The Lost Highway

After 2 long days on the road, 100km and 70km (Trip Meter is at 800km), I left the mountains and arrived at the coastal pueblo of Coatzacoalcos, or better known as the birth place of Selma Hayek, and yes there are many beautiful Mexican women here. Inbetween Coatza, Veracruz and Paraiso, Tabasco (Paradise) lies the lost highway. It was damaged in some parts and in others just plain lost after hurricane Roxane some years ago. The view is breathtaking, you teeter between a lake on the right and a blue sea on the left, when you lose sight of both you are suffocated by coconut groves. The secret to crossing the lost highway is to concentrate on the scenery, because if you let the road conditions get to you, you'll leave cursing like a sailor. There are sandpits every kilometer (road bikes don't do sand), parts where the road disappeared and you ask people to cross thier yards, coconut/palm covered trails, coliche roads, and there is always the sun and 100 degree weather.
I loved it, made some friends, one family took me in for a night, camped one night on the beach, hung out with others that had to push their dirt bikes or mountain bikes as well, and best of all - almost traffic free (there is 1 bus route that risks it). The people say that the government wants to fix it one day, I say leave it and promote it as some sort of tourist attraction or start a bike event. Check er out

Lost Highway

From here I head on to Frontera, Tobasco then drop south to Palanque, Chiapas, I hope to blog more often, take care.

Update
I am now a Peace Corps Fellow at Western Illinois University, I start class August 6th in Macomb, Illinois for my MBA, I'm fired up about it, should put me back in Texas to celebrate the 4rth of July.

Recent Mexico Insights
1. If you are shoe size 9+, first ask the store if they cary that big of size before meandering its aisles.
2. Sunblock is only sold in pharmacies, and a lot more expensive than it is in the states.
3. Only bring clothes you can sweat a lot in.
4. Try to learn lyrics to more songs before doing long musicless bike rides

Losses
Camera - Stolen in Tecolutla, Veracruz
Flags - Fell off by the Costa Esmeralda
Cell phone - buried in dirt road by Alvarado, Veracruz
Chaco sandals - fell off bike in Catemaco, Veracruz

Gains
Dear and close friends all over the state of Veracruz
Experience traveling solo on a bicycle
Tons of pictures
Legs and Buns of steel (in just 30 days, only requires 5 hours a day)
Love and respect for the Mexican pueblo

Good Purchases I made in the states
1. Rearview mirror sunglass atachment (thank my stars for this guy every 10 seconds on the road)
2. Grey REI longsleeve shirt (I wear it 70% of the time, feels good, dries fast, breathes...)
3. Armidillo tires (haven't had a flat yet)
4. The bike (I've ran it through ALL terrains and it still runs like a low maintenance champ)
5. The air mattress (its length and funcion is perfect)
6. Tent (small and the optional top is excellent)
5. Crankbrothers multi tool (the best multi tool on the planet, check it out)
6. The best in chamois and seat technology (put lots of money in these objects and your buns and future family will thank you)

Questionable Equipment
1. My 3rd short sleeve cotton shirt (it is always too hot to wear)
2. Sleeping bag (it is too hot to use, it is now a pillow)
3. Look Clipless Pedals (this is tuff, they are great while riding because they are so wide, but I find myself walking in the shoes A LOT more than you are suppose to)
4, Crankbrothers speed lever (One simple bike lever is smaller and works just as good)

My new phone number
+052 - 442 - 334 - 4453