Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776310
14 nFebruary 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS and the scenery is breathtaking for those who love plants like saguaros, cholla, prickly pear, barrel cactus and other desert plants like the ocotillo and mesquite. You'll pass the 517-square- mile Organ Pipe Biosphere Reserve, which shares the border with the Mexican state of Sonora and Southern Arizona, and is worth a visit. The national reserve is the only place in the world where the organ pipe cactus grows wild. The reserve has two natu- ral arches and the landscape will blow your mind so be sure to allow time for a ride through to check it out. Loading up to mosey across the border doesn't have to be a big deal, despite the fact that most of us get a bit antsy when it comes to making sure we'll pass muster at the border crossing. Reality is, a motorcycle trip to Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, is as easy as waving to the border guards as you roll on through. At least it was for us as we crossed near the Arizona/Mexico border town of Sonoyta, along high- way 85. There was some congestion with the four-wheel crowd since they were backed up for miles, but riding around them when safe is expected and there's a lane for bikers at the crossing so don't be shy. First order of business, however, is to purchase Mexican insurance, which can be done in either country but must be purchased before you venture beyond the border towns. Sanborn Insurance is a sponsor for the Rocky Point Rally so we stopped in Ajo, Arizona, and bought our policy from them. The full coverage, four-day policy cost $85 for my 4-year-old bike. Your regular American policy will not cover you in Mexico and Mexican law requires that you carry Mexican insurance, so don't leave America without it. Puerto Peñasco lies an easy 90 miles from the border. There is no visa required in Rocky Point unless you intend to work there or stay for more than six months, but the return trip back into the U.S. required coming to a complete stop and an ID check at the border: passport or travel visa is required though we watched as a rider next to us just gave his driver's license. We caught up with Oscar at the Playa Bonita as the rally was wind- ing down and even though the event means a whole lot of work for him, Oscar was beaming. "This was the sec- ond biggest rally we've had, with 2006 being the biggest," he shared. "We're slowly making our way back from the economic downturn and we appreciate the support. It means a lot to us that you come out for our rally. Please, come back and see us next year. This is the only motorcycle rally we do, though we have many other events, but we really enjoy seeing riders come back year after year. It's really a fun time for us and we look forward to November." So, come on out and have a good time south of the border. Be intelligent and don't try to bring weapons, ammo or any other paraphernalia that could cause you headaches in either direc- tion. Remember, you're a guest in a foreign country so be polite, enjoy the hospitality, and your weekend of fun in the sun will be a breeze. 4 Rocky Point Rally Continued from page 13 Wheelies are a common sight, especially among the 4-wheel crowd Local teens turned on the natural charm to glean donations for the youth program Safety fi rst, including responsible eyewear, as copilots pay close attention to the road