Bikeriding Baja

Highway 1

in case you don't believe him...and this is flat ground. just wait until you get in the mountains...not much room for error...

Darwin award winners

People riding bicycles down the Baja highway assuredly have a death wish. If they don't get themselves killed, they will likely kill someone else who is trying to avoid running them over and gets involved in a head-on. Buy a mountain bike and ride the dirt roads if you need a challenge, but please stay off of the highway, the life you save may be mine.
I'm not trying to be cruel, just stating a fact.

You are so very correct. However, do you believe that it is OK to risk the lives of other people not involved in the activity?

It has been argued here before, and some believe that motorists should just be willing to share the highway with the bike riders. A very good point, but it ignores the reality of Baja Highway 1.

1. Very narrow highway often with zero shoulders and nasty dropoffs on the side--especially in the mountains.

2. Lots of vehicles driving too fast

3. Lots of big truck traffic

So like others, we have had some very close encounters when avoiding hitting bike riders.

This is one of the wider and flater parts of the highway---imagine being on a curve with no shoulder and encountering this on your bike.



Should the truck driver go off the road to avoid a bike rider?

As it is, this is how many of the trucks negotiate the curves.



And this is not an uncommon sight .



Some try to compare it to riding Highway 1 in California, but on that highway there are mostly tourists, they expect bike riders, and there is not the horrendous big truck traffic.

Yes, it is a choice if one wants to take the risk, but it is also putting others at risk----right or wrong, it is the reality of that highway. JMHO

Diane

A very good idea

Road out of Gonzaga Bay

????????????????????... !

I rode my bike down PCH (US Hwy 1) from Portland to Ventura, and it aint NOTHIN like Mex 1!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Bwana_John Quote: Some try to compare it to riding Highway 1 in California ????????????????????... ! I rode my bike down PCH (US Hwy 1) from Portland to Ventura, and it aint NOTHIN like Mex 1!!!

Please look at this, bikers

Where would you be?


Compliments of JR(RIP)

nuts

YES WE SAW THE ASS HOLES ON THE PEDEL BIKES ALSO !!!!!!!!!!!!!! + lot more on our way home this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THERE IS NO WAY THE AIR HEADS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RIDE ON THE ROAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LET ME SAY IF IT YOU OR ME / YOU ARE GONA BE IN A VERY BAD WAY / AS WE HAVE A NICE RIG CUSTOM BUILT & I WILL NOT RUN OFF THE ROAD FOR SOME ASS HOLE !!!!!!!!!! ON A LITTLE BIKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEA YEA ~~

Choices

Bikeriders,
I enjoy risk-taking adventures and used to want to bicycle in Baja. After my first trip to Baja in 1988 to kayak for a month, I understood why people strongly discouraged bicycling the main highway.

Subsequent trips by truck and motorcycle (on and off-road) only emphasized the point of the dangerous risks posed by bicycles on the highway. I can handle meth-crazed truckers, local and gringo drunks, potholes you can lose a Winnebago in, running out of gas, livestock on the highways (yes, I have driven at night a few times), rocks left on the highway, and witnessing wrecks along the way....but the most dangerous encounters I have had on Baja highways was caused by bicyclists either taking up more than their share of the road, or being on it in corners with two-way traffic.

If you MUST bicycle Baja, I agree with the suggestions of getting to south cape area and/or riding off-road sections with mountain bikes.

Take the bus from Tijuana south.

If I had a choice between the ditch/cliff and hitting a bicyclist, I might not chose the ditch.

Rent a vehicle and drive down there first and then plan your trip....because we would rather hear that you enjoyed your vacation than causing grief to yourself and others.

If you want to live on the adrenalin edge, have people cursing you, and getting the back of your head crushed by a passing side mirror....bicycle the Baja.

Back to your regular programming.....

To state the dangers of the trip and then hope to find contacts to make it easier just doesn't make any sense, as it is encouraging these kids to take the risk. If my best friends wanted to ride a bike down here to see me, I would tell them to drive, fly, or take the bus, but if they're coming on bikes I won't be home to see them when they get here!

