JohnnyAirtime

... thread resurrection. ;) I ran across this thread, because I was looking to see what happened to the AMAD38/forum. Google brought me here. It looks like the forum is gone. Probably for the better. I did go out and enjoy watching the D38 opener this past weekend. Pretty good turnout I thought. ... and, the course was as most of you don't like. FAST!! I mean, a 20 mile lap... and Justin Morgan was around in 20-24minutes. The slower guys, were around in 30-40minutes. Still fun to watch... even though, overly dusty in the AM with wind coming up later (thank goodness). I stopped racing the D38 events in 2007'ish. Can't remember now. But mostly because of the drama. Yes, I created a lot of the drama myself (on the forum especially)... but, it was because I was asking about cheating. Asking questions others wouldn't, and asking those questions because of not only what I noticed... but others I know (friends and family). Quickly, my name was mud... and I was even challenged (pretty aggressively) by two families and a club in the pits. Wondering why I wrote down a racers number for NOT being on course (I worked that race, due to my bike being broke). ... the funny part?! I gave'em two laps and decided the 3rd time, I was writing down the number. I had no idea who the racer was (at the time)... but of course, post race I realized it was the younger son of the family I was calling out in previous races (for cheating). He too, came out from their pit camp and said; "so this is Airtime?!", all puffy chested. All 120lbs! HAHA. Even another racers Dad got into it, saying; "What's up Airtime, you pissed your getting your ass handed to you?!".... from the Dad of the 16+ yr old son, I am usually passing at 34+ yrs old. It was only a handful of those I was challenging, or "calling out" for cheating. But they were the mascots of the D38 community, and should have known better than to allow such to happen. Like I said, I created some of the drama by observing and asking sensitive questions. Nobody else was, and I couldn't just let my (and others) observations go unnoticed. Once I did that, my "fun" factor went to zero and as I said... my name was 'mud'. I just stopped going to D38 all together. Unlike others, I liked the WFO racing. I was there to run the course and see how I faired against others. Practicing for Baja races, and to keep my strength up for holding it WFO for long lengths of time. I enjoyed the challenges of dust, other fast racers, and banging bars with other experts or trying with pro level riders. If someone wants to race a Baja event, I believe the D38 courses/events are one of the better to prepare yourself. If you have no reason to want to race Baja, then the D38 courses aren't too appealing. Unless, that Baja race is something along the lines of the Los Ancianos Tecate Hare Scramble... then, D37 is your better bet to prepare (in my opinion). ... I know I probably said too much, or should have just scrolled on by but... since the question was asked (albeit in 2012 - LOL!). ** I hope your enjoying my sarcasm **

Just FYI about personal preference.... I don't like the buttons of the GPS on top of the screen. Seems, every time I've used one like this I block the screen when operating the unit via buttons (typing in a waypoint name, moving the cursor to another location, etc). I prefer the buttons on the bottom, screen on top.

That 64 has been on there for months.... I've been watching it. He won't budge too far on price either. ... I missed one late last year for $150. So, I offered that guy $160... and his response; "no thanks". Been on there since Feb.

I have about 9 Garmin 60CSx models. I used to buy them up, when they were disco'd... as I have mounts for them in or on, all my vehicles/bikes/bicycles/etc. However, a great unit... the Garmin 64 is better. It'll hold as many "tracks" as you can push to it (the 60, and 62 are MUCH MORE limited in tracks or track points) ... I'd look for a Garmin 64 Then, get very familiar with tracks. How to make them, edit them, etc. I often create tracks in google earth, convert them to GPX and load them into Mapsource for final editing. Once done, load them into the GPS and send them out to the "ride group" via a GPX file (which you can load into a smart phone, or another Garmin unit). Works wonders... has for years! Finally, hardwire the GPS to the bike. Don't rely on battery, as often they'll vibrate and lose connection. Very frustrating.

(1) XL Long Sleeve.... por-favor And I just now realized (because of my old-timers short term memory), it's THIS weekend. Mike... did you have me doing anything on site as a volunteer? If so, I'll need to make arrangements to get down there and do so. I won't be camping, or staying overnight. In fact, not sure I'll even be able to ride... TOTALLY forgot it was THIS weekend!!

What a coincidence; I just had my one and only DD t-shirt on the other day... Would love to help... As a sweep Or, GPS downloads I helped Randy with the GPS track building in ... I think it was 2011 Would be glad to help again... if needed. Pre-running the areas, building tracks, formatting... etc. Message me if interested, and I'll put it on my calendar.

Yesss sir! ... share it!

The Tecate Enduros always deliver (not a touch obstacle, but a great race to enjoy if you haven't already) Love the single track stuff behind Rancho Santa Veronica!

