes and nice words make the hills look flat and the flat seem downhill. May her love for arts and crafts take her to great new places to discover. Basilio's wisdom, endurance and ubiquitous counsel and passion for touring, life and all things authentic are great indications of his admirable integrity. May he continue to enjoy all that he wishes and may many more miles of great views and interesting people lay before them. Thanks to all of you for making this voyage possible. Keep in touch, enjoy life and your bike. And finally, thanks to great bike and gear makers for bringing us here safe and sound.
Ride on,
Sergio Legorreta

Just completed my SEVENTH Bike Mexico tour. What else can I say? Just go.

BIKE MEXICO FOR BEGINNERS
Don't worry if you can't ride a bike! This is the Deal of a Lifetime- you will have your own guide, after all, they can't leave you under a bush. Alix will spend blood, sweat, and tears encouraging you, teaching you what you should have learned in the third grade: reading (itinerary).
You will learn Einstein's theory - KEEP PEDDLIN'- along with the 4 basic elements of survival: Did you sleep well? Are you eating right? Are you drinking enough water? Did you poop?
[Please note: While Ellen did survive the tour, AND also managed to have a good time, plaese DO read the itinerary so that you know if the tour you are planning is one that you can do. While we encourage beginner cycle tourists to join us, we do expect you to already be proficient on a bicycle]

I enjoyed the well planned Mexican three week Odyssey cycling tour of the Yucatan. It was a time for me to reflect on my life and see a culture that reminded me of the care we do not have in our own society. It was worth the time we took to cycle 1400 km with Basil and Alex, an experienced team that co-ordinates well between themselves and who know the mexican countryside, but not only cycling but in traditions and customs. I felt more comfortable in the Yucatan with the friendly mexican people than I would in any city or small town in Canada which I would never have known by the media coming to us in Canada. If there is a recurring scene that I remember it is the towns people out every night enjoying themselves at the town square from young children to seniors: now where in Canada can you find that?

Thank you for a wonderful bike tour in the Yucatan! Everything was so enjoyable; the itinerary, the accomodation, the meals, the visits, the cenotes, and the group of cyclists was easy going and fun. The biking was straight forward and matched the description (regular) on the Website. I particularly appreciated the instructions given at the beginning of each day as to the breaks, the lunch hour, the visits, and the water and food supply requirements.

There were no bad surprises and the distance estimates were very accurate. All I had to do was show up and ride my bike. Basil and Alex are very knowledgeable about the Mayans and the Yucatan. I can't wait to ride with you guys again.

Once again Basil and Alix led a wonderful tour through a beautiful part of Mexico! Bike Mexico has enabled us to see parts of Mexico (via cycling) that we could only dream of. The simplicity and wonderful feeling of being truly self-supported is something that we had searched for and have finally found! During each tour the guides are present and available to share the culture and history, ensure the logistics are covered, provide technical/mechanical assistance, and create an experience of a lifetime. It is clear that many hours of riding, studying, and planning go into each trip as they include a full array of cycling, scenery, cultural sites, and culinary delights. All of this in a reasonably priced package trip that met our touring needs and desires. We will continue to seek out tours with BikeMexico as vacation time allows!

I just finished the Pilgrimage in Oaxaca 2008. This is my third ride using BikeMexico.com. I am 61 years old and have to admit the Oaxaca ride is challenging for me. The first year I rode it I had to cab in one day. This year I nailed it with Basil and Alix's encouragement. What I have found with Basil and Alix: the cultural experience, fun, and achievement is worth far more than the cost. Alix and Basil are great friends, excellent guides, and very sincere. I don't see how you could improve on things. When it is freezing cold in the USA it is very warm and wonderful in Mexico.

...it was a wonderful tour and my favorite. The last day of riding was like a beautiful dream. [...] Everything went smoothly thanks to you...

The 2008 Day of the Dead tour was my fifth Bike Mexico tour. Obviously I am a fan of Basil and Alix's tours. The guides, routes, food, and adventures are exemplary. Quit your job and go. Your life will change.

Basil, Thanks for another great tour! My son is still chirping about what a great time we had! I have been home a day and cannot wait to go back! You and Alex made the trip a perfect experience! Sincerely, Dan Lenik

The Merida San Cristobal 2008 was a fantastic journey. You guys planned the tour really well. For me it was the first experience on doing such a long trip by bike (as you guys well know) but you were incredible patient to me and gave me the support I needed to keep going. I just want to Thank you for be always positive and for you excellent sense of humor, for showing us the beauty of Mexico.

