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Kinda Narrow

tehag - 2-24-2006 at 06:46 PM

Caravan on a narrow stretch. Plenty of room.

Bruce R Leech - 2-24-2006 at 07:31 PM

glad I'm not behind them

Paula - 2-24-2006 at 07:47 PM

.... and I'm glad I'm not approaching them from the other direction!!

It's a long way down if they push you off the edge!

Diver - 2-24-2006 at 07:56 PM

In our entire trip dwon and back we only had one trucker test our trailer's width. Unfortunately, the number of RV/campers that made me move way over was too high to count.
On a few occasions I tested my 6 liter diesel's muster and passed 'em like cattle. I was very happy that my F350 weighs more than my 24' trailer on one occasion when I dropped the right-side wheels off the road; actually, there was no road in that particular location of the road. What I felt in the truck was like hitting a few small potholes; the trailer flew along back onto the road behind us - no problem !

Got into a situation like that a few years ago with the cab-over on the F-250

vgabndo - 2-25-2006 at 01:37 AM

I've never been a CB kind of guy, but I was sure glad to have one. The caravan leader, and the rest of them, hooked up with me on the radio, and we passed dozens of motorhomes on blind corners, on hill tops, it was an E-ticket ride. Without the radio it would have been suicide. If we hadn't beaten them all to El Rosario the old Pemex tanks would have been empty by the time they had all filled up.

Haven't really used that radio since!

Don Alley - 2-25-2006 at 08:44 AM

OK, Pompano, on a recent trip from Loreto to La Paz and back we saw three caravans.

I had no problems with them. Because every one was going the other direction.

I just don't want to get stuck behind them. I don't have a CB. :lol:

I could care less about any grand social connotations. They probably have a lot of fun traveling and camping with their fellow caravaners. I have no "size" envy; I miss my little VW GTI Turbo, the best ride I ever took down Highway 1. Drove like a dream. Ya see it's not the size, it's how you drive it. :lol:

But caravaners,
JUST STAY OUT OF MY WAY! :fire:

oladulce - 2-25-2006 at 03:08 PM

tehag,

I think I know where this section of road is but
how in the heck did you get up there to take this photo?

I figured your shot of Puerto Escondido ("Where"?) was from a plane, but now I'm thinking there's some cabra in you.

turtleandtoad - 2-25-2006 at 03:40 PM

RV'ers join caravans because;

1) They are afraid of their RV's and need the peer presssure to get behind the wheel every morning!

2) They don't know how to drive, so feel safer behind some other RV'er that also doesn't know how to drive!

3) They don't want to socialize with the locals, just view the scenery through their windshields and get sloshed with like-minded gringos in a walled RV park every night.

4) They are afraid of Bandido's and actually think the 'tailgunner' really has guns! (hopefully a set of quad 50's on a pop-up mount)

OK, break out the flamethrowers.

Bruce R Leech - 2-25-2006 at 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
'Caravans on the Baja Road' ... Psychology 101

Chapter One: "Theory questions on Baja Road Rages"

I wonder why the bias against fellow travelers traveling in groups?

Is it the 'herd instinct' that we find objectionable?

The fact that one has to wait to safely pass each vehicle?

The assumption that they are like locusts eating up the products ahead..before we can get to them?

Anyone using a CB sounds too comical and rednecky? (used them on 3 continents without a single lynching so far)

Some 'size' envy perhaps?.. :yes:

....ahem

Our superior knowledge of where to have fun in Baja..meaning those off-road places that these Goliaths probably will never get to...and we certainly never want to see there?

Your opinions and/or experiences are solicited. (Duck, Felipa!)

[Edited on 2-25-2006 by Pompano]

some of them are very old and don't have any business driving a car yet alone a 40 foot overloaded RV puling a car behind. they make you get a special licence for a motorcycle but any 80 year old man that has never driven anything larger than a cadillac is allowed to get in one of those RVs and go for it. :lol:

most of them are good drivers and are not a problem.

Paulina - 2-25-2006 at 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by turtleandtoad
RV'ers join caravans because;

1) They are afraid of their RV's and need the peer presssure to get behind the wheel every morning!

2) They don't know how to drive, so feel safer behind some other RV'er that also doesn't know how to drive!

3) They don't want to socialize with the locals, just view the scenery through their windshields and get sloshed with like-minded gringos in a walled RV park every night.

4) They are afraid of Bandido's and actually think the 'tailgunner' really has guns! (hopefully a set of quad 50's on a pop-up mount)

OK, break out the flamethrowers.

Ok, I'm wearing my asbestos thong undies and advancing without fear...

1. unlikely, but you're allowed your opinion.

2.ditto number one.

