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Hitchhikers

postholedigger - 4-17-2010 at 08:33 AM

I've often driven past people on the cuota who were looking for a ride. I've generally felt uneasy about stopping to give a lift. Any insight, experience, or advice?

woody with a view - 4-17-2010 at 08:37 AM

as usual, in baja, it depends.

Pescador - 4-17-2010 at 08:41 AM

In the old days we always stopped and gave people rides if we had room, but I had a friend who picked up a hitchhiker and they had a serious accident and the person hitchhiking was killed. My friend was found liable for the death and wound up paying the family. I did check into my insurance policy and found that I did have coverage for that, but you need to make sure you have enough liability to cover that type of eventuality.
Aside from that, I have met some really interesting people hitchhiking and a couple of them turned in to friends, so my overall experience has been pretty good.

Pompano - 4-17-2010 at 08:46 AM

I find hitchhikers are a lot like picking fruits and veggies..

.....size 'em up, squeeze 'em a leetle bit. Find just the right one for you. Tastes vary.

Obe wan Pompano

Howard - 4-17-2010 at 09:14 AM

Can you slightly thump them and smell them for ripeness? Pompano, if I understand what you are saying, just as in life, some have pits along the way of life. You are one of my hero's in life; can you please verify that I interpreted your pearls of wisdom correctly?

durrelllrobert - 4-17-2010 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
as usual, in baja, it depends.

Is she good looking :lol:

DENNIS - 4-17-2010 at 09:24 AM

There's an old guy on crutches who stands near a toll road onramp on the north side of Rosarito and thumbs rides. He looks harmless and in need so anyone with a heart and spare room will pick him up.
He'll get into the car and begin to panhandle you to death with every sob-story immaginable. You'll actually pay him to get him out of your car which, by his request, will be at the next on/off ramp.
He crosses the toll road and hitch hikes back to where he began and does it again.
This is his job.

Aside from that, I don't pick up hitch hikers unless I can figure out the whole scenario in advance. If there are any questions in my mind, I drive on by.
It ain't what it used to be.

woody with a view - 4-17-2010 at 10:03 AM

the last time we picked up a scrawny guy about 5 miles from the highway. as he got in i noticed his bulging eyes and weird demeanor. many scenarios flashed by and i drove fast. Bia caught on too and was chatting him up so there wasn't any akwardness (new word!) until he got out. we just got a strange vibe from the guy. what Dennis said:

Quote:

It ain't what it used to be.

hitchin a ride'

eetdrt88 - 4-17-2010 at 10:31 AM

good fun,used to do it all the time in so.cal,hawaii,and once even across the states with a girlfriend...so i try to pick 'em up when i can,its like a karma thing...u just never know when you'll get stuck somewhere and it'll b u standin there waitin for a ride :cool:

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 4-17-2010 at 11:14 AM

Hola, about two weeks ago in los barriles, a friend of mine gave a ride to three young mexicans for just two blocks to the front of palmas de cortes. when he stopped to let them out, one went to the drivers side, punched him in the nose, pulled his t-shirt over his head and beat him some more and took his wallet. when he got up, there was nobody around and his empty wallet was thrown back into his car. this was about 11 pm and in the middle of town on the main road into town.

no more hitchhikers for me !!!!

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

lizard lips - 4-17-2010 at 11:21 AM

DON'T PICK UP ANYONE. YOUR ASKING FOR TROUBLE.....

Hitchhiker about 10 AM today..Baja Road

Pompano - 4-17-2010 at 11:29 AM

On our drive to Mulege this morning, I came upon the spot where hitchhikers stand to get rides into town. It's at a speed bump, so a great spot for both the hitchhiker and the driver to size each other up.

At first I thought he was carrying an ordinary machete..

..but as it turned out it was a dull machete..

...so I gave him a ride...

...and sharpened it for him.

Sometimes it's a win-win situation.