I'm working on a couple of videos on the trip. Hopefully will be ready soon...

Odyssey 2008 departure
Visiting Kabah pyramids
Bike Mexico Cuxtla hacienda
Alix & Basil
Don't worry while biking

The three week Complete Yucatan Adventure lived up to it's desciption. From the Mayan ruins, cenotes, and haciendas to the home cooked meals , a night in a hammock in a Mayan home as well as the many other highlights - Carnival, Mayan people and culture, etc. - well done. Yes, I was challenged by the average 100km days, the 90F temperatures and the occasional unexpected road construction. However, the sights, the experiences, the diverse group, and the well prepared and knowledgeable guides made my second trip with El-Tour as memorable as the first. I will do another tour 'south of the border' with BikeMexico.com

IT WAS ONE OF OUR BEST TRIPS EVER. As average cyclists, we really appreciated the pace of the tour. The quiet routes were so beautiful and allowed for easy chatting or just contemplative enjoyable rides. I really appreciated the tiny footprint we were leaving environmentally as we were just on our bikes and weren't followed by a big ol' bus. It allowed for a lot more of an intimate relationship with the countryside, the villages we'd pass through, and of course, the people.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Basil and Alix for all the time, care, research, planning, attention to detail, knowledge, respect, positive attitude and humor the two of you put into this tour. I always felt like we were in the best of hands with the two of you - one up ahead and one behind! This trip, the two of you and our fellow riders opened up a whole world of seeing a new place on bicycle! Everyone on the trip was so inspiring to me! And I love the idea of touring a new place on bicycle, leaving a small environmental footprint. There was something so satisfying about being able to carry all that I needed for the 6 six days of touring in three little packs - and in my case, there were little, little packs. It was a perfect adventure vacation in beautiful Mexico.

My time spent on the Bike Mexico tour did not include 5 Star hotels because there weren't any, but it did include 5 Star experiences thanks to the research and knowledge of the tour leaders, Basil & Alex.

We had a great time on the Merida route with a really fun group of Canadians and Texans. After Hotel Motul there was nowhere to go but up and onto more adventure. Basil and Alix were fabulous in taking care of our group and especially all of the escapades that Marty put us through: stealing George's thunder and the cowbell, getting separated from the group, Montezuma's revenge, reaction to bee sting, brakes going out on the downhill on the next to last day where Corsbie clocked himself at 55 mph and The Screamer was SCREAMING! Basil and Alix are very creative with problem solving which took the worry out of any potential problems with basically anything and their attention to detail and organization was professional and comforting. We couldn't have asked for better care.

I have done tours in the Yucatan with Basil in January 2006 and January 2007. Both tours were well run and enjoyable. Basil knows what he is doing. I plan to ride with him again in January 2008.

I don't know how I can adequately express my heartfelt gratitude to Basil and Alix for everything they did in taking our group on 'Pilgrimage to Oaxaca 2006.' Beyond leading a great ride, they shared their clear passion for everything that is uniquely Mexico . 'No hurry no worry' set the tone of the trip, along with endless TLC and unwavering positive energy. Unlike any bike tour I've ever done, with Basil and Alix it's 'total immersion' into the culture, language, religion, music, art, beauty and the amazing people that make up this spectacular area of the country. Would I go again, on this or another tour? With pleasure! Muchos gracias y vamanos!!!.

The Oaxaca pilgrimage is a great ride! It has plenty of whatever you may want from a ride - great scenery, plenty of climbing, interesting towns and locals to check out, really good food and great hot chocolate drinks, a few nights in Puerto Escondido, and the very fascinating pilgrimage to Juquila to boot. Basil and Alix have the trip dialed in as well as it can be done, and there is always a logic to their madness. I would quite happily do this ride again, and no doubt would again enjoy every minute of it.

