Fall into Mexican Spring

Every fall we escape the cold of the north by heading to Mexico to begin our new touring season with Bike Mexico. Over the years, I have come to count my years in terms of touring seasons. Having been north to spend a few months resupplying on gear and gizmos, we arrive in Mexico with a mess of shiny new stuff and some slightly improved reflections on Mexico, bike touring, and life in general. It only makes sense to me that what follows is a new year.

It is a confusing time, however, because even though the calendar is drawing to a close and our hemisphere is gearing down for winter, it is also post-rainy season, which means that the Mexico that I have come to know and love is ablaze with endless wildflowers and shades of green. Having grown up in Canada, a green landscape stuffed with wildflowers means summer is coming. In Mexico, it means just the opposite, instead of giving way to summer, it gives way to fall and, in Mexico, along with fall comes one of Mexico's most beautiful celebrations: Dia de los Muertos.