Mexican washboard

[larry pierce]

I am curious about member experience riding washboard. I have found it most intimidating. What type of bike is best for tackling this obnoxious substance?

[Greg Mihalik]

29'er, full suspension, fast.
Works for railroad beds as well.

[Joe Clement]

How fast is fast? I know in a truck, it has to be about 30 mph.

[ERIC PAYNE]

26" is fine, but don't consider riding unless you have front suspension. Otherwise you'll have numb hands and lose your mind. Full-suspension sucks if you suspect that you'll be riding on a variety of surfaces, from smooth to rough. Let out some air pressure, have wide-ish tires (>1.75") and just ride.

I spend 4 months touring through Mexico, and stuggled to find rough roads. Conditions are much better down there than expected. The toughest stuff I found was in Baja and Oaxaca. Rest is fancy paved roads, albeit oftentimes quiet and remote…

[larry pierce]

Thanks 2 all for ur replies. Yes, Baja is the place with the worst washboard. I want to ride Sanfelipe-Puertocitos-Coco's Corner-Mex 1, then flag down a bus for the return ride. They didn't even have 29r's last time I tried this Lol!

[ERIC PAYNE]

Nice route. The ride south from Puertecitos to Coco's Corner was one of the highlights of 5 months of Latin American riding for me last year.

have fun and pack light!

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