Another fantastic trip with Alix & Basil! This is my second and it was more spectacular than the first. The Pacific coast of Mexico from Puerto Vallarta to Zihuatano is truly gorgeous. Our group of interesting cyclists from Canada and the US guaranteed lots of lively discussions and super riding. What more could you want? As always, Alix and Basil made the trip enjoyable and easy- with their perfect timing of the pace to suit the various speeds of the group to their fluent language skills- I'd recommend this trip to anyone and everyone. Great experience. KMoore

I was blown away with the physical beauty of the ride and the challenge of hills and distance. I was impressed by the intelligence and sociability of the guides and riders. Thank you for sharing your "Mexico" with me. It was an unforgettable experience and that I will forever cherish as well as my new friends.

Flamingo's in the Mayan World - Feb 2006.

Wow, what an amazing tour. Alix and Colin the Canuk guides lead our wee gang of intrepid ciclistas through the Yucatan region via it's Mayan ruins, rickety bullrings and local culinary treats. Amongst the many highlights was a day off the bikes and into a mangrove lake to visit the ecosystem and it's wildlife of crocodiles, flamingos and synchronised swimming Pelicans (you had to be there).

Early starts to the day meant we got to cover a lot of tarmac on the bikes and fill the days with visits to small towns, cenotes (underground rivers that look like ponds) for a lunchtime dip and amazing sights. With our guides providing insights into the local culture and customs and invaluable translations of menus for trying the fantastic food the region has to offer, my time there went far too quickly. Me and my bike look forward to planning another adventure with BikeMexico.

I had a wonderful trip this summer in Michoacan. The guides, Basil and Alex, are easygoing, fun to travel with, and do an amazing job of keeping everybody happy, whatever their pace, priorities and extracurricular interests. I really like the fact that one of the guides rides in front and one at the rear so that you never need to worry about being last or left behind with a broken bike, but if you happen to be feeling strong and want to ride fast you can do that too.

Thank you all again for an absolutely wonderful trip. It was an experience that was challenging both physically and mentally, rewarding, adventursome, and most of all, fun! Everyone keeps asking how it was, and it's just too hard to sum it all up and try to explain how incredible it was so I just smile and say "Amazing."

A good trip made a great one due to the guides, Basil and Alex.

With some trepidation we sent off our deposit to this guy Basil Yokarinis for three weeks biking in the Yucatan. Frankly, we weren't sure which we were more worried about – losing our money to some unscrupulous internet conman, or not losing our money and having no excuse but to go and bike in MEXICO! As it was there was no need to worry about either. Basil actually exists and he does fabulous tours which are everything, and more that he advertises....[Read the entire essay... I mean, review]

Starting gently on the East coast of the Yucatan peninsula, the ride was well paced to break in our “winter rusty” legs. We passed through 4 or 5 distinct regions over the 3 œ weeks of the trip, each day bringing new sights, sounds and tastes. Basil and Alex entertained us continually with their tremendous knowledge of local customs, history, flora and fauna. They demonstrated tremendous organisational skills with their ability to consistently find great hotels and restaurants, sometimes in the most unlikely locations.

It is difficult to choose the highlight of the trip as so much exceeded our expectations. Suffice to say we had an unforgettable journey, leaving us with new friends, masses of photos and myriad memories.

In summary, a gob-smacking experience!

Thank you for a very enjoyable trip. I'm sure that Rich and I will remember it for the rest of our lives. "It will be a tough act to follow". Should you ever come to Alaska you always have an invitation to Tenakee Springs.

I would like to thank both of you [Joel and Basil] sincerely for this wonderful tour. You have made it possible for me to live one of the most rewarding trip and experience of my life up to now. I have seen Yucatan with other eyes thanks to you. The charm of the small villages, the friendly and welcoming population, the authentic restaurants with their excellent food (except for the pizza place...), the quiet and peaceful little roads, [...] the Maya ruins [...] our great group, the heavenly cenotes [...] gave me a rainbow of emotions which I am still carrying with me. All these beautiful images keep dancing in my head and help me cope with the horrible weather here in Brussels and my return to work.

Lastly, I want to say that I was very touched by your great qualities: professionalism, patience, empathy, humour, tolerance, joy of life (joie de vivre), and knowledge of the mexican culture.

The Backroads of the yucatan tour was a FABULOUS time! The guides are very knowledgable about Mexico and its people and were patient to answer all of my questions. The ride was a wonderful balance of challenging cycling without the hassles of cooking and camping. This tour is perfect for beginer or intermediate rider who wants to discover the real mexico by bicycle within a small group! I highly recommend it!

