BajaNomad - Try a different route

Try a different route

fdt - 9-19-2007 at 10:24 AM

With all of the reports of bad experiences on the strech from the border to Rosarito using the toll road, why don't you (those that are interested) take the free road or libre, it's Free, Well traveled, Easy to find, 4 lanes, Not dangerous IMHMO and as a good scout, Logical because it's a straight line. Oh, I forgot to mention that there are plenty of Oxxo's to stop at on that route

The ilogical and recently talked about route Vs the logical, not in the news route;

The so easy to find free road, just as you come across, stay on the right lanes and go to the second traffic circle (Cuahutemoc) and make a right;

fdt - 9-19-2007 at 10:26 AM

PS;
Happy birthday Simone, AKA Mrs fdt.

Natalie Ann - 9-19-2007 at 10:59 AM

Happy Birthday, Simone.
Wishing you a real happy day and fun year ahead.

Nena

Roberto - 9-19-2007 at 11:57 AM

Typically, I have found fdt's route to be slower than the new road via Otay. The traffic can be pretty heavy.

fdt - 9-19-2007 at 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
How do you compare that way to the new road east of Otay to Popotla?
I have traveled that way 3 times and it doesn't seem any shorter time-wise than the toll road but it certainly "felt" safer to me.
I'll give the free road a shot next time.

The new Blvd 2000 would be fine if you are crossing at Otay.

fdt - 9-19-2007 at 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Typically, I have found fdt's route to be slower than the new road via Otay. The traffic can be pretty heavy.

Correcto Roberto, it is slower in a way and it's because of traffic and stop lights but in mileage it's a shorter route and it's free. Does speed count if these thugs would be wanting to stop you anyway?

Roberto - 9-19-2007 at 04:09 PM

Of course not. The choice is between the new Otay route and the "Via Rapida" - that's what it's called, right?

The ultimate new route

Hook - 9-19-2007 at 05:39 PM

I am, I am.

I'm heading straight for Sonora, from now on.

Roberto - 9-19-2007 at 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
I am, I am.

I'm heading straight for Sonora, from now on.

You talked about five hours below the border. How long to it - 3/4 hours? I found that towing to San Carlos is about the same time as going to Bahia, but much less stressful due to the better roads.

Hook - 9-19-2007 at 08:09 PM

That was also a major deciding factor, Roberto. So easy to drive 2/3 of the distance on interstates and then the last 5 hours on divided highway. No mention of highway robbery on any of the San Carlos boards in the few years I've been watching.

Just getting too old to face the tow down to at least SR on Baja.

Besides, if I want to see BOLA, SR or Mulege, I'll just cruise over on the "pond".

bajadock - 9-19-2007 at 08:48 PM

Fan of free road. DITTO FDT...
1. 10-15 minutes longer max from Ensenada to border:

north: jump back on "cuota" at Mision/La Fonda
off at Puerto Nuevo...9 miles to...
on at OXXO/Pemex just afer Rosarito toll booth
jump off at Rosarito Norte, just afer Commercial Mex

south: jump on entering Rosarito Norte from free rd
off at OXXO/Pemex/ after Las Rocas exit
on 3 miles south of Chuy
off at Mision/LaFonda

2. Case of beer richer for round trip w/o tolls
3. Scenery is more interesting, rural, more human for me
4. Miles are same and if it's getting dark on my return south, I'll fork over the last Ensenad toll
5. Otay is longer than either libre/cuota, adding jog back west to get to services in San Diego

GEEZ Doc, howcheapareya? Guests are never without a beverage from my frig or shelf.

[Edited on 9-20-2007 by bajadock]

[Edited on 9-20-2007 by bajadock]

Roberto - 9-19-2007 at 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
That was also a major deciding factor, Roberto. So easy to drive 2/3 of the distance on interstates and then the last 5 hours on divided highway. No mention of highway robbery on any of the San Carlos boards in the few years I've been watching.

Just getting too old to face the tow down to at least SR on Baja.

Besides, if I want to see BOLA, SR or Mulege, I'll just cruise over on the "pond".

Si senor. I understand and agree.

When I was in San Carlos, we crossed over to Isla Tortugas and Santa Rosalia "for the day". Nice trip. Beautiful marlin and Dorado cruising the east side of the island.

