BajaNomad - Pavement Arrives at Gonzaga Bay (Rancho Grande)!

Pavement Arrives at Gonzaga Bay (Rancho Grande)!

David K - 2-21-2014 at 07:54 PM

I wonder if Hell is really freezing over???

The blacktop is shown on these new photos posted on Rancho Grande's Facebook page passing by the Pemex/ Alfonsina's and Rancho Grande and disappearing towards the south: https://www.facebook.com/gonzagabay1

Thanks to Wayno (bbbait) for the link!

woody with a view - 2-21-2014 at 08:16 PM

those really were the good old daze......

Bajaboy - 2-21-2014 at 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I wonder if Hell is really freezing over???

The blacktop is shown on these new photos posted on Rancho Grande's Facebook page passing by the Pemex/ Alfonsina's and Rancho Grande and disappearing towards the south: https://www.facebook.com/gonzagabay1

Thanks to Wayno (bbbait) for the link!

Well David, you know what they say about good roads.... :lol:

willardguy - 2-21-2014 at 08:44 PM

hey it doesn't mean it still can't be fun! notice the footprint left by a stock tacoma aired down to 35psi :lol:

Bob H - 2-22-2014 at 01:33 AM

Wow, I remember driving down to Gonzaga from San Felipe in my old cab over camper back in 2002 and it took over five hours of slow and go driving. I need to get back down there to check out the new road. And, of course, the beauty of that area of Baja!!

Be careful.......

bajaguy - 2-22-2014 at 08:31 AM

Just because it is new and looks good....remember looks can be decieving.

Pavement is already starting to check and crack south of Puertecitos and potholes are developing. There are rocks/boulders in the roadway through some of the roadbed cuts which are near vertical instead of stepped back, there are areas where the concrete shoulders are undermined and caving in and concrete on the north side of the bridge abutment north of Gonzaga has fallen away.

This road was not designed for and will never stand up to heavy truck traffic.

TMW - 2-22-2014 at 09:47 AM

When we were there last month I wondered about the fill base that's under the asphalt looks like a lot of sand.

chuckie - 2-22-2014 at 10:00 AM

Some people would complain if they were hung with a new rope..

jbcoug - 2-22-2014 at 12:50 PM

Chuckie,

That was my exact thought also.

Cypress - 2-22-2014 at 01:41 PM

Glad I made the trip before it was paved. A night to remember. Saw a bobcat! Slept in the truck at Gonzaga. Parked on a dry, sandy spot during the wee hours and woke up surrounded by water, the tide had come in. Fun!!

bajaguy - 2-22-2014 at 05:18 PM

Not complaining, just doing a highway report and stating observed facts........In fact, I enjoyed the drive

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
Some people would complain if they were hung with a new rope..

David K - 2-22-2014 at 06:44 PM

The new bridge just north of Papa Fernandez' road (Bing Maps):

BajaDanD - 2-23-2014 at 12:53 AM

I will be going through Gonzaga on Tuesday on my way to Guererro Negro then Asuncion Ill report on road condition when I can

David K - 2-23-2014 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaDanD
I will be going through Gonzaga on Tuesday on my way to Guererro Negro then Asuncion Ill report on road condition when I can

Have a fun trip!

Cliffy - 2-23-2014 at 12:19 PM

Who can remember landing an airplane at Papa's and eating fried turtle with him and the family ? :-) :-)
We brought down lots of balloons for the kids that trip.
Can't see anything of the runway any more from the overheads. We're talking early 1970s here.
Same at Diaz in BOLA. Landed and parked right next to my room and ate dinner in the kitchen.
Would really like to go through there again going North or South but towing my 22 ft travel trailer wouldn't be a good idea I don't think.

