BajaNomad

How many Dirt bikers on this board

ArvadaGeorge - 10-7-2006 at 09:19 AM

At present I have a EXC 300, XL600 and a klr650
The xl has been to Baja many times the EXC once
And the KLR will most likely make this year’s trip
We also have an atv

Although I live in Colorado I have done at least 1 Baja trip a year since 1978


George Gangler
george@arvadacycle.com
www.arvadacycle.com
Arvada Cycle
10940 W 44th Ave
Wheat Ridge Co. 80033
303-422-3957

KurtG - 10-7-2006 at 12:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ArvadaGeorge
At present I have a EXC 300, XL600 and a klr650
The xl has been to Baja many times the EXC once
And the KLR will most likely make this year’s trip
We also have an atv

Although I live in Colorado I have done at least 1 Baja trip a year since 1978


George Gangler
george@arvadacycle.com
www.arvadacycle.com
Arvada Cycle
10940 W 44th Ave
Wheat Ridge Co. 80033
303-422-3957


George,
I've been riding around Baja for over 30 years now, initially on road bikes and in the last 15 years on dual sports, a KLR650 for the last 8 years. Don't consider myself a hard core dirt rider but love exploring back roads and the KLR works pretty well for that. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Baja on the bike and will be spending most of the winter there. Initially around Mulege and then some time in La Paz and Los Barilles.
Kurt

jack - 10-7-2006 at 05:32 PM

I've been going to Baja since 1986. I have had several different bikes down there. A XR 500, a DR 600, and lately an XR 650L. I'll be going down this year and plan on doing some riding around Mulege and Todos Santos. I will probably be heading down right after Christmas.

DanO - 10-7-2006 at 05:55 PM

Whenever I can sneak out with my wife's CLR. Hope I never drop it! ;D

Diver - 10-7-2006 at 09:18 PM

Check this out;

I have a "72 Bultaco Sherpa T 325 trials bike that still runs.
Also a '74 Husky 250 enduro model.

The Husky may even make it to Baja with us this year.
.

TMW - 10-8-2006 at 08:59 AM

I've been riding dirt bikes in Baja since 84. Raced dirt bikes in Baja 87-93. CT110, went up and over the summit on this one, a real kick in the butt but wish I had a clutch, XR200, XR250, XR500 tried to race this one a few times and blew the engine everytime, XR600, YZ250 soloed the Baja 500 in 1990 on this one, KX500 best desert race bike I ever had, soloed the Baja 500 in 1991 on this one. Now I mostly ride my 2004 XR250, best stock suspension I ever rode and a real tractor on pulling up hills.

moto Baja....

motoged - 10-9-2006 at 12:12 PM

George et al,
I have been riding in Baja over past 12 years, on an '81 R80 GS, a '96 R1100 GS, and my favourite...'04 450 EXC.

I will be down again with three pals from Dec 18-Jan 20 this coming season...riding of of B of LA for a week or so and then out of Mulege for a few weeks....

March '05 ride: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124833&highlight=motoged[url]

Maybe cross paths with some of you.

Ged

Baja Ranchos ...

cristobal - 10-9-2006 at 06:06 PM

My first trip to baja with my bike was in 1969.

Easter week 1973, rode my YAMAHA ENDURO with my two roommates (SAN DIEGO STATE) ... TJ to CABO and back ... paved road ended in EL ROSARIO going south ... GUERRERO NEGRO going north.

Great ride 10 years ago out of SAN ZACHARIAS heading south up into the mountains. I met the friendliest people living at the ranchos. One of my favorite spots to return.

My QUAD loves to make the run from BAHIA TORTUGAS to PUNTA EUGENIA and over to MALARRIMO and El QUEEN.
But I have to be careful ... I've run out of gas twice ...!!!

