Norra 2013

Baja Dad · Apr 15, 2013

Strong Bad said: ↑

Del Borracho Mike & Cholie??? I heard Cholie couldn't keep away from cooking and that she was going to start doing a lunch. Stopped by their new house in San Juanico a couple of week ago but they were in Loreto. Really good people.
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Yes SIR !!
Great people.
I am just trying to get a 55 gal drum pump to them.

Strong Bad · Apr 15, 2013

HogWild said: ↑

I just posted this on RDC, where there's a poll regarding this subject...

Here are the instructions for navigating the 1971 NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally, and a sample from the 1971 roadbook. This came from Mike Pearlmans box of early off-road racing history. So, this event is indeed honoring the past by using roadbooks for navigation. With a few tweaks, those 1971 instructions could apply to using todays NORRA roadbook.

I do see Martys point about making it easy for everyone to find their way. GPS is easy. But is that really in the spirit of Baja racing? Isnt Baja all about overcoming adversity, dealing with whats thrown at you, and having a fun adventure while beating all those challenges? Maybe those who are looking for less challenge should enter the NORRA Charity Poker Run instead of the race. The roadbook is just another challenge. You can hate dust, hate bumps and old short-travel vehicles, hate dangerous twisty roads, hate sand, and hate navigation. Or you can embrace those things that challenge you, and have a ton of fun doing it.

Is GPS fun? Do you get to the finish line and say Wow that was tough navigation, I really accomplished something following that line on the screen. Although the NORRA roadbooks are pretty simple to follow (with a good odometer, even grandpa could do it), there is still a level of satisfaction and accomplishment when you find your way through each stage. Its what the guys in the old days had to deal with, long before the days of GPS and a burned in course.

GPS should be added to the list of things that have Wussified the sport. Id be all for the old way of find your own way to the finish. Unfortunately, in these days of expanding pavement, private property, locked gates, liabilities, etc., its not very practical to do that in Baja. It is possible elsewhere, and the Diabolical Rally will include that and other long-lost elements of early off-road racing, but thats another subject and another race.

Everyone seems to have their own idea what the meaning of this event should be, and how NORRA should run it. Some say its all about honoring the past (old-school, vintage), some say its all about having fun (relax, enjoy), some are laser focused on winning at all cost (speed, race). Clearly Mike Pearlman has his own vision, which includes all of the above, plus aspects of rally (stages, roadbook navigation). Personally, I think hes done a great job creating an event that sets itself apart from all the others. I sure hope he doesnt give in to those who are afraid of a good, fun, old-school challenge!

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 Yeah but

The most important part is the final bullet.

The route SUGGESTED is not guaranteed to be the fastest or the shortest, but through the process of trial and error we have found this to be our best."

In 71 your road book race was simply a suggested route, you were allowed to take any route you wanted, all you needed to do was pass through all of the checkpoints.

You want a challenge Scott??? Go the way of the National H&H or D-37 desert races. No pre-running no road books telling you what to expect, simply follow the ribbon and course markings. I've done roll charts with no course marking, I've marked course marking only, I've done GPS both with and without pre-running and GPS with and without course marking, each offers a a unique challenge do do at a winning race pace. GPS without pre-running and without course marking is much more challenging than many would expect. Even the largest GPS screens simply don't have resolution and tracking ability at speed to simply keep the arrow on the line. If you come up on a "Y" and the GPS doesn't have both roads (one marked as race course) it is nearly impossible to tell which is the correct until you are way past the "Y" and you see that you have diverged from the correct route. GPS tracking error commonly places you off the track on the screen. I'm NOT a big fan of having to turn around and backtrack hoping that the guy behind you didn't make the same error and you meet him coming the other way.

I tell you what......on the first day, I'm going to really piss you off....I'm going to use the Roadbook AND the GPS to make it as easy as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jajajajajajajajajajaja!

Idahombre · Apr 15, 2013

Does anyone know if there is a Pmex in La Purisima, just south of San Juanico? I thought there was a fairly new one there? Thanks.

HogWild · Apr 15, 2013

Strong Bad said: ↑

I tell you what......on the first day, I'm going to really piss you off....I'm going to use the Roadbook AND the GPS to make it as easy as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jajajajajajajajajajaja!
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I don't see a problem with that. Whatever tools are available and allowed, use them. That's what I did when I raced it the first year. You can get pretty busy watching the GPS, the roadbook, the odometer, and sometimes maybe even the compass heading. Add to that adjusting to the odometer and it gets real interesting.