Edit: That sounds pretty harsh! If they went ahead with the trip I'd be glad to see them when they arrived

[Edited on 11-27-2008 by Paula]

While I have to agree with the posts preceding me trying to convince you of not riding because of this and that "real" dangers, I can help you with the picking yopu up at the airport, getting you to a hotel and getting you on the bus to Guerrero Negro or werever it is yu wil be starting your ride. I can also provide you with phone contacts were you can check in if you need help.
Let me know.
Saludos
fernando
fernando@ultimatebaja.com
PS I will request you provide a gift or two
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=35415

[Edited on 11-27-2008 by fdt]

Nadine....Put off your bike trip down hwy 1 immediately....After the road first opened in the early 1970's and into mid 80's there was not nearly the volume of traffic that there is now. We have done parts of it in sections. It can be very beautiful, but also a huge horror show each time you here a large truck to close for comfort, bearing down.The Mex. Govt. should make it illegal. It is suicide. Try the Oregon Coast and N. Cal Coasts in summer months, if you need that kind of rush. Its much safer by a long shot. There is alot of good hiking and kayacking all over Baja where your actions wont effect others. Be safe.Be smart ++C++

While I urge caution, I also find it funny that those who are most adamant against riding are those who probably haven't ridden a bike since they were 12.

If you go.. watch out for the crazy gringos.. don't ride at night.. and ride with at least one or two others.

There are no hospitals, 911, etc.... so make sure at least two of you know good first aid. The road can get rough; and, you never know when some speeding gingo that you unwittingly "endangerd" will run you off the road.

Be safe, everyone in a car.. stay home.

(The terrorists would have a lot less money if more people rode bikes)

In the 1980's two friends of mine started riding their bicycles from Los Angeles to Cabo (lands end) every December. Sometimes through horrible rain storms and mostly sleeping beside the road. They continued this for a few years until it became routine.

One of them would travel to England every summer and ride his bike from Los Angeles New York to catch the plane, again sleeping beside the road at night.
They are both alive and well having loved every mile of their great adventures.

Many people are seduced to do the impossible and Baja has always drawn them in. Gee - who would live on a river that overflows its banks continuously and has hurricanes every year? Anyone you know?

Quote:

Originally posted by Mango While I urge caution, I also find it funny that those who are most adamant against riding are those who probably haven't ridden a bike since they were 12. If you go.. watch out for the crazy gringos.. don't ride at night.. and ride with at least one or two others. There are no hospitals, 911, etc.... so make sure at least two of you know good first aid. The road can get rough; and, you never know when some speeding gingo that you unwittingly "endangerd" will run you off the road. Be safe, everyone in a car.. stay home. (The terrorists would have a lot less money if more people rode bikes)

Quote:

Originally posted by RichnLinda Quote: Originally posted by Mango While I urge caution, I also find it funny that those who are most adamant against riding are those who probably haven't ridden a bike since they were 12. If you go.. watch out for the crazy gringos.. don't ride at night.. and ride with at least one or two others. There are no hospitals, 911, etc.... so make sure at least two of you know good first aid. The road can get rough; and, you never know when some speeding gingo that you unwittingly "endangerd" will run you off the road. Be safe, everyone in a car.. stay home. (The terrorists would have a lot less money if more people rode bikes) So, you figure they only have to look out for the gringos? How do you figure the Mexican truck drivers feel about them? What has not riding a bike since we were 12 got to do with our saftey? We were riding our bikes till we moved to Baja.

Quote:

Originally posted by Stickers In the 1980's two friends of mine started riding their bicycles from Los Angeles to Cabo (lands end) every December. Sometimes through horrible rain storms and mostly sleeping beside the road. They continued this for a few years until it became routine. One of them would travel to England every summer and ride his bike from Los Angeles New York to catch the plane, again sleeping beside the road at night. They are both alive and well having loved every mile of their great adventures. Many people are seduced to do the impossible and Baja has always drawn them in. Gee - who would live on a river that overflows its banks continuously and has hurricanes every year? Anyone you know?

Oh, you need to know why these storms have taken a different track in the last 5 years. Are you interested?

Most folks simply bought a home there in the wrong decade. Of course before all the most recent floodings the "other" threat was having a coastal home on Ejido land.

Yep life's a gamble but we didn't ask for no stinking hurricanes.

This is one subject that borders purely on the amount of common sense you pack.

The flooding of ones' home doesn't do the same potential for harming others. I find that a silly comparison.

Anyhoo, it's just my opinion that it is unwise for those that err on the side of safety.

Remember this as well, if there were to be an accident who would get the short end. even if you survived they would probably blame the biker who most likely has plenty of guts but no vehicle insurance.
Could get nasty, be very careful.

Yes, I agree and I also believe that if someone wants to make the choice to die, that is a their right. I just don't believe that they should be encouraged to do it in a manner that endangers others.

So, yes, the reality is that all of those things exist on that highway, and it is not the idea of some lack of personal responsibilty for some mythical accident, it is a simply a matter of should they be encouraged.

In areas where the road is very narrow some Mexicans use bicycles for transportation, but they are along side or down the side of the road-----not on the road. That is the choice they make.

