BajaNomad

El Coyote to Mikes

bajatrailrider - 5-17-2020 at 05:43 PM

Just got word El Coyote to Mikes Locked gate. Internal problem El Coyote V Family member Melings. . Will have more info in next few days.

David K - 5-17-2020 at 06:08 PM

Yes, please ... Who would do this, the Melings? Are there people driving 2WD vehicles needing rescue using it?

bajatrailrider - 5-17-2020 at 06:45 PM

Hola David don't understand 2wd vehicles? El coyotes did not put up gate. Rancho meling did that will cause El Coyotes problems to get to other properties.

TMW - 5-17-2020 at 06:54 PM

Sounds like a family member got mad at another family member. Don't you just hate that, ruining it for everybody.

David K - 5-17-2020 at 09:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
Hola David don't understand 2wd vehicles? El coyotes did not put up gate. Rancho meling did that will cause El Coyotes problems to get to other properties.


Two Wheel Drive. Is the gate to prevent 2WD vehicles from using the road to Mike's, and needing help?

Melings own El Coyote, too, so I was wondering if it's like what TW was saying above if not the vehicles being stuck?

PaulW - 5-18-2020 at 06:43 AM

Persons that operate Meling ranch (members of the Melling family) do not own Coyote (members of the Melling family). Even so, yes there are all related and are likely having a family dispute.
I doubt seriously it has anything to do with the kind of vehicles that were using that road.
I can wait until the Nomad that is in contact with Mike at Coyote give us the whole story?

David K - 5-18-2020 at 06:48 AM

I have Mike D's email... I will ask.

bajatrailrider - 5-18-2020 at 08:26 AM

There is 3 ways I know from Coyote to Mike's. One of three is another Meling rancho. That by passes new gate that route is locked and gated many years now. The other two route's I don't know if new gate blocks both. The Fourth route to Mike's open is below dark sky inn. This year has been lots of rain before the rain a handful on my moto. If still passable I think only Moto maybe sxs. El coyote owned by melings Rancho meling owed by Dan who married there sister. This problem is from one of the non meling sons. One thing I know that is main route of travel. In my area when people block main route and other ranchers want to pass. They go around gate or what ever it takes.

elgatoloco - 5-18-2020 at 11:03 AM

As the Palapa turns..............

Ken Cooke - 5-18-2020 at 07:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
There is 3 ways I know from Coyote to Mike's. One of three is another Meling rancho. That by passes new gate that route is locked and gated many years now. The other two route's I don't know if new gate blocks both. The Fourth route to Mike's open is below dark sky inn. This year has been lots of rain before the rain a handful on my moto. If still passable I think only Moto maybe sxs. El coyote owned by melings Rancho meling owed by Dan who married there sister. This problem is from one of the non meling sons. One thing I know that is main route of travel. In my area when people block main route and other ranchers want to pass. They go around gate or what ever it takes.


I remember reading that Dark skies sold their property due to repeated flooding, but eventually built a heavy gate as well? I remember taking a wrong turn on the Pole Line Road over a decade ago, as I rolled up to the Ranchers house, their eyes were bulging with anger as we quickly turned around and headed back up the trail.

bajatrailrider - 5-18-2020 at 07:09 PM

As of last year not sold caretakers there at dark sky's. The route im talking about you do not Cross there property. You turn in from pavement . Same road to there place at the Y you turn left. If I can get up there soon I will ride moto. Report back if 4x4 can do it.

TMW - 5-18-2020 at 08:19 PM

I think Mike and his wife wanted to sell Dark Sky's because they were not getting enough people to use there telescopes. There weren't many people there when ever I was there. The last time I saw him he said they were taking their stuff on the road for exhibits. They're asking $500,000.

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=Y1DDXtfaE4Wot...

[Edited on 5-19-2020 by TMW]

bajatrailrider - 5-19-2020 at 12:31 AM

When they put up the locked gate that ended it .

bajatrailrider - 5-19-2020 at 07:46 AM

For Paul Mike from El Coyote will be at my house. This morning will have more info. Hoping this is not so as the two brothers at Melings El Coyote are super nice. On the other hand they are not to be messed with. Dan the owner of Melings rancho super nice also. No way are they fighting it is large family for sure in-laws.

bajatrailrider - 6-1-2020 at 08:13 PM

More info there are two gates coming from Mikes. The first one is Where one family member of Melings. Has his rancho in Canyon with big trees where he closed the road past the trees. The Melings made a bypass route on Lt side. New gate on that spot other gate metal one is a mile before you get to Coyotes. The first Gate the made enough room for a Moto to pass, Reports also the metal gate is easy by passed by moto. I know the story from El Coyote . When I camp up there I will talk to Rancho Meling to get full scoop .

