Baja Notes: A few answers to many questions. RE: MEX 1 HIGHWAY RIDE

This is an adventure motorcycle trip, leaving from Phoenix AZ to the Baja MEX and returning to Phoenix AZ, we will be riding paved, we will be staying in hotels in cities & towns, and camping is available for those of you who want to camp.

The Baja peninsula is actually made up of 2 states, Baja Norte & Baja Sur,  this is Mexico's last frontier, a piece of land, not densely populated, rough, rugged, with people who want to live in a more rustic style, from the fisherman on the Mar de Cortex to the ranchers of La Purisma.

Baja is to the Mexican rider, what the NWT is to the Canadian rider, and what Alaska is the American rider. It has some of the finest paved motorcycling roads in NA. 

Note: There will be NO SUPPORT VEHICLE, like the DVD series you’ve all watched, with stars like, Hubert, Helgie & Charlie; we will be our own self-sufficient, support unit. Just 7 riders, their gear, & machines exploring the  roads of Mexico, some old ones, and maybe some new ones.

We will assist you with all your paperwork, visas, insurance, personal needs and bike preparations. This will be done at Riders Meetings, and through emails. You will have a mechanic who is an experienced Baja rider, to provide assistance with mechanical problems, and support each other if any technical riding situations arise.

This is a basic introduction of ‘How to Travel Mexico by Moto’. With the information and knowledge gained with this ride, you will feel comfortable to venture out by yourselves next time. I have rode solo every year, exploring new roads and places.

We intend on showing you some of the more interesting places we have found, enjoying a great ride, and getting you all back safely with some great memories.

The detailed Ride agenda is still in the works, the basic route has been laid out, we will ride the entire peninsula to the bottom. From Mexicali to Cabo San Lucas on MEX 1. We will enjoy a cold cerveza at Hussong’s Cantina, est. 1892 (home of the margarita) and listen to a great Mariachi  house band. Down the road is the La Bufadora, a blow hole on the Pacific side. Whale Watching, at Guerrero Negro where you can actually pet the Ballena Gris (grey whales) in Laguna Ojo de Liebre. We visit the oldest standing Jesuit mission built in 1697,in Loreto. And stop at the famous Hotel California, in Todos Santos, then have an afternoon tequila in Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina at lands end. Is this sounding appealing to you?

This is ever changing, due to weather, times, and availability of the locals.

Some years due to weather, we have changed our route, and just chased the sun, and had a great time! (The difference between an 'ordeal' and an 'adventure' is attitude.) We will adapt & overcome situations as a group as we travel.  

Riders’ wishing to ride/venture off with buddies is fine, as we have nightly destinations, so you have a choice to ride at your own pace. There will be no sweeper, riding in the back, but hopefully everyone is together at the day's end.

*NOTE* We DO NOT ride at night, we will average approximately 350-600 km a day, this is a holiday, not an endurance race. We want you to enjoy Mexico, and not from the seat of your bike.

As a general note, we are all responsible for our own well being, and actions, and will respect one another, as well the people who we meet and will not intentionally cause harm, nor danger to the group, and abide by the laws of the land.

We will encounter several military check points, which can slow the pace, if we have to be searched.

(Basically we all be good boys & girls, play nice together, and NO guns, ammo, explosives, drugs, or any type of acts to piss off anyone)  

All want to have is a safe, enjoyable ride with positive experiences.

Here are some specific requirements / good common sense ideas to read, and think about, which I will go into details later:

• A signed, personal release form will be needed, acknowledging your desire to participate as an independent individual rider of this group
• You are required to purchase a registration package 
• You will be required to have Medi-Jet Assist Insurance (a motorcycle travel policy.)
• Your machine is required to under-go a technical inspection prior to the ride.
• You will need to have your own travel medical insurance, and Mexican motorcycle insurance for your bike.
• You will need to supply your own gear, for riding and camping if you choose
• You are responsible for your meals, hotels, gas, and personal side tours
• You will need to get yourself & bike to Phoenix. *(I am organizing return transport from Calgary to Phoenix for 14 bikes) 

The cost of the ride is $5950.00/CD for the group, for 14 days. Note*this price is for guide services only. (Limit is 6 Riders $1000.00/ea)  

There is also an additional $200.00, non refundable, registration / event fee per Rider.  *Note this is due immediately, and will reserve your spot!

(This registration misc. covers,  items like,  satellite phone rental for emergency communication, detailed road maps of Baja, 2012 special event t-shits & decals, meet & greet dinner, thank you dinner, your own personal  DVD of memories of the ride, and misc. swag, I will not go into details now, however I am sure you will all be pleased with the package and the experience.

Remember.. this is an adventure motorcycle trip..  What happens in Baja... Stays in Baja …

There is always the unknown out there. . . . .and yes there are banditos, pot growers, and crooked cops, in Baja MEX, (like the rest of the world) all who we hope to avoid... 

I have been riding Baja for the past 8 years, growing up as a kid, the Boy Scout movement taught me to, 'Be Prepared’. . . This and common sense has brought me home safely every year.

I hope this has cleared some questions, and given you some insight into what the ride will be. Well.. What else can I say? This is some fine 'Bucket List' material.

Mantente en contacto!  & Hasta luego mis amigos!

David