It was a trip that exceeded expectations. Roads were gloriously quiet, as though on a wide bikepath,accommodation was well chosen and food awakened my taste buds. Alas its back to turnips,mutton and winter.

I would certainly recommend your unique cycle tour offering to others.

the weather was perfect, food delicious, accommodation a bargain, beaches beautiful , the ruins fascinating, the company enchanting. Even the guides were trustworthy. A first class-no frills tour. To anyone considering this tour - stop considering and do it.

Bike Mexico provides a way to leave the beaten tourist path and see the real people and places of Mexico. It was one of the best trips I have ever made. Basil and Joel were competent, professional, and always pleasant. Our fellow travelers made the trip even more enjoyable. For two weeks we had each other, our bikes, our trusted guides, and a new world to discover. My husband and I will definitely return for another Bike Mexico adventure.

Thanks so much for the great tour [Pilgrimage in Oaxaca] - a perfect combination of hard riding, seeing Mexico, eating, making new friends, and relaxing. You both do an excellent job as leaders and compliment each other well! Looking forward to another tour.

I want to thank you guys for a great tour [Pilgrimage in Oaxaca]!!! I gotta admit that I was a bit skeptical of the whole bike tour with paniers thing before I went (but, heck I'll try anything). I am now thoroughly convinced that bike touring is THE way to go to really get to know and see a place. Walking/trekking is way too slow and riding a bus is, well, just lame. And you guys really made it a great experience. The route was spectacular both in variety of terrain (beach and subtropical forest to mtns and pine forrest to desert and cacti) and cultural variety. I LOVED the fact that we did not see any other tourists (except for Puerto Escondito) the whole trip. Even PE was wonderful - so quaint and peaceful (but with great surf!) and UNlike the typical tourist traps like Cancun or Cabo. You guys were great fun to hang out with as well!

It was a excellent tour [Views of the Pacific] and I had a great time. The outstanding parts I would like to experience again are the: guides, co-riders, weather, scenery, activities, food, accomodations, etc...now that's a pretty big goal! The changes I would personally make: avoid the long bus trip, if possible, take less stuff, we all know this is possible, and stay a bit longer after the tour.

I had a great "Eternal Spring" tour of highland Michoacan with Basil and Alex, its memory will draw me back for more cycle touring in Mexico. I've toured quite a bit in Europe and found this tour has all the features I've come to love about cycle touring. I enjoy connecting with modern derivatives of ancient cultures, spectacular scenery, friendly people, and the odd eccentric. My last days lunch will always have a special place in my memory. We ate in a small roadside restaurant, the mother and daughter team efficiently taking orders, cooking on a wood fired stove, and making endless quantities of handmade tortillas while the little granddaughter scurried around the tables with her dolly. The salsa came in three legged stone bowls that belonged in a museum except for the concrete patches testifying to their long and heavy use by this family. Basil and Alex find these sort of places because they love them so much themselves. While much of Mexico is very hot in the summer, the highlands of Michoacan are just about right, warm in the day, cool in the evening. The drivers were courteous and curious, the Mexican people lovely and friendly. Basil and Alex know how to plan bicycle tours and do their homework before the due date. Everything was well thought out and planned. I hope many more will try their new summer tours. I know I look forward to my next opportunity.

Yucatan to the Clouds was my longest and best cycling trip ever! I cycled from Cancun to Campeche. Alix and Basil were excellent tour leaders and had the trip very well planned. It was fun to be with them and all the other cyclists in our group. Mexico is a pretty country and a wonderful place to cycle. The people are very happy, courteous, and helpful. When they pass you on the road they tap their horn 500 feet behind you and pass you in the passing lane. They do not crowd you off the road and they wait if it is not safe to pass you. They wave to you in a friendly way after passing. They even wave to you from their front yards! I plan to tour with Basil and Alix soon but I want to learn Spanish so I can speak with the nice people of Mexico. Thanks Alix and Basil for this wonderful experience.

trip was a big success overall organisation was efficient but not intrusive route planning suited the uninitiated perfectly technical support fully reliable direction and advice on food and accomodation perfectly measured pleasant people to be led by

The Bike Mexico team have obviously done a lot of preparation for "Haciendas, cenotes and ruins" with a well paced, very interesting, enjoyable packed itinerary. We had a ball and the craic was mighty!