PaulW - 6-2-2020 at 06:32 AM

Thanks, It has been to long since I drove up to Coyote from Mikes Sky Ranch. The first trip we followed Mile's sign and drove down a newly dozed road to the valley into the horse corral at Coyote. The next time that road was closed because the road was made without permission of the rancher and we took the route that had been repaired. Of course there were no gates back then.
No trips last winter and no local reports I am aware of.

bajatrailrider - 6-2-2020 at 07:13 AM

What is strange first gate Mike's to Coyote. They left enough room to get past it with Moto. Second big metal gate was also passed. By large group of Mexican riders on Moto's.

David K - 6-2-2020 at 08:24 AM

A little visual aid...

2010 AAA Map:


2003 Baja Almanac:


My 2005 mileage notes:


1978 AAA Map:


1974 AAA Map:


1972 DK Map:

Roads I Haved Used

PaulW - 6-2-2020 at 09:20 AM

Mikes – El Coyote – Melling Roads
Here is what I see on my GPS. These roads truly existed at one time.



And the detail near Coyote



Maybe someone could mark the gates? And other washout or no longer used roads?


David K - 6-2-2020 at 10:29 AM

Just to the right of your crosshair, on the newer, detour road, is near where my rear left brake broke and I limped back to El Coyote. Kept me from getting to Mike's Sky Rancho in 2017.

bajaric - 6-2-2020 at 11:37 AM

anyone how is the road from Coyote to Buena Vista? 2WD F150 possible to get down and back up or better access

PaulW - 6-2-2020 at 03:55 PM

Some speculating the gates were primarily to protect the three ranch personal from the virus. But here is some info from a trusted source.

It’s not to isolate from the Covid. They were put up by the main Meling ranch. They want more $, not just people passing thru. Mostly it is UTVs they are tired of passing thru. Unfortunately, it will effect El Coyote Meling guest ranch and Mikes too. The main old Meling ranch wants people to stay at their ranch and they will open the gates to those with reservations.

Get a reservation and do not just go around or unwire the gate fence.

bajatrailrider - 6-2-2020 at 08:55 PM

I have pictures of the first gate just sticks and wire. Big gap bikes just pass by. The second gate metal they probably made a trail around it. That road is not even near rancho Meling ? I feel once this gets out it will back fire on rancho melings.

bajatrailrider - 6-18-2020 at 06:17 AM

On post coyote to Buena Vista route 2wd f150. The gate is locked from coyote start. We rode it on Moto's if you where to drive it. Gate at other west end open after that old baja course. No way 2wd either way as a matter of fact . It was very difficult on our Moto's. With 4x4 big maybe I would not try it with my 4x4.

bajatrailrider - 6-18-2020 at 06:39 AM

We inspected new locked gates both ends. We did not ride our Moto's. Past gates but we did ride up to both sides. For us we have better routes then just pounding rocks. The metal gate 5 min from coyotes. Is locked but fence removed for anyone to pass. On stick gate towards Mike's gate locked . People have been going around it. We rode our motos thought melings rancho. I wanted to talk to David the owner but did not see his truck. I think big mistake to put gates up as will kill business . For all three ranchos plus no sign before gate on Mikes side. So any group that goes that far will not stop at gate. On the dirt forest road south of paved road to top. I have the keys to that route. It is not passable anything with 4 wheels. On Moto's we had to dig with sticks. And make reroutes as wash outs ten ft down 10 ft across. It looks like no travel for a long time . The massive power lines on that route. Are not completed maybe due to nothing with 4 wheels can get there. Even my yxz 1000 no way.

David K - 6-18-2020 at 08:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
The massive power lines on that route. Are not completed maybe due to nothing with 4 wheels can get there. Even my yxz 1000 no way.


Larry, do you think the power lines (when completed) are for the observatories?

bajatrailrider - 6-18-2020 at 04:47 PM

Yes David no one person could spend that. amount of money.

David K - 6-18-2020 at 05:03 PM

Oh, I know (except Carlos Slim)... I was just wondering what direction they were going and the route to the observatories, IF that was the purpose.

AKgringo - 6-18-2020 at 05:50 PM

Maybe they are going to cover the mountain with solar panels and wind turbines, and sent the power down the mountain to charge our electric vehicles? :?:

bajatrailrider - 6-18-2020 at 06:01 PM

Never the south forest dirt road was built. To run power lines and a water line to a rancho. Right now the massive tractor is broken down . For a very long time in a very bad place. This road is fantastic not open to public. I do have key cause my amigo has a cabin off that road. I can take any nomads on that route.

bajatrailrider - 6-21-2020 at 09:19 AM

The massive power lines to Observatories are finished from top. they run under ground next to paved road up. When they go above ground on dirt forest road .They are on tall towers with open aluminum cables to carry power. The crew doing this work must have ran away fast when storm came. As not finished in dirt part with cables just laying on ground. Some places sticking up 2ft off the ground. lots of danger on motos fighting past washouts and cables to grab a foot peg.

