The Baja Motorcycle Adventure
Mexico – Riding Motorcycles in Baja California
If there is one thing that should be on every motorcycle riders bucket list, make it Baja. In fact it should be right at the top of the list. Let all those other exotic destinations fall somewhere afterwards.
Having spent most of my life on bikes, Baja was always a place I dreamed of riding. Yet it wasn’t until I moved to San Diego a number of years ago that I got my first opportunity to visit this area. After that one visit I was hooked and it changed my perspective of motorcycling for ever. I am now a confirmed Baja junkie, exploring thousands of miles of backroads and trails annually.
Why is Baja such a fantastic travel destination?
- The huge variety and beauty of terrain, mountains, dry lake beds, sandy beaches can all be part of one days ride.
- It is a dirt bike paradise. You can ride your bike on every street, many beach areas and an endless web of roads and trails (if you know where you are going).
- The food is always a treat, often simple but very tasty. A roadside stand may serve the best tacos you will ever encounter.
- The people are equally enjoyable. Mexicans are generally a kind and gregarious group.
- While it may be just next door, it is a unique opportunity to see people who live in a much simpler, if poorer, world.
- Baja offers every type of riding imaginable; from following legendary Baja 1000 race courses to tight single track trail to a wide variety of adventure and dual sport riding.
It would not be an exaggeration to say Baja is like an amusement park for motorcycles. I don’t want to imply that it is something we exploit. As riders we very much appreciate the unique beauty it offers. We treat it as a privilege and work to promote responsible use that will keep locals happy and give something back to the community.
The area has been hard hit by poor economic times and simply by traveling and spending our dollars there we contribute is some small way. As for safety, the situation has been dramatically exaggerated by the news reports of the problems. As for my own experiences, they are far removed from the view seen on television. I never feel concerned about any place that we travel to.
My one bit of caution to everyone: be prepared. Please be cautious of solely relying on a map or GPS to point the way, worse yet someone elses second-hand directions. The conditions of terrain and local access issues change all the time. Do not go without a good plan and back up plan. Riding with a professional is a great way to make the most of your first excursion to the peninsula.
Each year I ride thousands of miles around the Baja peninsula, both with my regular riding buddies and on commercial trips that I help guide. I am always on the look-out for new adventures.
If you are looking for information on organized rides, or someone to guide you around the area and give you advice on trip planning, send me a note to Chilly@Enduro360.com and come ride with us!
For more information, take a look at the Baja Frequently Asked Questions Page
