On The Trail With Chilly

Baja Motorcycle Riding Equipment

Things to have and think about for a Baja trip

When traveling in Baja I carry a wide assortment of spares and emergency supplies. For our rides, I carry them so you don’t have too. My gear includes; KTM spares, tools, tire changing tools and parts, basic first aid, fire starter, water filter, spot tracker and other things that would only come into need during an emergency or overnight stay outdoors. ‘

I don’t want to discouraging anyone from bringing these types of supplies also, but be assured that I have most contingencies covered. On our trip we do not plan to venture so far from civilization that any might be needed.

But here are some other things to keep in mind.

• We could see any conceivable type of weather. Rain is common during the winter months and a few hours of riding in it makes for some cold riders. Snow is not out of the question. Chances are it will be mild and enjoyable, but come prepared for anything.
• Don’t forget your passport. Technically it is required to return to the US, but they will just give you a stern look if you cross back without it. Your bike must have some sort of ownership or registration paperwork to get into Mexico.

In general, we will plan to leave from the Tecate border area about 10am the first day. We can meet up in Escondido and travel as a group, or just meet in Tecate. I am flexible to whatever works best for the group. We have two choices to park. I typically park on the US side in a pay lot right at the border. With that we can simply ride across and return the same way. It typically save lots of time on the return.

We also have a very good location to park in Mexico. Doing so puts us closer to the riding area and requires a little less time riding on the pavement. I consider both locations to be very safe. While anything could happen, I have never had issues at either place.

Keep in mind that for cars crossing into Mexico it is best to have Mexican insurance. Many people go without it for the short trip to the staging location, but it is always a little bit of a risk. We typically do not get insurance for bikes, but if anyone wishes, it can be done right at the border.

Baja “Backpack” Ride List

Riding Gear

• one pair riding pants
• one jersey
• one long underwear style top, wool or polypropylene best for wet weather
• long underwear bottoms
• 2-3 pairs good socks, I wear wool hiking socks – Smartwool
• Enduro jacket, preferably water resistant – Traverse Jacket
• one pair riding gloves
• one pair cold weather backup gloves – Klim Inversion Glove
• ski cap and/or neck muffler
• rain jacket

Casual Gear

• shorts
• sweater or light fleece that can double as and extra layer for cold weather riding. I use Klim Revolt Pullover
• flip flops

Goodies

• Hot Hands style hand warmers
• bandana
• energy snack, my current favorites are Hammer Gel, Cliff Bloks and Kate’s Bars, I will guarantee breakfast and dinner each day, but lunch just depends on where the trail leads us, it may come late, or in the form of dinner.
• hydration pack
• tools, particularly bike specific if you are not riding a KTM (axle wrench)
• inner tube fender pack with spare 21″ tube
• cash – you will not need much for the trip basics, but I always like to travel with a couple hundred. ATM’s are easy to find now
• phone charger

Bike

• Good tires, most any will work. If you want a recommendation from me, try the Kenda Parker DT or Kenda K760 Trakmaster (cheap/durable)
• I travel with Mousses all the time now. When you look at the price of HD tubes, the cost of a Mousse is not that bad. If you run tubes, just put some HD ones in and bring a cheap 21″ spare so it won’t take up too much room. Inflate to 18lbs. I will have air.
• 80-100 mile fuel range is ideal, but not absolutely necessary. If anyone has less, they may have to carry gas.
• Obviously, make sure your bike is in good order: chain, sprockets, brakes etc.
• If weather looks bad, consider something to keep hands dry and warm like, Giant Loop Bushwackers
• I use the Giant Loop Mojave Bags to carry my gear
• You can get by with a good backpack, just don’t make it too heavy
• Good headlight – the days are short, so we may find ourselves in the dark. A big headlight is not really necessary, but if you are looking for one anyway, Baja Designs Squadron or S2 LED are great choices
• If you don’t have a headlight, a helmet light will suffice – Nite Rider
• If you arrive in San Diego area and realize you need something for your bike, Vey’s Powersports should be able to help you out and they are on the way to Tecate.

That should about cover it. We will be traveling to some great destinations and areas that will feel remote. Yet we will never really be that far from town.