David K - 2-24-2014 at 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cliffy
Who can remember landing an airplane at Papa's and eating fried turtle with him and the family ? :-) :-)
We brought down lots of balloons for the kids that trip.
Can't see anything of the runway any more from the overheads. We're talking early 1970s here.
Same at Diaz in BOLA. Landed and parked right next to my room and ate dinner in the kitchen.
Would really like to go through there again going North or South but towing my 22 ft travel trailer wouldn't be a good idea I don't think.

1974:

1969:

Cliffy - 2-24-2014 at 12:49 AM

You'd come in over the water and not land until past the runway intersection as there was a big dip right there. Made the remaining runway somewhat short!

cj5orion - 2-24-2014 at 09:47 PM

didnt we have a beer n taco bet on this.....about 2 years ago....
you bet the road would be in by spring/summer/fall ?

hehehe

2008 to 2014 to build and pave 45 miles of highway.

David K - 2-25-2014 at 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cj5orion
didnt we have a beer n taco bet on this.....about 2 years ago....
you bet the road would be in by spring/summer/fall ?

hehehe

Sounds good... but it was you and Deno (McFez) and it was in 2011

Here's a recap:

Posted by TW on 8-31-2007:

This was on the San Felipe web site.

New federal highway projects will benefit San Felipe

A list of the new federal priorities for highway construction has been released and there is significant news for the San Felipe region. The first good news is that the road from Puertecitos to Laguna Chapala is to be funded in 2008 and work complete in 2010.

I posted this on May 21, 2012:

Here are the dates and distances:

NOV. 2006: Paved to 3 miles north of Puertecitos.

FEB. 2007: Paved to Puertecitos, except for 1.8 mile section.

SEPT. 2008: Paved to 2 miles south of Puertecitos.

JAN. 2009: Paved to 4 miles south of Puertecitos. (2 mi., in 3 mos.)

SEPT. 2009: Paved to 10 miles south of Puertecitos. (6 mi., in 9 mos.)

JULY 2010: Paved 19 miles south of Puertecitos. (9 mi., in 10 mos.)

JULY 2011: Paved 24 miles south of Puertecitos. (5 mi., in 12 mos.)

JAN. 2012: Paved 33 miles south of Puertecitos. (9 mi., in 6 mos.)

So far, it has been about 10 miles a year of progress.

PUERTECITOS TO GONZAGA (Pemex): 45 miles (work began in '08, 13 miles to go Jan. '12)

GONZAGA TO CHAPALA (Hwy. 1): 35 miles

There should be a new section opening soon?

======================================================

You and McFez had this exchange on March 12, 2011 (Summer 2011?):

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez

Quote:

Originally posted by cj5orion

Quote:

Originally posted by preston
Thanks for the update. I am planning a trip in late May/early June with some amigos from Mexico City. They will only have a standard car (not high clearance). In the past I have always said that high clearance was necessary for this trip (not 4WD, just high clearance to make it over the rocks).

In your opinion, could this drive be made with a standard car right now? (driving carefully during the day of course). Just asking your opinion.

As I recall, the actual worst part (as of about a year ago) was the hill leading down into the entrance to Papa Fernandez's place. Is that still the case?

Thanks,

Preston

The hill near Papas is still the same...ROUGH.
thats about the only rough part left,the rest of the "unimproved" road....pretty easy.
All the "good stuff" ....... gone...golf carts will be makin the drive pretty soon

hey mcfez....we still got that "beer bet" on the road being paved to Gonzaga by summer ? I'll give ya till the summer/fall equinox ???? :biggrin:

I still it be done by mid summer. I hope at least. Did you happen to notice any activity going on at the restaurant located at campo christina? Thats where the food service has set up for the crews.

Regardless....I'll buy you or any other BN a beer any time.......including soulpatch......and Dave.

Cappy - 2-25-2014 at 07:59 AM

I just drove north and went thru Gonzaga. Road was paved to Gonzaga but closed to traffic for first 10 miles or so. Thursday is Cocos 77th anniversary of selling cold cervaza to thirsty travelers. He is doing fine and says hello to all his amigos

cj5orion - 2-25-2014 at 08:04 AM

2011 !
man that taco's gonna be "chewey"

capt. mike - 2-25-2014 at 01:14 PM

i just don't think the Mex gov has the $$ to build an engineered road correctly 1st time for conditions present, and figure on endless maintenance to employ workers. Very 3rd world. But beats rough grade and hours of bumps my guess.

