Mexican Style Motorcycle Mystique
Tara A. Spears
Ever since slick, two-wheeled vehicles were invented they represented independence, speed and freedom. Riding a street bike is not for the faint of heart which contributes to its renegade reputation, “Can’t handle the power? Pfft, eat my dust as I head out on the highway….looking for adventure.” Sleepy little Jaltemba Bay is humming with the roar of hundreds of motorcyclists getting together for the Guayabitos Moto Fiesta 2023.
The three day biker rally expects up to 10 thousand participants. The organizer states that most of the activities will be carried out on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday being more competitive with awards for various motorcycle designs.. All of the activities (listed at the end of the article) are free and most events are family friendly. It’s a great opportunity to learn about various motorcycle brands and specific clubs- mostly it’s just a good time,
For those that hail from other countries, erase your NOTB perception of bikers; biker culture in Mexico is more than an imitation of gangster clubs. Originally, motorcycling was invented as practical urban transportation, but a “biker” culture of large cruisers on open highways exploded in the 1960s. Black leather jackets, boots, tattoos, specific motorcycle brands, and rock and roll became the dominant public perception. On the surface, there is little to distinguish Mexican bikers from their U.S. counterparts. But the philosophy of the Mexican bike clubs is radically different, leaning towards fellowship and altruistic purpose, rather that the NOTB criminal biker gangs.
The influence of the United States/Canada extends to the negative stereotypes many non-bikers have, and unfortunately there are a few bikers who live up to the bad reputation. The lingering social stigma can mean that some bikers will hide their passion at their 9-5 jobs but pull out the stops on weekends. American media brought images of tough guys on Harleys to Mexico. Like in the U.S., the biker culture has since evolved. Mexico’s biker culture is more a homage to the north of the border image, says Diego Piña, co-owner of the Black Dog House, a biker-themed bar in Querétaro.
There’s just something about the Harley that hooks its faithful riders and the way this set of wheels reaches out and grabs the attention of the casual observers, even non-bikers. Harley projects an image of strength and adventure but most distinctive is the sound of the bike: urgent and purposeful and going – fast.
Most riders explain the attraction “The sound and the feel of the motorcycle as you’re going down the road, that’s the most important thing.” Undeniably, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle has a unique, rumbling, throaty roar that comes from its V-shaped two-cylinder engine. But it also has a sleek, heavy, road-warrior look. Couple the machine with the distinctive look of the rider swathed in leather, chains and attitude: the serious Harley motorcycle rider is a 21 century warrior.
Family involvement is cited as extremely important by most Mexican bikers. Bikers Sally Mayer and Javier Ramos explain that a common way to include family members is to have them travel in cars behind the motorcycles so that everyone can get to the destination. Other ways include teaching children to ride and even having sidecars. One advantage of family events, Mayer says, is that there is far less drinking and drugs.
Perhaps the most “Mexican” adaptation is the involvement of religion. Bike pilgrimages to shrines have been mixed with the concept of group riding. Such rides occur all over Mexico, but the two most popular are to Our Lady of San Juan de Los Lagos, and Our Lady of the Favor in Hostitipiquillo, both in Jalisco. Many biker events will start by having a priest bless the helmets to protect the riders.
Serious motorcycling is not a cheap hobby. Long rides require good bikes, and the usual costs of travel. Some bikers do sacrifice other wants and needs for their obsession, but most are white-collar workers and business owners. Elitism, especially among Harley owners, is not uncommon, in part reflecting the country’s social stratification. One curious result is the banqueteros (sidewalk motorcyclists), who ride their expensive bikes on weekends to a local spot to show it off parked out front.
There are too many motorcycle groups to count in Mexico, which vary by membership requirements that include a specific type of bike, riding style, geographical location and sometimes sex, religion, socioeconomic status and more. The Mexican landscape and climate is great for distance motorcycle riding.
On Saturday afternoon the contingent of motorcyclists will tour the streets of La Peñita, Rincón de Guayabitos, and Los Ayala in an exhibition parade of their machines. The parade ends in the Guayabitos plaza for live music, food and drink for Motofiesta 2023.
Checkout some of the traditional biker contests, such as the slow run, the Motofiesta girl pagent, and the wild wet t-shirt contest besides tents with super mortorcycle gear for sale.
The preference for organized rides means that biker events are popular and growing. Welcome the Moto Fiesta 2023 crowds and have some fun!
