BajaNomad

1000 Prerun

TMW - 10-28-2005 at 04:12 PM

A friend of mine just finished prerunning the 1000 course. The course does not go up the summit on the hill side road but rather goes up the wash to the dam. Lots of rocks. The down hill side has lots of gulles from the rain. It takes the wash at the bottom to Cohabuso and it gets tight then opens up about half way for a fast two lane. The course from the Old Puertocitos Rd to Matomi is fun with lots of Cholla further in. Out of Matomi lots of bolders at top. At Erindera "Arroyo San Rafael" very very soft, looks like a truck eater.

surfer jim - 10-28-2005 at 11:03 PM

What type of vehicle did they use?....and how long did it take?....where is that arroyo at in the Erindera area?.....

surfer jim - 10-28-2005 at 11:07 PM

What type of vehicle did they use?....and how long did it take?....where is that arroyo at in the Erindera area?.....

TMW - 10-29-2005 at 05:27 AM

He was in a VW powered off road buggy. When you first come into Erindera you drop into the wash at RM596 turning right at the beach at RM 598. Your in it for almost 2 miles. He called it San Rafael.

He did it over a couple of days. While there are fast sections most of the course is not. My guess is that first bike average speed maybe 47 or 48mph. 1st 4 wheeler 45.

[Edited on 10-29-2005 by TW]

bajalou - 10-29-2005 at 07:25 PM

A few pre-runners in the San Felipe area also. Saw some coming down today also.

In San Felipe area, Zoo road doesn't have closed sign, but is closed in the residentia larea due to road work. So head south to the San Felipe Storage lot and take that road and you'll have no problems.

Also the army checkpoint at Hghy 3 and 5 intersection was checking all the Southbound cars today - lift the hood, in the trunk - took cover off air cleaner. First time in a loooong time that much checkinbg of Southbound traffic.

:o

TMW - 10-30-2005 at 06:27 AM

Lou, I'll be down next Sat. to prerun with Paul on his section. We'll stop by and say hi if your there. Then I'm going up to Mike's to run around Meling if I'm not too tired from riding with Paul.

bajalou - 10-30-2005 at 07:22 AM

I'll be here - look forward to seeing you both---you can headquarter here if you need to--

:biggrin:

tunaeater - 10-30-2005 at 05:31 PM

I plan on going from Saldana #2 to San Felipe. About 85 miles or we can just end it at Zoo rd so we can stop by and visit with Lou. I plan to also go get some fish tacos before heading home. TW I'll give you a call so we can make plans. Count on being tired with plenty of whoops to keep the muscles and back aching.

bajalou - 11-3-2005 at 04:45 PM

Lots of noise on the new road past El Dorado last few days - saw a Riviera chase truck coming out today. With the Shrimp Festival and pre-runners, the town should be jumping this weekend.

:biggrin:

Tunaeater 11 5 05

bajalou - 11-5-2005 at 02:55 PM

Here's a shot of Tunaeater on powerline road at Zoo Road in San Felipe on his pre-run for the Baja 1000 in a couple weeks.

tunaeater - 11-5-2005 at 06:40 PM

Lou it was good to see you. I can't wait for next weekend. I hope Corky makes it. TW should be better by then also. We will all have to get together for dinner or drinks. Keep me posted....Paul

TMW - 11-6-2005 at 10:52 AM

Paul how did your prerun go from Saldana to hwy 3, fast, rough a little of both. It's been a long time since I've been on that section.

bajalou - 11-6-2005 at 08:00 PM

I think it went pretty fast Tom. the was to Zoo road in 1 hr 15 min -

:rolleyes:

tunaeater - 11-7-2005 at 07:15 PM

Tom the prerun was good. Soft, rocky and some silt on the first section Saldana to hwy 3. The 2nd half from hwy 3 to SF was well you know the normal whoops for endless miles. My suspension was working great and I made good time through there. We started at 7:40(saldana) and I was with Baja lou at 10:40am(zoo rd). That was of course not at speed and stopping at hwy 3 and one time along the trail to pull out some cactus. I managed to wrestle with one about 15 miles before Z00 rd. I had to take of my jersey and pick them out one by one. Everything was ok though. I'm looking forward to prerunning this weekend again. let me know your plans...Paul

TMW - 11-8-2005 at 08:31 AM

Paul, does the course go by the wells that pump water down to the mine just north of 3 poles. Somewhere near the wells is a road that goes back to the road coming out of the Pole Line road that Ken Cooke uses on his Pole Line Road run. If we have a little time I'd like to see if we can find it.

