We managed to get Boxy’s bike sold and finally got moving again. After a couple more towns in Mexico, we crossed the border into Belize. All went well, and the trip was back on track.
Goneriden
11
11 Jan 2002 – 17 Jan 2002
Mexico - Belize
Cancun - Playa Del Carmen - Tulum - Chetumal - Belize City - Dangriga
Trip distance11,277 kmWeek 11 of 32
The modern week-by-week edition
Cancun
to Dangriga.
This week’s route
Cancun - Playa Del Carmen - Tulum - Chetumal - Belize City - Dangriga
- 1Cancún
- 2Playa del Carmen
- 3Tulum
- 4Chetumal
- 5Belize City
- 6Dangriga Town
Week 11 routeMexico - BelizeRegional context
Approximate route using modern roads · OpenStreetMap contributors · route via OSRM
Week 11 in the full journey
See this week in the complete 32-week route.
The preserved 2002 maps provide full-trip context while the modern interactive journey map is developed.
Memorable moment
Memorable moment.
Ride around anything
After 16 days of living in Cancun, we finally got moving south again and into Belize. After spending 7–8 weeks in Mexico, trying to learn a little Spanish, we were suddenly in a country that spoke English, which also had a dollar equal to Australia's. As we rode towards Belize City we passed typical Australian vehicles, which included a couple of old Bedford trucks.
On our way out of Belize City, we were caught in the most horrendous traffic. No worries on the bikes. We managed to zip in between the traffic with ease, even passing a few cars on the footpath. In no time at all we had made it to the front of the congestion.
Little did we know that "Cemetery Road" (the main road out of Belize City to Belmopan) actually ran through the heart of the cemetery, which suddenly put us at the front of a funeral procession, riding alongside a family carrying a coffin, followed closely by a hearse. Not feeling particularly too clever, we hesitantly rode past the funeral procession and through the road block the police had set up at the other end.
Original Week 11 accountPictures of the week
Three moments from the road
Quote of the week"Can't you give me eleventh place?" — There were only ten prizes, but Marty scored a free T-shirt in a cocktail-making competition.
CompetitionCocktail making In an attempt to expand its cocktail menu, the Blue Parrot bar in Playa de Carmen offered its patrons a full spirits bar and mixers to concoct a winning cocktail. Sampling was encouraged, and the winning mix received cash, naming rights and 24 cans of Dark Dog energy drink.
Winner: Unknown, but Martin did receive the coveted 11th place on the top 10 list.
HighlightFinally getting rid of the third bike and being able to move on into Belize.
Risk activityCrossing the border without the appropriate paperwork from Mexico to BelizeRisk factor4/10.
LowlightGoing to the Cockscomb Jaguar Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize to see six different breeds of wild cat in the jungle as well as monkeys, deer , wild pig etc. We walked the 3.5km trail in our motorbike boots and saw one parrot and a squirrel.
Road tallyOne bike centre stand.
During some long-awaited dirt road riding, a large rock flicked up and destroyed the spring mechanism on the stand. A careful search along the road located the springs, but what proved more difficult was finding a welder in order to repair it.
Week 11 photo diary
The week, in event order
The mosaic follows the numbered sequence in date-and-time order. Select any image for its full-screen view and comment.