BajaNomad

San Pedro Martir by bicycle

Ron_Perry - 2-10-2014 at 11:26 PM

Thinking about cycling to the top of the asphalt of San Pedro Martin in early May with a few friends. Lots of questions, hope to get some information. From what I have learned, total distance is about 65 miles, and the highest elevation ride-able about 9200'.
Sounds like early May might be the best for weather,...not to hot down low, and not brutal cold at 9200'. Camping area close to the top is at what elevation? Asphalt to 9200'? How is the asphalt, what is the condition?
Any information on cycling clubs in Tijuana or Ensenada. I tried on line but came up with zero.
I have spent up to 6 weeks camping in Baja, about 37 trips camping in Baja since 1978, rode down from Vancouver to San Francisco,...also rode in Germany, Switzerland, etc...so a 65 mile ride is doable for me.
Sounds like....fun. Any information would be great. Will share my Pacifico's with all Nomads at the top! thanks, Ron

mtgoat666 - 2-11-2014 at 12:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ron_Perry
Thinking about cycling to the top of the asphalt of San Pedro Martin in early May with a few friends. Lots of questions, hope to get some information. From what I have learned, total distance is about 65 miles, and the highest elevation ride-able about 9200'.
Sounds like early May might be the best for weather,...not to hot down low, and not brutal cold at 9200'. Camping area close to the top is at what elevation? Asphalt to 9200'? How is the asphalt, what is the condition?
Any information on cycling clubs in Tijuana or Ensenada. I tried on line but came up with zero.
I have spent up to 6 weeks camping in Baja, about 37 trips camping in Baja since 1978, rode down from Vancouver to San Francisco,...also rode in Germany, Switzerland, etc...so a 65 mile ride is doable for me.
Sounds like....fun. Any information would be great. Will share my Pacifico's with all Nomads at the top! thanks, Ron


Great ride, some steep grades climbing from river up to park entrance, and final couple km before observatory. . No camping at observatory. Camping area is near park entrance.

Mexican bike clubs are mostly on Facebook groups. Perhaps start with Paseos ciclistas en Tijuana y sus alrededores, and follow threads from there. Paseos is critical mass type rides in TJ, but more polite and family friendly than in San Diego.

May is good time. May thru October are great, late summer tends to have t-storms.

David K - 2-11-2014 at 09:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ron_Perry
Thinking about cycling to the top of the asphalt of San Pedro Martin in early May with a few friends. Lots of questions, hope to get some information. From what I have learned, total distance is about 65 miles, and the highest elevation ride-able about 9200'.
Sounds like early May might be the best for weather,...not to hot down low, and not brutal cold at 9200'. Camping area close to the top is at what elevation? Asphalt to 9200'? How is the asphalt, what is the condition?
Any information on cycling clubs in Tijuana or Ensenada. I tried on line but came up with zero.
I have spent up to 6 weeks camping in Baja, about 37 trips camping in Baja since 1978, rode down from Vancouver to San Francisco,...also rode in Germany, Switzerland, etc...so a 65 mile ride is doable for me.
Sounds like....fun. Any information would be great. Will share my Pacifico's with all Nomads at the top! thanks, Ron


There are a lot of reports from Nomads and others you may want to read...

Your first questions, are yes, about 65 miles from Hwy. 1 to the observatories and yes it is 9,280' ASL at the end of the road. The elevation of the Vallecitos Meadow is 7,800' per John Robinson (the closest camping area). Yes, it is paved to the very end now. Latest conditions can be found using Nomad search. Usually after rains there are rock slides. Graham goes up there a lot and has many photos.

Some links:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=66284

Here is the ride on You Tube from the above link:



http://blog.bajabound.com/san-pedro-martir-road-trip/

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=42317

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=53495

Have fun!