Good to see...

David K - 11-8-2005 at 07:57 PM

I just was over at SCORE's website reading the Baja 1000 notes, and am pleased to see the following posted there... these are just three of several notes posted.

(The parts within quotes are from SCORE, the a), b), c) are mine)

a) "All roads you will be pre-running on are open to the public. Many of these roads are the only way in and out of ranches. At all times you must expect to encounter oncoming traffic. Be alert for cattle and horses roaming freely on and around the course."

b) " Pre-running is exactly that - familiarizing yourself with the race course at a safe pace, not at race speeds. "

c) "Everyone must do their part to protect and preserve the Baja ecological environment. Please properly dispose of all solid and liquid waste during your pre-run. Do not litter, start fires, or deviate from the marked course."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know 'mcgyver' and others are concerned about the right and/or safety of using Baja's roads that are open to pre-running, before the actual race...

As a former SCORE contestant, pit team captain, and fan of Off Road racing, the above statements from SCORE I knew to be true, but have (in the past) had an arguement with a small group on the Internet about the validity of these points.

Many thanks to Sal Fish and the rest of the SCORE crew for making these and other points clear.

Long Live the Baja 1000!

Neal Johns - 11-9-2005 at 01:20 AM

TW,
This should help get you on the Pole Line Road. It's a little too old to show the mine water line but you know about where that is.

The road has been washed out where it crosses a wash (tall bank) just NW of Arroyo Grande, but a bike should be able to find a way. You want the small dots that go to Canada Jaquegel.

TMW - 11-9-2005 at 07:17 AM

Thanks Neal.

Lou, Paul and I will be at your place Sat. morning to prerun the bottom loop. If I get an early start Fri. from here, I'll see you Friday evening otherwise I'll be there Sat morning, probably about 8am. Either be in my white Toyota PU or Silver GMC Z71.

bajalou - 11-9-2005 at 08:29 AM

Looking forward to seeing you both - Corkey's supposed to be here but don't know when.

tunaeater - 11-9-2005 at 07:44 PM

Corky sent us an email. He is coming down on Sunday.

Locos Mocos...

Juan del Rio - 11-9-2005 at 10:30 PM

This is a great group of people who love Baja and I know will set themselves up at a very remote spot for the Baja 1000 this year to help whoever needs it...all for free!
We met them last year in San Juanico and they all are the, "real deal"....original Baja! They do it because they can- and they pay for it all themselves; Baja racers /Cars pay nothing for their services...
To me, they are true, "Baja Nomads"(just like the rest of us and the, "David K's/Doug" types on this board!).
Go "Locos Mocos"!!!
Juan y Juan will be out there with you and the rest of the,"Baja California Lovers" of the world!
"Baja 1000...the global test for the ultimate, "Fun Run"!

TMW - 11-10-2005 at 08:26 AM

Your right they are a great bunch. Their pitwill be at race mile 130 near Cohabuso jct.

TMW - 11-13-2005 at 06:37 PM

Did a little prerunning with Tunaeater on Sat. from Zoo road to Matomi wash. That is one rough course. Whoops from hell. I've heard nothing but bad things about the Matomi wash section. I don't think this course will see any speed records broke, just a lots of vehicles needing help. Thanks Bajalou for letting us use your place to leave everything and the radio.

bajalou - 11-13-2005 at 07:01 PM

Any time TW - by the way Corky got here about 3p - plans on being somewhere around the area for the week - might pit for a couple different race teams. Not sure yet.

:cool:

TMW - 11-14-2005 at 08:24 AM

Lou, my brother Bill and I will be in Ensenada Thursday for contingency and pick up gas and tires from Paul, then head over to San Felipe. If Corky is going to still be there I'll buy dinner for all of us Thursday evening. You and I will consume the magaritas.

bajalou - 11-14-2005 at 08:54 AM

OK I'll let Corky know - He'll be back here ???? but I think he plans tobe in the area till after the race - depending where he is asked to pit.