Bajahowodd - 4-17-2010 at 11:54 AM

They do blade sharpening at the Tecate Six??? :?:

[Edited on 4-17-2010 by Bajahowodd]

Bob and Susan - 4-17-2010 at 12:00 PM

i saw pomp with that guy today... :lol:

what is wrong with picking up a guy with a machete?
chop chop chop

i NEVER pick up people i dont know
too risky

i did pick up the "old man" who picks up cans along the road the other day
he told me where ALL the good can locations
were from the pemex to town :lol:

Mulegena - 4-17-2010 at 12:50 PM

I always give locals a ride. Good way to get to know folks around town. Gave a local a ride back to Mulege from Sta. Rosalia just yesterday; a local mechanic, good friend to have down here, no?

from 3/12/09 quote: myself

" Lady & 2 Kids

Hitchhikers: a young Mexican lady and her two very young children are hitchhiking north to Tijuana.

They came to Mulege looking for her father but could not find him, she said, so she had no alternative than to hitchhike back home.

Picked them up on the side of Mex-1 yesterday. Left them in Santa Rosalia.

If you see them in your travels, consider stopping and offering assistance, ie. a ride, food or beverage. Good Luck, young family. "

bajaguy - 4-17-2010 at 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
DON'T PICK UP ANYONE. YOUR ASKING FOR TROUBLE.....

Yeah, you might end up with your skull crushed and burried somewhere.........

Cypress - 4-17-2010 at 02:25 PM

Have hitchhiked a mile or two. Thanks to all those who gave me a ride. Getting into a vehicle with a stranger is just as much a gamble as giving a stranger a lift.

nancyinpdx - 4-17-2010 at 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Have hitchhiked a mile or two. Thanks to all those who gave me a ride. Getting into a vehicle with a stranger is just as much a gamble as giving a stranger a lift.

That's the truth!!! Both kinda scare me but when desperation sets in, you do what ya gotta do. I agree with the karma thing. If we help others when we can, God will probably send ppl to help us when we need it.

postholedigger - 4-17-2010 at 09:22 PM

When in an empty pick up truck, is it acceptable to offer them a lift in the bed even if there's room in the cab? It would seem like less of a risk.

woody with a view - 4-17-2010 at 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by postholedigger
When in an empty pick up truck, is it acceptable to offer them a lift in the bed even if there's room in the cab? It would seem like less of a risk.

like i said, "it depends!" :?:

Paulina - 4-17-2010 at 09:53 PM

One trip out of Tortugas we came across a family, husband, wife and small child standing next to their car along the road. We stopped to see if they needed help. The man told us that his wife had driven him out of town where he was waiting for a ride to the main highway. He was heading up to Ensenada to buy a new car. He had family there who would take him the rest of the way.

We made a good friend on that drive.

Another time we were approached by an American man in Catavina who had run out of gas further south and had hitched a ride back up to the station, which was in operation at the time. He said that every American vehicle he saw passed him by. The man refused to ride in the truck with us, insisting he ride in the Robalo that we were towing. Maybe he was nervous about what type of people we were.

The last time we laughed about giving someone a ride was The Gold Man. I so wish I had my camera on hand. He was trying to thumb a ride at the first old toll booth, sitting right where the parking lot merges onto the highway. Every inch of his body was spray painted gold. His hat, hair, face, clothing, hands, shoes, everything was gold. Not a good way to get a ride if you ask me.

P<*)))>{

postholedigger - 4-17-2010 at 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
like i said, "it depends!" :?:

That makes things about as clear as mud. Thanks, buddy! :p

woody with a view - 4-17-2010 at 10:04 PM

Quote:

Not a good way to get a ride if you ask me.

being Mexico you prefer silver, right? :lol:

irenemm - 4-17-2010 at 10:46 PM

We gave a Mother and 2 kids a ride once from San Vicente to Ensenada. they did not do well in a van. We had to rip out the carpet. We were on the way to our Lawyer and got there late told him why and he pretty much yelled at us. Your liable when you have then in your vehicle. We never did it again.
But then again we have a business and someone else could end up owners. so we just take each other.
just like the first post said it does happen. stay safe and be happy
remember lots of people coming back from the States no jobs so they are coming home. Be aware some not so nice.

[Edited on 4-18-2010 by irenemm]

wilderone - 4-18-2010 at 08:47 AM

My last trip, I gave a ride to a young man who ran out of gas. His young wife was trying to flag down cars on the highway - I stopped to see what I could do. they had the mother-in-law and 2 month old baby with him. I'm sure he appreciated the ride into Santo Tomas, the same as I would have, if I had been in need.

