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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.
Day 3 - Guadalupe to Mike's Sky Ranch
Touching a bit of the Pacific Coast and also riding more rustic settings further inland, we'll pass through Ensenada and the home to many Baja 1000 Rallies 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.
Day 4 - Mike's Sky Ranch to Gonzaga Bay
For this initial trip, you may notice we're not really going "directly south," in any hurry to finish, as the mountainous riding around this area appears to be well worth checking out. In this regard, it's possible that we'll head back north a bit before turning south again. While this trip is in "Research Trip" status, we're looking for Riders who can appreciate the tiny villages and untouched scenery that we'll come across when we are truly exploring what lies here in Baja, in this beautiful country of Mexico. (Speaking of, click here to see Eric's blog post from 2011 that summarized the "Best Of" all his travels during 2+ years riding through Latin America. Mexico scored very highly or at the top in terms of cuisine, friendliest people, and prettiest girls. Lorena is since married with children, but surely you have cousins or friends, Lorena? : )
Day 5 - Gonzaga Bay to San Ignacio
Starting the day with coffee the famous "Coco's Corner" the riding continues through the Natural Preserve the bulk of the day. Eventually into El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve and Mexico's largest wildlife refuge, rodents, hares, the California Pronghorn, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and other sitings are likely. Combining the best dirt roads available for the big adventure bikes and some pavement as well, we 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 famous thing to do here, a whale watching adventure available January through April. Get to touch a whale, up close, and in person ... we promise this is an experience you have underestimated in your mind, and will never ... ever ... forget.
Day 7 - San Ignacio to Mulegé Bay
With antiquated churches and Spanish Missions along the way, we'll wind through the best of what Baja has to offer in regards to the motorcycles beneath us. Grip it, rip it, and have fun with this skinny little piece of land that we're nearing the southern tip of! Remember, no direct routes here. We're out scouting the most fun routes and scenery to celebrate the big adventure bikes with.
Day 8 - Mulegé Bay to Scorpion Bay
More Baja fun, enjoying obscure routes and tiny villages. We've got options to ride both pavement and dirt, and the group can decide what they feel like for each day. The only important point is, we're exploring Baja and out riding for fun and relaxation.
Day 9 - Scorpion Bay to Puerto San Carlos
The peninsula narrows, and so we'll likely be on both the east and west coasts of Baja throughout the day. Who will we meet, what will we see, and what pace feels right for us overall? The fishing village of Puerto San Carlos puts in a perfect position to tackle the rest of this route on pace.
Day 10 - Puerto San Carlos to La Paz
A famous finishing point for the Baja 1000 Rally, La Paz holds one of the higher standards of living in all of Mexico, the beaches, shops and dining opportunities will be a welcome visit near the end of this journey.
Day 11 - La Paz to San Jose del Cabo
The finish! Meandering down to yet another town along the Gulf of California, through Los Barriles and along Cabo Pulmo, surfers are taking advantage of the East Cape while we slosh through some easy, loamy sand routes. With a cruise into the picture-perfect town of San Jose del Cabo for the finish, you made it!
Day 12 - Departure Day from San Jose del Cabo (SJD)
Hopefully you can relax for a few days here in the Cabo area before heading back home. We'll likely be preparing the bikes for the next group going north, and so if the riding and never-ending supply of great seafood, twisties, and dirt routes wasn't enough for you, turn around and head north with us. Thanks for joining us.
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