I returned yesterday after completing the Roaming Backroads Yucatan tour. I've never enjoyed a tour more. The guides, Basil & Alix, were knowledgeable, capable, professional and provided whatever assistance was necessary. They were also a lot of fun to be around. The small tour group was like an extended family for two weeks. This is a great way to see rural Yucatan at a bargain price and have more fun than you can possibly imagine. Within a week I will be scheduling another tour with this exceptional tour provider. George Pitlik and Janet Stewart in Alpine, Texas

This was a really great tour! The guides are very knowlegeable of the area and speak excellent Spanish. Compared to other trips, the value is the best I have seen and I have been on many trips. I would recommend this trip to any rider that can ride 80 km per day (the pace can be fast or slow). These folks also have great knowledge of the foods of Mexico which helps a lot; I did however find there knowledge of beer to be lacking(joke).

The trip on Mexico's South Coast was fabulous! Basil and Alix are terrific guides but it was more like a small, intimate trip with friends. We loved the sights and sounds and people of Mexico- we will definitely be back for another trip. Thanks for everything!

I have cycled with 5 other tour groups in the past but I enjoyed my trip with Basil's company the best. "Views of the Pacific" was the most physically challenging cycling that I have ever done, but it was also the most rewarding. Basil has very supportive yet not pushy personality and was very helpful to me when I was struggling with some of the hills on the tour. He is a first class cycler and has good technical tips and as a bonus, he knows Mexico inside out.

Thanks to our knowledgeable, patient and friendly guides, Basil and Alex, we thoroughly enjoyed "Views of the Pacific", Nov. 2004. We experienced great views, wonderful beaches, fantastic foods and memorable times. Our guides were very attentive to our needs, from fixing Don's broken break lever at the start, to getting us safely on the bus in Zehua at the end. Thanks, Basil and Alex, for giving us an insight into a country you both truly love.

It is now over a month since I have returned from the South Coast Tour and the wonderful colors, textures, and music of Mexico are still with me! It may have been a "budget tour" but it was a first class adventure! I look forward to returning on another Bike Mexico Tour.

Have just returned after participating in the South Coast I (2004)tour from Zihuatanejo to Puerto Escondido. This is my second tour with Bike Mexico (Yucatan 2002), and once again had an excellent time. Deserts, foothills, arroyos, sun, heat, lush plantations of palms, mangoes, avocados, papayas and bananas, beaches, bodysurfing, lagoons, snorkeling and scubadiving, birds, boats, tacos, tortillas, great cycling companions, light traffic, burros, the wonderful Mexican people and friendly, knowledgeable and patient guides. Thanks Joel and Ursala for your guidance and friendship. Looking forward to the next trip!

We researched a lot of cycling tours and for the kind of travelling we like to do (backroads, immersing in the culture, meeting locals one to one, eating local cuisine, just letting stuff happen naturally...) El Tour was it. Though very economical, that wasn't the main reason we chose to ride with Basil and Joel; they avoid the tourist bubble and love the people and culture of Mexico. They were attentive to our individual needs wheather it was fixing our bikes or finding flamigo feathers for us. Thanks again for a great trip! (Backroads of the Yucatan, 2003)

I just finished the Mountains and Natural Wonders Tour. It certainly lived up to it's billing. If you want to experience Mexico and push your limits on a bicycle, this is the tour for you. I plan on doing it again!

I loved the tour and look forward to another tour with you all but on a different bike!!! Sincerely Mary McLain

Just a short note to tell you I got home OK and to let you know how much I enjoyed the tour with you and Joel. I'm already thinking about joining you for the 2 week tour of Yucatan next year. We all were very impressed with the tour organization. Not only for the food and accomodations but even carrying spare screws and locktite for bike repairs. In closing let me tell you how nice it was to meet you two and the rest of the tour, and that I would reccommend the tour to anybody who is interested.

First, I want to tell you that you do a great tour. I was very impressed with your courtesty and preparation for the trip. Having water available was super, help with hauling the bike upstairs was great, and knowing where to eat was helpful as we didn't wander around while prices and places were checked out (except for my one-time insistance on having some particular desert- which you tolerated with good humor). I also appreciated your checking on me when I wasn't feeling well.