PaulW - 6-22-2020 at 07:36 AM

Following
The last time we drove to the observatory we had to negotiate the construction of the underground power cables. The cables went mostly on the side of the pavement, but many times they just went down the right lane. We were told by the observatory workers that they would be happy to not have to use the generators when the project was complete. Gosh that was a long time ago Jan 2016. See http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=81873#pid1019...
It is true at the lower end of the underground power lines they began at overhead power lines that were existing.
Anyway, I seriously doubt it the new power lines are anything more than infrastructure upgrade. I bet the observatory has been connected to the grid for over 4 years.

bajatrailrider - 6-22-2020 at 09:41 AM

No Paul it has not been hooked up to power lines. Also no on existing power lines. From hwy 1 all new starting like you said years back. New update this morning on gate locked. New route not on melings property . At west end I will find out if Moto only or 4x4 use. Another option the other meling rancho in canyon half way from Mike's. Is old road that was blocked by there new rancho. Can be available to open good road for 4x4 need call Coyote's for that. Family fighting is disgusting ever see what happens . When a head of family dies that has money. It breaks up family forever . As they fight for each penny.

David K - 6-22-2020 at 09:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Following
The last time we drove to the observatory we had to negotiate the construction of the underground power cables. The cables went mostly on the side of the pavement, but many times they just went down the right lane. We were told by the observatory workers that they would be happy to not have to use the generators when the project was complete. Gosh that was a long time ago Jan 2016. See http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=81873#pid1019...
It is true at the lower end of the underground power lines they began at overhead power lines that were existing.
Anyway, I seriously doubt it the new power lines are anything more than infrastructure upgrade. I bet the observatory has been connected to the grid for over 4 years.


I was up there in October 2017 and there was no sign of cables or trenches. It was already in and paved over, I guess?





bajatrailrider - 6-22-2020 at 11:49 AM

The dirt road I use south of paved road up. At that T intersection. After locked gate is the place cable go under ground. When is last time you where there David I need . Give you ride on that route.

bajatrailrider - 6-23-2020 at 05:49 PM

Another update the first gate from Mike's. Coyote will open there locked gate . Witch is 100ft north of rancho melting gate. So looks like they will have figure out another way to earn 5 bucks.

bajatrailrider - 8-3-2020 at 09:55 AM

Up date on locked gates the battle between Melings still on. Bypass there gates can be done by calling coyote . As they have other roads on there land . In the mean time there new locked gates are not enforceable. As not legal to block right of way As reported to me large Mexican 4x4 people stuck getting there . Made there own bypass around locked gates . On top of that 95 percent of fence is owned by other ranchos. that have no problem with it being removed for people to pass. I have passed Rancho Melings 3 times to talk to David Owner. He was not home at time to discuss this problem. Since both owners are good Amigos to me. I would like to share a different point of view.

David K - 8-3-2020 at 11:33 AM

Thanks Larry,
Keep trying to get through to David (Meling?) and hopefully something is worked out between Rancho Coyote and Rancho Meling so the land can be free for everyone to enjoy the outdoors!

bajatrailrider - 8-3-2020 at 03:42 PM

Both owners super nice people family fighting . Very difficult to deal with just makes more problems for both.

bajatrailrider - 9-2-2020 at 10:59 AM

Hi off roaders I'm at El coyote for the week. motos and brought the sxs. as of today the new gate is not locked anymore. You keep going towards Mike's stay to rt on road you all know . Christian is building a cabin there with guy living there they have locked gate to pass the rancho. I asked caretaker what does it take to unlock. He said 200 pesos I laughed told him your gate is not the only way to go to Mike's. There is a Y in road before the new house . You take it to Left side very easy to Miss it . it is old route motos easy and my sxs easy . I don't think you can pass with truck. two rocks at bottom . in future with help it could be . worked on for truck to pass

PaulW - 9-2-2020 at 01:12 PM

Trailrider could yo take the trouble to post a GPS track?
Thanks.

advrider - 9-2-2020 at 05:38 PM

Good news, that is one of my favorite ride to do after crossing the border and heading South. A couple of $$ to pass wouldn't bother me at all.

bajatrailrider - 9-3-2020 at 04:19 PM

Sorry Paul I don't use GPS. only one way you can go up paved road to el coyote all routes blocked Lt el Coyote Rt to Mike's about 3 miles new rancho casa. locked gate pay care taker drive on. anybody has moto or sxs i can show you by pass.

bajatrailrider - 9-4-2020 at 03:45 PM

also San rafael canyon route to El Coyote . The last 5 miles into coyote dirt bike or sxs 4x4 pickup no . This is due to Rodger from score running 3 races there. As norm he did not repair road as promised.

