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"Hi RIDE Adventures,
I had great trip and great start in California with GS Motorcycle. Next time I will get plan for ride with your team travel some where else interesting. I passed my fear about traffic and now I can enjoy like American people! So many video was took I will update you soon."
-Minh Tran from Vietnam after 15 days of riding across the U.S. on an BMW R1200GS. His first time riding in the U.S., all part of an architectural research project, and meeting friendly Americans along the way!
"Well, the trip came to an end today. Pulled in at 3:00 showing 1475 miles. I can't wait to start looking through all the pictures and videos. Really want to thank you guys for an incredible time! I could not have asked for a better time. Chad...you and Ernie are top notch tour guides and photographers...thank you!"
-Jeff Baenen from Illinois after his September 2013 Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail guided motorcycle tour and ride back home on his Triumph 1200 Explorer
SEEKING: ADVENTURE RIDERS WHO WANT TO HAVE FUN AND DISCOVER THE GREAT RIDING, SCENERY, COASTAL LIVING, FOOD, AND PEOPLE OF BAJA, MEXICO
Along with the announcement of our motorcycle rental fleet in Bend, Oregon, we are now offering regular group trips in Baja following our first research trips in the peninsula in April of 2019. Riding some of the least-obvious routes, and powering ourselves with the non-stop supply of great seafood and friendly faces along the way, we enjoy the comfort of twin-cylinder adventure bikes and use them for multiple terrains between the east and west coasts of the Baja peninsula.
The feeling of this RIDE is to let the big bikes rip when appropriate, but also slow down and relax, explore, and enjoy what lies within this 12th largest peninsula on our planet. Future runnings of this route may be shorter, but for now, we are finding our Customers appreciate the non-hurried pace with plenty of opportunity to seek the best beachside seafood spots, feel the warmth of Mexico's hospitality, explore the tiniest routes, laugh, and enjoy what we come across while staying at the most boutique accommodations possible.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in sunny San Diego, California (SAN airport. See reverse-route dates from San Jose del Cabo to San Diego)
Welcome to California, and the many reasons why this land is among the most sought-after real estate in the world. Sunny skies, year-round warm weather, and this location perfect for crossing into Mexico will serve as our starting point. Arrive by mid-day, expect an evening briefing with our Staff, and a welcome dinner to follow.
Day 2 - San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico
Those simple words, "Welcome to Mexico" as stated by Officer Antonio and noted in Eric's original blog post in 2008 meant open arms, friendly faces, and beautiful spaces were ahead. Not a long ride today as the crow flies, but with some extra riding in between and the border crossing into 'ol Mexico, we'll take it easy this first day and settle into Mexican wine country with boutique accommodations and an opportunity to soak up the fruits of the surrounding vineyards. Meal options here are second to few, so come hungry.
Day 3 - Guadalupe to Mike's Sky Ranch
The Pacific Coast behind and more rustic settings further inland, this land home to multiple Baja 1000 Rallies takes us through the racing territories on the way to the famous Mike's Sky Ranch. Perhaps more famous than Mexico's wine country or Pancho Villa himself, Mike's has been a crossing point for motorcycle travelers since 1967 and will be a fun place for us to see just "who's who" in the adventure riding world. Prepare to kick some tires and see what other bikes are being ridden. Not the fanciest place in the world, but the driveway getting in is a fun challenge, and the steak dinner is quite a treat for meat eaters in this remote place.
Day 4 - Mike's Sky Ranch to Cataviña
Score once again with the chance to ride along the Sea of Cortez coastline and ever-changing terrain in sections of road often "under construction" thanks to heavy rain washouts each season. Stopping to say hello to the man himself at Coco's Corner and laugh about when he practically chased our Christine down, not wanting her to leave, the route goes further inland to a sea of Cardon, Cholla, Pitaya, Cochal, and Senita cacti around the Cataviña area. With the unusual rock droppings splattered throughout this location there are plenty of fun offshoots to enjoy on the adventure bikes, along with the tranquility of this part of Baja. Settle into another small town and don't forget to check out those stars overhead, sans light pollution.
Day 5 - Cataviña to San Ignacio
The riding continues through El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve and Mexico's largest wildlife refuge, where rodents, hares, the California Pronghorn, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and other sitings are possible. Combining the best dirt roads available for the big adventure bikes and some pavement as well, arrive in San Ignacio and prepare for a Rest Day with some great options.
Day 6 - Rest Day in San Ignacio - (Riding Optional)
Enjoy the day off in the palm oasis town of San Ignacio, go for a ride along the coast, or arrange for perhaps the most obvious thing to do here, a whale watching adventure available January through April. If you get to touch a whale, up close, and in person ... we promise this is an experience underestimated in the mind, that will never ... ever ... be forgotten. (Please note that we will mainly be offering these Baja trips mid-January through March, which is peak season for whale watching. Trip dates outside of this may not have the opportunity to do whale watching, but groups will be presented with other rest day opportunities to enjoy.)
Day 7 - San Ignacio to Loreto
With coastal riding like this ahead, winding along white sand beaches with a beautifully blue Sea of Cortez trapped up against all these twisties and sweepers, oh what a day lies ahead. The town of Mulegé offers up some great lunch spots, and shopping for arts and crafts, after which it's time to grip it, rip it, and have fun with this skinny piece of land in our world.
Day 8 - Loreto to La Paz
More Baja fun, enjoying open desert routes and tiny villages. Pristine paved twisties in the morning arrive in at the San Javier Mission, before heading onward to a beautiful long dirt and light sand section to continue further south (a fully-paved option is also possible this day.) A few hours later and another blue-water arrival in the lively coastal city of La Paz makes for a picturesque setting and plenty of great dining options out on the town.
Day 9 - La Paz to San Jose del Cabo
South out of La Paz, a quick stop in the mining history museum at El Triunfo leads us into more great twisties and coastal views. Down to Los Barriles and another great lunch spot, riders can choose pavement to finish the ride, or some playful, not-too-deep sand riding along the Cabo Pulmo area. Mansions and beach resorts full of surfers and sand life line the route leading to San Jose del Cabo, another lively town and perfect spot to finish a motorcycle trip.
Day 10 - Departures
Leaving already? Most of us will arrange a few extra days in our hotel to soak-up what the beautiful San Jose del Cabo beaches, dining, and shopping have in store, but if you must leave, do so with a smile, as you've clearly conquered Baja, and have plenty of pictures to start organizing and sharing. Thanks for riding with and relying on RIDE Adventures!
2019+ Honda CB500x
Another recent assertion by Honda Motorcycles into the Adventure Riding world, riders seeking a compact-sized adventure bike have been raving about the CB500X. With plenty of power emanating from the parallel-twin engine, and an agile disposition, everything from paved twisties to gravel, dirt, and sand can be conquered with this fun adventuring option. Starting in 2019 with the 19" front wheel, this bike has proven itself for us in places like Patagonia, and will be a great option for riders exploring beyond.
- Wet Weight - 430lbs
- Seat Height - 32.7 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 4.6 gal
X
32.7 in
430lbs
4.6 gal
471cc Parallel Twin
Honda Africa Twin
X
33.5/34.3 in
511 lb
4.96 gal
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
X
35.4/36.2 in
533 lb
6.4 gal
998 cc
KTM 1090 Adventure R
X
35 in
514 lb
6.1 gal
1050 cc
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
X
35 in
529 lbs
6.1 gal
1301 cc
KTM 690 Enduro R
X
35.8 in
333 lb
3.2 gal
690 cc