Baja Dad · Apr 15, 2013

Idahombre said: ↑

Does anyone know if there is a Pmex in La Purisima, just south of San Juanico? I thought there was a fairly new one there? Thanks.
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I do not think so.
( I wish there was )

cross-country · Apr 15, 2013

Strong Bad said: ↑

If you come up on a "Y" and the GPS doesn't have both roads (one marked as race course) it is nearly impossible to tell which is the correct until you are way past the "Y" and you see that you have diverged from the correct route. GPS tracking error commonly places you off the track on the screen. I'm NOT a big fan of having to turn around and backtrack hoping that the guy behind you didn't make the same error and you meet him coming the other way.
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That is exactly what happened to us in '06, backtracking out of a wrong turn and hit another 8-truck head on. When I got in a few hours later it had knocked out the hydraulics to the steering and power to the Parker pumper and intercom. If only they had been looking at the course notes.....

bajaboundmoto · Apr 15, 2013

Idahombre said: ↑

Does anyone know if there is a Pmex in La Purisima, just south of San Juanico? I thought there was a fairly new one there? Thanks.
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Not an actual Pemex but multiple places. The easiest & quickest is as soon as you drop into town on the right a few feet after the 1st speed bump next to the Tecate sign

Baja Dad · Apr 15, 2013

bajaboundmoto said: ↑

Not an actual Pemex but multiple places. The easiest & quickest is as soon as you drop into town on the right a few feet after the 1st speed bump next to the Tecate sign
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Behind the Taco stand, knock 3 tmes then 1 time and tell them TIMMY sent you

wrk2surf · Apr 15, 2013

If anyone has a last minute need for someone to race solo or on a team for them ... im over here and can be down there with or without a bike in about 8 hours!

12 days left!

Racer20 · Apr 17, 2013

Bike #25 is paid (not 20) Thanks B.D.

Baja Dad said: ↑

Remote Gas at San Juanico (This is a GO !!!! 100% )

The Patersons will be the ones dumping gas for us.
They owend the nice resaurant and bar Del Borracho outside of Loreto that Day 3 started at last year, They are now building a little bar and surf shop in San Juanico. they have been involved with Baja racing for 30 years!
Please send me a PM with contact info Pay Pal - $50.00. I need all info by the 18th of April

You will get 3 gal of 91 octane gas they will also have drinks and snacks
16 bikes is the max get on the waiting list ! I will drop bikes if I do not recve payment by Wed the 17th 5:00pm Cali time!

#101 Paid
#815 Paid
#47 Paid
#333 Paid
#208 Paid
#300 Paid
#151 Paid
#30 Paid
#88 Paid
#888
#721
#87
#727
#33
#42
#20

BUY FULL COVERAGE from Baja Bound Insurance !!
Truck and BIKE !!!

Click to expand...

Baja Dad · Apr 17, 2013

Remote Gas at San Juanico (This is a GO !!!! 100% )

The Patersons will be the ones dumping gas for us.
They owend the nice resaurant and bar Del Borracho outside of Loreto that Day 3 started at last year, They are now building a little bar and surf shop in San Juanico. they have been involved with Baja racing for 30 years!
Please send me a PM with contact info Pay Pal - $50.00. I need all info by the 18th of April

You will get 3 gal of 91 octane gas they will also have drinks and snacks

#101 Paid
#815 Paid
#47 Paid
#333 Paid
#208 Paid
#300 Paid
#151 Paid
#30 Paid
#88 Paid
#25 Paid
#87 Paid
#727 Paid
#33 Paid
#888 Paid
#42 Paid
#403 Paid
#721 Paid
#811 paid
#15 Paid

BUY FULL COVERAGE from Baja Bound Insurance !!
Truck and BIKE !!!

Baja Dad · Apr 17, 2013

Sorry I can not take any more racers :
I will post details this weekend about the pit location and what sinage to look for.
They will have a lits of all the Race bikes that took advantage of this opportunity.
Thanks BD

Strong Bad · Apr 18, 2013

Finally took the BFG Blazer out testing in Barstow today:

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=548439681873481" width="568" height="320" frameborder="0"></iframe>

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10200884452093092" width="226" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Yeah Baby!!!!!