David K - 9-4-2020 at 03:53 PM

Larry, not to say it isn't true, but years ago I heard that Sal Fish (former president of SCORE) said that SCORE paid money to the Mexican companies to repair the roads... and that nothing was done after the money changed hands.
Is it possible that the local contractors simply did not do the job Roger Norman paid them to do, as well?
You would think that after seeing a failure, he would find a new contractor to grade the roads? You may be right??!!

TMW - 9-4-2020 at 04:16 PM

Why would Norman use the contractor if he didn't do the job after the first race. I think PaulW can better answer about Norman. I've heard rummers about some of his dealings but nothing first hand.

David K - 9-4-2020 at 05:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
Why would Norman use the contractor if he didn't do the job after the first race. I think PaulW can better answer about Norman. I've heard rummers about some of his dealings but nothing first hand.


Exactly why I questioned that line of thinking, unless three different contractors all ripped him off?

PaulW - 9-4-2020 at 05:40 PM

Back in the day race promoter provided funds to repair damage. However the responsibility of using the funds to do good things was always the responsibility of the government that issued the permit. And yes sometimes some areas were improved with a road grader. An example of this can be seen on the road for the power line to Morelia junction. They even made a distinguishable race road where possible.
Another example was to keep racers off the east valley road by creating a unique race road. Lately we see significant improvement on the east valley road.
All these examples was accomplished with Mexically government
funds. I do not know of any improvements that were ever done by any race promoter because it was a government responsibility.

The significant pressure of the land owners including the local ejido made all this possible. It is all about the squeaky wheel syndrome.

Now days I am removed for specific details, but the improvements listed did occur during both the Sal Fish and Norman leadership.

bajatrailrider - 9-4-2020 at 06:04 PM

simple that excuse has been used for years. local ranchers don't care score tears it up no excuse fix it

bajatrailrider - 9-5-2020 at 08:58 AM

In future Nomads with motos sxs 4x4. Happy to meet up at Coyotes show you some routes and history. Just be warned if you only have 4x4 pickup. Only few routes open as most roads from races . No go with truck the forest route is best I do have key to lock gate. I was impassable last month due to rain wash outs. By now I'm sure fixed as there was a tractor stuck with two trucks . It was extremely difficult on motos. Few years ago David was up at Coyotes we had a good time . David was lucky he got back .

bajatrailrider - 9-5-2020 at 09:11 AM

I cut trip short left Coyotes at 10 am it was 100 .With forecast over 100 sat and Sunday. If cool down at end of month back again. The sign at hwy 1 to observatory states closed but it is open.

David K - 9-5-2020 at 10:21 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
In future Nomads with motos sxs 4x4. Happy to meet up at Coyotes show you some routes and history. Just be warned if you only have 4x4 pickup. Only few routes open as most roads from races . No go with truck the forest route is best I do have key to lock gate. I was impassable last month due to rain wash outs. By now I'm sure fixed as there was a tractor stuck with two trucks . It was extremely difficult on motos. Few years ago David was up at Coyotes we had a good time . David was lucky he got back .


Yes, after a fantastic dinner at El Coyote with you and your friends, followed by a restful sleep on their grassy camping area, I was off to map the road to Mike's Sky Rancho and up to Hwy. 3. Only a few miles from El Coyote, climbing a short, steep grade in low range, my rear brake locked up... I made it back to El Coyote where you loaned me some vice grips and Mike D. gave me a piece of rubber so we could crimp closed the brake line, as the seals gave out on the drum brake. I was able to drive the 250 miles home thanks to your help and brake fluid from the Pemex on Hwy. 1!

bajatrailrider - 9-5-2020 at 11:05 AM

since you been on that route you should see it now. Dirt gone from heavy rain . flat rock steps beat truck moto sxs to death .

David K - 9-5-2020 at 11:10 AM

I am sure!
While it may be popular to blame racers for road damage, nothing beats Mother Nature for destroying roads!

bajatrailrider - 9-5-2020 at 11:18 AM

agree David living here riding every week . I name the place where road destroyed by race. I like Score Racing but Norman's care of people that work for him. Repairing roads and help during race down riders. With one standard of help for Usa team racer. Then less for a Mexican racer is on Norman.