3.I know COUNTLESS so called locals who fall into the gringo catagory who do just as you claim, even though they don't happen to arrive to their final destination in an RV following a caravan.

4. silly

5. This one is my number. Give the RV caravaner's a break. We all started out in Baja at one time or another. If it takes 'safety in numbers' for one to take the first step, so be it. Everyone has a right to enjoy baja how they see fit. Just because one drives an RV and joins a caravan with a smile on their face and a sense of adventure in their hearts, it doesn't make them any older, more delicate, scared, unable to take sharp corners with a cow coming in at them point blank any worse off then the rest of us.

I would give anything right now to be trapped behind this group of caravaners. At least I'd be in baja and not here, behind my computer screen standing up for same.

To each his own.

P.<*)))><

rts551 - 2-25-2006 at 07:47 PM

Paulina

I think the point is that there are some people on hwy 1 that are afraid of the road. They therefore need comefort in numbers... and a lot of room.... behind them is not as bad as when you are coming at them and they think they need their lane and part of yours. We have all seen them...

They take comfort in knowing that there are others in the same boat... or RV so to speak

Paulina - 2-25-2006 at 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Paulina

I think the point is that there are some people on hwy 1 that are afraid of the road. They therefore need comefort in numbers... and a lot of room.... behind them is not as bad as when you are coming at them and they think they need their lane and part of yours. We have all seen them...

They take comfort in knowing that there are others in the same boat... or RV so to speak

Rts, Ok, I don't have anything else to do for the next half hour, so I'm game. Why do you think that just because one joins an rv caravan they are "afraid of the road" ?

Do you think that the only reason they choose to join a caravan is for comfort in numbers? More room on the driver's side to run others coming at them off the road? If they have buddies behind them doing the same, then what the heck?

I've seen many drivers coming at me on my side of the road and not necessarily in an rv as part of a caravan.
They didn't need the security of their fellow traveler behind them to give them the you know whatties to run me to the non existant shoulder. They only showed the inexperience or the lapse of the attention that is required to drive the narrow highway. Locals do it, rental cars, big rigs. Gringos and locals alike pulling trailers, boats, trucks beds loaded with cows, etc.

Some people in RVs do take their piece out of the road, but who of us can honestly claim that we haven't done the same at one time or another?

It seems unfair to pin the blame on rv drivers and their caravans. Put the blame where it lies. With those who deserve it.

P<*)))><

turtleandtoad - 2-25-2006 at 08:08 PM

Give me a break, the whole thing was meant to be silly.

Doesn't anyone remember Monty Python? Poke fun at everything, you'll live longer.

If you didn't notice my sig, I'm an RV'er, probably more so than most as it is my lifestyle. I join caravans (mostly Escapee's) in the US when the mood strikes, but haven't bothered in Mexico, yet.

Maybe I ought to go back to writing tech studies.

To caravan or not to caravan, that is the question.

And the answer should be; Who gives a damn, whatever gets you around is fine by me.

Paulina - 2-25-2006 at 08:22 PM

Thank you T&T. I know what your sig represents and such my surprise and reply to your post. I think I used the word silly myself.

I can just see that Monty Python caravan now, clippity clop, clippy clop with coconut shells and shrubbery along with the fanged attack rabbits popping out instead of cows.

As you said, who gives a damn, as long as it gets people around...

rts551 - 2-25-2006 at 08:22 PM

Point taken... but my experience has been that most caravans take more of the road than those people traveling alone. Trailers and boats taking too much of the road or someone going way to fast for the road conditions have been much more of a problem for me than "locals or big rigs". But maybe thats just my luck.

Sorry you don't have anyhting else to do.. LOL

Paulina - 2-25-2006 at 08:27 PM

Quote:

.

Sorry you don't have anyhting else to do.. LOL

Me too, at least for the next 5 minutos. But one has to have down time... Ja ja Ja
<*)))><

[Edited on 26-2-2006 by Paulina]

Narrow

tehag - 2-25-2006 at 09:08 PM

Picture was taken from a rocky hill south of Ligu?. Didn't mean to stir anything up, just thought it was an interesting shot.

My Hackles always jump up.....

Bedman - 2-26-2006 at 02:04 AM

when I hear "Motorhome" in conjunction with "Old", "Bad Drivers", "Road Hogs", "Fat", "Hen Pecked", "Rich", "Lucky", "Good Looking", "Cradle Robber", etc.

Only because I fall into some of those categories. You get to pick any of the descriptors EXCEPT "Bad Drivers", "Road Hogs", "Fat" & "Hen Pecked". :lol:

I've seen some pretty bad drivers on Hwy #1. The worst were in cars. Most were Young and Stupid.

You can tell if it's me in front of you. You'll see my picture on the back.

