12/30-12/31 Mikes Sky Rancho

[Tsilatipac 0]

It was dark, it was cold, it was 6AM in the Escondido BMW Motorcycles parking lot Wednesday morning, and it was time to go to Mexico. Jon and I decided to make this trip a couple days prior. Jon was on his knobbied 800GS and I on my 80/20 shoed 1150GS.

We headed South to Tecate, topping off our fuel before crossing the border. We got flagged and waved over for a VIN check. We were the only ones there so they didn't have anything else to do. In two minutes we were back on our way.

This was my first time in Mexico in 20 years or more. The difference in driving styles, manners, and rules was immediately apparent. After a wrong turn and some back tracking to find the right dirt road, we made our way to Hacienda Santa Veronica for breakfast. Asada tacos ruled the morning. Service was friendly but being frozen, I was disappointed at the lack of heat. I wouldn't be thawing out here.

Back on the road we headed toward "Compadre Trail" (?). We were worried about mud given the storm we just had hit Northern Baja hardest. Riding conditions could not have been better. No dust, trails were just wet enough to be packed hard. It was great conditions. Yes, there was some sand, big puddles, mud, and ice in some shadowed areas but, generally it was awesome. I had plenty of oh ---- moments but no get-offs. Back on the pavement we headed east for lunch. The big bikes shined here and I relaxed and enjoyed the sites.

Topped off fuel again and stopped for Asada tacos for lunch. I walked to a liquor store and picked up some sodas. We met some folks at the taco place from Northern California. A group of about 17 were on their way to Mikes for a 60th birthday party. We would be seeing them again. These guys and gals also do a Thanksgiving day run to mikes for Thanksgiving...35 years in a row. That's something to strive for! Trail to Mikes was good. More ice and the stream was flowing but I was already soaked and cold. Jeans and cheap hiking shoes do not make good riding gear.

At Mikes, my visions of warm/hot baja weather was just wishful thinking. We arrived around 3:30ish. No heat to be found, that would get turned on during dinner which was at 7:30. It was in the 40s and dropping, finally the heat came on. By dinner it was below freezing; I hope the rooms are warm by the time we get there...they were. It was straight to bed for me, I was beat. The birthday party revelers were going strong as I drifted off to sleep.

After breakfast, we headed home. The riding was even better than yesterday. At this early hour the ground was frozen hard and was working well with my street biased tires. Making good time we arrived at Compadre trail head and Jon and I decided to split up. I had enough dirt for this weekend and headed to Encinada then to TJ on the toll road. The TJ border crossing was its usual mess. Street vendors kept telling me to just ride to the front which I eventually did, saved 30 minutes and didn't get yelled at by anyone. Jon took the dirt and actually beat me home.

I was home and in a hot shower by 2:15. (There was NO agua caliente at Mikes.). Learned a few things on this trip about my riding gear, what I packed, etc.

No good pics this trip, we were just riding...

Carl

[danrider 5]

Well Carl you look a lot colder than your where in Joshua Tree, sounds like you guys had a good time and you learned some more about riding. How did your tires do in the dirt? I am going to be heading out to Yuma shortly, I will post you.

[Dan Diego 40]

Nice write-up.

[Mikey777 44]

Nice write up Carl....Time for some new tires and some riding pants (with armor)! You will be warmer, happier, and safer.

[rojodogg 0]

San Ysidro border crossing is best for motorcycles, just ride to the front and wait 1 min and boom your across, cars expect motorcycles to go strait to the front, if you dont they look at you funny. Thermals under pants a must this time of year. Glad you had a nice adventure, that is what riding is all about.