When it comes to bikes in BAJA ... mixing gas and oil is NOT good. Next bike will be a four-stroke.:bounce::bounce::bounce:

:O:spingrin::yes::wow::barf::P:P:P

Mike Supino - 10-9-2006 at 09:38 PM

I still have a 1972 XR-75 that still is all original except for the rear tire.
Also, as an aside, I import Baja pit bikes and quads.
Some are as low as $450.00
U2U for details

[Edited on 10-10-2006 by Mike Supino]

OC125pf125.JPG - 10kB

KLR650 - "La Cucaracha"

bajadogs - 10-10-2006 at 10:25 AM

This is my daily commuter. Someday I'll make a Baja trip on 2 wheels. So far it's been 90% road, 10% dirt.

KLR650.jpg - 44kB

tunaeater - 10-10-2006 at 12:39 PM

I love riding in Baja and grew up with many vacations to San Felipe. I learned how much fun and how dangerous they can be on the many trips to SF. I started on a mini bike for my 5th birthday and have had a motorcycle ever since.
I'm currently riding an XR 650r and just did a trip from Rancho Santa Veronica to Camalu and back. We had a great time all 14 of us.
I started racing quads and motorcycles a few years ago and fell in love with it. I do local Mexicali races along with CODE and SCORE. I would also like to thank TW and Baja Lou for their support over the past few years. They have helped me out with radio communication, pit support and prerunning for many races.

jimgrms - 10-31-2006 at 02:32 PM

First bike was a 55 triumph tiger cub then severar trimp trophys and a matchlesstyphoon all were real works of art 3 inches of travel in the front 2 in back then a greeves with the dustpan exaust and bing carb then a bultaco bandido and that is why i no longer ride dirt bikes:lol:

Bruce R Leech - 10-31-2006 at 02:47 PM

I would be one if I had a Bike.:( I love that stuff. the Baja was created for dirt bikes. if any one ever wants to get rid of one let me know.:bounce:

toneart - 10-31-2006 at 11:49 PM

Check out my son's dirt bike trip last February: www.advrider.com
search: 9 days in Baja; in search of the perfect taco. Anthony's username is LC4 Pilot, and his buddy's name is Two dot. On page 7 are photos of them with me in Mulege in front of my casita (before the flood). Great story and photos.

AmoPescar - 11-1-2006 at 12:48 AM

RIDING THE BAJA

Hi George,

Don't ride 2 wheelers any more. Now riding a 4 wheeler...a Polaris Sportsman 500. Love to ride in the Baja. Mostly I ride on the beaches south of San Felipe.

In 2002 I rode in the Baja Express group ride from Pete's Camp in SF to BOLA and back in 5 days. We had quads and cycles plus some 4WD support vehicles. It was a great ride!

In 2003 we went from Pete's to the Erendira on the Pacific side, south to San Quentin.and then east and south through the mountains to Santa Ines, then to Coco's and back north thru Gonzaga and back to SF. Again in 5 days and another great ride!

Here’s one of my favorite pics of me on the 2002 trip

Mike :yes:

Riding through the mud in the Calamajue Wash

South S/F Riding

ArvadaGeorge - 11-1-2006 at 06:42 AM

Looks like fun. I am bringing a group to Nuevo Mazatlan 12-27 to 1-6-07.
M/C, ATV’s & some 4x4 drivers. We have been doing some exploring west of
Camp. I hope to put together some more loops this year.


Last years report

Baja California, Mexico, Trip Report, Dec. 22, 2005/Jan. 6, 2006

Campo Nuevo Mazatlan, south (KM 32) of San Felipe

Campers: Lee & Chris Carrier & kids (Heather, Lindsey, Nathan); Doug & Teresa Linder plus Christopher & Doug’s nephew Jesse; Brett & Dina of California and kids (Jacob & Jillian); Dick & Mark Southwell & families along with friends Bill, Karen & daughter Jeannette.

