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.

LOL... not too hard to find using a bit of assistance; http://california.hometownlocator.com/features/cultural,class,mine,scfips,06025.cfm

Gotcha'... I know CN has a primary use... and is capable of auto-routing. But the amount of unpaved roads is pretty amazing. Even in Baja... another treat for those not using a Baja specific map. Hence the asking for comparable screenshots. But I also understand that issue (as you describe)... even though at a similar zoom level, you won't see the same/same. Makes sense. I'll have to just pickup the CTM and go from there. Nice to see you responsive to questions! Thanks a bunch!

Thanks Vaudois... I'll check'em out when I can!!

Sorry to thread resurrect... but, I'm just perusing the forum, and seeing stuff I might be able to assist with. Tim.... Ever use "GPX2IMG"? I've been taking my tracks, via gpx file... and using gpx2img to create a new map, in mapsource. Once you get the track colors how you want them (in gpx2img), and modify the file you can then download that map into mapsource from the gpx2img program. ... and load that map, as a gmapsupp.img file from mapsource, into any garmin product (all from Mapsource)! Works wonders! If you want to download that newly created map, and not lose any previous mapping... then select the map in mapsource, and download all as one file (it'll be selectable within the garmin unit) to whatever nuvi or garmin you own. NOTE: some newer Garmin products (Nuvi based GPS) won't show the overlay map of tracks. Not sure why... but, my Garmin 42 (Nuvi) does, as well as my in-dash car stereo, a Kenwood DNX9140. Yet, 3 other Kenwood in-dash car stereo's I own with Garmin navigation do not ... I haven't checked my other two Nuvis yet, but will someday in the near future. I love it... As I'll convert an entire ride using color coded tracks, and load it into my android via google maps (as backup), then load my Garmin 60CSx and the chase trucks Nuvi 42. Doing so, allows the 60CSx to have 100% free track memory to enable the track log file and 'track as you go'. Or, allows you to load a few key tracks you might want to turn on/off along the way. In fact, I just did this for the Baja500 this month, into my Nuvi 42. So nice to be able to see the course on a bigger display, and in the color I prefer (green). As well, gpx2img will also convert the waypoints, and show them on the overlay just as they do the tracks. The tracks themselves, will show the name of the track (same name you use in mapsource) along the track... as if it was a road, already on the basemap. So cool! AND useful!! Hope that helps!

I'd be interested to see a comparison of the detail, say... around Ensenada. The website shows mostly mainland Mex in their intro video... yet, I'd love to see Baja. ... I'd be more then willing to screen shot some of the maps I use for comparison and show them here... if someone else with carto will do the same, at a similar zoom.

Okaaaay... I see lots of responses about this area.... (and I know it's an old thread) And I too, have a love for those areas. Yet, always in a vehicle and/or on the water (in a boat). Never on my bike... and, would love to explore. In fact, I threaten all the time to host a ride from Ocotillo... to Yuma, to Blythe (up the cal side) and back down to Yuma (on the AZ side), then back to Ocotillo. A long 3 day ride, with overnights in Blythe and Yuma. And I have tracks for most of it, but they are untested. I'd love to share what I have... and, gain some of what you have. I'd also love to camp at Walters or Picacho (not sure about my 36' RV and 18' enclosed trailer making it in), so to say I'm nervous about getting stuck in a small wash or sandy road into the camp areas is an understatement. ... so, how'd this all work out? GOT TRACKS?

... looking into CN2017.10 yet? I just stuck in on my portable GPS's, mapsource (I don't like basecamp) and my Kenwood Navigation (4 in-dash stereos in my vehicles)

Pretty awesome to have you on here, responding to someone about the maps you create. *Two thumbs up* If I may barge in... What more does your mapping give, over City Navigator 2017 (for example)? I'm sure your aware of CN2017 or previous versions, so I thought to use that as an example. And, it's one of many I use. I see you say; The vast majority of the trail data is unavailable on any other digital map. Knowing this... do you have some screenshots to compare map to map? I'd love to see the detail you offer before I purchase. ... sorry to hijack the thread for my own selfish reasons

I use a ram mount, for a 60CSx and make sure it's down low, and out of the way. Otherwise, the brake cable/line will snag the mount, or when you lean forward (Johnny Campbell style) your vest or chest protector will hit the screen or buttons... I've got 7 or 8 of the 60CSxs in my possession, and two of them are only used on my bike for that reason... top <in/out> buttons are near gone from rubbing the Ogio Vest I wear.

I use them JUST LIKE this in my Jeep, threaded the bolt into the roll cage... works like a charm. In fact, I think your idea is a great one... but, I can't do as such, due to having a pad over my triple clamp bar mount.