BajaNomad

Vaya Con Dios Corky Behrle (Corky1)

bajabob - 1-10-2017 at 10:18 PM

Hello fellow Nomads,
I want to pass the word to those who haven't heard that we've lost Corky1 (Corky Behrle) this past month to cancer. It's difficult to phantom what a wonderfully wild and diverse life this man lived. One of the earliest Baja desert racers, member of the District 37 alumi association, LAPD motor officer, Hollywood Stuntman and business owner, Corky made a lasting (usually positive :) impression on everyone he met. His last race was the 2015 Baja Rally and by then he was well into his seventies. I first met Corky at one of KC's BajaGPS trailrides out of Santa Veronica. He complained that all of his old riding buddies had retired from the sport but he still wanted to ride. We stayed in touch and he made several trips up to NorCal to join me and my family on dirt bike outings and spent time showing me the ropes on traveling Baja on a moto. His famous mantra was "Never pass gas(oline), take the deepest rut, and drink your water". I still follow those rules of wisdom when I ride today. It was quite humbling to ride with Corky (he was a natural, speed freak on wheels) and in his 60s he was putting riders a third of his age to shame. He became ill with cancer 10 years ago or so and gave up riding (temporarily). He fought it and won back several more years in which he was able to take part in sharing his love for the people of Baja and racing motorcycles. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra and nephews and nieces.
Vaya Con Dios mi amigo!

[Edited on 1-11-2017 by bajabob]

Bajazly - 1-10-2017 at 10:31 PM

Sounds like he lived a full and eventful life, good on him.

RIP Corky and give 'em hell on two wheels where ever you may be.

TMW - 1-10-2017 at 11:21 PM

He did what he loved to do for a long time and that is good. God speed.

Meany - 1-11-2017 at 03:48 AM

Ride on Corky.

woody with a view - 1-11-2017 at 05:54 AM

Sounds like a hell of a guy to call friend.

David K - 1-11-2017 at 08:14 AM

bajabob, thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute of Corky.

Corky and I met near El Huerfanito back in 2002 or 2003 as he and his grandson were riding to Gonzaga Bay. We had the chance to chat more at Alfonsina's on that trip. After that, we exchanged many emails as he shared many of my interests in looking for trails in Baja that would make more of this wonderful land visible.

Your sharing of his huge life will ensure his life will not be forgotten.

BajaBlanca - 1-12-2017 at 01:46 PM

RIP

Corky

John M - 1-12-2017 at 02:15 PM

In our early days of going to Baja in the late mid to late 1970s, we were a bit nervous. Then we met Corky through a mutual friend. Corky was gracious, helpful, and simply a kind person. A few words of wisdom from a knowledgeable friend and we were on our way - I can say that without this chance encounter, our Baja travels might have ended way back then.

May his family rejoice in knowing the goodness he brought to others.

John and Barbara M.

TMW - 1-12-2017 at 02:37 PM

About 10-12 years ago he and I stayed at Rancho Santa Ines and spent a couple of days riding the area. One day we tried to ride down Arroyo El Volcan, well we did not get but a couple of miles before the boulders got too big to get over or around. We pushed, pulled and carried the bikes until we were exhausted and turned around. But it was fun.

Corky RIP

DENNIS - 1-12-2017 at 02:42 PM



See ya sooner than later, Corky. Thanks for the ride, Nomad bro. DEP

racinjason - 3-6-2018 at 09:19 AM

All,

This is Jason, I'm Corky's grandson. Thank you all for the kind words about him. He is greatly missed. I'm trying to plan a trip down to San Felipe Nov 12-17th to spread his ashes over the 3 sisters. Its what he always talked about having done. I need some help though. I plan on bringing my toy hauler and camping. Where to stay that'll fit a 44' trailer?

David K - 3-6-2018 at 09:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by racinjason  
All,

This is Jason, I'm Corky's grandson. Thank you all for the kind words about him. He is greatly missed. I'm trying to plan a trip down to San Felipe Nov 12-17th to spread his ashes over the 3 sisters. Its what he always talked about having done. I need some help though. I plan on bringing my toy hauler and camping. Where to stay that'll fit a 44' trailer?


Hi Jason,
There is Octavio's Camp Playa Escondido that had lot's of room by a nice beach. If that works out for you, take the paved Puertecitos turnoff (Km. 74.5) and Octavio's entrance road is just 0.2 mi. in. November is a long ways off, so more ideas may come forward. I remember the two of you passing me near Huerfanito then meeting you both at Alfonsina's. Back in 2002 or 3.

[Edited on 3-6-2018 by David K]

TMW - 3-6-2018 at 10:06 AM

Keep in mind that the Baja 1000 is Nov. 14-18 and is a loop race which means most likely it will run somewhere near San Felipe. I doubt it will get near Puertecitos but you can never tell, 2013 did. Be aware of the hwy traffic.

racinjason - 3-6-2018 at 11:01 AM

Octavio's Camp Playa Escondido is farther south than I want to be. Looking to be around or in San Felipe because the 1000 is the loop race like TMW mentioned.

Does anyone know anything about Seaside Hotel & Victors RV park? How busy does it get during the 1000 in San Felipe?

David K - 3-6-2018 at 02:34 PM

Sure, since you mentioned "3 Sisters" I was presuming the grades of the old road, mostly 10-20 miles south of Puertecitos. A wide turn-around campground nearest there was what I was thinking. San Felipe has Pete's Camp and dozens others.

BajaBlanca - 3-6-2018 at 05:40 PM

racinjason How wonderful that you are going to spread his ashes as he desired!

Hopefully others can give you the info you need on what is available in San Felipe.

Pacifico - 3-6-2018 at 05:49 PM

Pete's Camp would be perfect!

mjs - 3-6-2018 at 06:45 PM

Nuevo Mazatlan would fit your TH. Not as noisy as SF but maybe 25 miles is farther away then you want to be.

David K - 3-6-2018 at 07:23 PM

As a fan of Nuevo Mazatlan that I am, I would question the pulling of such a large trailer in that sandy arroyo bottom by the trees, with a 2WD or even 4WD. Here's a page I made for this old campo that dates back to the mid-1960s... www.vivabaja.com/nm

mjs - 3-6-2018 at 08:34 PM

Campgrounds not to sandy on the west side. Does get a bit softer as you get near the beach. Regularly see large trailers in there. I think Javier even stores one for a frequent visitor.