Campo Nuevo Mazatlan is set back from the beach among many rows of tamarisk trees, providing shade and a windbreak. Picnic tables were handy for potluck meals. Showers were available, but cold. Gorgeous sunrises & sunsets made up for that. We watched dophins frolicking in the water our first morning. Mostly we had the camp to ourselves. The weather was mostly sunny and warm, a welcome break from the cold December temperatures in Colorado.

Our host, Javier, arrived just in time to pull our RV out of deep sand with his 2 wheel drive pickup after our ATV and Lee’s 4 wheel drive truck failed. After picking a spot of packed sand, we settled in.

Christmas eve was a shrimp dinner; Christmas dinner featured George’s deep fried turkey and side dishes. Dick & Mark Southwell & family joined us along with friends Bill & Karen & daughter Jeannette. We enjoyed locally caught corvina (sea bass) another night and our own homemade shrimp tacos for a lunch.

George’s motorcycle trips took the riders (John, Thomas, Lee, Brett, Todd, Darryl, Gene, Doug,Joe) to Sand Canyon, Las Blancas., Matomi and Parral. Running out of gas in Parral sent Todd Heinz back to camp for gas, with all returning after dark.

Nearby family rides included jaunts to a sulphur mine, scouting Apache tears (obsidian), beachcombing for shells on Shell Island and a visit to the Puertocitos hot springs. A bucket full of clams found by the Carriers and friends provided a feast of linguini and clams for everyone. The sulphur rocks, white with lime green streaks (the sulphur) burned blue and melt in the nightly campfires. The boys also enjoyed setting off fireworks. No trip to San Felipe is complete without trips to town for shrimp and fish tacos and shopping.

Several of us joined the local Parade of Lights the night of Dec. 30. Approximately 30 decorated trucks and ATVs trekked down the beach, waving at local residents. The float with a large cactus and KM 32 in lights won first prize, followed by the giant green Grinch and sleigh. Dick Southwell ended up leading the parade with George as drag.

Baja Lou’s New Years Eve fabulous outdoor turkey feast brought together 175 locals and visitors to enjoy several different kinds of smoked turkey and many side dishes. Notable visitors included David K. & friend Elizabeth (Baja Angel), and other Nomads. Baja Me came up from Campo Nuevo Mazatlan too.

George and Louise took a day trip to Gonzaga Bay for a shrimp taco lunch at Alfonsina’s. The ocean scenery was gorgeous as we bounced along the wash boarded gravel road. After lunch we found some friends who recently purchased a new beach house on the sand spur. We enjoyed a nice visit before returning to Nuevo Mazatlan. We discussed local trails and they told us of playing with whale sharks in the bay in October.

A windy day toward the end of the trip brought several shrimp boats in near the shore to wait for calmer seas. Nomad neighbor Rob told us they were better predictors of the wind than the weather forecasters.

Sadly, we waved farewell to camp and San Felipe until the next time. Adios! Hasta luego!


Day by Day Chronicles of Our Rides:


12-24-05 ATV”s & M/C up and down the beach

12-25-06 With 4 riders We road up Agua de Chale and I broke the shift lever mounting bolt on my EXC300. We went back to camp and I got my DRZ400; rode it 2 miles and the electric starter failed (charging part of the stator) so I had to get by the rest of the trip with the kick starter. Good thing I installed that option. It was a little dicey without a hot start button though. I drilled out the exc bolt that night.

12-26-05 With 6 riders we road up Arroyo Parral with the hope of connecting it with the wash to the south. We didn’t get all the way thru but there are possibilities. I had hopes of getting back and trying from the south but I didn’t get it done- next time maybe??
PM With 5 atv s we road to Apache sulfur mine.

12-27-05 With 3 ATVs we went out to Shell Island; great shelling -- large shells and lots of large sand dollars. The salt flat was dry and we rode across it.

