The prospect of Mexico
Posted by Ryan | Filed under California, Unexpected
Even before we bought our plane tickets to Alaska we knew that we may not be able to complete our trip in its entirety. Back in June we had read the most recent travel alert from the State Department; it was strife with warnings for travelers but still left us confident that a safe route could be found through the heart of Mexico. We pledged to our parents that we would stay on top of the latest reliable reports from Mexico – we wanted to be as safe as possible after all.
So when we entered Southern California a few days ago we began to actively research how we might safely navigate the terrain beyond our southern border. The news that came back was fairly startling. In our discussions with locals, the State Department, and even a business owner in Sinaloa we found that nearly everyone was frightened by the prospect of two gringos cycling the length of Mexico. Almost everyone we talked to confirmed that the random violence that used to be constrained to the border regions has recently spread across the rest of Mexico. Even traveling along the remote roads of the central states could no longer be considered safe.
You can imagine that such news was the opposite of what we wanted to hear. After cycling 4000 miles and talking to thousands of people about both Push America and our adventure we feel like we’re just getting started. But the reality of danger across the border is more than we can easily brush aside. Put simply, the risks greatly outweigh our aspirations to reach Panama. Thus, we are sad to announce that we are ENDING the first Pedaling for People adventure in San Diego, CA.
This sudden change leaves us with few plans for the near future. Tomorrow morning we’ll be volunteering at the beach – cleaning up trash. After that some surfing and then we’ll pack up and fly back to Colorado on Monday.
This is not what we wanted, but still – we feel that with the ground we’ve covered and the people we’ve met – we have accomplished quite a bit. Just like everything else that we’ve attempted – Alex and I poured our whole hearts into this adventure. With quite a bit of difficulty we came to this conclusion while in LA two days ago. It has been hard to admit to ourselves that the adventure is over let alone admit this to the rest of the world. We want to thank you for your overwhelming support, kindness, and generosity along the way.
And of course – we’ll continue to work hard to finish up the chronicles of the last leg of our journey on this blog and to post more photos. I’m sorry if this has caused you any disappointment, just know that no is more disappointed than the two of us.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Sorry guys! I still think you accomplished a LOT, and everyone here is glad you will be safe.
September 19th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Hey don’t even worry for a moment that you “disappointed” anyone. Your ride was and is amazing. I learned a lot from meeting you guys and following your posts. Disappointing would have been to read that harm somehow came to either of you. You have a lot more to offer to this small world with the rest of your lives. I’m proud and happy to have met you. Congratulations.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Sorry to read you news. But it’s probably for the best. You are both young and have many more adventures in your future! It was a pleasure to meet your both, and I’m sure success and happiness with follow both of you for the rest of your lives!
Steve Albano
(Cyclist you had dinner with in Lompoc, Ca – 9/11/09).
September 20th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
My friends this is just the start of your adventures and your contributions to this world. As exciting as your biking plans were, we all prefer to have safe and happy friends. Do not be disappointed we all understand, I look forward to seeing you both soon.
September 21st, 2009 at 2:32 am
We had dinner with you at Lompoc and I want you to know, meeting you two was one of the highlights of my ride. You seem like great kids and I’m sure you’ll many of challenges to concur in your life. What you’ve accomplished is awesome, don’t let any decision take that take that away.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:00 am
Ryan and Alex, sorry to hear you guys had to truncate your journey, but it was the best and safest choice. Feel great about the great accomplishment you guys made, talking to people about my trip from Monterey to Santa Barbara seems crazy for them, but I tell them, “Let me tell you about something crazy”, we met these two crazy guys in Lompoc, CA riding from Anchorage Alaska to Panama Canal. Keep up the good and inspiring work guys; remember to keep us posted in your future crazy adventures.
Abe Gonzalez
(Cyclist from Lompoc,CA 9.11.09)
September 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Hey man,
Remember me?? Found this online and couldn’t believe it was you and Alex. This is amazing what you guys accomplished. I would love to hear more about it and possibly get involved. My e-mail address is blodgetts@vetmed.ufl.edu, shoot me a line sometime. Again congrats on your trip.
-Steven Blodgett
September 21st, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I’m super proud of you both! Well done! I think you’ve definitely made the right decision. I’ve quietly been in agreement with your parents on this from the beginning. Get back to CO and lets have a beer and talk about your adventure.
September 21st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
WIMPS. I want my donation back.
– Lance
September 21st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
You guys have done Great, we are proud to have known you both since your early years. Great job . I have gone to Mexico for the last ten years to build small homes . This year we will not be going because of there problems. it is sad to miss the trip. I know how you both feel.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
We just read your last post from San Diego and now you’re already home. We’re not surprised or disappointed (except for you) that you made such a sensible decision. It was an amazing trip and you’ll both find more amazing things to do in your lives.
There’ll always be a place to stay in Santa Cruz.
Larry and Debbie
September 24th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Hey guys,
I understand your disappointment, but I’m glad you decided against a potentially dangerous trip thru Mexico. There will always be other adventures, and you two have too much more to give to take a chance of getting hurt. You have done wonderful things…keep it up!
Call me if you ever get back to SLO.
Dr Steve
September 28th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Hey Guys,
You guys made the right choice, but its hearbreaking isn’t it? Believe me we know. I think the experiences we had this summer will not be forgotten and have in some way shaped the courses of our life in a positive manner. What a ride! I just checked my blog and was dissapointed we missed you in Milwaukee a couple of days ago! If you end up getting a job here or you are in the area you always have a place to stay. Kelly and I would really like to see you guys again. Take care my friends.
Mike and Kelly
mhambrgr@hotmail.com
October 1st, 2009 at 6:42 pm
With cycle touring (and especially life) it’s the journey not the destination. Congratulations to you both! I enjoyed meeting you.
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Hi guys
Greetings from Prince George (we had chatted with you at Kluane Lake in the yukon – and then spotted you in Pg and you came over for snacks and beer) too bad that you’ve had to curtail your trip – but you’ve certainly had quite the adventure and who knows maybe some day things will be better and you’ll be able to complete the final section – you’ve accomplished a lot regardless. Anyway we spotted a jacket in our front closet that is n’t ours so we’re wondering if either of you is missing a grey and bit of black matrix size large jacket – if so we have it – so if you give me an address we could send back to you!
Hope you’re settling back in at home – we can’t wait to return to the north – just loved both the yukon and alska
take care
Neil and Anne
October 21st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Way to go guys, we are very proud of you. What an experience you have encountered, I can’t imagine. Kayle can sleep at night knowing that you didn’t go through Mexico. We are so glad that we got the chance to meet you guys and follow your journey. Hope we can get to your neck of the woods one day. Take Care, Kelly, Kayle, Zach