A recap.
Photos by WestX1000
The Coast-to-Coast rally starts in Veracruz and ends in Puerto Escondido. By far one of the most fun and authentic rallies I have ever done.
From the onset, given my hectic race schedule from 2022 and the fact that I was planning to work more in 2023, I allowed myself only one race in 2023, and that was to be the Coast to Coast rally in February, crossing Mexico from the Atlantic to the Pacific, organized by Patrick and Romina Reyes.
As with all my North American races, I was supported by Freedom Rally Racing, this time headed by Mike Georgeson, and supported by Slade Robinson and Brett Epp.
Just getting to Veracruz is a huge logistical challenge. 2000 miles from San Diego, and at least two full days of driving.
On the team, we had Scott Bloom (Baja Rally organizer), Etienne Gelinas, Mike Johnson (Rally Comp master), Fernando Pascal, Dan Bartolucci (SoCal Rally organizer), and myself.
The energy was electric at the bivouac. We were the only English-speaking riders, while the rest of the entry field were all Spanish-speaking, totaling around 60 riders.
Coast to Coast has a unique premise. While some of the specials are fairly short, you still cover big distances, all on roadbook. While the liaisons are not raced, you are still having to navigate, and are penalized for missed waypoints and speedzone infractions. Thus you are fully engaged for hundreds of kilometers, even if you are not flat-out racing
The terrain is just spectacular, and you see parts of Mexico that you didn't even know existed.
Stage 1
Veracruz - Jalcomulco
Leaving Veracruz we entered farmlands with tracks everywhere, then we transitioned into some coastal dunes and flat fast beach sections.
One of the highlights of stage one was the river crossings. You had to ride your bike onto a little boat that took you across the river.
The special was mostly coastal dunes and beach riding with some tricky navigation, with the start and finish on the beach.
After the finish, we had a liaison through the mountains to the Jalcomulco bivi, which was in the mountains at a really cool resort in the forest.
Stage 2
Jalcomulco - Tehuacán
Stage two was the start of the big mountains, as we started getting higher in elevation.
The day started in the mountains and forests close to the town of Jalcomulco but transitioned into savanna-like areas, ending the day in Tehuacán.
We had an amazing off-piste section on a dry lake bed, extreme fesh-fesh, high speeds, and a volcano.
After the refuel, the lead group of riders went off in the wrong direction on an HP section, and I managed to get in front and lead out for the rest of the stage, taking the stage win for the day.
Stage 3
Tehuacán-Oaxaca
Leading out on the stage I had my first police escort, and then another as we came back into the bivvi. The day was mainly mountains, passes, vistas, views, forests, hardpack, and very very slippery roads towards the ends of the stage.
When there are no tracks ahead of you and you know you are being chased down, focus and concentration are everything. It was a very fun day, but also one that will be etched in our memories forever, as it was the day we lost a Mexican rally legend.
Just as we were rolling into the town of Oaxaca, a message flashed across my Rally Comp - “Race stopped! Proceed to bivouac” I immediately knew something very bad happened.
Indeed it did, Chucho had crashed and passed away.
A letter to Chucho
“Now that the dust has settled the engines are quiet, and there are no more roadbooks to mark, the full realization of what has happened to you hit me, and it hit me hard…….
I knew you literally only for a few days, and could immediately see you were a special person. At registration of the Coast to Coast rally I needed a suspension tool. Technically I was the competition, you smiled at me and said, “No problem my friend whatever you need”. You did not give me a tool, but instead, you gave me an official WP suspension technician!!!! Listening to your friends talk about you after what had happened it is clear that's just the kind of guy you were.
Patrick, Romina, Mauricio, and all your other friends, despite the immense pain and heartache they were suffering, honored you by carrying on with the race, you would be proud and happy. I believe that Coast to Coast will forever be in your memory.
You were taken from us while you were doing what you loved, what else can one ask for?
Rally on in peace Chucho, your memory is etched into the fibers of rally racing forever. “
Stage 4
Oaxaca - Huautla de Jiménez
Stage four was overshadowed by the horrific news of Chucho’s passing, and a dark cloud had descended on the rally. It also reminded us what was at stake, and that we put our lives on the line for the sport we so dearly love.
Everybody that knew Chucho, was in agreement that he would have wanted us to continue, and the rest of the race was dedicated to his memory, honoring him as we rode.
The day started with another police escort! A very cool liaison up the side of a mountain on very rocky forest roads, then a very fast special on hard pack with super tight navigation, and then another liaison through beautiful mountains, small villages, and pine forests, all the way to the marathon stage bivi high up in the mountains. All in all a very fun and good stage.
The marathon stage bivi was one of the most authentic Mexican experiences that I have ever had in my life. We camped high up in the mountains, all in tents, and ate the way the locals ate. Our food was prepared in a family kitchen, and a local family hosted all of us for the night.
The town we stayed at is also called “Eagles Nest”, believed to be the birthplace of “magic mushrooms”. María Sabina lived here and is widely believed to have started the psychedelic movement in America, after an article in Life Magazine in 1955.
Stage 5
Huautla de Jiménez - Puerto Escondido
This stage was mostly liaison, making our way down the mountains we have previously climbed, endless hairpin bends, steep descents, and many villages later, we emerged at the Pacific Ocean, for our last special, a flat-out race along the beach, Dakar-style.
In that 17km you can not win the race, but you can certainly lose it, so I decided to enjoy my last special along the beach, and “hung on for dear life” to the handlebars as we raced down the beach to the final FSS of Coast to Coast.
Puerto Escondido, or “Hidden Port” is a low-key beach destination, known for its beach bars, surf breaks, swimming cover, and vibrant nightlife, the perfect place to have a picture-perfect finish to the end of the rally.
Coast to Coast is a rally I will never forget, truly a gem.
