This trip report is late. I was recently inspired to tell the story by reading a thread on this site that discussed, rather I should say, ripped Baja \\;and Mexico to shreds, as potential \\;motorcycling destinations. Before I start the report, I acknowledge that violence has escalated in Mexico, especially in the border town of Tijuana. In fact, there was a great article in the NYT this past weekend that discusses it. The violence that is occuring isnt general violence that all people have suddenly began to exhibit, its revolves around specific power and control being re-asserted \\;by the government \\;over underground businesses. If you arent part of this your chances of being killed, harmed or perpetrated upon are slim to none. They are no better than your chances of being killed in this country, unless you increase the odds by going into where the danger exists. In Baja and Mexico, the danger is along the larger border towns. \\; Stay away from them.
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This January in central Colorado was bitter cold, with snow consistently falling \\;throughout the State. I saw a window of \\;tolerable weather that with any luck would remain ridable till I got into the heat of Tuscon, AZ. It was now mid-January. If \\;I was gong to make this trip, \\;given my scheduled time off work, I had to take it. \\;So I \\;loaded up \\;the Triumph with my 5gl gas can strapped to the back, plugged in the heated gear, \\;and headed south on I-25. \\; (this story ends with a 2008 HD SG in my driveway so hang in here with me).
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It was butt cold that morning, but \\;in my excitement and mild hangover, I didnt feel a thing 'till I woke up the next morning in Las Vegs Nevada and began loading up the bike at 7am. This shot is a good definition of Butt Cold. I had to roll her in the Sun for an hour before she would fire up. It was 19 degrees outside, but it was dry and the streets were clear.
Tecate was my Port of Entry and while it was a busy town, I was treated well. In fact, I left my helmet and gloves in one of the Immigration offices, got on my bike and rode south for thirty minutes before I realized it. I turned the bike around and headed back. I walked into the Immigration office to inquire about them and \\;I was immediately recognised and handed a box with my name and address on it\\; which held \\;my helmet and gloves in them.
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The overall mood, landscape, and \\;pace in Baja and Mexico was extremely tranquil, actually \\;intoxicating . Primarily, I think, because there is lots of \\;room for adventure, \\;and to dream. I was surrounded by ancient volcanoes, palm groves, and big waters. Especially rich are the people who live here\\; they were encouraging \\;and seemed genuinely \\;glad to be helping me along and learning about my trip.
Heres my camp a week later in San Ignacio, Baja Sur.
Where I hung out, played with, and pet the mother Gray whales \\;and their calves, who migrate here every year from Alaska.
It was a blast getting to the Lagoon...
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Ok, thats the first of three or four installments... \\; \\; I will post more with pics and thoughts of life in baja and beyond in a few days. \\; Thanks for reading...
Trip Report: Baja and the Mainland 2008