Excellent... I don't think I've ever met someone down there I didn't like. Fellow riders, locals, and tourists... you meet so many varieties. It's the camaraderie that I love so much. Kind of reminds me of sitting around a desert campfire... with a favorite hot or cold beverage and sharing smiles/stories from the day's events. Yet down there, it could be around a small bar stool... table... or at the chase truck huddled around bikes. Even though I've had to buckle up and take care of a bad situation, for others or myself... I've been lucky to not see or experience something beyond comprehension. And so glad I was in Glamis, rather then pre-running with 'my boys' that weekend. Not sure how I would have handled it. Let alone, the what-ifs... since Steve and I love to bang bars. A bit close to home, since it could have been me up front of the pack leading the way (as I often do for groups) back to Ensenada. A bit chilling when I really think too much about it. Knowing a chase truck is so many miles ahead, waiting and listening for us... is a warm-n-fuzzy I will always have. I've learned, and those experiences down South have been an excellent teacher. Yet, I can't wait for our next trek... To enjoy it all, take it all in, and just sit back and enjoy ice cold refreshments. ... and of course, wear a t-shirt showing support for all that "fun" we had.

... as long as you experience it, sooner then later!! I try and live today, like it's my last day.... or close to it anyway. I don't expect everyone to do the same.

I understand... Baja isn't for everyone. Whether travelling, riding, etc. Just don't want this post to again (as it has on other forums) be a "baja bashing" as that's not it's intent. It is/was to inform.

No reason to not go... It's no safer today, then 20+yrs ago. BUT, if your prepared and knowledgeable of your trip... it's helpful. Hence the reason for me to post in the first place. I mean... I used to go down there, flip flops in a backpack and riding at speed. No comms, no chase... just me and a couple amigos. Not anymore. I plan for the worse, and hope for the best. Usually, ending with a few bumps/bruises but the better, HUGE smiles! SteveM, his friends, and myself... still ride down there on occasion. ... now, we're even more prepared. Ride in big groups (4 or more), and carry lots of communication (SPOT, Sat phone, etc). As well, have a chase truck waiting in the next town for us (usually, for fuel and snacks). Chase truck also has a Sat phone, and SPOT tracking it's location. ....costly, and a pain-in-the-ass... but if it's there, and not needed... at least it's there! You know the old saying; Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Folks... Ran across this thread, when searching something... And, as some know... Steve's a good friend, and race partner. You can get shot anywhere... The point is, when shot in Baja... dialing 911 isn't available. When riding down there, keep your head on a swivel... know where you are at all times, and keep a list of available clinics. Have a working phone (Cellular or Satellite), and if possible... utilize a chase vehicle. I know it's not manly to have a chase vehicle, but... it's SMART. If you need some lists of good viable clinics, let me know and I'd be glad to share. ... there's news as of late, that some clinics are known to be corrupt to US Citizens. A local hospital put out a news bulletin to their staff, of which places to try and avoid. Of course, in an emergency the nearest is the solution... but it's good to know their history. Didn't want to open a can of worms, just thought it'd be an important reminder... Ride safe, and know help is not always a phone call away. I also noticed the incident so old, that a lot of links are gone or not working. Here's the story, from Dan Walsh's writing; https://www.dropbox.com/s/2x3mu0gddk02u43/Martz_Baja_Shooting.pdf?dl=0 And the overlay, of the area where he was shot, and the phone call made to BiNational; https://www.dropbox.com/s/fi6vobblrzd6b9d/shooting%20overlay.jpg?dl=0 J- (photos by me) Steve's number plate, after he got home - done by Dan Walsh Group photo - Steve's Dad, SteveM, DanW, and myself

Matt mkccmc ... Here ya go... (see attached file down by my signature) Lots of tracks, some (in red) no longer passable (due to gates/fencing). (They'll have work-a-rounds in another color - green or magenta) But it should get you started, and building a route to and from your destinations. File is uploaded as .GPX which can be loaded in many applications, not JUST Garmin's Basecamp or Mapsource J- For SDAR riders.gpx

You asked for some Baja routes, for a garmin GPS... I can provide tracks, uploadable to most Garmins. However, I don't have them labeled as "easy" or "hard". Nor do I label single track vs graded road. ... I was to base what I sent you, on the ability of the entire group. Your only as good as your weakest rider (in my opinion). So with that... of course the typical assumed waiver comes into play; That I'm not responsible for anyone hurt while following my tracks. The maps... well, those aren't necessarily free, so I can't discuss "where I get them" other then to purchase them directly from Garmin, or LB Maps (Larry). When I get some time, I'll send a few to your email. Be patient... Life and work has been keeping me pretty busy.