Hey all, we have put together a team for the 2012 Baja 1000 and I thought I would share what we are doing in preparation for the race all the way through the end of the Baja. Let me give you a bit of background of how all of this started. First we are all veterans who work together providing security for our government, and all have a passion for motorcycles. After talking some about our "bucket list" we found that all of us had the Baja at the top, so what the hell lets do it. After we decided to race I thought that we could race, and help our veterans at the same time through the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Two of the riders, myself and Randy are disabled but thank goodness that not to the point that we could not undertake this venture. So we recruited another buddy who knows how to setup a website, and has his own video/photography shop. He was roped into being our photographer/pit guy along with my wife. Now my wife is the only one on the team that isn't a veteran but if you checkout her Bio on our website you will see that she as close as you can get without being one. The first order of business was to get a bike for the race, the only one that I had that might be good for the race wasn't good enough. So I found a new (well new to me) bike a 07 CRF450X that was just about brand new, so I pulled the trigger on it. I know it isn't new but I think it should be good enough for our team. We know that we will not be completive in the race, our goal is to finish in the allotted time. For a bunch of guys like us I would conceder that a win! With that in mind we want a rock so we are going to try and keep it stock, well as much as we can. Now with that in mind I know that we have a Metric Butt ton if experience on ADV and I would appreciate any advice that you would give me on what I should or shouldn't do to the bike. As of now the only thing I have got for it is 3.2 IMS, bash plate, radiator guards, hand guards, and tug straps. I know that I will also be getting a stabilizer, foot pegs, and extra rims. I don't know if I should do anything else or not, ie. pipe, airbox mod and some other things that I know most do to the CRF. I am also trying to find some lights, eyeing the 8 inch Baja Design lights along with the stator or the Cyclops LED's. I know that the course isn't out yet but I know it is a point to point. I have no experience in Baja so I have no idea about good places for rider changes. One thing that we are worried about is getting everyone on the bike at some point. I have been thinking of starting with some short stints to get all three of us on the bike just incase something happens over the 1000. I would hate to have one of the riders not get a chance to get on the bike at all, but not sure if we would have enough places that the truck could get to make enough changes happen. I am not sure if we will have one or two trucks. If you have any ideas on this or advice please let me know, again we are all cherry's with the Baja. Well that is about it for now I hope that you enjoy the story as it unfolds, and I will keep posting as I can. Please checkout our website and help us make our goal to help our Wounded Warriors. I would also like to give a big THANK YOU to AirborneAndy for all the advice and support he has given me. Wish us luck, Team TCB http://www.raceforthewounded.com/
The best thing you could do to prepare for the 1000 is go to the 500. I'm not saying race the 500, just go and help and spectate. You will learn a ton.
I would love to go to it but I will be out of country at the time. We just got another buddy to help as a mechanic, he lives in Ca. and has been to the race a few times. I think that is going to be a huge help, not to mention he is a great mechanic.
the idea of experiencing the 500 in any way shape or form is a good one...worth looking into but it's rapidly approaching...June 1-3rd.
Hi everyone! I'm one of the riders on Team TCB. First off...thank you for visiting this thread!! Doing the 500 before the 1000 would of been great, but like Brett said, the timing doesn't line up for all of us to be in the States for the 500. Our goal is simply to finish, not get hurt, have fun, and raise money to support our wounded veterans. If you want to help get us to the race, we will be selling "Team TCB" shirts on the website very soon. There is also a "Donate" link on our website that will go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project. Your donation is tax deductible of course. Thank you again for visiting our thread and any advice will be welcomed!! Scott (rider) www.raceforthewounded.com
Got the bike so I had to take it out a bit and see how it was. Some of the parts are in so I am starting to add as we go. Right now IMS tank, Flatland bash plate, and guards. <a href="http://s524.photobucket.com/albums/cc328/cornbreadGSA/?action=view&current=DSC_0042-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.advrider.com/advrider-photobucket-images/images/c/cornbreadGSA_DSC_0042-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s524.photobucket.com/albums/cc328/cornbreadGSA/?action=view&current=DSC_0050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.advrider.com/advrider-photobucket-images/images/c/cornbreadGSA_DSC_0050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s524.photobucket.com/albums/cc328/cornbreadGSA/?action=view&current=DSC_0047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.advrider.com/advrider-photobucket-images/images/c/cornbreadGSA_DSC_0047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> I will keep adding to the bike and keeping everyone up to speed on what we are doing.
Breaking news...Team TCB just secured it's first corporate sponsor! Thank you Mr. Don Nicol of Taco Lu's! If you're looking for the biggest and best selection of Tequilas and Fish Tacos in Jacksonville Beach, Florida...Taco Lu's is your place! They are the premier Baja Mexicana restaurant in Jacksonville! http://tacolu.com/ Don@tacolu.com 904-249-TACO (8226) 1183 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, Fl 32250
More big news...Team TCB just landed a big corporate sponsor! We are happy to announce that Cyclops Adventure Sports will be taking care of our race bike and helmet lights! Cyclops Adventure Sports will be critical in helping us finish the Baja 1000 and raise $50,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project! http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/
Hi all - we made up some Team TCB fliers. Check em out! PM me if you'd like one to hang up at your local motorcycle shop. Scott Scott Chapman (Rider) 2012 Baja 1000 www.Raceforthewounded.com scott@raceforthewounded.com Help us raise $50,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project
Best of luck to you guys, always nice to see people adding a good cause to their adventure. I just got back from Baja last week where I raced the Mexican 1000 Rally. Was my first time there and it is an amazing place! I will be watching and looking forward to seeing a pic with you guys being congratulated by Sal Fish at the finish
Man that is the goal get to the finish How was the race? Do you have a thread on it? This is going to be a first for all of us in Baja too, I am sure that it is going to be something. I just wish I could get down to Baja before the race, we are going about 10 early but I would like to go in Oct or something. I think that it would help us out but I don't think that I will be able to make that work. I hope you enjoy our ride to the finish, and thank you for supporting our Wounded Warriors
General chatter about the Mexican 1000 can be found in this thread. Keep in mind this race doesn't hit nearly as much of the gnarly terrain that the real Baja 1000 does though. I have been writing up the full story of my experience on my blog.
Cool man that was a adventure!!! Dreaming of Dakar, the same thing that I am doing but I think I would have to hit the lotto first! Good thing you knew about the fuel cleaner and very lucky they had some! Thanks for sharing it with me.
Bit more work on the bike, put a case saver, bleeder valves, and re jetting the carb. Rocco checking on my work!
