15 Nov 2001 – 21 Nov 2001
USA & Mexico
San Diego-Ensenada (Mexico)-Mikes Sky Ranch - Bahia de Los Angeles-San Ignacio
The modern week-by-week edition
In San Diego we had a couple of goes at getting into Mexico, but turned back both times — the first because it was getting late. We eventually camped on the beach in Mexico, then started our off-road adventure to Mike's Sky Ranch. Met a few bikers along the way and made it halfway down Baja.
Goneriden
This week’s route
Approximate route using modern roads · OpenStreetMap contributors · route via OSRM
Week 03 in the full journey
The preserved 2002 maps provide full-trip context while the modern interactive journey map is developed.
Memorable moment
After agreeing never to ride at night in Mexico, night 2 saw us doubting the directions and distance indicated by the pretty young lady in the tourist bureau.
As we enjoyed an awesome sunset a local ranch owner indicated we had over 20kms to ride to Mike's Sky Ranch, an infamous ranch along the Baja 1000 race route. 3 hours later, after rarely getting out of first gear, we realised our rock sliding, washout jumping, hill climbing, night riding expertise were all but drained. 2 out of 3 having had closer than desired dirt tasting experiences.
Just when we thought it must be around the next corner the first sign we were to come across said 6 miles to go. We eventually pulled in and were greeted by the BMW bandits from Montreal, Duke and Pierre.
Maybe next year we'll enter the race.
Original Week 3 accountPictures of the week
Quote of the week“What, the bars closed. Do you have anything to drink?...Only cerveza”
“Please don't make me do it dad” - young American whippersnapper attempting to dock a rubber dingy under severe supervision from his overweight father.
CompetitionSpot the cactus with the most arms — initiated by Jamie, which reduced our 100km/h pace to 10km/h.
Winner: fuel consumption
HighlightKayaking and swimming with whale sharks minutes from the front door of our beach hut at Bahia de Los Angeles.
Risk activityAttempting a 250km afternoon ride after our 1st experimentation with the local cuisine
Risk - 9/10
LowlightRubbish scattered all over the beautiful Baja dunes where we camped the 1st night in Mexico.
Road tallyDogs - lost count
Cows - 2 (extremely smelly)
Leather Jackets - 5 (on the beach)
Cats - 4
Insects - 185 (all on our goggles)
Week 03 photo diary
The mosaic follows the numbered sequence in date-and-time order. Select any image for its full-screen view and comment.