You may recognize Sterling Noren's name if you have seen any of the GlobeRider videos by Helge Pedersen.  Noren has done all of the video production for GlobeRiders.  With “Beyond the Border” he strikes out to record his solo journey into Mexico.  He has no sponsors, no support, no backup plan and no video crew.  He filmed the entire trip himself.

I purchased this DVD because I have long been interested in motorcycling south of the border, but I have been put off by media reports of violence in Northern Mexico.  The video begins with alarming news clips about the dangers of traveling in Mexico.  Noren's theory is that people are basically good and decent and decides to ride to Mexico... alone.  He enters Mexico at Tecate and explores the back roads through Baja.  Along the way, he experiences beautiful scenery and meets interesting people: his theory about people seems to be holding up.

One of the more interesting people he meets is Baja legend, Coco of Coco's Corner.  He lost one leg to an accident and the other to disease, but this doesn’t stop him from welcoming riders from all over the world and is one of those characters who illuminates your faith in human beings.

After touring Baja, Noren takes the ferry from La Paz to the mainland and rides to the famed Copper Canyon.  Despite more reports of violence and kidnappings, Noren heads into the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  Here he meets Micah True, known in Mexico as Caballo Blanco, who organizes the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, a fifty mile trail run with contestants from all over the world. After filming this great event and reflecting on his trip, Noren comes to the conclusion that his theory was valid–people the world over are basically good at heart.

Beyond the Border was not made to dispel the reports of violence in Mexico.  In fact some of the residents interviewed confirmed that lawlessness and violence does occur in Northern Mexico.  Nevertheless, the film gave me the impression that riding in Mexico is no more dangerous than riding in parts of the United States.  It made me feel that riding in Mexico is safe if common sense precautions are taken. I came to agree with Noren that people are basically good and Mexico is a fascinating country at the doorstep of the United States.

The production quality is very good considering it was entirely captured by a solo rider. The scenery is spectacular and the soundtrack adds to the Latin flavor.  As it is with all good travel documentaries, the film is about the people encountered and the traveler's experiences… not the mode of travel.  The film encourages people to get on the road and experience a new world, not too far away! NorenFilms.com