Current highway 5 report from 2016

Anyone a betting person? I will bet 10 Pacifco�s to your one Pacifico that the road will not be totally paved by 12/31/16. To go one step further, I will bet 5 of my Pacifico�s to your 1 that it will not be completed by 12/31/17! I don�t care what they say or write. Anyone, anyone?

I was in a Ford F350 dually diesel with a 4,500 LB cab-over camper in the back.

Last Sunday, April 3rd going northbound, I took highway #5 from the turn off at highway #1. There have been numerous reports on this board about it and here is my dos centavos worth. Keep in mind I am neither an off roader (except playing around with my ATV) nor a mechanic so the below is based on a layman�s opinion.

Unless you have a true off road vehicle, it�s pretty damn bad. Its 23 +- miles of which the middle 1/3 is very rocky and the rest just bad. I took my time and it was just under 2 � hours from pavement to pavement. I can handle washboard and overall about 1/3 � � of the time it was only washboard but the other part was pretty rocky. You do not need a 4 wheel drive or lifted car as I saw everything from large SUV�s to small SUV�s, small beater sedans and trucks. In my opinion, cars and non-off road vehicles will sooner or later be affected by the extremely bumpy drive. Very bumpy and cars are just not made to take that beating. I observed only a handful of workers here and there and not the buzz of activity that others have reported. You can tell they are serious about completing the road as lots of serious work has been done but keep in mind, this is Mexico.

Once I hit the pavement it was a beautiful new road and is relatively new so no pot holes or problems. (Yet)

Bottom line, would I take it that way again? Not in the same rig and probably not unless I was going to the mid-west or east coast as it does save some miles and you do get to bypass S.Q., Ensenada and T.J.

I know I am going to get a lot of flak for being so negative on this dirt road as there are more adventurous people out there that will have no problem with it. Go ahead and try it and report back, it won�t kill ya. Think I might wait until the pavement or the Cubs win the World Series, whatever comes first. )

I did camp in Rancho Grande and it was gorgeous, thanks everyone for touting me on that one.


[Edited on 3-27-2019 by Howard]

I don't have to commute on 5 but I will really miss that last little peaceful serene section of dirt through the passes.
Bottom line is it's good for Mexico and the proposed finish does seem a little unrealistic.

Sure would be nice 10 to 1 odds payoff though Howard ; )
Lionel

[Edited on 4-8-2016 by BajaRat]

Your report is spot on with my last trip on that section, thanks for sharing.

Can I buy half of your bet with Terry28?

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

Anyone a betting person? I will bet 10 Pacifco’s to your one Pacifico that the road will not be totally paved by 12/31/16. To go one step further, I will bet 5 of my Pacifico’s to your 1 that it will not be completed by 12/31/17! I don’t care what they say or write. Anyone, anyone?

Went over twice last month .2 southbound and 2 northbound.
Both southbounds pulling trailer 1 hr.30 minutes. North bound purpose built Ford 1995 Bronco 32 minutes. Second trip Ford F250 no trailer exactly 40 minutes 3 out of 4 in daylight which makes a BIG difference (POTHOLES) I keep thinking I'd never do it again but am rewarded with super clean (fast) highway to the north and in both directions no TJ Ensenada San Quentin no lights/buses/ topos /crowed streets and then throw in the best scenery you could ask for. Like childbirth. painful during but quickly forgotten. At least that's what I told.....
So I'd do it again and can only imagine what it will eventually become...

Considering this road to get to Mulege, still on the edge tho, hoping for some encouragement, or tell me to stay out.

I was down that road about 10 years ago just exploring and stopped around 3 miles off the pavement, so I am completely unfamiliar with the rest.

Any pictures of the nasty rocky area? How far does the nice road go from Puertocitos? How bad are the potholes right now between SF and Puertocitos?

Some friends that went down few weeks back said the 1 is really bad around Catavina, probably worse after spring break, so this is whats pushing me towards the 5.

I drive a F250 4x4, but sometimes on these ruff roads I wish for something with lighter springs, who will push me in to this beating?

Pacifico?

I might consider betting but you would need to raise the stake....Noche Buena or Indio....none of that downstream stuff

Quote: Originally posted by totalimpact

Considering this road to get to Mulege, still on the edge tho, hoping for some encouragement, or tell me to stay out. I was down that road about 10 years ago just exploring and stopped around 3 miles off the pavement, so I am completely unfamiliar with the rest. Any pictures of the nasty rocky area? How far does the nice road go from Puertocitos? How bad are the potholes right now between SF and Puertocitos? Some friends that went down few weeks back said the 1 is really bad around Catavina, probably worse after spring break, so this is whats pushing me towards the 5. I drive a F250 4x4, but sometimes on these ruff roads I wish for something with lighter springs, who will push me in to this beating?