See you then

:bounce:

TMW - 11-14-2005 at 06:46 PM

I was thinking about the various race speeds for this 1000 and if 96A averages 30mph and leaves at 7:30am, he should be at Matomi wash in 9.5hrs or 5pm. If the Trophy Trucks average 40mph and leave at 9:30am, they will arrive at Motomi in 7.125 hrs or at 4:07pm. That means there is a possibility that a TT will meet 96A in the trip through the cactus garden before Matomi.

David K - 11-14-2005 at 06:53 PM

Let's pray for Paul's safety!

Baja Angel and I are thinking of driving to Ensenada Friday night after work to see the finish... Since my first Baja 1000, 32 years ago, I have never been at the finish line... the start when I was in a racer, pitting, spectating, but never at the finish line... Any clues as to where we can park and hang out between racers finishing? Where is the finish line this year... where in Ensenada is it, is what I mean.??

bajalou - 11-14-2005 at 07:08 PM

If the TT's do 45mph it'll be good - and 705 miles at 45mph is 15+ hours so I figure first TT finishers will be midnight and later - that's unless someone goes sideways in the Matomi narrows.

The score Intl website shows where finish etc is.

:D

And I'll be able to get up Sat AM and still have racers coming by my place.

:rolleyes:

[Edited on 11-15-2005 by bajalou]

David K - 11-14-2005 at 07:14 PM

Heck Lou, San Felipe might be more fun to watch? As we drive across on Hwy. 3, Friday night, we will probably see lots of lights in the distance as the race course bounces around, and ON Hwy. 3!

bajalou - 11-14-2005 at 07:29 PM

The'll be near Hghy 3 in a couple places on this side. Crossing at Borrego Pass (N to S), then along hghy 3 fromV Chico to San Matis. figure MC's Quads' TT & Cl 1 to cross Zoo road from 11am on. But much of the racing thru here will be after dark. I remember waiting 4 hours for the first bikes at Borreto in 95. 1 bike, then 30 min and another and that's how it was till I left about dark.

That's why as a spectator, I like the 250 and the Code 200 - early in the race you see plenty of action.

:biggrin:

TMW - 11-15-2005 at 08:10 AM

The end of the race comes off the dirt onto Ave Ruiz and goes 1.8 miles to a stadium. Ruiz is where hwy 1 ( free road ) going south comes into down town and turns right then left onto Ave Juarez. If you take a left on Ruiz then follow it to the stadium for the finish line.

TMW - 11-15-2005 at 08:27 AM

I figure the first bikes should get to San Felipe in about 5.5 hours. That would be around 11:30am. So Lou you should have your chair setup at the Zoo rd crossing by 11am, maybe even 10:30. Depending on where Paul wants me I may join you for a little while.

PJC - 11-15-2005 at 01:54 PM

We'll be in SF to check out the course from RM155-@270 Thursday and will be helping some folks run two pits on that side.

Best of luck to all!

Sounds like a rough course and a lot like the 2001 run. Wish I could be up at the Summit to see the mayhem!

Corky, we'll look for you tomorrow night! We ended up in the park next door under resee's that our friends made.

tunaeater - 11-15-2005 at 04:22 PM

Thanks to everyone concerning my safety in the Baja 1000. I will definitely be on the look out for the trucks. Unfortunately we will have to deal with them and some cars. I hope they are all as patient as they were in the Baja 500.
I think 30 mph average is going to be about correct for us. Thats about what we averaged in the Baja 500. RM 200 @ 2:15pm Matomi by 5:00pm, RM 400 @ 8:55pm and the finish line around 7:30am...I hope we can make better time but we will see. If you see us go by give us a thumbs up as we pass. I hope all participants(racers,chasers,pits,officals and spectators) have a safe journey through the night. May God Bless us all...Paul

bajalou - 11-15-2005 at 07:32 PM

Thanks for the Corky update, Hose A

TMW - 11-16-2005 at 08:08 AM

Bill and I will be in my silver GMC Z71 with 96A on the windows. Will be in Ensenada Thursday for contingency and meet with Tunaeater for tires and gas then off to San Felipe. Hope to meet some Nomads if possible.
Everyone take care and think safety both on the hwy and on the race course and have lots of fun.

Tom

David K - 11-16-2005 at 08:51 AM

Have a great time everyone!

bajalou - 11-16-2005 at 11:00 PM

Corky's backin San Felipe - looking for someone to pit for--And waiting for that dinner TW

:o