Week 8 was a trip that allowed us to explore ancient ruins hidden in the jungle, ride backroads, and finally end up on an island off Cancun for Christmas.
Goneriden
08
21 Dec 2001 – 27 Dec 2001
Mexico
Palenque - Merida - Chicken Itza - Isla Mujeres
Trip distance9,387 kmWeek 08 of 32
The modern week-by-week edition
Mexico Palenque
to Isla Mujeres.
This week’s route
Palenque - Merida - Chicken Itza - Isla Mujeres
- 1Palenque
- 2Mérida
- 3Chicken-itza
- 4Cancún
- 5Isla Mujeres
Week 08 routeMexicoRegional context
Road sections use current OpenStreetMap roads · ferry and flight legs are direct guides
Week 08 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.
Riding through villages.
On our journey from Merida to Chichen Itza we decided to chase a few of the sites mentioned on our map. Although we had a little trouble locating them all we did manage to get our bikes back onto the dirt. Some fairly challenging trails eventually led us into several local villages where the main mode of transport was either a push bike, a mule, or that trusty old pair of sandals, hence we had spectators.
The young fellas playing in the square flocked to have their photo taken while other family members watched just as curiously from the safety of their doorsteps
Original Week 8 accountPictures of the week
Three moments from the road
Quote of the week“You can’t do that, it’s illegal” - official at Chichen Itza
“You boys are the essence of Christmas” - bikini-clad beauties to us 3 Santas on the beach
“Gee, they were big knickers too, Boxy” - one of Jamie’s more unfortunate observations in Palenque
CompetitionSeeing how many people would take photos of us sitting on a bench at the beach, Santa hats on, speaking amoungst ourselves, Winner: Kodak
HighlightSpending Christmas at a beach on a Caribbean island called 'island of women
Risk activityExploring the fringe areas of the Palenque ruins and be cautioned by a security guard to be aware of robbers and murderers around the immediate vicinity.Risk factor2/10.
LowlightNo Christmas breakfast, dinner or tea. Although Santa did bring us a six pack each
Road tallyNearly the entire Goneriden crew had to duck under the barrel of a shotgun that was draped over the shoulder of an elderly hunter. In the end, the boy a mile down the road with his slingshot seemed to be more of a danger.
Week 08 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.