Diane

Sorry the quote lines are messed up---won't go back and fix them----could be seen as a pedantic move-- I guess some things are discussions and others are pedantic lecturing





[Edited on 11-29-2008 by jdtrotter]

Sounds pedantic to me

----but I guess that it is only the opinions and discussion of others that seem pedantic, especially if they disagree with one. Been guilty of seeing things that way before, and probably will again.

It is such a nice word---one of those that really slams people, not their opinions, but people with whom you disagree.

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch Yes, in that it is a slam. No, about the difference in opinions, which I value. It is more in the endless and repeated "lecture" style of the stated opinion. Repetition tends to numb the intended recipient to whatever message is being reiterated and possibly(?)comes across as arrogant. Again. And again. And again.........sabe? Quote: Originally posted by jdtrotter Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch Not to sound pedantic like a few of the lecturers here Sounds pedantic to me ----but I guess that it is only the opinions and discussion of others that seem pedantic, especially if they disagree with one. Been guilty of seeing things that way before, and probably will again. It is such a nice word---one of those that really slams people, not their opinions, but people with whom you disagree.

Pompano, All those trucks (and cars) over the side of the cliffs... how do you know a bike rider didn't cause them?

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Pompano, All those trucks (and cars) over the side of the cliffs... how do you know a bike rider didn't cause them?

If people have such a hard time slowing, avoiding, or safely negotiating around a 2.5 foot wide hazard maybe its a good thing they fly off the road.

I'd hate to see how they panic when they see my broken down 6 foot wide car or a slow truck.

Maybe big government can step in and save everyone from the bike riders since nobody wants to take responsibility for themselves.

Understood.. I'm glad you were driving safely and avoided the accident. You experienced a Mexican "smerge"

Look.. its not always the cars fault or the bikers fault. Each situation is unique and I know that. Both drivers and riders should just be aware the other is there and do your best to remain safe and courteous of others and other peoples needs.

Bike riders don't expect cars to stay off the road, any more than drivers should expect bikes to stay home.

Sure, there are exceptions. Freeways allow no bikes, and bike trails allow no cars. Sure they can ride off road.. but try riding a bike a mile in sand and you will quickly see that Hwy 1 is the only viable route though Baja for most riders.

This whole argument would be best served in the Mexican legislature. Since most foreigners can't do anything about the laws in Mexico.. I just suggest being ready to deal with it until they make Hwy 1 into a four lane freeway.

I don't recommend doing the ride myslef. I don't recommend anyone ride a road bike anymore. It's not just Hwy 1 in Baja, it is roads everywhere. I've been run off the road here in the states, even with a bike lane. There are so many bad drivers and bikers without proper skills that mixing the two is going to be dangerous.

Just the other day a bike rider was killed near my town in northern California. The bike rider was riding at night without a light, no reflective gear, and on a narrow mountain road. Can anyone say "Darwinism"?

Hit and run.. he was killed. I feel sad for everyone involved; however, I believe the rider was 100% at fault. How are you supposed to see someone at night in the dark with no reflectors or lights?

It's sad really. The safest thing to do is lock your door, sit in front of the TV, and eat donuts and get fat. Great world we made.

To me.. this thread is not about bikes vs. cars.. but learning to accept other peoples realities and dreams. Learning to share the road and share this wonderful thing we all love called Baja.

Part of sharing is giving something up so others can enjoy it too.. I don't want Hwy 1 to be reserved for any one group to to exclude any one group. Ultimately, its not really about what I want or what you want - but what is. What is can change;but, right now there are bikes on that road.

All I am asking is that people please try to be courteous and understanding of other users of the road if you wish them to be courteous and understanding of you. We are all here.. nobody is going away.. just north or south.. so lets do what we can to get along.

:?lease do not risk it Live with care life has no spares.

:?lease do not risk it Live with care life has no spares.

I agree with you. We at least have common scene in common. Cheers.

I'd love to cruise Loreto someday on a cruiser.. I'd be more worried about the car stereos there than the cars themselves...

i'm thinking they mean passing, as in opposite directions. like in this foto. maybe they could ride their bike down the center line....

and here's a nice straight away. maybe they shouldn't be passing if they can't see what's ahead, but this is baja and logic isn't always available....i guess that center line thing needs reworking!!!

[Edited on 12-3-2008 by woody in ob]

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano . NORTH DAKOTA-MONTANA 'HIGHLINE HIGHWAY'..A REALLY GREAT BIKE RIDE FROM WEST TO EAST (PREVAILING WINDS) . .

Here's a snippet of European cycling, outside of Cortina, Italy. The roads are literally infested with riders, especially after the Giro passed through the area. The roads are super steep and windy, especially going around sharp switchbacks, there are autos, large buses, commercial trucks, and cyclists. They all co-exist.