12-28-05 With 3 riders we road Hidden Canyon to Rams head and on to San Felipe

12-29-05 All went to Puertocitos for the Hot springs. We got there just after high tide so didn’t have to wait long for the pools to heat up. Most rode motorcycles and atvs on the beach there and back We did have 2 trucks meet us-- they said the road after 52 km was rough.

12-30-05 With 3 riders we rode sand canyon to Apache tears road and had hopes of finding “Of Sea And Sand” rt # 47 (on page 224). We didn’t but found a great wash into Matomi Then rode Matomi out to the Puertocitous road.


12-31-05 Louise and I rode the DRZ to Baja Lou’s party. I’ve been charging the battery on the RV (it works for a few times then). Lou drove me around his home in a Swiss army vehicle –neat . Great food!

1-1-06 AM 3 atv s Apache Tears back thru Sand Canyon
Todd & the Boys showed up
PM took 5 riders up Agua de Chale to Apache Tears Back thru Sand Canyon and rode the Beach back to camp .

1-2-06 With 7 riders we road Hidden Valley to Rams Head.& on to San Felipe for tacos.
I stopped by Rob’s house on the way up the beach. Rob and David K were on his patio. I only had time to say Hi & catch up with the Boys .
(I am their leader- which way did they go?)

1-3-06 Louise And I rode the DRZ400 down the road to Gonzaga. Wwe had lunch at Alfonsina’s (shrimp tacos; they were excellent). Some friends recently bought a house there and although they weren’t home before lunch they were after so we had a nice visit.
The boy’s rode beach to Puertocitos where we saw them at the bar; they were on their way to the hot springs.

1-4-06 With 3 riders we started with Sand canyon; went south still looking for rt# 47. Took Apache tears to Matomi. Went south into Las Blancas ( it’s really washed out; can hardly find the road or get thru) Came back to Matomi. Went west into Valle de Chino; had a hard time finding Canyon Parral on the West side, Finally did. By then we were low on Gas. 1/3 of the way thru with direction from me Todd left for camp for gas. Darrell and I went real slow and got ¾ of the way there before we both ran out of gas. Todd showed up with gas at 5:00 pm and we came in on the head lights(the one Darrel didn’t have)
ALL’S WELLTHAT ENDS WELL


1-5-06 With 3 riders we road Pumpkin Rock trail from south to north. In the middle we tried to ride over to Canyon Parral; we got within 1/2 mile. I need to try to come from Parral next time.
PM Louise and I rode the AV over to Rob’s home at Santa Maria. Nice place right on the beach

. George Gangler
george@arvadacycle.com
www.arvadacycle.com
Arvada Cycle
10940 W 44th Ave
Wheat Ridge Co. 80033
303-422-3957

Bruce R Leech - 11-1-2006 at 08:21 AM

George do you sale Motor cycles I cant find any on your website. I am looking for a good used dirt Bike not to big maybe a 250 or 350. do you have anything like that?

ArvadaGeorge - 11-1-2006 at 02:13 PM

I don't sell bikes. Just parts Acc. and I do service

Bruce R Leech - 11-1-2006 at 02:15 PM

Ok Bummer

jimgrms - 11-1-2006 at 03:44 PM

Bruce take a loo at the honda 230f they are nice bikes electric start can be made street legal and are not expensive. they are not going to win the baja 1k but are great trail bikes

[Edited on 11-1-2006 by jimgrms]

AmoPescar - 11-1-2006 at 03:47 PM

GREAT REPORT GEORGE!!!

From reading your report, it sounds as though you didn't sit still for more than 5 minutes at most. You guys really packed in the adventures!

I really like the South campos area a lot. The access from the border and SF is easy and not too long to get there for me. I used to have a female friend who had a house there, and we were down together real often. I haven't been there as much in the last couple of years. But, I need to get down again sometime soon.