THOSE POKEY CARAVANS------------

Barry A. - 2-27-2006 at 12:55 PM

I agree with everything POMPANO says except one------the caravaners tend to stay to close together, making if very difficult for us in our small rigs, which are travelling somewhat faster, to pass them. It often takes litterally 30 min. for our 2 or 3 pickup mini-caravan to get by them. And I have NEVER been able to contact the "caravaners" on my CB----probably because I have no idea what channel they monitor.

So, like others have suggested, we send out the boldest of our group to make the first pass, and he can CB the rest of us around, but even this takes a very long time, and the "pucker factor" is extreme, since the "bold one" has to remain somewhat safe. If they would just keep more distance between their rigs, then it would be a lot simpler.

I have never had any problems with caravans when they are going the opposite direction that I am, except to symphathise with the poor blokes stacked up behind them.

turtleandtoad - 2-27-2006 at 01:10 PM

I think that is because most caravan RV'ers are new to Baja, and just can't get used to the fact that there is only one highway and that they can back off as far as they want and they aren't going to lose the caravan unless they leave the paved highway. Even though the wagonmasters keep telling them to spread out! (I listen in

)

Try Ch 13 for most RV'er. Or if that doesn't work, then they are probably on the truckers channel, 19.

I monitor both.

Thanks T & T, and I am sure you are right.

Barry A. - 2-27-2006 at 01:13 PM

also, thanks for the Channel info----that is very helpful.

bajarich - 2-27-2006 at 02:58 PM

If I pull up behind a caravan with more than a few RVs, I just pull over and take a break from driving for a while and let them get way ahead of me. I can't stand following on someones tail mile after mile when they are only doing 45 mph. Usually, when I do catch up to them, they have pulled over and are having lunch or something and I can just scoot on by them. It's not worth getting killed by trying to pass large groups. When in Baja I try to relax.

So true, BajaRich------

Barry A. - 2-27-2006 at 03:19 PM

------now that I am retired I too can do that.

But back when I had to work for a living, it is hard to "just pull over" when you are headed for LA Bay for the Thanksgiving weekend with co-workers who want to get our boats out on the water NOW, and get "with it".

From now on, I will just pull over and wait------like you suggest. :yes:

turtleandtoad - 2-28-2006 at 08:15 AM

I've always wondered about that. In my travels around the North American Continent I've listened to a lot of truckers on Ch 19. They all seem to have a deep south accent so thick that they are almost impossible to understand.

Yet I've seldom heard that same accent while eating at the truck stops. Don't these guys ever stop to eat?

turtleandtoad - 2-28-2006 at 08:45 AM

Yeah, I listen to them all the time and have met a lot of them myself.

But I've got to admit, some are pretty potty-mouthed, and judging from the content of their conversations, some are dumber than the proverbial post. I've heard just about every Government conspiracy theory you can imagine (and some you couldn't even make up) passed on as fact.

Sort of like the general, non-trucker, population

One of my pet peeves are those that like to share their favorite songs over the air with everyone. They block the channel from everone else. Luckily they are normally out of range in a few minutes.

wilderone - 2-28-2006 at 09:36 AM

..."Breaker, breaker for Billy Bob...are ya out there, good buddy? This here's the Breaking Wind calling fer ya! Come on back, ya hear?"

LOL!! Thanks, Pompano

turtleandtoad - 2-28-2006 at 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
..."Breaker, breaker for Billy Bob...are ya out there, good buddy? This here's the Breaking Wind calling fer ya! Come on back, ya hear?"

LOL!! Thanks, Pompano

I thought "ya all" was the correct term in "trucker-eze" for "are ya". :lol:

When in Baja I try to relax.

eetdrt88 - 3-2-2006 at 09:58 PM

try relaxing on 80 miles of washboard,its like a drug in itself,good stuff for the soul...but thank god those RV'ers dont make it off the road that far or there would be some turmoil out there in the sticks :lol:

I met a guy named "Panama" my first time in Puertecitos and what he said pretty much nailed it..."In Baja it's either 8 or 80"

bufeo - 3-2-2006 at 10:16 PM

One of the reasons I love our drive from San Felipe down to Punta Bufeo is that not once have we ever had to deal with caravans. :biggrin:

jimgrms - 3-3-2006 at 07:06 AM

I believe that one of the baja travel groups reccomend traveling in caravans
because of bandidos and other problems ect,

Pompano,I think he may be referring to a different type of Bandido

eetdrt88 - 3-3-2006 at 09:57 AM

the "Bandidos de Amor"

[Edited on 3-3-2006 by eetdrt88]

rts551 - 3-3-2006 at 01:12 PM

Bandidos... People always ask (that have never been to Baja)... I guess I have been looking in the wrong places. Been going all my life (55 years younger) and have yet to see one. Just met nice people

You anti-bandito guys----------

Barry A. - 3-3-2006 at 01:36 PM

-----obviously have not watched, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre"----no stinkin badge is going to deter THOSE hombres!!!!!! they line the road in Baja, and they know how to bust "caravans".

