That's a misquioted line that is from "Treasure of the Sierra Madre". If you haven't seen that movie, that's old Mexico.
The odyssey to cross the border started at 8 AM with a list of goods we were "importing". We all gathered at a smallish trailer office in Santa Teresa, N.M. where the paper shuffling started in earnest. Tires, jacks, tools, etc, etc, for some people the list was much longer than for others. Luckily, no one had to pay any duties, we had some "official" paper that took care of that. Next, across the border and off to the Banjercito, where we get visas and permits to drive into Mexico.
This is where the fun really started.
We had all our paperwork together, so visas, no problem, and the Chevy got through fine. The Toyota and trailer are considered as one, but both need a licence plate and the trailer was brand new. In California the plates are issued and mailed by the DMV and all we had was a sad little slip of paper. "Sorry boys, take it to Texas and register it" was the ex officio call.
Yea, right! At that point, some folks decided to park their trailers and drive their race cars in. We were very opportune in having along Marcos Herrera from the New Mexico Border Authority. He was able to smooth out things, one after another, until everyone had their visas and permits. We might still be there without him.
Next, back into the U.S. and to the motel to pick up the trailers and head for Tex-Mex border. First thing, we had to go through United States Customs, more paper shuffling, more declarations, who knows!? Then, on to the
Mexican side, and more fun with their customs ambassadors. Again, Marcos is there to keep things grinding slowly along. Finally, at 5PM, we are on our way, through Ciudad Juarez and on the road.
Oops, just one more stop, at the 30 kilometer mark, more waving of papers and checking of permits and don't forget your Mexican car insurance! At last, as the sun sets, we are on our way to Chihuahua.
Next Time: The Chihuahua Express
WE ARE LOOKING FOR SPONSORS
The odyssey to cross the border started at 8 AM with a list of goods we were "importing". We all gathered at a smallish trailer office in Santa Teresa, N.M. where the paper shuffling started in earnest. Tires, jacks, tools, etc, etc, for some people the list was much longer than for others. Luckily, no one had to pay any duties, we had some "official" paper that took care of that. Next, across the border and off to the Banjercito, where we get visas and permits to drive into Mexico.
This is where the fun really started.We had all our paperwork together, so visas, no problem, and the Chevy got through fine. The Toyota and trailer are considered as one, but both need a licence plate and the trailer was brand new. In California the plates are issued and mailed by the DMV and all we had was a sad little slip of paper. "Sorry boys, take it to Texas and register it" was the ex officio call.
Yea, right! At that point, some folks decided to park their trailers and drive their race cars in. We were very opportune in having along Marcos Herrera from the New Mexico Border Authority. He was able to smooth out things, one after another, until everyone had their visas and permits. We might still be there without him.Next, back into the U.S. and to the motel to pick up the trailers and head for Tex-Mex border. First thing, we had to go through United States Customs, more paper shuffling, more declarations, who knows!? Then, on to the
Mexican side, and more fun with their customs ambassadors. Again, Marcos is there to keep things grinding slowly along. Finally, at 5PM, we are on our way, through Ciudad Juarez and on the road.Oops, just one more stop, at the 30 kilometer mark, more waving of papers and checking of permits and don't forget your Mexican car insurance! At last, as the sun sets, we are on our way to Chihuahua.
Next Time: The Chihuahua ExpressWE ARE LOOKING FOR SPONSORS
3 comments:
I gotta tell ya... Love the reports. Keep'em coming. My crew and I are excited about meeting you guys and sharing some stories. Building the car is as much of an adventure as the race.
Gary Faules
Thanks Gary!
You're right but it's not that far off either... "Badges!? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!!"
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