Tepic to Compostela

[Alison_and_Neil]

Last year I took hwy 200 from Tepic to Compestela and heated up my brakes pretty good.
I know the toll roads are longer, but is it easier on the rig when descending. How much longer is it? Costs??
I returned North thru San Blas last year and will not do that route again!!!!!!...either direction!!!
I am thinking to taking Hwy 200 again and just gear down and take it slow on the decline

Opinions......?!?!?!

Neil

[Alison_and_Neil]

Well, we did a different route.....went through/past Tepic and did the quota around and to Compestela. Not worth the extra tolls and time! next year...will do the hwy 200 at Tepic and gear down and go slow to Compestela (basically did the same going the longer and more costly route! But....I do have to say that the roundabout way was a lot more scenic! San Blas route will not be attempted again....our dog thought there were fireworks going off when we hit the overhanging branche on the road!

Cheers, Neil

[Tequila]

Avoid San Blas, i was there 3 weeks ago, the road is in very bad shape, very deep holes, some crossing the entire road. The storms did a lot of damage.

[Turtle-Toad]

You should always use your gearbox before your brakes. At least in Mexico where, as far as I know, there isn't any 'No compression brakes' zones. I melted my brake assemblies on the back roads of the Sierra's because I didn't gear down. Luckily I didn't end up on fire! But the shop had to replace everything. Very expensive lesson!!

[robatthelake]

There isn't much difference as the grade is the same either way!
The thing about the longer route is that the turns are not as sharp so it feels like you have more room. There is also less traffic!
The Villa Hidalgo to Las Vera's route is much improved over last Zyear! We came that way and although we're experiencing a Mechanicl problem I was much happier with the lower elevation variation?
The bit from Victoria to San Blas has recently been repaved!