Riggerdan 147 Posted October 19, 2018 December 14-16. (fri-sat-sun) NOT noob or BIG bike friendly - more of a quick intermediate technical boogie through and around the Baja peninsular Shelter, tacos and beer all part of the ingredients. Chime in if interested 150 mile range new to Baja ok - new to riding maybe not so much.. ADDITIONAL NOTES: GPS tracks will be provided for this boogie - don't assume you can just follow the pack, it's a safe redundancy to have a working and updated GPS wired to your bike.... Parking a vehicle at the border is easy, simple, safe and cheap.. The Mexican currency is the Peso currently @ 20:1 I use the local currency for everything except accommodations (CID amex card should be fine) aka USD We will stop in Tecate to withdraw pesos - ATM card USA Passport card & is usually the only thing in my pocket.... CROSSING THE TECATE BORDER @ 0730 Have a current registration for your bike readily available There will be minimal riding on pavement, I'm sorry...If you feel the need to be insured, there's a few companies we support - inquire within It would be smart to call and "verbaly" reserve your shelter - If you need help - please PM me 12/14/18 - COYOTE CALS - 011 52 646 154 4080 (Rick) 12/15/18 - MIKES SKY RANCHO - 011 52 664 681 5514 (Mike) 12/16/18 - Estimated time to cross back into USA 4:00PM CURRENT HEAD COUNT RIGGER COVERED IN BAJA PMB.AJA SOCALMULE JCOLOMBOTOS RUSTYSHACKELFORD BAGSTR 97X400R COWBOY MIKE LURKERS ORACLE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goofy Footer 539 Posted October 23, 2018 Extremely interested - BUT - I work weekends that month.. Rigger, do you ever have Baja weekday availability? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted October 23, 2018 Hola For December thinking about this passage - open to variations & suggestions Depart Teacate 0700 gas/lunch at Ojos - more dirt spend the night at Cals with good food and margaritas Cals south along coast to Vincente Guerrero gas/lunch - back into the hills spend the night at MSR with a visit to the observatory (if not to cold) Home through VT / Laguna Hansen - Tecate FRIDAY 12/14/2018 D1 - 160 +/- Miles SATURDAY 12/15/2018 D2 - 140 +/- Miles (190 W/observatory) SUNDAY 12/16/2018 D3 - 175 +/- Miles These are some of the shortest (daylight) days of the year.. This is a fast moving caravan with the ability to maintain an intermediate pace, and have a good time doing it. Always have time to deal with deviations / mechanicals etc. Well maintained bikes / riders with good lights, communication and 150 mile + range is encouraged Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted October 24, 2018 Purchasing a gold pen to place the checkmark on my bucket list! Thank you Rigger for setting this up! I'm excited! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted October 29, 2018 98.6% in for this. Thanks, Riggah! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jcolombotos 0 Posted October 30, 2018 I'm way over due ........IN Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted November 2, 2018 DAY #2 - NOTES Leave Cals, scenic coastal riding south - fuel up machines in Vincente Guerro = 65miles Leave Vincente Guerro into the hills to MSR - 75miles --- It's 20 miles 1 way up to Observatory and COLD but very BEAUTIFUL I've coasted down from the Observatory saving lots of mileage but thats dipping into a fuel safety factor With gas in VT 30 miles from MSR - THAT'S 145 MILE RANGE (for 1 tank) Does that scare anyone? We could skip the Observatory or live the experience in real time....? Few pics to help paint the adventure... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 162 Posted November 3, 2018 In, in, in....... I’ve never been to the observatory, would like to see it. CiBD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustyshackelford 3 Posted November 3, 2018 I'm interested in this. I haven't been on the forum for long, but I've got a couple riding years under my belt. What do you usually pack on a baja route? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted November 3, 2018 10 hours ago, rustyshackelford said: I'm interested in this. I haven't been on the forum for long, but I've got a couple riding years under my belt. What do you usually pack on a baja route? I always pack extra inner tubes for those riders using mousse and may have a failure due to high-speed extended pavement riding. (that's an inside joke) I always have my standard kit while riding- tubes, tools, snacks, sat trackers, etc. Then, because we're not camping, I bring plenty of soft clothes to layer and a windbreaker/shell, some sandals to wear while walking around a bit. I'll check the weather and if heavy rain or other such storm is predicted, I'll pack my bike into the garage instead of riding that weekend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted November 3, 2018 20 hours ago, Riggerdan said: With gas in VT 30 miles from MSR - THAT'S 145 MILE RANGE (for 1 tank) Does that scare anyone? No guts, No Glory! