The Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey (Summits of Monterrey National Park) is just south of Monterrey, population 1.1 million, but feels worlds away. The riding can be challenging on a big bike. Photos by the author.

I?ll admit I was skeptical. A land of mountains, twisty asphalt, endless dirt tracks, cheap lodging, good food and friendly locals just a few hours south of the Texas border" 

But I?ve seen this dual-sport promised land and I?m here to report it?s all true. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, which begins just south of Monterrey, creates an international motorcycle wonderland that?s easily accessible for anyone living in the Midwest or Eastern United States. 

You?ll need a temporary vehicle importation permit (TVIP) to bring your bike this far south into Mexico. Getting one requires a valid registration in your name, your Mexican visa (free if you are staying seven days or less) and a passport. Some riders report also needing a vehicle title, but no one asked to see mine. You also pay a refundable deposit that varies depending the age of your bike; it was $300 for my 2006 Suzuki DR650. Make sure you get insurance, too. Again, nobody asked to see proof of insurance at the border, but if you get in an accident in Mexico you can land in jail if you aren?t covered. 
Map of the route taken, by Bill Tipton/compartmaps.com.

We made quick work of the McAllen/Reynosa border tangle and headed southwest on Federal Highway 40, th...