Mike :D

Bruce R Leech - 11-1-2006 at 03:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jimgrms
Bruce take a loo at the honda 230f they are nice bikes electric start can be made street legal and are not expensive. they are not going to win the baja 1k but are great trail bikes

[Edited on 11-1-2006 by jimgrms]


yes that looks like what I am looking for Jim. all I would want is a biger tank for a little mor range. now if I can find a used one I will have it made http://www.southernhonda.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=0164...

El Camote - 11-1-2006 at 04:22 PM

Hey George,
Don't know if you remember me but I rode for a day with your band of desperados into Valle Chico about 3 years ago. I have an aging XL500 which refuses to die despite a dead battery and 6 mo. old gas in the tank. Beyond all logic, she starts right up and sputters away like gramma on bourbon.

I don't have the heart to take her out and shoot her so I'm looking to replace the rear fender and tail light ass'y. Would you have anything in stock that would work? Don't need the original parts, just anything that would fit. In fact I prefer a smaller taillight. Believe she's an '82 vintage.

gracias

ArvadaGeorge - 11-1-2006 at 04:50 PM

Sure I Rember you we went to the Madona

UFO make a rear fender and a bolt under tail light for $45.00

I can bring it down for you if you want

ArvadaGeorge

do I fit in?

msawin - 11-1-2006 at 08:59 PM

Boy I just do not know if I fit into this...

I do not own a motorcycle, Oh I do have a 90 honda. I do have a yfz450 for my wife and I have a Banshee 350 Quad for my self...

I was an experct district 36 cross country racer and I was an expert district 36 motocross racer.Was CMC #1x.

I did have Danny La Porte as my pit man at my ameture 125 race at Dixon Calif back in 1975 pre his win at Hang town with Suzuki. Rode with Magoo. Raced with Darrel Schultz in his first ameture race at Helveta Park, he lapped me... Raced with him in his last ameture Expert race at Hang town Motocross 250 expert race.. he lapped me....


Do I make it?

elchinero - 11-4-2006 at 07:53 AM

Tom has the handle: smaller HAS become better ... Honda and Yamaha 250 four-strokes do very well. The new WR250 has MORE horsepower than my XR400, many pounds lighter, AND has an electric start! In the overall scheme, ride what everyone else rides: 4-stroke Hondas. Runs ANY fuel ("green", old, "mix", etc.) in a pinch. Utterly reliable w/ decent fuel mileage.

Carol - 11-4-2006 at 08:38 AM

Until this summer most of my riding was done in the La Paz/East Cape area. My CRF188 ( a 150 with a 188 BBK) has ~3200 miles on it now.

This past summer I put in ~ 2 - 3 rides/week with our Galz Club, mostly on sgl track style riding. I also raced in our local Hare Scramble series (2nd last almost every time!). I still have a long way to go to claiming being a good rider but the riding at home is far more technical than the Baja stuff so I'm really looking forward to seeing how that transfers to this year's Baja stuff.
We head down Nov 22.

I have some Baja pics online at:
http://www.cablelan.net/vistaww/dirtbike/index.htm


Carol

Bruce R Leech - 11-4-2006 at 09:09 AM

but I still dont have a bike:(

vgabndo - 11-4-2006 at 12:01 PM

Guess I'll have to jump in even though I haven't ridden in years. My last two dirt bikes, both Husky 390's, one a 5 sp. the other a 4 sp. were my fourteenth and fifteenth dirt bikes.

I worked for San Diego Suzuki, Suzuki Lemon Grove, and Lucky Yamaha when "dirty" David Wiles the Kawasaki King was Lucky's hot salesman. (we were roommates)

I raced a little AFM, poorly, but my only claim to fame came as a "Salt Biker". In 1969 I went 112.88 mph down course, and 121.621 on the return for a 117.252 average that was 10 mph and change over the existing World Record at Bonneville. This on a basically stock 1967 Suzuki X-6 250 cc. The record held for a very short length of time...except in this old guy's memory.:coolup:

I put a whole crap load of miles in the NorCal mountains on my oddest dirt bike of all. A 340 ROKON.:lol:

[Edited on 11-4-2006 by vgabndo]

74rokon_rt340.jpg - 11kB

vgabndo - 11-4-2006 at 12:09 PM

Here's a photo that should warm the old timer's hearts. I took it about a month ago in Southern Oregon. Here we see the legendary Dick Mann winning his race in the vintage motocross series on his beautifully restored BSA 441 Victor.
Oh yeah, he's well into his seventies.

