This historic mountain range attracted the conquistadors for it’s wealth of silver and other precious metals and I’m drawn to them for the cooler temps and colonial experience. The Sierra Madres are Mexico’s mountain fortress and throughout history proved difficult to defend and control depending on which side of the battle you were on. Key events leading to Mexico’s independence occurred in these ranges and I look forward to retracing some of the history as I travel them. Ignoring warnings of cartel roadblocks I head up the infamous 40 aka the Devil’s Spine toward Durango.
SR (Stephen) recommended a restaurant in Copala for breakfast and after missing the turn off I’m glad I make the effort to turn around. The cobble stone lined entrance to the village is inviting and the dining experience proves worth the stop. As I leave the restaurant a rider on a KLR approaches me.
Stephen rode down from Durango to get his twisty fix for the day. After brief introductions and just enough time for Stephen to inhale a Gatorado and a candy bar we are on our way. Traffic is light but the Federales are out in force, most likely the result of a trucker getting run off the road allegedly trying to evade the gunshots of a pursuing cartel truck. We make a few stops for various geological observations (Stephen’s forte), one of which takes us offroad at precisely the time a demolition crew is dynamiting a construction site for the new tunnel.
We make it to Durango without incident and Stephen and I part ways at the San Jorge where he recommends I stay for the night. It was a pleasure to meet you Stephen, muchas gracias, amigo. :wave
Durango is festive in the evening and I am compelled to venture out to capture some of the imagery. The city has a lot to offer the traveler looking for a taste of Old Mexico. I ponder staying an additional day but I opt to keep riding the next morning.
Video
Next I ride to Zacatecas, a point of interest I’ve looked forward to since planning my trip. I will enjoy an extended stay in Zac where I’ll indulge in a little masochism and try to improve my Spanish at one of the local language schools.