A couple of things

1: If this route saves you a lot of time, you should take as it's just nerve racking on what you think is happening to your car. It can be done in almost any vehicle, no special requirements. As some have said, it is no worse than other back roads but if you have the option and it doesn't save you lots of time, take the normal route of highway #1.

2: Might of been a little quick on the draw about the 5-1 bet for 12/31/17 but will honor my commitments. Absolutely sticking to my 10-1 bet for 12/31/16

3: Terry28, were on with the wager of Pacifico with dtbushpilot as my partner. If you would like I can have my people talk to your people about drawing up a contract. Yes, we are talking about the 23 miles

Now keep in mind that we might ask David for a map for final verification as there might be a Mission somewhere along there! (Just playing with you David ) ) In case of any disagreements we can have David mediate.

[Edited on 4-9-2016 by Howard]

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

1: If this route saves you a lot of time, you should take as it's just nerve racking on what you think is happening to your car. It can be done in almost any vehicle, no special requirements. As some have said, it is no worse than other back roads but if you have the option and it doesn't save you lots of time, take the normal route of highway #1. 2: Might of been a little quick on the draw about the 5-1 bet for 12/31/17 but will honor my commitments. Absolutely sticking to my 10-1 bet for 12/31/16 3: Terry28, were on with the wager of Pacifico with dtbushpilot as my partner. If you would like I can have my people talk to your people about drawing up a contract. Yes, we are talking about the 23 miles Now keep in mind that we might ask David for a map for final verification as there might be a Mission somewhere along there! (Just playing with you David ) ) In case of any disagreements we can have David mediate. [Edited on 4-9-2016 by Howard]

I only want part of the 2016 bet, you're on your own on the 2017

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

1: If this route saves you a lot of time, you should take as it's just nerve racking on what you think is happening to your car. It can be done in almost any vehicle, no special requirements. As some have said, it is no worse than other back roads but if you have the option and it doesn't save you lots of time, take the normal route of highway #1. 2: Might of been a little quick on the draw about the 5-1 bet for 12/31/17 but will honor my commitments. Absolutely sticking to my 10-1 bet for 12/31/16 3: Terry28, were on with the wager of Pacifico with dtbushpilot as my partner. If you would like I can have my people talk to your people about drawing up a contract. Yes, we are talking about the 23 miles Now keep in mind that we might ask David for a map for final verification as there might be a Mission somewhere along there! (Just playing with you David ) ) In case of any disagreements we can have David mediate. [Edited on 4-9-2016 by Howard]

Definition of complete and the rules of payoff

My definition of complete is that it is complete! No temporary detours, ABSOLUTELY no dirt or gravel bypass, and the paved road is permanent with painted stripes, not a temporary route. If I was trying to get out of the bet I would also say my car would be just as clean on one end as the other but this is Baja so I won't throw that in.

Not that I am worried, but here are some other definitions of the wager.

All payoffs must be drunk (no pun intended) in it's entirety at the time of payoff. As an example, if I win, I will drink my beer with you drinking anything you like. If you win you drink 5 or 10 and I drink anything I like. If you don't finish, we go to the
rules committee to see what penalties will be enforced. I am still putting up 1 beer to pay off either 5 or 10, not cases.

David K, would you mind being in charge of the rules committee as we might need some maps for 100% verification? You need to jump in here as this could be the longest thread in Nomad history without any of your wise and knowledgeable input. Come on, just come on in!
(I need some help here as a bush pilot partner that shall go unnamed has pulled out of part of the beer bet.)
I also reserve the right for additional rule changes.

Whatever I can do so we all can be happy and have more Baja-oriented fun, is a-ok with me amigo!

Baja Angel and I just wish conditions were better for us so we could be there more like almost 10 years ago when this was taken of us! Anybody know where we are... a day after pitting assistance with team Baja Pits at the 2006 Baja 1000?

Quote: Originally posted by norte

Could we have another selfie please. We do not have enough distractions on this forum. Maybe it will be named the David K Highway. Can we add that to the wager?

that would go nicely with the lovely sentimental quote at the entrance to shell island!

Quote: Originally posted by dtbushpilot

Quote: Originally posted by rts551   Darn. Another post that has a photo of and has become about David K. Willard, something on the entrance to DavidK island?. Stupid me. I thought this post was about hwy 5. Nothing is safe anymore. [Edited on 4-10-2016 by rts551] I thought you had fish to catch or something?

If i had a 4500 pound camper on the back i wouldnt do it, and i wouldnt drive a Toyota,

The wife kids and I did the 23 miles in 50 minutes yesterday in a 05 tundra double cab with a four wheel camper (800 lbs dry) on the back. Easy money.. They have quite a grand vision out there with the road work!

The pot holes south of San Felipe are flipping horrendous!!! Watch the dips..

