Vagabundo

I have read on these pages that the rider lives in San Ysidro and was riding near the Tecate border. Returning home would have included the option of crossing the border at Tecate and heading west to San Ysidro. That route (via the highway) is very twisty with many precarious ledges. Perhaps it should be included in the search? Just a thought. -Eric

Also leaving Friday for San Felipe, via Tecate. I'll keep my eyes open for you guys. We'll be riding two blue 2015 WR450's. -Eric

Malcolm Smith was a very difficult trail before the hurricanes of 2014. After the hurricanes it jumped from a black diamond to a triple black diamond trail. My first suggestion would be to begin in San Francisquito, and not to include the Green Door trail near L.A. Bay (it's just too much, way too much). In November of 2014 My friend Ken and I began this section with the Green Door, and in all honesty it nearly did us in. We had no idea what was awaiting us the next morning when we began Malcolm Smith. I would say 40 to 60% of the track is no long visible - at all. While your traversing the coastline you will be riding some of the narliest sand and boulder riding you have ever encountered. It's insanely slow, demanding, and exhausting. You will drink more water than you have ever drank before, so bring as much as you can. You will be very isolated for a long period of time, so bike maintenance, tubes, patch kits, first aid kits, and a method of communication to the outside world are highly recommended. Depending on your riding style expect anywhere from 10 to 14 hours to complete this section. DO NOT attempt this trail in outside air temperatures above 78 degrees (that goes for Green Door also). For me, it was simply not fun. I like being challenged on the bike, but the risk of being stranded with a mechanical failure or a serious injury violates my risk vs. reward rule. I know from reading about the Bill Nichols trail from Catavina to Puertocitos that the trail is not for me. I wish I had arrived at the same conclusion with Malcolm Smith. I am planning my 5th trans-peninsular trip for either late this year or early next. I'll skip this section Best of luck! p.s. - San Francisquito often has fuel, but there are times it doesn't. If they don't have fuel just point your bike towards El Arco and go.

"am willing to ride with any quality SDAR company" That's it, I'm out.

Correct, the ceremonial start is in Ensenada but they don't hit dirt until the Tres Hermanos route in Ojos. It's the standard beginning to the 1000.

Actually, this years race officially starts in Ojos and ends in La Paz. I'll be in Loreto to watch it pass by. Thanks for the link!

Myself and two buddies were due to depart this Wednesday for Loreto but Hurricane Simon has caused us to change our plans. Our new dates are: 11/3 - Depart from Tecate to L.A. Bay (via the Gonzaga route) 11/4 - L.A. Bay to Loreto (via El Arco, Vizcaino, San Ignacio coastal route, San Juanico, "east road" into Loreto) 11/5 through 11/14 - Day rides in the Loreto area and one out to Ciudad Constitucion (via San Javier), combined with mind-boggling levels of beer consumption. 11/15 - Loreto to L.A. Bay 11/16 - L.A. Bay to Tecate It's a hard charge to Loreto but very doable and lots of fun. Bikes are two WR-450's and a KTM 450. Anyone who would like to go is welcome (for the entire, or any part of the above dates), just send me an IM and I'll fill you in. I'll post a report on the trip when I return. Salud!

Eucalyptus - It's giant and will remain there for generations.

A reminder to everyone how tenuous life is and a chance for all of us to strengthen and greater appreciate the relationships we have. I will always remember Duane for how fast a guy his size rode in the dirt! He rang his KTM's out for everything they had and was so often right on the edge - always with a smile on his face. My sincerest condolences to his family and close friends. Vaya con Dios Duane.

Duane, hang in there my friend. Stay strong and keep the faith. I will be waiting for our next Baja ride! "Some days there won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway." Eric

Go with the Baofeng. My UV-5R has survived two Baja trans-peninsular trips and is still going strong. Programming freqs via the keypad is basic, but if you're going to be programming odd splits, offsets, and PL's GET THE SOFTWARE. The software is really slick.

I'm having flashbacks of tuning out and daydreaming back in 8th grade...

It will not be a problem. They cannot prevent you from crossing back into the U.S. (providing you have some form of I.D.), but they will chastise you a bit for not having a passport.

Watching this man ride a motorcycle never gets old. He was absolutely incredible. Thanks for the FYI.

My guess is it was Semana Santa related. Mucho ninos and m/c's zipping around the laguna would be a safety concern. It shall pass.