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted November 3, 2018 19 minutes ago, paulmbowers said: I always pack extra inner tubes for those riders using mousse and may have a failure due to high-speed extended pavement riding. (that's an inside joke) I resemble that remark...57! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted November 3, 2018 Thanks Rigger for the beautiful pictures. Denise is able to share from home just what a fine trip this is going to be! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustyshackelford 3 Posted November 3, 2018 5 hours ago, paulmbowers said: I always pack extra inner tubes for those riders using mousse and may have a failure due to high-speed extended pavement riding. (that's an inside joke) I always have my standard kit while riding- tubes, tools, snacks, sat trackers, etc. Then, because we're not camping, I bring plenty of soft clothes to layer and a windbreaker/shell, some sandals to wear while walking around a bit. I'll check the weather and if heavy rain or other such storm is predicted, I'll pack my bike into the garage instead of riding that weekend. Thanks for the feedback. Fortunately, I always carry an extra tube so no worries here (knock on wood). If I'm to be had, I'm in. This sounds like a great opportunity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted November 3, 2018 38 minutes ago, rustyshackelford said: Thanks for the feedback. It's great that you ask! One thing about these Baja rides- they're not for the ill-prepared or the brand n00bish. Experienced riders that are personally prepared and have their equipment well-maintained and tested are not only going to enjoy the ride, but are sure to contribute to the overall enjoyment of the group. We've all had riding and bike issues- falls, injuries and breakdowns- it's expected with the sport. But I've been on rides where the rider's unloading and says "it was running when I parked it 6 months ago, I hope it starts" or is asking "what's the fuel range- can I make it on my vintage 1.8 gallon tank? Do you have a coolant bottle I can borrow?" "And some bungie cords?" It was cool that Dan made it pretty clear at the beginning how the ride was targeted: "NOT noob or BIG bike friendly - more of a quick intermediate technical boogie through and around the Baja peninsular " I'll add: Radios are not necessary, but VERY helpful for the entire group, not just the individual rider. And as it appears I'm probably going, (usual caveats apply) you might get a snippet or two of melodious vocals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted November 4, 2018 Always remember...a well prepared dirt rider remembers to bring his radio's charger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkug 146 Posted November 6, 2018 On 11/2/2018 at 6:31 PM, Covered in Dust said: In, in, in....... I’ve never been to the observatory, would like to see it. CiBD The Observatory has a gate and limited hours. Check to see if it will be acessable by the time you get their. I drove up one time and it was closed. It is like a national park area with researchers living their . Probley not cool to ride around the gate . That said I realy would like to join you guys but I got a full plate in December. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted November 6, 2018 10 hours ago, kkug said: The Observatory has a gate and limited hours. Check to see if it will be acessable by the time you get their. All very valid.. the last time we approached from the north / MSR and timed it perfectly, except they were all leaving for the Christmas holiday... we paid to enter but the gate up top was locked, one of the engineers came down to talk with us - VERY NICE he said to go around the gate take a few pictures and all would be ok, that was an isolated situation for sure. hopefully we can schedule a successful entry its a beautiful ride up there and every 1000' gets a little cooler - but the top is where the views are. looks like the current hours 10:00am - 3:00pm (closed 1-2 for lunch I assume) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted November 10, 2018 Replaced WP seal today, Day Tripper bags will be here tomorrow, new Desert IT rear tire installed, have a spare liter of gas to stuff in the bags (in an aluminum canister), Kugs mystery ride on the 17th and 18th of this month will be the shake down ride, oil change after Kugs ride...I'm so ready for Mexico Rigger! Is it December yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted November 14, 2018 Closing in on a ride through Baja 12/14-16/2018 Making reservations at Cals & Mikes Put your name up there if you want a place to sleep, any stragglers can room with Bowers - he's good that way... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites