I just got back from a 1,230 mile off-road motorcycle trip from Ensenada to Cabo San Lucas. It was a training run to prepare for the Baja 1000. Here’s part two of the story…

DAY #2

Each morning started around 5:30. We had a quick breakfast and were on the road by 7:00 AM. We had to drive 30 miles of blacktop to get outside of Ensenada and start our off-road voyage. The first day was by far the easiest terrain and we only covered 170 miles. The first leg was winding dirt roads - we were really blazing, getting comfortable on the bikes. It rained a lot this year so the countryside was uncharacteristically green.

As we approached the coast, the terrain became more rocky and sandy - a constant theme. The roads were a little rough, but the biggest hazard was the amazing scenery. You’d come around a corner, get a panoramic view of the ocean just as you hit a difficult patch. The scenery was like a siren song at times, luring you to make a mistake.

We continued along the coast the whole day, running through little towns. I believe this is a typical section of the Baja 1000 course. At one point, we were on a narrow road lined by barbed wire and had to pass 4 horses that weren’t terribly fond of our engines. It was honestly surreal - dangerous, but somehow under control. You come to know that Baja is lousy with animals - those and vehicles are your biggest concerns as you rip along in remote areas. This was where I got my first flat - again a constant theme in Baja. A guide changed it out as I assisted, an old folding chair serving as a stand. Another lesson: you have to make do with what you have or can find nearby. It’s all you’ve got.

We continued to follow the coast and came across a pretty amazing sight, an old tanker that had run aground and left to rust. The landscape truly is alien.

We left the coast and headed inland towards some mountains. We were making good time so we decided on this side trip to get a view. I was pretty exhausted by the time we got to the top, but it was well worth it.

It was getting late in the day so headed to our hotel. We stayed at the Desert Inn in San Quintin. They operate a chain of hotels throughout Baja and they were all excellent - heavily recommended in case you are planning your own trip. After a quick dinner and a few beers, I was sleep by 8:45 to get ready for Day three…

Read Part Three