BajaNomad

Feedback on Motorcycle Trip

DK - 3-18-2009 at 04:50 PM

I am planning on riding my motorcycle down to La Paz and back over a 2+ week period shortly. Through reading on this forum and a couple of guide books, I have put together tentative stopping points and places to stay and eat. They are summarized in the attached pdf. Any and all comments, suggestions, and critiques are welcome.

I have a few questions:

1) I'm going without motel reservations because I would like the flexibility to stay longer in any one place. Am I likely to run into a situation where there are no rooms left? (Planning on traveling last week of March and first week of April)
2) Seems like the recommended method of dealing with expenses is to get cash at ATM's along the way. I wanted to confirm this. I have read that there is a 1500 peso limit per withdrawal at some (all?) ATM's. Is this true?
3) Any tips on how to get the best motorcycle insurance?
4) I have some concern about possible theft of the bike at night. I have tried to look for motels that have secure parking but it is not available at all stopping points. Is my concern irrational? It is a 700lb bike so it is not easy to pick up and take away. Any tips on reducing the risk of theft?

Thanks much

Dudley

DK - 3-18-2009 at 04:53 PM

Looks like the pdf didn't post so let me look for another way to post the info.

Dudley

DK - 3-18-2009 at 05:09 PM

An attempt at posting my itinerary
Code:
Day Destination Distance Riding Time Stay Food Comments 1 Border Area, CA 485 8 2 San Quintin, BN 192 5 1) The Old Mill (friendly but loud), 2) La Pinta 3) Hotel Real de Cora (new. has secure parking) Wet Buzzard (next to La Pinta), The Cannery (next to Old Mill-pricey) Gas up before crossing. Pick up FMT at border. Take Toll Road thru Ensenda 3 Bahia de los Angeles, BN 222 6 Larry and Raquel's Larry and Raquel's, Guillermo's Gas up at El Rosario 4 Bahia de los Angeles, BN 0 0 same same A day of margaritas, swimming and kayaking 5 San Ignacio, BS 216 5 1) Casa Leree, 2) Ignacio Springs B&B, 3) La Pinta Restaurant Chalita, Rene's Check out whale watching trips for return 6 Loreto, BS 169 4 1) Hacienda Suites (West. Style,secure parking), 2) Las Trojes B&B , 3) *Iguana Inn B&B Café Ole (breakfast), El Canipole, La Terraza (mex., steak), La Palapa (seafood) 7 La Paz 218 5 1) Lorimar (best budget option), 2) Pension California ($20) , 3) Posada Luna Sol 5) Hotel Gardenias (secure parking), 6) Baja B&B 8 La Paz 239 6 same Round trip through Cabo 9 La Paz 0 0 same Explore La Paz. Possibly more days in La Paz 10 Loreto, BS 218 5 1) Hacienda Suites (West. Style,secure parking), 2) Las Trojes B&B , 3) *Iguana Inn B&B Café Ole (breakfast), El Canipole, La Terraza (mex., steak), La Palapa (seafood) 11 San Ignacio, BS 169 4 1) Casa Leree, 2) Ignacio Springs B&B, 3) La Pinta Restaurant Chalita, Rene's Explore Mulege on the way 12 San Ignacio, BS 0 0 same same Possible whale watching trip 13 Catavina, BN 239 6 La Pinta La Pinta 14 Ensenada, BN 229 6 Bahia Resort Hotel (secure parking), La Pinta (guard), May run into spring break crowds. If so push on to Tecate 15 Tecate, BN 72 2 El Paraiso (garage, center of town) El Jardin, Mariscos Victor (seafood), Panaderia el Mejor Pan (Breakfast) 16 Home, CA 507 8

Udo - 3-18-2009 at 05:29 PM

DK
I don't feel you'll have any problems with vehicle theft. In my numerous trips to Cabo and La Paz, I have met many riders, and I have ridden the same path myself with my wife sitting in the back seat on a Goldwing.
Most of the motels along the way have parking available that is away from street traffic view.
You'll have a busy enough time enjoying the trip to make notes on where to stay. Although I would stay at Baja Cactus in El Rosario, as well as Ignacio Springs B&B in San Ignacio. In BOLA there are only a couple of motels and they don't offer off-view parking. All other places you are trying to visit, do.
Sounds like a nice trip, DK
If you can, stop and see the whales at San Ignacio lagoon.

David K - 3-18-2009 at 05:35 PM

Hi 'DK'... and welcome to Nomad... Let me first say, that so there's no confusion... you are not me! :lol: As many here call me 'DK' for short...

Nice intinerary... well thought... but be flexible and not stick to a firm plan... Just explore and stay where you like and leave when you want.

See posts on the new motel at Los Jardines, San Quintin... very nice.

Gypsy's RV Park & The Wet Buzzard are no longer in business ...

In El Rosario are two nice motels: Baja Cactus (next to Pemex) is the finest motel you may ever find and inexpensive, too. The Turista Motel (far end of town) is brand new, very nice and cheap... Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast has great food (across from Turista).

Have fun!