Better stay away!!!!

David K - 3-3-2006 at 04:52 PM

If it wasn't for 'banditos' (and federales and corrupt cops) there would be nothing to stop ALL norteamericanos from going to Baja!

I 'promote' Baja to YOU GUYS... people who already love the place and are going there, about the cool stuff that many of us seek on the peninsula...

The paving of the transpeninsular highway ended the bad roads = good people filter... The banditos are our last line of defense!! :yes:

Oops.....Sorry eetdrt88

Bedman - 3-3-2006 at 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by eetdrt88
try relaxing on 80 miles of washboard,its like a drug in itself,good stuff for the soul...but thank god those RV'ers dont make it off the road that far or there would be some turmoil out there in the sticks :lol:

I met a guy named "Panama" my first time in Puertecitos and what he said pretty much nailed it..."In Baja it's either 8 or 80"

in the Motorhome on the way to Gonzaga. We make it once a year. Yeah the road is a little rough, but at 4 MPH you get to enjoy ALL the scenery :lol:

jimgrms - 3-4-2006 at 07:22 AM

I don,t belive the bandito b/s just every time i mention i am going to mexico, i am warned about the banditos ,but the folks warning me are old and proably senile

bajarich - 3-5-2006 at 10:20 PM

When I'm asked if I'm afraid to go to Mexico, I just say "Yes, I'm afraid someone will break into my house when I'm gone".

Baja&Back - 4-29-2006 at 11:28 AM

Hey Tehag, great photo!! Can I borrow it for our website??

A lot of you expressed concerns here about commercial caravans. As one of them, let me tell you that we are well aware of the negative feelings on the road about us. This is one of the reasons we limit ourselves to 15 rigs.
Being 45 MPH doddlers on purpose for the safety of our guests, we try our best to expedite everyone else's passage. We have been known to stop completely on straight stretches to let a semi or express bus pass us. Our tailgunner and whole caravan work hard on the CB to help others on by us.

The 25 to 30 rig caravans have also started splitting up into 2 or 3 sections to address this specific issue.

We love Baja as much as you all do & are just trying to share that joy with folks who want caravans for many reasons. (Well, we wanna make a buck, too). It's also satisfying to know that we inject $100 K into the local economy at the grassroots level every year. (Did you hear that, Antonio??)

Next winter, when you pass a caravan or find us all at Santispac, please give us a bit of "Baja Nomad" spirit - we will do the same back. (The beer's always cold too!!!)
If the rig decals say "Baja and Back", try CB channel 22 & we'll do our best to get you by us.

Happy Trails ...

caravans, ugh!

woody with a view - 4-29-2006 at 06:30 PM

not much room for error

, although it's not the caravaners fault!

[Edited on 4-30-2006 by woody in ob]

bajalou - 4-29-2006 at 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarich
When I'm asked if I'm afraid to go to Mexico, I just say "Yes, I'm afraid someone will break into my house when I'm gone".

A friend here in Baja just heard this Jeep was stoled from his driveway at his California house.

Skeet/Loreto - 4-29-2006 at 07:58 PM

Well Yawl have been talking about RedNecks, CB Rido's Banditos and such, I jus thought I would jump in hea and set you city slickers on the rite path.

Yawl are too cotton-pickin young to remember the ole days when CB Ridos were forbitten in Mexico as well as some of those Longhaired Hippy Freaks of the 60"s with Hair to their britices.

Yawl think about them rv;ers inventing "Mexican Train" Once yawl play that there game yawl will be hooked like a 25 Lb Yellowtail on a 12 Lb Bass Rod.!!

When I wos down there we did not have all that fussin on the road, none of those "Short Shorts' to Drive us rednecks Half Crazy!!
Yawl better Look out , You Heah!!

Them rvers usually have a lot of good Whiskey/

Skeeter Bob

45 min still trying

pangamadness - 5-9-2006 at 06:54 AM

The long wait

pangamadness - 5-9-2006 at 08:35 AM

I was glad to be passed that group. There was no passing space at all for 45 min. Ok for me but the truckers were peeed

Missed a few photos

pangamadness - 5-9-2006 at 08:36 AM

Some photos did not make it trying again.

Another look

pangamadness - 5-9-2006 at 08:38 AM

This was to be the last photo

pangamadness - 5-9-2006 at 08:38 AM