A buddy and I are planning to do the peninsula in March 2013 (after the world ends....). My plans to date are to cross at Tecate (assuming this is a less hectic crossing than Tijuana) and bomb south out of the border cities influence down to about Santo Tomas. After that no real plans except to get to Cabo. We are both Baja/Mexico noobs (I sailed there about 20yrs ago but this is a whole new ball of wax..) and would like any pointers/tips, suggestions as where to stay, where to eat, what to see, etc. I have been perusing multiple threads but would like a concentrated bit of info. Bikes are a 650 Wee-Strom and a Super Tenere 1200. Not looking to do any serious dirt riding. Maybe a gravel road here and there. We will have about 3 wks total. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Don't think so. As noted, no big off-road excursions planned and people drive their motorhomes down the peninsula all the time....
Do a search. There's about a gazillion Baja ride reports on this site and many ridding the same bikesa you guys.
DaFoole, Your plan of crossing at Tecate vs TJ is a good one. Very easy process other than the walk down "three-four blocks" to pay the visa fees. Tecate is much less crowded, but the bank is closed on weekends. Enjoy, Baja is a blast. ADV Fool
Thanks ADV Fool, this is the type of stuff I'm trying to glean outta folks. I DID read on one of the threads you can get your visa prior to entry. Am looking into that.
That is what I do now, I get my visa and bike insurance at the same time from "Discover Baja". I'm sure there are other companies that do the same thing. At crossing I just get my visa stamped, and I'm on my way. Since your plan is to ride to Cabo a visa is required, if only riding in Baja Norte it is not. ADV Fool
Dafoole, we just did 3 weeks in Baja on big bikes in January but we rode alot of dirt, mainly because it gets you to some really cool places. We rode through Tecate then headed east to the Compadre trail which is a real easy ride for anyone. this will take you to hwy 3 then head east to hwy 5 south. headed down the sea of cortez is a must. Gonzaga bay camping under the palapas is cool. some cool stops along the way down would be San Ignacio camp by the lagoon or stay in one of the yurts. bay of conception, camp on the beach. Loreto is a great stop, we hoteled it at the loreto plaza for $350 peso's a night for a room with 2 beds. nice clean hotel! A nice route down towards the bottom of baja is from La paz take hwy 286 back over to the coast, side trip to La Ventana to watch the kite surfers then continue over the mountain to the coast south to Los Barriles. check out our ride report (riding big pigs in baja) I broke the trip down day by day. Cheers!!
I would like to do some gentle and even not so gentle dirt but my riding compadre is pretty leery of it. Hopefully I can get him out some dirt roads before we go to relax him. He's a good rider, just lacks confidence in the dirt. I'll check out your RR. Thanks!
Dafoole, we had a couple new to dirt riders with us on our trip and they rode most everything. My thoughts are that you have quite a while Before you leave, maybe get him to do some local dirt roads to get comfortable. Put on some fresh TKC- 80 tires and go for it! Not saying do anything tough but if you guys have 3 weeks you should hit some of the out of the way places. Just my two cents though! Either way your going to have a blast!!
TE=ADV Fool;19257964]Not only that but it would be good practice for the construction zones!!![/QUOTE] This is true! your gonna get dirt weather you want it or not!
Talked with him about this yesterday. He's young, tough and thus stoopid.... Naw, in all fairness I did make him aware we were going to HAVE to do some dirt roads to see some good stuff and he is game. He didn't grow up on dirt bikes like I did and is thus a bit leery. I do plan on getting him onto a few dirt roads when we can get a chance in the next few months. This is true! your gonna get dirt weather you want it or not![/QUOTE] I agree... I'm pretty much game for anything except big rocks and deep sand. OK on DRZ, not so much on a loaded S10 with my old f'd up knees. Still looking for recommendations on cool places to stay. Mostly hotels, a bit of camping. For sure visits will be Bahia Todos Santos, Bahia de los Angeles, Bahia Santa Rosalillita, Mulege, San Carlos, to name a few. Will probably bypass Cabo and maybe La Paz owing to the tourist influence (inflated prices...)
OK here goes..................crossing at Tecate take the toll road down La Rumarosa then south to San Felipe. I like George's for a Motel and a must for great breakfast. Rice and Beans for dinner. Then ride south past Puertocitos taking the dirt road, lunch atGonzaga Bay then past Coco's Corner and out to Highway 1 at Laguna Chapala. South to BOLA and stay at Costa Del Sol..........see VIctoria for the room and a great margirita and dinner under the palapa. For Dirt in the morning go south on the Baja 1000 course and go to San Fransquito. From there take the easy way to El Arco and then out to Visciano. South on Hwy 1 and stay in San Ignacio or continue south if you can make it stay in Mulege. If you don't want dirt then double back and take Hwy 1 south to the next destination. In Mulege I don't remember the place's name , something like Carlos but you park in the courtyard and the rooms and food is great. In Loreto, I like the Oasis on the south end of the malecon. South and stay in La Paz which is a great city where Cabo is for the tourist. You can also do Los Barriles on the east cape there is a place call El Sol I think that has a nice pool and bar plus it is a lay back place. The roooms have great a/c and there is 3 meals a day included in the overall price. Think this over and get back to me for more dirt roads or questions Are you going to be GPS equipped ? If so I could give you some of the tracks especially for the dirt stuff. The most important thing is remember to gas up every time you can even if you have only gone 50 miles. Gas in some areas could be a major issue at times.:eek1
THIS is the kind of thing I've been looking for... Appreciate it! Have heard the same and plan to do so regarding the gas. We'll each be carrying a spare gallon as well. As far as GPS I have a 276C which I have to check as far as wether it's got Baja coverage loaded. If it does I'm sure it's pretty out dated. Not sure if I'll need to buy one of the $$$ Garmin chips....assuming they still make 'em... Kind of stoopid when it comes to the finer uses of GPS. I usually use maps and just use the GPS for confirmation.
Any Baja Guides worth buying? Have seen several. Also, got a AAA Baja Map (waaay fun just looking at places...) but was wondering about the National Geographic maps. Good reviews except the "logo" issue on the northern map. Any thoughts? BTW, for anyone wondering, we're not too intent on being at any specific place at any specific time nor are we worried about where we're staying each night. I'm used to "Baja time" having sailed there and will keep everything pretty loose. Just want to neatest things to see, best places to stay and eat! Thanks all.
http://www.baja-almanac.com/ This is a great resource and more than just Baja. Was indispensable when chasing for the 1000 a few years ago. The yurts in San Ignacio are awesome but you will probably want to make reservations. Couple from Canada run them and have wifi. A day ride out to the west coast from there is great and you can do some whale watching depending on your timing. Loreto is a great place to hang for a day or two as well. Remember that distances/times become skewed down there. Give yourself more time than you think and you will be glad you did. The time tables in the atlas are honest. You should be able to load LBmaps onto that Garmin just fine, only they aren't routeable but have any road you will want to ride on, and topo, and way cheaper than anything from Garmin. I will be on the Compadre Road in October and will get you some photos to show your partner. Have fun!