David K - 2-25-2014 at 01:20 PM

The highway south of Puertecitos is a world different than north.

BAJACAT - 3-5-2014 at 10:36 PM

with the pavement all the way to Gonzaga Bay, would be faster to go to Guerrero negro via GZ BAY rather than MX-1.Avoiding traffic in Ensenada,San Quintin,and the curvy rd from El Rosario to Cataviña..
Im in SAN DIEGO CA..

Cliffy - 3-6-2014 at 06:08 AM

That's what I wanted to know too but I heard from those who actually know whats up, that the road out of Gonzaga south is a bad as it was 30 years ago and they tell me I don't want to drag my 20 ft trailer through there.

chuckie - 3-6-2014 at 06:35 AM

I'll be going over it next Wednesday...and will report....

Cliffy - 3-6-2014 at 07:17 AM

I'll be looking forward to the report but wouldn't be nice if they would just do even a quick regrade of the road? Be a nice job for one guy and a grader:-)

cj5orion - 3-6-2014 at 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
with the pavement all the way to Gonzaga Bay, would be faster to go to Guerrero negro via GZ BAY rather than MX-1.Avoiding traffic in Ensenada,San Quintin,and the curvy rd from El Rosario to Cataviña..
Im in SAN DIEGO CA..

SHHHHHH !
dont tell anybody

Desertbull - 3-6-2014 at 09:17 AM

Man, even with the dirt it's faster! It shaves off about 2.5 hours .... It's the only way to go!

rts551 - 3-6-2014 at 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Desertbull
Man, even with the dirt it's faster! It shaves off about 2.5 hours .... It's the only way to go!

How would the dirt road be for someone pulling a trailer?

TMW - 3-6-2014 at 09:37 AM

I prefer to go this way but I wouldn't pull an RV type trailer. If you do, go slow or slower or slowest.

Sandlefoot - 3-6-2014 at 09:45 AM

The dirt part, before you get to Coco"s corner would be fine if your speed is road appropriate. There are allot of areas that have really bad wash board. South of Coco's the road gets more rocky and can be narrow in places because of washouts. Trucks use this road frequently, so it is not that it needs hi clearance 4x4 to get through. It is just rough and will shake apart, break springs and shackles, and work tires hard. If you have a well packed. balanced, tandem axle trailer, with good tires and time to go slow when you need to (which will be often) you will find out first hand if it was a good idea. I think if it were me, with any trailer, I would not. But your driving skill set maybe different than mine and it maybe ok for you! Best bet...Try it....You might like it!!!! But you will know at the end of the day!!

Happy Trails

Cliffy - 3-6-2014 at 05:01 PM

I think I would rather drive it without the TT attached first just to see how it is. I've got decades towing stuff so I'm OK with back raods but I want to check it first.

No Facebook

bonanza bucko - 3-6-2014 at 05:20 PM

Would be nice to have that current picture without having to log into Facebook which many of us think sells our data preferences and worse. We ain't gonna sign up and I think a lot of people will start to figure that out.
BB

bajabuddha - 3-6-2014 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
I'll be going over it next Wednesday...and will report....

Chuckles, mi compadre; if you're towing that 20'er down, then please, when you get to Campo Grande, check your spring shackles front and rear on each spring for sure, and ALL welding joints on your suspension. Open fridge slowly btw. Don't forget to re-inflate your tires. Last note, when you start north from Puertecitos you've been lulled by the smooth flying the last 50 miles north; the road is good, but the whoop-dee-doo short vado dips are still there, and lots of differential and hitch scars on the asphalt to prove it.

