ATV Coastal Run
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The coastal run started with Doug Rhodes and Dave Nelson riding Polaris Sportsman 500 ATVs. It lasted 5 days, 4 nights and covered roughly 350 miles, all but 60 of it on dirt roads. The first day we rode to Temoris (Viejo) with a detour descending 1000 feet to Temoris (Nuevo) better known as the train station, we then continued to Chinipas where we spent the night. The second day saw some moderately gnarly road crossing the river then climbing over 4000' out of the canyon, cresting the mountains then descending steeply into a canyon and on to Alamos to fix a flat and enjoy a tall brew with lunch. Doug's 2-hour ride to El Fuerte turned out to be 4.5 hours with us arriving in El Fuerte in time for crayfish and "Mentiras" (formerly Cuba Libres) at the Villa del Pescador where two tired and dirty riders were treated like kings.

After a two-night recovery, we kidnapped Kristi Bishop and her camera from the Pescador and continued through Choix to the chalan (ferry) crossing at Huites (Luis Donaldo Colosio) Lake. Twenty minutes later we were at the abandoned mines of La Reforma then upstream to start the new road to our goal, Lluvia de Oro.

After spending the night in Lluvia, we backtracked to La Reforma then continued on through Cieneguita Lluvia de Oro and La Mesa de Arturo arriving cold and hungry at the Oso about 8:00 PM. One heck of a ride!

 

Downtown Temoris - a very clean & pretty town Temoris Plaza has lots of restaurants for lunch. The ATV is carrying two walkers that were donated by Rotarians from California and delivered to a Senior Citizen's home in Chinipas.
Nearby Temoris station is over 1000' down in the canyon A detour took us down 1000 feet to the Temoris Station. Note the Santa Barbara railroad bridge and canyon in the background.
Between Temoris & Chinipas is a serious climb A quick stop on the road from Temoris to Chinipas.
Narrow-gauge locomotive drive wheels Dave in Pamarejo taking a break with two of the narrow gauge driving wheels from a Palmarejo Mine to Chinipas railroad locomotive.
The railroad used to pass through this tunnel Dave exiting a railroad tunnel below Palmarejo, the road originally went through this tunnel but now detours around it.
Chinipas plaza with an old mine locomotive engine One of two steam locomotives displayed in Chinipas. These locomotives were built in England and shipped in pieces to Mexico. Their final leg of the journey took place on the backs of mules with no single piece weighing more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds). At the mine site, the engine was re-assembled and put to use. Interestingly enough, no American company was able (or willing) to meet the requirements.
The church on the Chinipas plaze The Church in Chinipas.
Note the old millstone underneath the ironwork A millstone from the old water-driven flour mill in Chinipas.
In low water times, we crossed the river easily Crossing the Rio Chinipas at the suspension bridge above town. We checked out this bridge for use in times of high water but it was too narrow for our ATVs.
Low water leaves most of the river channel dry Looking back on Chinipas after crossing the lower river ford below town.
Descending toward Alamos finally! Topping out and then descending after the gnarly climb out of Chinipas.
It's several thousand feet up and then back down Continuing the descent toward Alamos - it's a significant climb up and an equal descent.
Gathering data for the satellite image map Dave downloading a track from his GPS into a Palm Pilot. The tracks are later plotted onto a satellite image. This stream marked the end of our final steep descent and offered a beautiful break for lunch and a chance to wash off the trail dust.
Alamos plaza - a shrimp dinner and some brews! Circling the plaza in Alamos, Sonora, before stopping for a well-earned lunch and brew.
The church in Alamos plaza The Church on the plaza in Alamos.
This ferry took us across Huites Lake The chalan (ferry) arriving to ferry us across the lake.
It's an abrupt break from the dry & dusty roads Doug on the chalan as Dave boards.
A relaxing moment Kristi and Dave enjoying the ride.
One of many old mine tunnels along the way Dave passing one of the lead/zinc mine openings below La Reforma. The road above Dave was blocked by a bus that had lost its brakes, buried the front end into the embankment,  and had no business being on the road in the first place!
Part of the mill remains at La Reforma Doug and Dave below ruins of the mine mill at La Reforma.
The high point on the way to Lluvia de Oro Kristi and Dave passed Lluvia and are enjoying the view just before the road ends at Sierrita.
Our introduction to Lluvia de Oro Who knows when this bougainvillea was planted where we parked at Lluvia.
Another roadside mine tunnel long abandoned Doug in a mine entrance just above La Reforma.

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Updated 06/01/2008