DENNIS - 4-18-2010 at 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
My last trip, I gave a ride to a young man who ran out of gas. His young wife was trying to flag down cars on the highway - I stopped to see what I could do. they had the mother-in-law and 2 month old baby with him. I'm sure he appreciated the ride into Santo Tomas, the same as I would have, if I had been in need.

That's about the general consensus here. You have to pick your guests, but I stick by my guidelines....if the scenario isn't clear, drive on by.

Barbareno - 4-18-2010 at 09:45 AM

This guy had me sweating bullets big time. Felt much better once he sat down proper in the bed and not on the edge.

[Edited on 4-18-2010 by Barbareno]

durrelllrobert - 4-18-2010 at 10:00 AM

Back in the 50's I was hitch hiking to school and was picked up by an old guy in a Buick. When he put his hand on my knee I grabbed the keys from the ignition and threw them out the window. Cars had locks on the steering wheel then so when we got to the first curve we went through the guard rail and into the ditch. Moral: don't think you are too smart. I wasn't hurt but never hitch hiked again. :lol:

jeremias - 4-18-2010 at 10:47 PM

i gave a ride to this couple that were leaving work at San Quintin where they seem to just be putting rocks into bags. The husband sat just like that on my tailgate as well! even while the road was seriously rough coming from the beach to the main highway. I gave them a couple of cokes because they looked very thirsty, but he didn't want the cold ones, just the warm ones. I came to find out that was pretty common because they probably weren't able to afford dental work and the cold cokes hurt the teeth. Anyways, we all made it to the main drag and they said God bless to us and were on their way. Had to stop and think about what I take for granted, my fillings for one thing.

SDRonni - 4-19-2010 at 09:29 AM

Just say no. Not worth the risk IMHO.........

elgatoloco - 4-19-2010 at 10:21 AM

I am reminded of the time we were south of El Rosario in the middle of nowhere and saw up ahead a lady in a VERY short mini dress and VERY high heels standing on the side of the road with a small suitcase and we both said outloud WTF or something to that effect. As we slowed and came up to the spot we saw that she was about 6'5" tall and had a VERY pronounced adams apple and a five o'clock shadow. We rolled down the window and she gave us a look and waved us on. We handed her a couple of bottles of water as it was 100+ degress and we headed south. I figure she eventually found the ride she was looking for? :dudette:

Pompano - 4-19-2010 at 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco
I am reminded of the time we were south of El Rosario in the middle of nowhere and saw up ahead a lady in a VERY short mini dress and VERY high heels standing on the side of the road with a small suitcase and we both said outloud WTF or something to that effect. As we slowed and came up to the spot we saw that she was about 6'5" tall and had a VERY pronounced adams apple and a five o'clock shadow. We rolled down the window and she gave us a look and waved us on. We handed her a couple of bottles of water as it was 100+ degress and we headed south. I figure she eventually found the ride she was looking for? :dudette:

Ah...you may have met the legendary 'Sylvia' of the Baja Road.

She?he was a very active 'pavement princess'. :rolleyes:

Today's hitchhikers:

Just outside of Mulege next to the Pemex we stopped about an hour ago to pick up a guy and a gal who were hitching south.

As soon as they jumped into the back seat of the Jeep and said..Grazie..Co-pilot grinned from ear to ear...Italianos! The next 15 miles to Playa Santispac, where the young traveling couple wanted to camp..were filled with stimulating Italian about their common birthplace..Milan, Italy.

It's a small world.

Ciao amicos!

shari - 4-19-2010 at 11:04 AM

geez pomp...those look like pretty scary hitchers eh!!! :lol:

we often offer rides to families in need in the back of the pick up...they often ask how much they owe when we drop them off which makes me smile....and often pick up obvious foreign travellers with backpacks.

Martyman - 4-19-2010 at 11:22 AM

My buddy and I hitched down baja in 1981. We met Anthony the turtle guy from Bahia de La Angeles and stayed at the turtle camp for a few days.
We got one ride from a gringo that cruised past all the old immigration stops (that all vehicles were supposed to stop at!!). We got to Loreto and were going to stay at his friends house. He pulled up the back seat of his station wagon to find a dozen 22 rifles still in the boxes! We just shook our heads and had another beer.
Karma does work-spread it widely!

