The Team
John & Lynn Gilbank
Founder/Owners
Your hosts at Riders of the Sierra Madre and Casa Sierra, John and Lynn, met in Mexico more than thirty years ago, when Lynn was an adventurous Canadian nurse and John was a diplomatic officer specializing in commerce. Since then they have lived in South America, the United States and both Western and Eastern Canada before retiring from the oil industry and settling ¨permanently¨ in Mexico. They and their sons Ben and Rich enjoy exploring Mexico by motorcycle together.
Ray & Adela Cawthorne
Trail Boss and Advisor
Ray came to Mexico fourteen years ago from his native Texas, started a contracting business in the Lake Chapala area and met and married Adela. Together they have traveled just about every road in Mexico. Ray is not only an expert on all aspects of riding here but is also a ton of fun along the way.
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Yvonne Yarnold
Administrative Manager
Yvonne´s roots are in the U.K. and South Africa but she spent her career years in Canada and the United States before ¨seeing the light¨ and moving to Mexico eleven years ago. Her many years in Advertising give her the background to help us strategically with marketing as well as ensuring a trouble- free experience for our clients.
Rich Gilbank
Webmaster and Communications Manager
An avid motorcyclist since early childhood, Rich now enjoys Enduro-riding on his Husaberg in the forests of Ontario. A graduate of Ryerson University´s New Media program he is the founder of Groundhog Media, the creators of our website and graphic materials. Rich has scouted Mexico coast to coast and co-managed our booth at the motorcycle shows.
About RSM
Riders of the Sierra Madre S. de R.L. de C.V. is a young Mexican company built and run by veteran Canadian and American riders who have settled in Mexico. It was built to solve a simple problem faced by all of us from North of the Rio Grande - that our riding time near home is often limited by the weather and it's good to have other options. Mexico is the favourite travel destination of North Americans so the only part that was missing was a practical and economical way to go riding there. Shipping our own bikes down is expensive, and to be honest, most of our bikes would not be the best choice for Mexico. What was needed was someone to provide top level bikes that are well suited to Mexico and experienced guides who know the best curvy, uncrowded roads, the most spectacular scenery and, of course, the best hotels and restaurants. Riders of the Sierra Madre has put the package together so you can count on a great riding vacation.
Special thanks to Jerry and Sharon Smith, intrepid motorcyclists and good friends who have helped us scout and plan each of our tours. Without their advice and encouragement, Riders of the Sierra Madre may never have happened.