Basil and Joel, Thanks for a great tour and for your constant attention to my needs. I saw places I would never have seen on my own.It was a pleasure meeting you. Jerry Bernhaut

Incroyable! Frankly, I never thought I would be able to make it, and I don't recommand the 'advanced' tours to anyone who isn't really serious about biking/racing, as I had clearly underestimated the physical intensity of this tour! That being said, Yucatan to the Clouds (Feb-March 2003) was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am coming back to snowy Montreal my head filled with incredible images, thousands of colours and smells, many great laughs and lots of sunshine. And I am not shy of saying it: I am very proud of myself :-). Thank you Basil for making this possible and for being such a patient and attentive guide. I look forward to my next bike tour!

We took The Other Yuactanun. Feb. 2 to Sun. Feb. 16, 2003. The tour was in a word "fantastic!" seeing mexico as the as a cyclist is the only way. We both loved the Mayan ruins, cenotes and caves. The whole ride was very relaxing hope to go back next season Thanks Basil and Joel. Charles and Di

Others who have completed the "Yucatan Beaches & Ruins" trip have very eloquently described our own memories of the sights, tastes, smells and colours of Mexico. Best of all are the memories we retain of the Yucatan people who graciously shared their Mexico with us. This was our first real attempt at a bike tour. The experience was such that we are now addicted to touring, hook, line and sinker. Thank you Jane, Marion, Cleta, Caroline, Jean and Len, our travelling companions for the laughter, friendship and "cervezas" you shared with us along the way. A very special thank you, Basil and Joel for having made all of it possible.

Just back a week from a Yucatan tour Jan 2003. It was great! Basil and Joel provide excellent tour support, but the real plus is their ability to introduce people to aspects of Mexico that tourists would most certainly miss. It was fun, interesting, and at the same time relaxing. Thanks, guys.

I just returned from a month in Mexico during which time I went on the 'Yucatan for a Week' trip. It was definately the best way to see a side of Mexico that most tourist miss! Thanks for the great guiding and an unforgetable trip!! Highly recommended!

The Yucatan in a Week tour is an amazing way of experiencing the Yucatan-an area rich in history with numerous mayan ruin sites, large and small caves to exlore, beautiful villages and lots of different foods to try. Basil and Joel are excellent guides who go out of their way to make sure that everybody is enjoying themselves.

If you want sun, cycling, cenotes, and Mayan ruins up the wazoo then the Yucatan in a week tour is for you. Basil and Joel are great guides and great guys; they can show you the face of Mexico away from the tourist resorts at a reasonable price without hassles.

Just came off the Yucatan in a Week Tour. Had a wonderful time, and I would recommend it to anybody who enjoys biking, great food, and an "off the beaten path" approach to seeing Mexico. Basil & Joel were knowledgeable and very helpful. Now, if only I could find decent panuchos in New York...

Very much enjoyed the Views of the Pacific Tour with its great views, secluded beaches and terrific food. Basil and Joel are excellent guides and the tour was energized with a spirit of adventure. Look forward to doing another.

Went on the Views of the Pacific Tour 2002 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was pretty close to how the web-site described it once I finished. We followed the itenarary as it was and I found it to be energizing with the physical exercise, fresh ocean air and outstanding sea-food every day. The guides were helpful in assisting with the language, bike repairs, knowledge of the routes (to include good rest areas, breakfast stops and hotel accomodations), and led the group each day from the front and the back. Even on the departure I was impressed with the assistance I received, as they waited to help me in catching a late bus.

J'ai vu le Mexique que la plupart n'ont pas la chance de visiter. Cotoyer les gens dans leur quotidien et apprecier leur hospitalite. Un voyage de mise en forme de debut de saison dans un paysage bucolique et une culture riche et diversifiee. Merci aux deux guides experimentes pour une aventure enrichissante et securitaire. Je projette retourner explorer ce beau pays avec "eltour" le plus tot possible. De Cancun a San Cristobal les kilometres defilaient a vive allure et les jours de visite-repos se passaient dans des endroits bien choisis pour satisfaire nos interets. Merci et Hasta luego!

I just got back from the "Yucatan to the Clouds" trip and the El Tour was exactly what I was looking for. If you want to experience the real Mexico then El Tour is it. Your two fun, friendly guides will show you the ropes, inform and entertain.

I just had the best two weeks ever! Perfect mix of company, riding, relaxing and learning (ruins!) and of course my personal favorite: Tulum! Many many thanks to Vasili and Joel for all their guidance all the way:-) I wholeheartedly recommend any tour with them!