ELINVESTIG8R - 4-19-2010 at 11:27 AM

Many years ago when I was stationed at 29 Palms California I sold my 1955 Ford Pickup truck to a U.S. Marine who just reenlisted and received a $4,000.00 bonus. He was driving back east to go on leave then on to a new duty station. While driving through Arizona he apparently picked up a hitchhiker who murdered him and left his body along a highway. It was apparent that he was killed for his money and truck. As far as I know his killer has never been caught. That cured me from ever wanting to be a nice guy and pick up strangers on the side of the road.

Sunman - 4-19-2010 at 11:44 AM

Once I picked up an older gentleman standing in front of his rancho on the road from abreojos and took him to San Ignacio. I was looking forward to working on my spanish with him. Turns out he spoke better english than I did. Man did he have some stories. Maybe one or two other times have I done that since then...it's all about the initial vibe for me.

bajabass - 4-19-2010 at 12:15 PM

Headed north out of El Sauzal late one night, I was approached by a man at the Pemex next to Taqueria Traileros. They had run out of gas just north of the El Mirador exit. I piled he, his wife and 3 children into my Tundra. Drove up to the Baja Mar exit, headed back south to his beat Ford Aerostar. We got the gas in only to find out he had killed the battery trying to start and out of gas van, then left the hazards and parking lights on for a few hours. Pulled out the trusty portable battery pack jumper, and the whole family was on the way. I smiled all the way home.

DENNIS - 4-19-2010 at 12:59 PM

This has turned into one of those threads much like the Toll Road crime threads used to be. There are good stories and there are bad. I'm just wondering how long it will be before some start saying the bad stories are no more than an effort to trash Mexico and hitch-hikers are primarily the underprivileged salt of the earth.
Well...some are and some arn't. Like I mentioned earlier, it ain't what it used to be.

josie - 4-19-2010 at 01:10 PM

I used to always pick up hitch hikers but times have changed as Dennis said. Nowadays I don't pick up anybody, even if they look like my abuelita and that goes for both sides of the border.

rts551 - 4-19-2010 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano

Ah...you may have met the legendary 'Sylvia' of the Baja Road.

She?he was a very active 'pavement princess'. :rolleyes:

Oh my goodness.... old timers remember "it" well, usually at the crossroads in Guerrero Negro. One scary site who still got "rides"

But not from me... got a picture somewhere but can't find it

BajaGringo - 4-19-2010 at 04:13 PM

I still pick up some looking to "thumb a ride" from time to time. A lot of folks going back and forth from town and the beach. The funny thing is that I have noticed lately is that out on the highway most of the people I see thumbing down this way are foreigners - mostly Europeans with backpacks.

doradodan - 4-19-2010 at 05:07 PM

picked a guy up in
GN a while back gave him a ride to el rosario. good way to practice my spanish. he was from the mainland heading north for work, wouldnt accept food or beer, just was grateful for the ride.

freediverbrian - 4-19-2010 at 05:32 PM

Picked up a fisherman (saw the white boots)on the road to gonzaga .Almost never pick up hitchers . But said what the heck. On one of the side roads about El Buefo got stuck in the sand . was glad to have the help to dig out . Karma!

clubfred - 4-19-2010 at 05:59 PM

We, (hubby and I), have picked up more hitchhikers than I can count over the years we have spent in Baja. Mostly in the Mulege area. Never once had a problem and have made some lifelong friends.

Mind you, we both have really good internal radar and would never go near someone who gave us a bad vibe.

I think the scariest moment was when the older Mexican man started to light his cigarette while sitting in the bed of our truck...next to a full 45gal drum of gas! Eek...put a stop to that quickly.

DENNIS - 4-19-2010 at 06:22 PM

THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO MURDER
------------------------------------------------

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNeToSBKcSA

BajaGringo - 4-19-2010 at 06:36 PM

:lol:

torch - 4-19-2010 at 06:59 PM

I had to hitchhike to and from college (aprox. 20 miles ea. way) for a few months with a friend. We had the off ramp names painted on the bottom of our skateboards. Thank goodness there were two of us. We had a few wild rides from some wild people out there.

elgatoloco - 4-19-2010 at 08:05 PM

Sylvia! Always good to put a name with a face,such as it is. We felt compelled to offer a ride and would be lying if we said we were disappointed when she turned us down. :saint: