Picture this!

A pictorial week in review from Mazatlan to Guadalajara.

Our warm shower hosts: David and his girlfriend Yolanda. Warm showers is an international group who opens their houses to the bicycle touring community. This was our first stay and we had an exceptional experience. David's family owns a bike shop in Guadalajara and he is an excellent bike mechanic, so could assist Eric with a few tweaks (in addition, he has done long distance touring, is a mountain biker, surfer, environmental conservationist, will graduate in civil engineering, and is the best tour guide in all of Guadalajara).

I would have never imagined my 32nd birthday would be spent cruising Guadalajara. On Sundays, the main street is blocked off for 5 hours to encourage exercise including bicycling, walking, skateboarding, and running. The parks along the way are filled with people double dutch jump roping, live bands playing, hulahoopers, and synchronized hiphop groups. It was quite a scene!

Not a few seconds after finding our hosts in Guadalajara, we were greeted by their neighbors Hector, Cecilia, and Andrew who were just driving by and curiously asked about our story. They were a delightful family and have connections in Central America we may use in the future.

Multiple modes of transportation. The burro had us on the uphill, but we smoked on the downhill!

Side shot. Riding with our Swiss friend for the last week allowed more photo ops along with great conversation.

A flat at the end of the riding day. What a perfect spot, right by the green coconut stand. A quick fix and rolling again.

A field of Agave. We rode by the city of Tequila (yes, that is the one). The Agave plant grows for 8 yrs before the center of the plant is harvested and used to make tequila.

A near perfect nighttime setting. We discussed how we would remember this place, the backdrop, the sounds of kids playing baseball and futbol, wonderful temperature.

Our new friend rolled up and asked where we were from, after stating Minnesota he asked if it was Mankato. Turns out his family owns the Mazatlan restaurant on Madison. Who would have guessed.

Can't help but smile at these two cuties! They spent their afternoon sliding down a dirt pile, having a good ol time.

We weren't expecting the stunning beauty of highland Mexico. There are dormant volcanoes in every direction covered with lush green vegetation. The climbs are challenging, but the views are well worth it! At times, it feels like we can just reach out and touch the clouds.

Travelling into the high country (5500 ft). We had great road conditions with excellent weather as we rode away from the coast. Here we are on the toll road (free for bicycles) with wide shoulders, few on and off ramps and little traffic.

A view over the city from the roof top. Since leaving the Baja, there are fewer opportunities to throw up a tent. In a typical town we'll look for the church steeples and head for the central plaza. From there it's a quick walk to find a few cheap places to stay as well as food and Internet.

We still like each other!

Center square of the city. Here with our cycling partner Markus.

Traffic jam. We have been impressed with the number of bicycles on the roads. It is a way to commute, the basis for food and delivery businesses as well as a simple form of exercise.

We have been pleasantly surprised with what we are finding on the mainland. Wonderful scenery, beautiful old towns and we continue to enjoy the people. We are currently in Guadalajara, a town of 7 million people, working our way towards Mexico City. What an amazingly diverse country!