Intro to Baja KLR ride Summer 2013

I am planning a couple of weekend Baja rides this summer for interested KLRistas, sometime between late June and late July. Below is the rough itinerary. Call it “Baja Lite.”


This will be a limited off-road ride (80/20) with beach camping, spectacular coastal views and some fine Baja cuisine (tacos, ceviche, etc.). This ride will provide those who haven’t experienced Baja an opportunity to see and ride some beautiful Mexican landscape away from the border areas without an extremely difficult ride. While this won’t be as challenging as the ride to Mikes Sky Rancho or the Baja 500/1000 routes, it will give those new to Baja an idea of what’s available in Mexico and likely whet your appetite for future Baja adventures.






We will ride a little over 300 miles total over two days, mainly via the highways, all during daylight hours. The off-road portion will consist of hardpack dirt roads and some light sand. Beach riding is available for the adventurous souls who want to do that. We will ride on Mexico Highways 3 and 1, passing through a couple military checkpoints. As well, we will be on a toll road for about 60 miles on the return ride.


No need to carry too much stuff. Just camping gear, an overnight bag and the tools you’d normally carry for minor repairs and tire changes. There is a hostel (research Coyote Cal’s) and other lodging available in Erendira for those not inclined to sleep on the beach – but I don’t recommend it. Ejido Erendira is a rustic farming/fishing community about 60 miles south of Ensenada with some nice riding opportunities and even nicer people.


Here is a very rough map showing the main routes: http://goo.gl/maps/CMWX7



I have not yet inputted the GPS tracks for the route between Santo Tomas and Erendira along the coast.


I’ll discuss passport, visa (none required) and insurance requirements a bit later.


I know this area pretty dang well and a good time is sure to be had by all. We will likely have some local Mexican KLR riders joining us for at least a part of the ride.


Take a look and let me know who’s interested.

Dan


Schedule:


Friday:

• 6pm (+/-): Meet in San Diego for a “pre” pre-brief (adult beverages at KLR happy hour).
• This part of the ride wouldn’t be mandatory, just a time to get together and meet the other riders.


Saturday:

• 9 am: Meet in Tecate, CA for ride briefing, ride prep and fuel-up (if needed).
• 11:30 am: Arrive Ensenada. Lunch (fish tacos), fuel-up and ride prep.
• 1 pm: Arrive Santo Tomas. Fuel-up if necessary. Ride farm roads to coast.
• 3:30 pm: Arrive Ejido Erendira. Explore coastal and mountain roads.
• 5:30 pm: Dinner at a small restaurant.
• 7 pm: Beach camping at south end of Erendira.


Sunday:

• 7 am: Up and around.
• 8:30 am: Breakfast and coffee at nearby restaurant.
• 10:30 am: Depart Erendira
• 12:15 pm: Arrive Ensenada via Highway 1. Lunch and quick shopping opportunity.
• 2 pm: Fuel-up, ride prep, depart Ensenada via toll road.
• 3 pm: Arrive El Mirador (overlook) for snacks and incredible ocean view.
• 4:30 pm: Arrive Tijuana border crossing.
• 5:30 pm: Arrive San Diego

UPDATE: I am tentaively scheduling the first "Baja Lite" KLR ride for June 28-29. There is also local interest so I will see if I can get a group smaller than 8 to go.

That should be a nice time with good weather for beach camping and epic road conditions.

I'm doing a solo pre-ride next weekend (June 8-9) to check out the Santos Tomas to Punta Cabras to Erendira route and verifying camping and road conditions.