The Coyote Convoy

The Coyote Convoy was started a few years back as a way to cross the border with a race car, trailered or driven, a bunch of spare parts and tools, and not get hassled by the Mexican authorities. At the meeting the night before going into Mexico, Gerie Bledsoe told us once we went across the border, just to keep on going unless an officer insisted a stop, then, show your papers, and keep smiling. Everyone was up for a 5 am breakfast, and a 6 am departure.

G.B. led the group of about 20 thru Laredo and into Nuevo Laredo without a hitch, and we passed the 15 km check just as quickly. The drive south started on a long straight toll highway, which goes toward Monterrey and Saltillo. Then the road becomes more demanding, into the mountains, near San Luis Potosi. This was the first of some challenging, third world trailer pulling, with steep drop offs on both sides of narrow lanes.... get used to it. The last section into San Miguel became really tight, the phrase,"threading the needle" comes to mind.

This would be our first stop, San Miguel de Allende, to participate in a benefit car show to feed school kids. A welcome two day layover before going to Oaxaca.

We made the trip in about 10 hours and found our hotel with no problem. The first night we had the option of going to a dinner regarding the school program or hitting the town with a traveling Mariachi band, I chose the latter. San Miguel is a beautiful town with old world architecture and new world trappings. We wound up at a place called Mama Mia's, and watched some of the twenty year olds try their luck some of the local beauties. My first night in Mexico came to an end about 2 am, we had a car show coming in the morning.

Next Time: Where the Cars Are Stars!