Bucerias by bike
Bici Bucerias, a Northshore bicycle rental, repair and tour business on Lazaro Cardenas near Av. Fibba, was started by avid cyclist Joel Goralski to fill a tourism gap he saw in the bay area.
He and wife Jillian have owned and operated it for almost six years.
Bici Bucerias’ standard bicycle tour vacation includes accommodations, bicycle rental, if needed, as well as guided rides of varying intensity. Yoga, massages and food experiences can be added in.
Rentals of just a bicycle can be arranged hourly or on monthly time frames.
Food and drink tours:
“Not everyone is a hard core cyclist, but many people love to ride bikes … and who doesn’t love to eat?” says Jillian Goralski. “Our bike, drink and eat tour selection is evolving as we go. You never know what we’ll come up with next.”
Described as an easygoing 10-kilometer ride, an informative guide takes riders to local spots to sample roasted coffee, artisanal juice and tacos. In between food stops, the tour cycles into different parts of Bucerias and the surrounding countryside, admiring views of and from the Sierra Madre mountains. The morning tour ends with a cerveza or lemonade.
This small-group tour is limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention.
Sunset Bike & Food Tour: This tour is designed to be a culinary adventure that will take you to “Italy,” “France” and contemporary Mexico.
Each stop will be a chance to learn as well as taste. Riders “visit Italy” and sample two traditional aperitivos and a selection of antipasti. Next, the tour bikes head to “France” for a selection of French-style cheeses made with local Mexican dairy products, paired with two different wines.
Then, pedaling back to Mexico, bicyclists experience some delicious ceviche and a tasting of Mexican craft beers. It ends with a beautiful sunset cocktail on the Bucerias beach.
Bike/Wine/Beer Olé Tour: This tour is about discovering some of Bucerias’ and Mexico’s amazing local beers and wines, while getting to see some colorful streets and everyday life in Bucerias.
First, riders tour past some great landmarks of Bucerias, weaving through the streets to find their way to the first stop – a small restaurant that has taken local products and produce to create amazing dishes. The star attraction is the interesting Mexican wines.
Then the bikers head over to the new local cervecería (brewery) in Bucerias to taste-test whatever is on tap for the day, and munch on some tropical delights.
While alcohol is served at each stop, safety is important. Drink portions are small and spread out equaling two drinks over the course of two hours.
For more information, visit Bici Bucerias on Lazaro Cardenas or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Casino Night
The Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta (next door to Paradise Village) will host a Casino Night to benefit their Junior Sailing Program on Friday, November 22, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The event includes dinner, raffles, auctions, loteria and, of course, casino games. The price for the event is 400 pesos per adult, 200 per child (free if under five years old). Dinner and the first round of casino chips (for adults) are included in the ticket.
The Junior Sailing program is designed to expose youngsters and their families of all nationalities in the bay area to the enjoyment of sailing. Students are taught by multi-lingual instructors.
The program is administered by a Board sanctioned Junior Sailing Committee and assisted by Yacht Club staff and member volunteer adult leaders and Junior Sailing parents.
Money raised at Casino Night will be used to help fund scholarships for students who would otherwise be unable to participate.
La Cruz fundraiser
Amigos de la Cruz has many programs that benefit the people of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, including its Kids Club, free children’s dental care and year-round recycling and beautification programs, all supported by donations.
One of the most anticipated and popular beneficiaries is the Summer School. Many snowbirds are unfamiliar with it, because the program happens during low season.
It involves three fun-filled weeks of art and crafts, music, dance and drumming, gymnastics, birding field trip, swimming, group games and activities – and now pickle ball.
Plus, kids get a t-shirt to tie-dye and a hot breakfast every day to promote good nutrition.
“It’s a stimulating and healthy environment for each and every child,” says Amigos volunteer Patricia Spencer.
This year, the Summer School was held at the Telesecundaria, which was graciously donated for Amigos to use. Amigos helped the Telesecundaria by purchasing plastic reusable plates, cups and utensils for the school, while helping to phase out single-use styrofoam and paper/plastic.
Amigos has sponsored this three-week camp for the last four years.
Around 70 students attended the Summer School and no student was turned away, whether they could pay or not.
Welcome Back Party
Tickets for the Amigos de la Cruz Welcome Back Familia Fiesta Mexicana scheduled Saturday, December 7, 5:30 to 10 p.m. can be purchased at amigoslacruz.org or in person at Tree House Bar & Grill (cash only) in La Cruz. The event includes a four-course meal, live music, games and raffles. Tickets cost 550 pesos.
Partygoers are encouraged to bring school supplies for the Primaria and Kids Club.
Tables are assigned at the time of ticket sales, so buy early for the best seats. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Paws and Claws
The second free spay/neuter clinic of 2019, sponsored by the Paws and Claws committee of Amigos de Bucerias is from November 20 to 23. The location is the Abuelos de Bucerias Tercera Edad center on Calle Del Canal.
Animals should be brought to the clinic by 8 a.m. and should not have eaten or had water after midnight. Puppies and kittens must be weaned and over eight weeks in age. Dogs and cats which recently gave birth must wait eight weeks to have surgery.
“While the spay /neuter clinics are provided through Paws and Claws free of charge, donations are greatly appreciated,” says Paws and Claws Committee President Sue Fornoff.
To fund the clinics, Paws and Claws holds three fundraising events during the high season. The first event is Photos with Santa, on Sunday, December 15 at La Postal Restaurant in Bucerias beginning at 3 p.m. Santa will be there, ready to have photos taken with pets, kids and families. Keeping in the Christmas spirit, there will be a big bake sale of homemade goodies. A raffle, 50-50 drawing and happy hour specials will be part of the festivities.
The popular Wine Survivor raffle will take place mid-January. Details to follow soon.
For more information about Paws and Claws, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Bucerias seniors
Bucerias resident Gillian Jones is returning for the 3rd year as the manager of the four-year-old Bucerias Seniors Christmas Baskets Drive.
“I am looking forward to connecting with everyone who donated baskets last year, when your generosity allowed this project to distribute 162 baskets to needy senior citizens in this area,” says Jones.
Jones says she is really looking forward to hearing from lots of new people who would like to participate this year.
“This year we need you and your friends more than ever to reach the campaign’s 2019 goal of handing out 244 baskets,” says Jones. “As a result of the large increase in the number we are suggesting that participants make smaller baskets and pledge and donate more of them.”
As of week four of the campaign, 178 baskets had been pledged. The finished baskets will be collected during the first week in December.
Jones has reduced the suggested items list after determining that some items were not the kind of things seniors would use.
Only 12 or 13 items need to be in each basket, (or a sturdy reusable bag), as the container itself is part of the gift.
Here are some suggestions for items to include in the baskets:
Soup packages (a few), cans of tuna (maximum three), instant coffee (small jar), toilet paper, personal soap, talc, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, hair combs, deodorant, razors, small first aid kit, socks, perfume (for the ladies), aftershave or cologne (for men), shawls (Pashmina type for the ladies), baseball style hats (for men).
Keep in mind that while everyone loves a sweet treat at Christmas, many of the seniors have diabetes or other sugar related illnesses. If you can include sugar reduced items it would be very much appreciated and if you can’t find them please keep them to only a few.
If you have questions, email Jones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..