The sea shepards are in gonzaga to save the sea of cortez

TT

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Darn. Another post that has a photo of and has become about David K. Willard, something on the entrance to DavidK island?. Stupid me. I thought this post was about hwy 5. Nothing is safe anymore. [Edited on 4-10-2016 by rts551]

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

Quote: Originally posted by rts551   Darn. Another post that has a photo of and has become about David K. Willard, something on the entrance to DavidK island?. Stupid me. I thought this post was about hwy 5. Nothing is safe anymore. [Edited on 4-10-2016 by rts551] is dirt island no longer off hwy 5? what am i missing?

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

If i had a 4500 pound camper on the back i wouldnt do it, and i wouldnt drive a Toyota, The wife kids and I did the 23 miles in 50 minutes yesterday in a 05 tundra double cab with a four wheel camper (800 lbs dry) on the back. Easy money.. They have quite a grand vision out there with the road work! The pot holes south of San Felipe are flipping horrendous!!! Watch the dips.. The sea shepards are in gonzaga to save the sea of cortez TT

Are there still a lot of by-pass sections before getting to Gonzaga?

I am at a coin toss, my departure point is 5 minutes from TKT, so its the same time/distance 5 vs 1, just less traffic on 5, and less unseen potholes with oncoming a-holes doing 60-70.

Just trying to weight safety/flat tire ratio of each road. Some friends got 3 flats between Catavina>San Ignacio last week;(

The only downside to the 5- I would probably end up wasting time on the beaches south of SF And I have just 3 days road time to pick people up in SJDC.

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

Anyone a betting person? I will bet 10 Pacifco�s to your one Pacifico that the road will not be totally paved by 12/31/16. To go one step further, I will bet 5 of my Pacifico�s to your 1 that it will not be completed by 12/31/17! I don�t care what they say or write. Anyone, anyone? OK, who still owes me? It's now approaching 2018 and wi0lling to continue my giving odds. Any takers to all you believers? [Edited on 11-10-2017 by Howard]

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Quote: Originally posted by Howard   Anyone a betting person? I will bet 10 Pacifco�s to your one Pacifico that the road will not be totally paved by 12/31/16. To go one step further, I will bet 5 of my Pacifico�s to your 1 that it will not be completed by 12/31/17! I don�t care what they say or write. Anyone, anyone? Howard, your on. I love cold Beer. Even if I have to give one up on 2016 bet, I will get it back on the 2017 part. Rules though. can't be like DavidK and throw extra road in We are talking about the last 23 miles. correct? Yes, the last 23 miles is still not for every one. Going across it, again, next week. We on?

I am hoping to just letting it ride and the way I see it, I might own the whole damn brewery.

Did I ever mention the bet has to be paid off in Loreto or the Punta Banda area or somewhere in between? -

[Edited on 11-10-2017 by Howard]

Quote: Originally posted by Howard

I am hoping to just letting it ride and the way I see it, I might own the whole damn brewery. Did I ever mention the bet has to be paid off in Loreto or the Punta Banda area or somewhere in between? - [Edited on 11-10-2017 by Howard]

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I would think that the logical place to settle up would be at Coco's Corner!

Please note the date

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Quote: Originally posted by Howard   I am hoping to just letting it ride and the way I see it, I might own the whole damn brewery. Did I ever mention the bet has to be paid off in Loreto or the Punta Banda area or somewhere in between? - [Edited on 11-10-2017 by Howard] Your making up new rules now...bet to be consumed on bet upon road Sir!

Tuesday 4:30 pm fuel oil truck, stuck. Two full tanks, would have pulled several pickups off the cliff with it I think. The trailers were jacked up and the back trailer tank rear wheels were almost hanging over the edge of the road on one side and a narrow passage with a crumbly soft shoulder next to a drop off on the other. There were several other people parked there and all trying to decide to try it, then one guy made it, and then some guy comes along in an old Landcriuser (I think) and barely slows down and smiles and waves as he drives right around it perilously close to the edge. I decided to not risk going around it and returned to Octavios camp for the night. Next morning half a dozen semis stuck unable to pass. Took a deep breath and squeezed by in my pickup, 20 foot drop next to road. I have a long bed and sometimes a short wheelbase really is better in the sticky spots.

Returning northbound on Friday it was gone, looked like a dozer pulled it out judging from the tracks on the road. Some oil leaked but it looked like it had been cleaned up a little.
only in Baja.

That little section and another similar one a few miles down the road would be challenging to tow a trailer due to steep grade and ruts right now but doable with a good tow vehicle.

Further south, I attempted to access the new highway route that bypasses Cocos but it had big rocks across it, N29 34' 52.9" W114 22' 41.2". Unable to access the new route.



[Edited on 5-18-2019 by bajaric]