BajaNomad

Dirt Biking out of Catavina

basautter - 3-4-2019 at 01:02 PM

Hello Nomads. I will be riding out of Catavina in April, and am looking for recommendations for good dirt bike routes. I already have tracks for the Bill Nichols and Camper Shell trails (thanks to the Lizard Lady's publication). We plan on doing both, but would like to add a couple days of riding out of Catavina if possible. It does not have to be single track, but something more challenging than a graded gravel road. Any suggestions/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

David K - 3-4-2019 at 01:13 PM

Go to Mission Santa Maria!!!
My last two times were epic... but so were the others!
www.vivabaja.com/msm (2007 trip)
www.vivabaja.com/msm2010 (2010 trip)

TMW - 3-4-2019 at 01:24 PM

You could do the Turquesa Mine road. I think Kasey (Lizard Lady) called it the XR Trail or XR Ride. Uphill will be more challenging it's in her Volume 1. Another ride would be to Mission Santa Maria. Ken Cooke and his group just did it. I think you will find it challenging on a bike especially coming out going up the widowmaker.

basautter - 3-4-2019 at 01:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
You could do the Turquesa Mine road. I think Kasey (Lizard Lady) called it the XR Trail or XR Ride. Uphill will be more challenging it's in her Volume 1. Another ride would be to Mission Santa Maria. Ken Cooke and his group just did it. I think you will find it challenging on a bike especially coming out going up the widowmaker.


Thanks for the feedback. I found it in my Baja Almanac (not for sale, lol). It looks like it's about 12 miles each way. Can you tell me how difficult the terrain is? We are a on KTM 300s and very experienced riders, but all are 55+ years old :(.

wilderone - 3-4-2019 at 02:47 PM

There are a LOT of rocks. It's 15 mi. each way. At one point there is a stream with reeds growing on both sides you'll need to traverse. First photo is some of the easiest part of the trail.









[Edited on 3-4-2019 by wilderone]

TMW - 3-4-2019 at 03:58 PM

If you are talking about the mission, going in is not a problem other than the water crossings. Coming out has some rough uphills with the widowmaker being the most challenging due to the rocks.

Another interesting ride would be to El Marmol onyx digs going cross country from Catavina. Then on to the La Olividada mine stopping at the El Volcan cold water geyser. More on that at 

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=80892#pid1008...



[Edited on 3-4-2019 by TMW]

David K - 3-4-2019 at 04:49 PM

Please click on the links I provided in my reply about Mission Santa María... Mileages, photos of the road in, etc.
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Go to Mission Santa Maria!!!
My last two times were epic... but so were the others!
www.vivabaja.com/msm (2007 trip)
www.vivabaja.com/msm2010 (2010 trip)

bajatrailrider - 3-4-2019 at 06:42 PM

I have not done the XR trail in years. On two light bikes KTM300s you should be fine. When we did it ball blaster round lose rocks size of blowing balls. Bikes rode TT600s bore and stroked to 680cc I had gal on back of bike. She was able to walk faster then I could ride HAAAA. Last time and years later did on little cheater bike. Must do trail.

David K - 3-4-2019 at 06:56 PM

La Turquesa grade from the top, first Nomad photos and soon others attempted, like Ken and TheSquarecircle, who eventually made it through, from the bottom... www.vivabaja.com/207

ehall - 3-5-2019 at 05:01 AM

Hwy 1- window rock trail to Bola for lunch and gas
Visit San Borja mission
22 day trail back to hwy 1

Thats a full day of awesome riding.