[Edited on 11-5-2006 by vgabndo]

DickMannriding.jpg - 13kB

vgabndo

bajadogs - 11-4-2006 at 09:26 PM

Here's my 1970 2-wheel drive Rokon Trailbreaker. It has not seen the dirt of Baja yet. I inherited it from an uncle who used it to hunt deer in the Sierras. I'm pretty sure the thing will drive up a telephone pole if you had the nerve to try!

1970Rokon.jpg - 35kB

vgabndo - 11-4-2006 at 09:39 PM

Whoa Dude:

This is bound to stir up the "hotshoes". Can't you fill the tires on that land crusher with gas to extend the range???:lol: Lots of parts on e-bay. They are worth $$$

At least it has a kick starter. My 340 you had to pull a rope.
The Salsbury drive automatic transmission would allow the machine to be stopped on a near vertical hill, and the engine wouldn't stall and the back wheel would continue to slowly grind away until the whole sumbits finally rolled over backwards. It was easy to ride it up a tree until your feet wouldn't touch the ground, but I never got good enough to back down without falling over. Considering its weight, falling over was never a good option. I still walk with a limp that I got from that motorcycle.:lol:

bajadogs - 11-4-2006 at 10:00 PM

Quote:
Can't you fill the tires on that land crusher with gas to extend the range???


Yep. The rims can be filled with gasoline. You can see the plugs in the photo. I don't have too much experience with this crazy bike yet. It still starts right up and drives OK. It even has a rifle rack mounted on the left side (not seen in photo).

Very cool to see another Rokon on this post! Thanks!

PJC - 1-29-2007 at 12:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
Guess I'll have to jump in even though I haven't ridden in years. My last two dirt bikes, both Husky 390's, one a 5 sp. the other a 4 sp. were my fourteenth and fifteenth dirt bikes.



What Husky 390 had a 5-speed transmission?

[Edited on 1-29-2007 by PJC]

Cypress - 1-29-2007 at 01:17 PM

4 wheels are better than two.:light: Those two wheeled wing-dings will break your bones, not to mention destroy your hearing.:bounce::tumble:

Fun times

baitcast - 1-29-2007 at 03:54 PM

I rode a bunch late 60,s thru the 70,s,back when men were men and 5'' of travel was alot,250 husky wr........TT 500,both fun bikes.
BAITCAST

vgabndo - 1-29-2007 at 04:43 PM

PJC OR

PJC - 1-29-2007 at 04:54 PM

What year?

vgabndo - 1-29-2007 at 06:16 PM

I have no idea. Mid to late seventies I think.

Why do you ask?

Bikin' Baja

motoged - 1-30-2007 at 12:12 AM

Nomads,
Thanks to Longlegsinlapaz for offering a parking spot....missed you in San Nicholas, Vgabndo (but dropped in to say hello to WildRide), and no one stopped me to comment on my "I Had To Make My Own Baja Nomads T-shirt"....

....sorry to not fly with Mike's Screamin' Airline (schedule conflict)...

And sorry to not connect with Corky....I missed a good ride opportunity there:no:

Here is the beginning of my recent ride's ride report:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199166

motoged - 1-30-2007 at 12:13 AM

Correction...it is Wild Rice...San Sebastion

Ged

vgabndo - 1-30-2007 at 01:45 AM

I'm sorry we missed you. KurtG stopped in as we were packing to leave. When his big thumper arrived at the gate, I thought it was you!!