Riding down Highway 1 in Baja is risky no doubt, but to say that bike riders cause accidents is ridiculous as it has been stated ad naseum. Careless driving is hazardous. I can certainly think of safer places to ride a bike in North America, but what an adventure to ride the Peninsula. Go for it!

No data indicate that bikes have caused accidents, rather the discussion here indicates that bikes are inconveniencing or scaring gringos driving too fast. The content of this discussion suggests that nomads believe cars should be able to drive faster than safe and not be impeded by any slow vehicles, particularly bikes, as bikes have fewer rights than cars. This is an endless discussion -- and all I have learned is that most gringo nomads think motor vehicle drivers rights to the road are superior to rights of bicycle riders.

Y'all should slow down, and not drive faster than visibility warrants -- you need to be able to stop safely when road conditions change on blind corners, whether it's a cow, biker, fallen rock, or stalled car on the road.

The dead horse says slow down.

i think the last sentence quoted above should be the last of this thread!!!!!

Whoa! wilderone and DK (and half of the nomads here?) are true haters of bicyclists. I imagine you are the people that drive by and try try to ruin my bike rides with your yelling of nasty comments from your cars - there is always one on every weekend ride. I always find such people to be overweight and/or high-strung/high-stress people -- both conditions that would be improved by getting some exercise on a bike

Peace out!

Yes we can!

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob Quote: Originally posted by wilderone "you should drive in a safe manner so you don't endanger others on the road. you should also learn the rules of the road, which allow bicycles to use the road." That goes for cyclists too - and a cyclist on a blind turn with a guard rail and an 18-wheeler coming in the opposite lane, or peddling in the middle of the lane is a nuisance and endangers others. The rules of road? Which Mexican rules are those? In California cyclists should obey all regulations the same as a vehicle. If the speed is posted at 50 mph, then a cyclist crawling along at 15 mph is impeding traffic and a hazard. etc., etc. Mex. 1 was not designed for bicycles. Cyclists don't "share" the responsibility - they expect everyone to watch out for them and they do nothing for their own safety - even a cow or goat knows to get off the road when a car is coming. So the upshot remains that among the HAZARDS of Mex. 1 are goats, cows, fallen rocks, pot holes AND CYCLISTS (note - same category as a cow but with less common sense). i think the last sentence quoted above should be the last of this thread!!!!!

I agree with Woody, except I would add one other animal, horses, because they are downright crazy!. If one is right next to the road it will wait until car is close, and then run right out onto the road.

For cows we slow way down to give them a chance to leave the road, for horses and other members of the animal kingdom with less common sense than the cows, we stop completely until they decide what they are going to do.

Now, are those city or country cows? It could make a difference.

Actually Sr Goat...

all I ever say when I make passed them is:

"JESUS CHRIST"..... then say a little prayer.


How do they know I'm not talking to Heysoos over there!

I pray for safe passage.

Actually Cows and Goats don't know better... Humans on bicycles should!!!


"Whoa! wilderone and DK (and half of the nomads here?) are true haters of bicyclists. I imagine you are the people that drive by and try try to ruin my bike rides with your yelling of nasty comments from your cars - there is always one on every weekend ride."

No goat, I just drive by and wonder if tHey get to the end of the ride alive or without causing others any harm by their stupidity.

Hwy. 1 between San Quintin and Santa Rosalia (or perhaps La Paz) was NOT designed to accomodate the youth of the world for their joy rides or life challenges that locals cannot typically afford.

The highway's final section (built in 1973) was done to meet a budget, the narrower the road, the further money would stretch it... and it was built to help the economy of the peninsula to allow RVs, autos, trucks and busses to get from one end of Baja to the other in a couple of days instead of a couple of weeks. IT is too narrow for the safety and can cause them to get hit or cause a head on if the car/ truck swerves around them to avoid hitting them.

Want to bike down Baja? Use a mountain bike and take the dirt roads or less traveled gulf side road... Want help in locating the old Baja main road or parallel routes south, I am the man that will help the bikers for free... Anything to get their selfish butts off Highway One where they will hurt someone or be hurt!

(photo showing the obvious stupidity of riding on this highway, taken by jr baja)

[Edited on 12-6-2008 by David K]

dk, your selfishness and egotism again shine thru.

you appear to be someone who should plant his own selfish butt on a bike seat. it's good exercise

peACE OUT!

Yes we can!

OMG

This is the second thread this week where I have found myself agreeing with DK---

I know, it must be those planets and the moon---

Scares me.

Diane

On edit, had to correct a spelling error---DK would not like it-OK, OK, I know, you only attack place name spelling errors.

[Edited on 12-6-2008 by jdtrotter]