Frequently
Asked Questions on SOS-Mexico
Q.
When is the trip?
A. We depart from London Heathrow airport
on the 14th April 2009 and arrive back onApril 27th.
Q.
How long do we tour for?
A.
12 days. This includes 9 days riding.
Q.
Can I bring a pillion?
A.
No. This bike tour is a bit too off road to have someone on the back.
Q.
How much does it cost?
A.
£3450 per rider. This is a significant sum of money but not only
will you be making a huge difference to the orphans you will get to
experience an amazing bike adventure completely free. We will help you
along the way and if you raise more then its more money direct to the
charity.
Q.
Is SOS-Adventures part of SOS Children's Villages?
A.
No we are a seperate entity but on every trip we organise we raise money
for the charity. We concentrate on setting up great bike adventures
and the charity then uses the money we raise to help the children in
their villages.
Q.
How much does the charity get?
A. Once all the costs of the trip are
paid we donate half of the remainder to the charity and put the other
half to work running SOS-Adventures. Accounts are available at the end
of the trip to give all riders an exact breakdown.
Q.
What does this adventure include?
A. We will fly you from Heathrow airport
to Chihuahua, in Mexico, and back. All accommodation will be covered
for the duration of the trip. All breakfasts and evening meals are provided.
We will provide a motorcycle for you to cover the route on. We have
first aid and mechanical assistance to follow the group throughout the
tour and our expert guides to help you enjoy your ride.
Q.
What is the weather like?
A.
Mexico whilst incredibly hot in the summer it is quite pleasant in February.
Dry and sunny most of the time. It may be frosty in the mornings and
evenings when we are at altitude, the higher we climb into the mountain
the chillier it gets. On the Pacific side its great weather to be on
the beach.
Q.
What is the accommodation like?
A. We have a mixture of semi luxury accommodation
with a night or two in more traditional accommodation. After the harder
days we generally try and stop somewhere a bit nicer to recuperate but
remember that some bits of the country are still very backward so don't
expect to download your e mails every night.
Q.
Can I extend my stay?
A.
Yes. You need to tell us when booking and we will arrange a different
date for your return. You may have to pay extra if there is an increase
in cost but we will only charge you the increase if there is one.
Q.
What bikes will we be riding?
A.
We will use Kawasaki KLR 650s and Suzuki DR 400 dual sport bikes.
Q.
What are the roads like then?
A. Where there is tarmac it is of varying
quality. In the canyons themselves we are on tracks which are quite
rough and rocky. Even with a 4x4 with huge tyres most drivers routinely
avoid where we go. You really need to have off road
experience to enjoy this tour. If you trail ride regularly you should
find it OK, but there are a couple of long sections so be prepared to
be tired.
Q.
Do I need a license?
A.
Yes. A full UK or European bike license is required. Please bring the
paper part as well as this is sometimes asked for.
Q.
Do I need a helmet?
A.
Yes.
Q.
What bike gear should I bring?
A.
For the bike we recommend protective clothing with armour. We will be
riding in a warm environment so layers that can be taken on and off
with insert able or attachable armour are better than leathers. in the
mornings it may be frosty and then sunny all day afterwards. Kevlar
lined clothes with motocross armour offers good flexibility We recommend
Draggin Jeans. Also proper off road boots that support the ankle and
protect the calves and shins. These are just recommendations. The point
is the better protected you are the safer you are.
Q.
Do I need luggage for the bike?
A.
No. We will transport all your baggage along the route. A small backpack
for personal items for the day is all you need.
Q.
What other clothing should I bring?
A.
Bring your swimming gear as there will be a beache stop for a day. Mainly
summer clothes with warm clothing for the odd chilly night. A thermal
fleece and a bomber jacket are worth having. One smart set of clothes
and then t shirts and jeans is not a bad start. Please bear in mind
though that space is not unlimited when we transport your bags along
the route.
Q.
Do I need a jab?
A.
Not as a rule but please check with your GP. We require that all tour
riders have medical insurance with the facility to fly you home if the
worst happens.
Q.
Can I drink the water?
A.
Not recommended, a policy of bottled water only is good. It is available
everywhere.
Q.
What is the food like?
A.
Lordy! You will put on weight here They eat a lot of meat and vegetarians
can feast here comfortably as well. If you are eating veg or salad make
sure it is cooked or peeled. Where food has been rinsed there is no
guarantee of clean water so be sensible.
Q.
Do they speak English?
A.
In the cities some people will, especially in hotels but as we are going
to some more remote areas don´t rely on it. Spanish is the main
language. All of the organisers and team leaders can communicate in
Spanish so you shouldn't be left unable to ask for what you want.
Q.
Do I need a visa?
A.
No. You can visit for up to 90 days from the UK without a visa. You
will need at least 6 months validity left on your passport however.
Q.
What is the currency?
A.
Mexican Pesos. There are some of banks and cash points but it is useful
to bring a bit of cash (us$ ) as we will be on the road during banking
hours.
Q.
Will my mobile phone work there?
A.
Yes but you need a quad band phone and you need roaming activated but
getting a line is not always guaranteed.
Q.
How do I book?
A.
Send us an e mail or call and we will give you all the information you
need to make your adventure a reality!
Click
here to go back
|