I only got to see Wild Rice once this trip, we circled around each other a couple of times out at the island trying to get on some Yellows.

We 4x4'd over to San Sebastian to visit, but that was the day he had gone to Loreto to pick up his company.

Perhaps another time amigo, the Bienvenidos Mat is out..

Corky1 - 1-30-2007 at 07:54 PM

Been riding since age of 13. Raced Dist 37 for years.
My first Baja race bike. Baja 500 1971

http://corky1.smugmug.com/gallery/953572#65258122-L-LB

DKW 125cc 6spd



Corky :lol: :lol:

[Edited on 1-31-2007 by Corky1]

vgabndo - 2-8-2007 at 10:07 PM

I posted an apology for two errors in my original post on this thread. (The one with the picture of the yellow Rokon) I had been called names for making a mistake about the number of gears in a transmission. The moderator immediately moved the post to off-topic. If you are interested, you can find the information in that forum under "RUNdo the dirtbiker", and "An apology to Nomad Dirtbikers" The password is over18.

Yes

Sharksbaja - 2-9-2007 at 12:15 AM

for many years,many years ago. 238cc Kawi Green Streak

400 Yama YZ. Please brain, remember right!!!

Still hop on bikes occasionally. Yes, I can still wheelie up the road at 60 with the others.:lol: One never loses the feel.;D

Phil S - 2-9-2007 at 07:50 AM

I brought a vintage Honda CB125 and found it wasn't worth a hoot for arroya's. Took it back and next year brought down a CL 175 Honda. That was great for what I wanted to ride. Discovered many adventures while riding it in the Loreto/Juncalito area. One trip especially I'll never forget was up to the "Ponds" south of Puerto Escondido. My riding has always been sane & safe. Though there was a part of me that wanted to be "on the wild side". But my bones break easily, and with much experience in the past, sane safe was more fun for me. At one time had five Vintage Honda's. Including a very hard to find Trail 125 only made in l977. I believe it was called the CT125 Only had 9?? miles on it when I found it.
Viva la motorcycles!!!!
Bruce. Before buying a bike, I'd suggested getting a bone density check to see if you can fall off & walk away without any broken bones. My brother crashed down here on his CL175, and pulled all his quadricep tendens out of his knee cap. Laid up for 30 days after the operation in Oregon. Full recovery after six months. Was he lucky!!!!! He was 72 at the time of accident. On his way back from a ride to San Javier with a friend.

[Edited on 2-9-2007 by Phil S]

jimgrms - 2-9-2007 at 08:37 AM

Bruce the honda crf230 do not need a larger gas tank when i had mine i rode with guys that rode xr 400 and used 1/2 the gas they did for the same distance, also a xr 2000 are real good trail bikes, but are hard to find used

[Edited on 2-9-2007 by jimgrms]

Baja-or-Bust - 2-9-2007 at 11:20 AM

I have an XR650 (dual registration) with the baja designs kit. I injured my back whith less than 10 hours on the bike. I don't want to, but think i'll end up selling it and get a buggy. I just love baja and have been going down there for all of my life. I'm a dual citizen and have given some thought to buying property as well. Good luck with the riding!!!

David K - 2-9-2007 at 12:29 PM

A campground where we can get together and do off road trips from would be great... El Rosario has lots of potential...

El Rosario Area

Missions, Museum, La Bocana, La Lobera

Cactus Garden and Sauzalito mine ruins

Petrified Forest & La Bocana Beach

El Camino Real near Km. 80

Las Pintas Fossil Grotto

Los Martires to El Socorro, cactus forests, petroglyphs found!

Mision San Fernando and petros '05

Mina de San Fernando (plus mission and petros in '00)

El Marmol & El Volcan

Agua Dulce historic spring (plus Baja Cactus Motel)

Mama Espinoza Museum & Search for Santa Ursula

(the above list are links to photos at http://community-2.webtv.net/vivabaja/tours )

ArvadaGeorge - 2-9-2007 at 02:29 PM

GREAT MOTORCYCLE QUOTES AND WISDOM



Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.

Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle.

Life may begin at 30, but it doesn't get real interesting until about 110 mph!


You start the game of life with a full pot o' luck and an empty pot o' experience... The object is to fill the pot of experience before you empty the pot of luck.

If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.

Midnight bugs taste best.

Saddlebags can never hold everything you want, but they CAN hold everything you need.

Never try to race an old geezer, he may have one more gear than you.

It takes more love to share the saddle than it does to share the bed.

The only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rearview mirror.

Never be afraid to slow down.

Don't ride so late into the night that you sleep through the sunrise.

Sometimes it takes a whole tankful of fuel before you can think straight.

Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you'll ride alone.

Never hesitate to ride past the last street light at the edge of town.

Never do less than fifty miles before breakfast.

If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride.

A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.

Respect the person who has seen the dark side of motorcycling and lived.

Young riders pick a destination and go... Old riders pick a direction and go.

A good mechanic will let you watch without charging you for it.

Sometimes the fastest way to get there is to stop for the night.

Always back your bike into the curb, and sit where you can see it.

Work to ride & ride to work.

Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.

Two-lane blacktop isn't a highway - it's an attitude.

When you look down the road, it seems to never end - but you better believe it does.

Winter is Nature's way of telling you to polish. (unless you live in Southern California)

Keep your bike in good repair: Motorcycle boots are NOT comfortable for walking. ( For Harley Riders)

People are like Motorcycles: each is customized a bit differently.

Sometimes, the best communication happens when you're on separate bikes.

Good coffee should be indistinguishable from 50 weight motor oil.

The best alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.

The twisties - not the superslabs -separate the riders from the squids.

When you're riding lead, don't spit.

A friend is someone who'll get out of bed at 2 am to drive his pickup to the middle of nowhere to get you when you're broken down.

Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt @ 70 mph can double your vocabulary.

If you want to get somewhere before sundown, you can't stop at every tavern.

There's something ugly about a NEW bike on a trailer. ( Amen)

Don't lead the pack if you don't know where you're going.

Practice wrenching on your own bike.

Everyone crashes. Some get back on. Some don't. Some can't.

Don't argue with an 18-wheeler.

Never be ashamed to unlearn an old habit.

A good long ride can clear your mind, restore your faith, and use up a lot of fuel.

If you can't get it going with bungee cords and electrician's tape, it's serious. ( Mr Bungee lives in Ohio)

If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be.

Bikes parked out front mean good chicken-fried steak inside.

Gray-haired riders don't get that way from pure luck.

There are drunk riders. There are old riders. There are NO old, drunk riders.

Thin leather looks good in the bar, but it won't save your butt from "road rash" if you go down.

The best modifications cannot be seen from the outside.

Always replace the cheapest parts first.

You can forget what you do for a living when your knees are in the breeze.

Patience is the ability to keep your motor idling.

Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

Keep the paint up, and the rubber down!

There are two types of people in this world, people who ride motorcycles and people who wish they could ride motorcycles.

Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly.

"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."

Ride as if your life depended on it !!

bajadogs - 2-9-2007 at 07:24 PM

Great stuff! I agree with most of it.
I'd like to add to this one -
"Practice wrenching on your own bike." ...with the tools you ride with.

cabokid - 2-9-2007 at 08:12 PM

Riding Baja 35 yrs . Started riding Mikes 25yrs ago and still ride there a couple times a year. Keep saying I"m getting to old and have to slow down and then they come out with such great bikes it makes even an old guy like me forgiving. Now ride KTM 525 Exc and plan to enter the Baja 500 on my 60th Birthday in the new old man class

motoged - 2-12-2007 at 01:45 PM

Nomads,
My first bike trip to Baja was in '94 on a 1981 R80 G/S...

and after several more on various bikes, this is my latest..

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199166