Sorry i'll miss you, but hopefully will be in my 'spot' by Wednesdy next. Allah willing and the creeks don't rise, or i don't end up in the hospital again. Too much fun this week.

Via con dias, mi amigo, y que la via bien. Hasta la woogie.
bb.

David K - 3-6-2014 at 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bonanza bucko
Would be nice to have that current picture without having to log into Facebook which many of us think sells our data preferences and worse. We ain't gonna sign up and I think a lot of people will start to figure that out.
BB

Facebook is harmless, and you don't need to log onto it to look at the photos... If that was the case, I would have posted the photos here directly. But, seeing that you are concerned, I am happy to post them. I hope a Nomad can get down there and take better photos than what Rancho Grande put up (panoramas). By the way, the governor is shown flying in there to inspect the road in the most recent posts. Shows his twin taking off or landing at the Rancho Grande runway.

Phil S - 3-6-2014 at 06:39 PM

Desertbull. Ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Don't give away our'little secret' now................................................

Cliffy - 3-6-2014 at 07:52 PM

Can you drive on the last few miles now?

BAJACAT - 3-9-2014 at 01:49 PM

ok thas the way to go,via Gonzaga..it's...
Im not pulling anything,so the 30 unpave miles from Rancho Grande to MEX 1 will not be a problem for me...

David K - 3-9-2014 at 06:25 PM

A few more than 30 miles (34-35), but in your Dodge 4WD truck, you should be okay! :light:

Cliffy - 3-9-2014 at 08:27 PM

Someone needs to start a fund to pay a local with a road grader to blade the road to M1 every few weeks. :-) Then I could take my trailer that way :-)

rts551 - 3-9-2014 at 08:39 PM

surprised they haven't graded in the last couple of years. ....but if it was graded there would be enough traffic they would have to regrade it all the time.

villafontana - 3-9-2014 at 09:03 PM

Can i go from Gonzaga Bay to highway 1 in a small chevrolet Aveo?? And how long would it take to get there??

David K - 3-9-2014 at 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana
Can i go from Gonzaga Bay to highway 1 in a small chevrolet Aveo?? And how long would it take to get there??

Depends on you... how many dirt road miles do you like to travel in an hour? 35 miles at 10 mph= 3.5 hours... If 20 mph, then half as long + stop to visit with Coco along the way!

PaulW - 3-10-2014 at 07:04 AM

That portion of the road from Gonzaga to Hwy1 is NOT appropriate for a small car. If you do not ruin your tires there is still danger of hurting the undercarriage of the vehicle. Very few people do it in a small car. What we see is trucks a 4wd rigs.
Good luck in your Aveo

Nye - 3-10-2014 at 07:22 AM

-paving tip,put can of ravioli or w/e canned good in hot asphalt on back of dumptruck and cooks it well.

villafontana - 3-10-2014 at 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PaulW
That portion of the road from Gonzaga to Hwy1 is NOT appropriate for a small car. If you do not ruin your tires there is still danger of hurting the undercarriage of the vehicle. Very few people do it in a small car. What we see is trucks a 4wd rigs.
Good luck in your Aveo

Thank u Paul. Do u think id do better gettin there in a jeep patriot??

villafontana - 3-10-2014 at 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana
Can i go from Gonzaga Bay to highway 1 in a small chevrolet Aveo?? And how long would it take to get there??

Depends on you... how many dirt road miles do you like to travel in an hour? 35 miles at 10 mph= 3.5 hours... If 20 mph, then half as long + stop to visit with Coco along the way!

Stopping at coco's is a must, David! Lol. Thanx for the speed info.

David K - 3-10-2014 at 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana
Can i go from Gonzaga Bay to highway 1 in a small chevrolet Aveo?? And how long would it take to get there??

Depends on you... how many dirt road miles do you like to travel in an hour? 35 miles at 10 mph= 3.5 hours... If 20 mph, then half as long + stop to visit with Coco along the way!

Stopping at coco's is a must, David! Lol. Thanx for the speed info.