This was an excellent way to see the Yucatan. The route was very well planned out, the food (in non-tourist areas) was amazing, the white sands of the Caribbean were other-worldly - all of this shared with fellow riders and guides who became good friends. The sands, ruins and diving at Tulum were especially phenomenal. Ride hard, see all you can, eat all you can, don't worry about sleeping - it'll happen when necessary.

Just came back from 2 weeks of cycling with El Tours, in the Yucatan: what a great trip! Our group had the right "chemistry", which was great of course, but the trip leaders fostered an informal and relaxed atmosphere about the whole experience, which was key to an enjoyable and relaxing vacation. Thank you, Basil and Joel, for a well organized and pleasant trip of discovery; following a day in Merida at the end of the trip, I was ready to continue cycling with you guys!

The Yucatan Beaches and Ruins trip was fantastic! The cycling was fun, and not too difficult. The places we stopped were all interesting - beautiful Mayan ruins, white sandy beaches and clear cool cenotes. We drank litres of orange juice and ate ice-creams nearly every day! Best of all were our guides, Basil and Joel, who were laid-back, relaxed and professional. They patiently translated at every meal, taught us some Spanish, fixed our bikes and generally gave excellent advice. I had a brilliant time!

I have also just returned from the Yucatan Beaches and Ruins Tour 2002. Every day was full of rich experience. The highlights for me were swimming in the many beautiful cenotes (and having the opportunity to dive in one), sleeping in a hammock on the beach under the stars and awakening to the sunrise over the sea, and of course travelling at a leisurely pace and enjoying the excellent company of the group. Many thanks to Basil and Joel for their excellent guidance!

I've just spent a couple of very enjoyable weeks on the January 2002 Yucatan Beaches and Ruins tour. The organisation and running of the tour by Basil and Joel was excellent. The itinerary was really interesting with highlights such as cenotes, Mayan ruins, lots of food and drink stops(!), and an interesting and friendly Mexican culture. Thanks to everyone on the tour, especially Joel and Basil, for making it so much fun.

The Jan 2002 Yucatan Beaches & Ruins tour was fantastic. It far exceeded my expectations with great beaches, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, and beautiful birdlife. Many thanks to Basil and Joel, who did a brilliant job of guiding, including arranging the weather to give us downwind riding almost every day!

Just returned from the Yucatan Beaches and Ruins 2002 Tour. Basil and Joel have an excellent concept for their tours, and their touring theory is bourne out by reality. Each day of the two week tour has its highlights, challenges and fun. Cenotes, beaches, ruins, sun and heat, and two excellent, laid-back and capable guides in Basil and Joel. I can't speak highly enough of the tours and recommend them to anyone who has an interest in serious cycling and a positive attitude to life.

Exciting tours, great photos! Well done Basil!

For those of us that have to endure long, cold winters there is no better place for winter cycling than on the flat or gently rolling hills of the Yucatan Peninsula. After a long winter lay-off, the terrain of this region is ideal for getting old, rusty legs back in motion. I've cycled there either solo or as a member of Joel's and Basil tours the last 3 winters. I highly recommend that you go there also.

The Views of the Pacific tour in Nov. 2000 was excellent. We cycled through some of the most beautiful country I have seen in the world. I only wish that I had more time. I will definitely go back. It was my first time on a cycling tour, and my first time in Mexico. Basil, the guide, had great advice to get me prepared for the trip and knew the route well. A Most Excellent Adventure! I recommend it to anyone who wants to see the real Mexico.

Fun and adventurous is how to describe the Yucatan Beach, Ruin trip. I must say my cycling trip from Cancun to Merida was a great experience. It is an inexpensive way to travel and a wonderful way to see a country. Phil Isabella

My week in the Yucatan with EL Tour was the high point of my year. Safe, affordable, and hassles free, El Tour is by far the best choice for any traveller wanting to have a truly authentic experience. An exciting, enjoyable, and unforgettable trip.

I take people on outdoor expeditions for a living-it's my life. To this date my cycling experience in Mexico with El Tour has been the most enjoyable experience ever. Appropriately challenging; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Simply, "A heck of a lot of fun"

Those rides sound excellent. Pity none are happening now, i'll have to wait till next year!