Bajafun777 - 9-20-2007 at 12:13 AM

Fdt, you give some good options and happy B-Day to Simone. I know you helped her celebrate her B-Day, however if you were both drinking tequila I know who drank the other one under the table!!! The tequila tasting at the Book Signing was a blast along with meeting you and your wife. She definately knows how to at least try to keep you from totally misbehaving, we had some good laughs that night. You also kept Jeans on her toes with your one- liners. Later------------------- bajafun777

Dave - 9-20-2007 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
The new Blvd 2000 would be fine if you are crossing at Otay.

Early morning or at night, I wouldn't drive 2000 on a bet. Too easy to get jacked. You're driving through the country with dozens of roads leading off into the hills where the narcos live. Also, I've never seen a cop on that road.

Ferna, any news as to the make and model of vehicle and how registered? My belief is that a pizza chit and Mexican plates is the best insurance.

I may be driving with a false sense of security. :rolleyes:

fdt - 9-20-2007 at 08:39 AM

Dave, you are so right about that Blvd 2000, I totaly agree.
Also crossing at Otay to the US is always slower than SYS, in my experience.
As for the make & model of their car, I don't know but then, it sais they were cattle ranchers and if I know my people, it would have been a flashy truck or something like that and they had been targeted for a while.
With all of these BajaNomad 2¢ worth of opinions have we reached the one peso mark? :lol:

Bajalover - 9-20-2007 at 09:11 AM

All great routes to try when not towing an Airstream. Think I'll stick to the Toll Road and drive it on a Sunday morning at 7am when everyone is sleeping or just getting up for breakfast. :lol:

fdt - 9-20-2007 at 09:50 AM

What size is an Airstream? Biger than a 18 wheel Semi that use the free road?
Just kidding, if I happen to be in Playas area, I will also use the toll road.

MrsFDT - 9-20-2007 at 10:30 AM

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. AND thanks to the husband FDT for announcing it.....

Another year wiser is what I hope happened... :?:

But we never know without retrospect. So i'll just have to wait till im 50 to look back and see the verdad (truth)

I am now 39, so I guess that means we have to do a BAJA BASH for my 40th. Tequila and a group of friends..... to hold my hair up and laugh while I puke my guts up on someones front lawn.

Oh wait, that was 20.... We'll have to do something, I think 40 is a landmark age? Cant wait. :lol:

woody with a view - 9-20-2007 at 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrsFDT
Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. AND thanks to the husband FDT for announcing it.....

Another year wiser is what I hope happened... :?:

WOW!!!! whatta gal!

Gadget - 9-20-2007 at 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Typically, I have found fdt's route to be slower than the new road via Otay. The traffic can be pretty heavy.

This is exactly what I have been posting for the last week. This will be my route for the near future. The traffic pretty heavy??? Me thinks that could be a deterant to some thug trying to get behind me and muscle me over for a rip off. PERFECT :mad:

[Edited on 9-21-2007 by Gadget]

BajaWarrior - 9-20-2007 at 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gadget

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Typically, I have found fdt's route to be slower than the new road via Otay. The traffic can be pretty heavy.

[Edited on 9-21-2007 by Gadget]

Triples your chances for a ticket by an (honest?) cop is the only problem.

Been kind of nice to make it through the questionable section near Playas and make a beeline for the toll road.

woody with a view - 9-20-2007 at 06:42 PM

wasn't there a story.....

awhile back about the road along the border fence and up until the toll booth supposedly being a "no pull over zone - let the gringo go" area? if that is the case, just stand on the accelerator until you hit the toll booth. hopefully, the punks will bail at the turn to playas.

anyone have any thoughts on this?

BajaWarrior - 9-20-2007 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
wasn't there a story.....

awhile back about the road along the border fence and up until the toll booth supposedly being a "no pull over zone - let the gringo go" area? if that is the case, just stand on the accelerator until you hit the toll booth. hopefully, the punks will bail at the turn to playas.

anyone have any thoughts on this?

They could always shoot at you if you don't pull over is the only drawback I'm thinking of...

David K - 9-20-2007 at 07:25 PM

Happy Birthday Simone!!! Virgos rock!!! :spingrin: