I was working with a Mexican dude from somewhere in Chihuahua recently. Maybe Guerrero. He told me if you go down there to spend money at tourist attractions it's safe because the cartel gets their cut. He also told me I might see cartel activity and men walking around with machine guns, but "you see nothing and you OK, understand me?"

I don't know this guy very well or how true any of this is. I'm not going to find out either.

 

Was just digging for that thread to put up here.

 

Thanks everybody. As said, risks outweigh the fun big time. No go.

@71on72
I'm not going anywhere right now, an active hurricane season is forecast, can't leave wife alone. Our home has been battered several times over last 20 years.
Next spring I will go somewhere. A buddy of mine who has ridden with me has his limitation, he starts feel uneasy when he gets three days ride away from home. He also is still working, will retire 2026. I guess I will go alone. My own limitation is not the range, but the days. I used crisscross Europe in my car, about 12 days and my lust to explore started vanishing and home-sweet-home call got stronger.
I think I will just start with "riding into sunset", without clear route in my mind. I have not been in Yellowstone, if I feel good I may end up there. Then maybe more exploring in Rocky Mountains, I have a soft spot for mountain roads.

 

Oftentimes the best rides are the ones without too much planning. Or too many people.

 

I support that statement

 

I've been on that run a few times. Always had a blast. That being said, even though it's pretty small for a rally, you're always in a pretty large group, even on the way down and the way back. The ride there and back isn't organized, but it's hard not to just to fall in with lots of others. That being said, I wouldn't do that same run solo or with just a buddy or two.

 

I started looking at gun laws in NM, CO and NV. If I'm not mistaking I can pull mine from holster and lock it in my trunk to be legal in these states. My bike has a lockable trunk in touring setup, although it is made of plastic and could be probably opened barehanded. All laws I read are about cars, though. I see no reason why these laws should not apply to a motorcycle, do you?

 

I took a basic firearms course here in NM 5 or 6 years ago. The instructor was LEO or ex-LEO. That was the case back then. The law may have changed since then, I don't know.

EDIT: My daughter's boyfriend just took and passed the concealed carry course here a couple of months ago. I'm sure he's up on the laws. I'll check with him and get back to you, but it may be a few days.

 

To make it clear, in my home state and in surrounding states we do not need a permit. If I had one it probably would be good in most states where permit is required. I do not intend to get one, it is not that important for me. That said, I can open carry in NM, can't I? Does it mean if I take off my jacket so the gun in holster can be seen, I'm legal? Or I have to tie it to my leg, cowboy style?

Edit: Some states just must complicate simple things and infringe things which shouldn't be infringed.

 

Colorado has open carry. I have seen riders with shoulder holsters.
Also, in Colorado it is legal to carry a loaded firearm in your car. The car is considered an extension of your home. The firearm does not need to be locked in the trunk or glove compartment of your car. If you are not in your car, the car must be locked.