Dogs, Donkeys & Topes: The Hazards No One Warned Me About

If you're thinking about riding in Mexico, you've probably already heard about the unpredictability of its roads. Yes, there are challenges, but don't let that deter you! With a bit of prep, a healthy sense of adventure, and an unhealthy dose of hot sauce, you’ll find these hazards manageable. Plus they make for good stories later!

Animals, People, and Potholes, Oh My!

In Mexico, the road isn't just for vehicles.. You’ll spot dogs and cows casually crossing highways, tuk-tuks buzzing unpredictably, bicycles weaving in traffic, and even locals casually walking along carrying machetes (yes, machetes!). And let's not forget the infamous potholes, some so big I swear they could  grow their own coconut trees!

Not only is Spanish an important language, but you must also learn to speak "cow". Chiapas, MX.

On the long and straight roads, you have visibility on your side. However, once you get to the twisties and blind corners in the jungle mountains, you really get the adrenaline going. Now I  love a good twisty road, and in Mexico, you get an extra thrill. First off, the topes (speedbumps) just around the bend can jolt you clean out of your seat. Next, you might encounter a wide-eyed cow staring you down mid-turn, and of course, the oncoming traffic who have a loose interpretation of lane positions. After one of those rides, you sleep like a baby!

Daylight is Your Friend

This is one of the simplest yet most effective pieces of advice I (and the entire motorcycle community) can give you: stick to daylight riding. 

Visibility after sunset can be notoriously poor. Roads are rarely well-lit, and vehicles either do not have functioning lights or blind you with a seizure-inducing light spectacle worthy of a world-class carnival. Animals also become even harder to spot in the twilight. I learned the hard way, that navigating a pothole/speedbump-infested road at night is no one's idea of fun. Add in the end-of-the-day aches, hangry pangs, and fatigue, and the fading sun makes the risk-to-reward ratio not so great.

Stay Hypervigilant

"Hypervigilance" sounds exhausting, but it becomes second nature pretty quickly. Here's what works for me:

• Keep scanning —  looking ahead, side-to-side, and periodically checking your mirrors. 

• Expect unpredictability —assume animals and pedestrians might suddenly cross your path, and slow down whenever you’re uncertain.

• Reduce speed in unfamiliar areas —especially approaching blind curves, busy towns, or rural roads.

  
  

Pro tip! Almost every town has speed bumps at the entry and exit, so when you see the mile-marker telling you the next town is approaching - slow down (unless you’re passing - in that case, pass quickly, brake fast, and hope the people behind you are saints). 

Creative roadwork

Give Everyone a Wide…Berth?

I'm going to come clean here, I always mix up whether it's "wide berth" or "wide girth." After Google set me straight, the correct phrase is indeed "wide berth." (wide berth = space on the road, wide girth = too many tacos) Either way the lesson is the same — give everyone plenty of space. Drivers in Mexico often have a more relaxed attitude towards road rules, so imagine your awful ex is around and keep your distance!.

Aim to keep at least a few car lengths distance from other vehicles. This gives you crucial reaction time if something unexpected happens, which it inevitably will.

A Hazards Cheat Sheet

Animals: Slow down, avoid sudden swerves, and honk gently if needed. When around cows, especially those with large horns, maintain a safe distance, especially if a calf is nearby.  I normally pull over and wait, but this has led to a standoff a few times. That’s when it’s time to practice my Spanish, talking to the cows in a friendly voice, asking them to “por favor, move out of the way”. 

Pedestrians and Bicycles: Reduce speed, give ample space, and use gentle horn taps from a distance to signal your approach. Many pedestrians (the aforementioned ones with machetes, that you soon learn are not actually menacing!) and bicycles and tricycles and wagons and tuk-tuks will occupy the right of the road, “the shoulder”. In Mexico it’s something between a lane and a shoulder, more on that here. I try to give these vehicles a wide berth (gotta use it to learn it!), it’s the kind thing to do. 

Potholes and Topes: Ride at manageable speeds, especially on unfamiliar roads, and don't tailgate. If you do, you'll have no heads up as to whatever hole the car in front is about to drive through. 

Puppy love, all over the street.

With some potholes that are just the right size, I can almost superman right over them. If I slow down, it's more of a badonk-a-donk vibe. You need to experiment a bit and find the best fit for your rid

ing style. The same rule applies to topes (speed bumps) - well, for some of them, not all of them. Know your bumps and holes ;).

It's the key to a long and healthy ride. And on that note, don't forget to do your mammogram or prostate checkup if you're 40 or over!

Other Drivers: Assume chaos; it saves time. Semi drivers are likely drunk, not all drivers have a license, and vehicles might not be roadworthy. I’ve seen my fair share of zombie cars. Signal clearly, and don't take aggressive maneuvers personally. It’s the wild west out there!

Ride Smart, Not Scared

The key isn't fear, it's mindset:  preparation, adaptability, and patience. Be smart, anticipate challenges, stay alert, and go with the flow when the unexpected happens (and trust me, it will!). Mexico's roads will challenge you, but they'll also reward you with stories, confidence, and a whole lot of adventure. My mantra is always“mind over matter” on repeat when riding roads that test me, what’s yours?