Yup...

PaulW - 3-10-2014 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana

Quote:

Thank u Paul. Do u think id do better gettin there in a jeep patriot??

=====
Should be ok lower your tire pressure and fill back up for the pavement.

JZ - 3-10-2014 at 05:09 PM

I'll be making the trip in April. 3 days in Gonzaga then on to Bahia de Los Angles for 5 days.

villafontana - 3-10-2014 at 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PaulW

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana

Quote:

Thank u Paul. Do u think id do better gettin there in a jeep patriot??

=====
Should be ok lower your tire pressure and fill back up for the pavement.

thanks Paul.

villafontana - 3-10-2014 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by villafontana
Can i go from Gonzaga Bay to highway 1 in a small chevrolet Aveo?? And how long would it take to get there??

Depends on you... how many dirt road miles do you like to travel in an hour? 35 miles at 10 mph= 3.5 hours... If 20 mph, then half as long + stop to visit with Coco along the way!

Stopping at coco's is a must, David! Lol. Thanx for the speed info.

Yup...

which one is you Dave??? lol

David K - 3-11-2014 at 09:24 AM

I am the one standing.. :cool:

J.P. - 3-11-2014 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

I see Semi Trucks with Low Boy Trailers loaded with Huge Vessels going that way. Those trailers have way less than 10 inches ground clearance so the road cant be all that bad.
Can you imagine airing down 25 or 30 Semi and trailer tires. :lol:

willardguy - 3-11-2014 at 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.

Quote:

DK wouldn't attempt it without traction control! :lol:

villafontana - 3-11-2014 at 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I am the one standing.. :cool:

Hey dont get me wrong Dave, but i thought u were much older. I thought that cause all of the wise posts of yours.

Cliffy - 9-17-2014 at 12:21 PM

Just curious, did the road get any further than Gonzaga before the storm hit this week?

David K - 9-17-2014 at 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cliffy
Just curious, did the road get any further than Gonzaga before the storm hit this week?

The pavement ended two miles south of the Pemex a few months ago (Rancho Grande/Alfonsina's road) at the last report. The Arroyo Santa María bridge was under construction 5 miles south, and the road bed was prepped for paving for 6 miles from the end of the highway... so for about 8 miles south from the Pemex.

Cliffy - 9-17-2014 at 02:28 PM

Thanks That will be my road of choice for BOLA if it ever gets graded to MEX 1.
Now a lot depends on this weeks issues!

freediverbrian - 9-17-2014 at 03:14 PM

My bet is no new work will be done for a long time. They will need all equipment and workers on fixing damage from Odile

Cliffy - 9-18-2014 at 03:54 PM

YUP I agree

chuckie - 9-18-2014 at 03:55 PM

But! But!

Cliffy - 9-18-2014 at 08:10 PM

No buts now!

bajaboy1 - 9-22-2014 at 10:29 AM

Does anyone know what Gonzaga Bay is like now? Did Odile hit it pretty hard? Are there any good places to camp there or launch a tin boat?

David K - 9-22-2014 at 10:58 AM

See TW's trip report, as he went through Gonzaga to Chapala a couple days ago (Sept. 18-19). All passable in 2WD, some rocks and roadbed erosion to dodge... specially near the end of Hwy. 5, in the Chapala Valley.

bajaboy1 - 9-22-2014 at 11:43 AM

Thanks David, just checked their road report and it really helps. I was planning a trip to Mulege but don't want to do that now, maybe later after some road repair. But, now can't change time off dates. Thought we might try Gonzaga Bay, never been there. I've been to San Felipe and Puertocitos but not since the mid 1960's. Thought we would check out somewhere new. Thanks again.

cj5orion - 9-22-2014 at 02:22 PM

When ya goin to gonzaga ?

bajaboy1 - 9-23-2014 at 09:20 AM

We are hoping to go down around the end of this week. Trying to get some loose ends taken care of first.