Bajajack - 3-18-2009 at 06:32 PM

1st Tip, don't take a 700# Bike.

2nd Tip, if you're worried about finding a place to stay and secure parking, don't go!:rolleyes:

El Camote - 3-18-2009 at 06:47 PM

In most cases you'll be able to pull the bike right up to the window outside your room so you'll hear if anyone messes with it at night. Or, if it really seems sketchy, throw down a tarp and roll the bike into the room for the night. Helps to be on the first floor though. :D

It's going to be an awesome trip, I'm jealous. Take pictures and post a report when you return. What kind of bike?

805gregg - 3-18-2009 at 07:18 PM

What kind of bike? Thats the key. On a good modern bike you can pass everthing in sight and make GN easy the first night... which will give you more time in BCS. Don't stick to an itinerary, you can get a room almost anywhere, anytime and maybe negotiate a better price. I've only ridden once to Baja and I had a blast.

KurtG - 3-18-2009 at 07:37 PM

I've ridden Baja on everything from small dirt bikes to large street bikes and have enjoyed them all. Many motels have courtyards and you can get the bike off the street, but in any case just trust your instincts. If the parking makes you nervous at a particular place there are plenty of others. The key thing is that Mexico is very bike friendly and the motel owners will work with you to keep the bike safe. As to the ATM withdrawal amount that depends on your bank back home. Mine had a $300/day limit but I asked them to increase it to $500/day which they did. Also it is a good idea to let your bank know that you will be using the card in Mexico otherwise their fraud detection can kick in and freeze your withdrawals. One of the problems I have found insurance wise is that it is difficult to get full coverage. My bikes don't have much value so I just buy liability.

What are you riding? If you see a large older guy on an all black KLR 650 give a wave cause that will be me--

desertcpl - 3-18-2009 at 07:57 PM

I agree with Gregg,

let your credit card know that you going South,,, I had a real probem with that in leaving Cabo some years back,, they did freeze my card,,

BeachBusker - 3-18-2009 at 09:07 PM

Here's a few minor details to consider for your trip

1) The Old Mill is three miles from pavement, welcome to Baja :bounce:

2) BoLA is 200 miles from El Rosario, barrel gas in Catavina is OK

3) No premium gas between El Rosario and Santa Rosalia.

4) Whale watching season is coming to an end in April. Guerrero Negro is a half day trip and San Ignacio is a full day trip.
http://www.malarrimo.com/ingles/home.htm

5) If it is Saturday when you pass Mulege, You must stop at La Serenidad for the weekly pig roast.

6) If you are riding a Harley, you must stop at the dealer in CSL.

Have a great ride.

cantinflas - 3-19-2009 at 08:44 AM

Another thing to consider. The first week of April is Semana Santa. Very busy at the beaches.

DK - 3-19-2009 at 11:12 AM

Thanks for all the great feedback.

My bike is a 1997 Honda ST1100. It runs on regular and I can comfortably do 250 miles on a tank. (My butt can't comfortably do that without a few stops in between, though.) Not sure that I can get the bike though the door of a motel room but I'll take a tarp anyway. I've let my ATM bank know I'll be traveling in Baja but I will let my credit card company know as well.

I'll be on a bright red bike wearing a black helmet and jacket; crossing the border on March 24th going down and tentatively crossing back on April 7th.

Dudley

[Edited on 3-19-2009 by DK]

tripledigitken - 3-19-2009 at 11:37 AM

DK,

That's a great ride you've got. I had a 1991 ST for 11 years and loved it.

I did the same ride, with 3 other bikes, on a 2005 FJR 1300 (JUST UNDER 700#'S) 2 years ago and had a ball.

One word of caution watch out for the speed bumps, in almost every town. If you see a sign with a pedestrian on it or a car on a ramp, be prepared.

Will look forward to a trip report from you.

Here's a link with some pictures from our trip. http://dunken.smugmug.com/gallery/937318_ezQz5#42926263_Gnnm...



Ken

[Edited on 3-19-2009 by tripledigitken]

motoged - 3-19-2009 at 01:21 PM

I have ridden street and dirt bikes all over Baja a number of times.

Security: Disc lock....forget the tarp: totally excessive and unnecessary;they don't steal that kind of bike....HD's and dirt bikes/quads are targets;

Motels: plenty available...get room by 4:00 pm;

Safety: Don't ride highways after dark.... except in towns;

Gas: Always keep top half of tank full; buy gas every chance you can to keep top half full. DO NOT assume "I have enough to probably get there";

Money: ATM's...have at least 2000 MP on you at any time (except in cantinas late at night:lol: ;

Itinerary: Use it to wipe hands after oiling chain, then throw it out....unless you are real retentive...;

Bike: New tires, tire plug kit and air pump (electric Walmart crap... or good mountain bike pump), good X-ring chain;
AAA maps are adequate for your riding;

Insurance: you HAVE to have it... buy over internet...

Common sense, spirit of curiousity/adventure....don't be surprised you don't make it south of Loreto..

Have fun ...

capt. mike - 3-20-2009 at 06:48 AM

wish i could do this!

Ken - on the back burner, that's all.