Mr Fast · Apr 18, 2013

Strong Bad said: ↑

Finally took the BFG Blazer out testing in Barstow today:

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=548439681873481" frameborder="0" height="320" width="568"></iframe>

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10200884452093092" frameborder="0" height="400" width="226"></iframe>

Yeah Baby!!!!!
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WOW! It's a contender!

HogWild · Apr 19, 2013

I just finished tweaking the final GPS files. NORRA should get them posted tomorrow. The Garmin file has 19 tracks, with no more than 500 points per track. The "secret" section is not in the GPS file.

The roadbooks were completed Tuesday and have already gone to the printer. I don't know if they are printing them as one book per day, or one huge roadbook covering all 4 days. There are no rolls this year. Maybe next year. So, bring your tape again. There was talk of using slightly thinner paper, though I don't know what will ACTUALLY be used.

We were extra careful with the secret section roadbook. It has extra entries to help make sure nobody gets lost. I think most could follow it just fine even without an odometer. I threw in a few compass headings just for fun, so you might actually be able to use your GPS digital compass function (true North) if you want to play around, though you shouldn't really need it.

GalacticGS · Apr 20, 2013

Scott - Thanks for all of your efforts in supporting NORRA with the roadbook and gps file preparation!!!

Just about a week to go...

Racer20 · Apr 20, 2013

So can you tell us which day has the secret stage? we have 2 riders and trying to decide who gets to ride the "secret" can't wait for the fun to begin..

HogWild said: ↑

I just finished tweaking the final GPS files. NORRA should get them posted tomorrow. The Garmin file has 19 tracks, with no more than 500 points per track. The "secret" section is not in the GPS file.

The roadbooks were completed Tuesday and have already gone to the printer. I don't know if they are printing them as one book per day, or one huge roadbook covering all 4 days. There are no rolls this year. Maybe next year. So, bring your tape again. There was talk of using slightly thinner paper, though I don't know what will ACTUALLY be used.

We were extra careful with the secret section roadbook. It has extra entries to help make sure nobody gets lost. I think most could follow it just fine even without an odometer. I threw in a few compass headings just for fun, so you might actually be able to use your GPS digital compass function (true North) if you want to play around, though you shouldn't really need it.
Click to expand...

Strong Bad · Apr 20, 2013

The "secret" stage is the last stage of the event.

GalacticGS · Apr 20, 2013

Strong Bad said: ↑

The "secret" stage is the last stage of the event.
Click to expand...

That's what it indicates on the mileage maps that were released...

Mr Fast · Apr 20, 2013

Baja Dad said: ↑

Remote Gas at San Juanico (This is a GO !!!! 100% )

The Patersons will be the ones dumping gas for us.
They owend the nice resaurant and bar Del Borracho outside of Loreto that Day 3 started at last year, They are now building a little bar and surf shop in San Juanico. they have been involved with Baja racing for 30 years!
Please send me a PM with contact info Pay Pal - $50.00. I need all info by the 18th of April

You will get 3 gal of 91 octane gas they will also have drinks and snacks

#101 Paid
#815 Paid
#47 Paid
#333 Paid
#208 Paid
#300 Paid
#151 Paid
#30 Paid
#88 Paid
#25 Paid
#87 Paid
#727 Paid
#33 Paid
#888 Paid
#42 Paid
#403 Paid
#721 Paid
#811 paid
#15 Paid

BUY FULL COVERAGE from Baja Bound Insurance !!
Truck and BIKE !!!


Click to expand...

I think you mean # 88 instead of 87. LAMEco Racing is # 88 & 888.

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Norra 2013

Baja Dad Long timer

Strong Bad Former World's Foremost Authority

Idahombre Likes easy girls!

HogWild Skott Whitknee

Baja Dad Long timer

cross-country .

bajaboundmoto Been here awhile

Baja Dad Long timer

wrk2surf on the gas or brakes

Racer20 East West Racing

Baja Dad Long timer

Baja Dad Long timer

Strong Bad Former World's Foremost Authority

Mr Fast Slowly striving

HogWild Skott Whitknee

GalacticGS Motorcyclist Supporter

Racer20 East West Racing

Strong Bad Former World's Foremost Authority

GalacticGS Motorcyclist Supporter

Mr Fast Slowly striving

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Norra 2013

Baja Dad Long timer

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Racer20 East West Racing

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Mr Fast Slowly striving