fishuntr
Junior Nomad
Posts: 29
Registered: 10-7-2002
Location: So. Calif. High Desert
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Another ATV question
Long time member, seldom poster. Thinking about taking my Polaris Sportsman 500 quads down to Mission Santa Maria. I was there a few years ago with
DK and Chicago Ross. Good trip.
The road out, I should say the hill, was tough and I was glad I had a locker in my Toy truck. I assume it hasn't gotten any easier.
What's your opinion(s). My PoPo is very good offroad, but the stairsteps and loose shale concern me. I have a winch on it, but haven't had to use
it. I'm gettin kinda long in the tooth and not interested in "banzaiing" it coming out.
Not comcerned about getting in..out is the question. Also the water at the bottom. As I recall, it wasn't much of a problem. Thanks.
Do the best you can and enjoy your life
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David K
Honored Nomad
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That was a wonderful trip: http://vivabaja.com/403
Jim, Baja Ken has been in there recently as well as Pappy Jon just a couple weeks ago... See the Trip Reports forum here on Nomad.
INAH was supposed to have started the repairs, but the photos don't show it.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Here's Pappy Jon's post on Mision Santa Maria... http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=23487
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AmoPescar
Senior Nomad
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Fishhuntr...
Sure looks like terrain that your Polaris 500 can easily handle. My guess is that it will probably do okay in mostly 2WD and you may not even need to
use 4WD. Should be a fantastic trip on your quad!
I've been in similar terrain on my 500 Sportsman and it performed very well with no problems. I've also been in similar terrain on my 325 Trail Boss
with 2WD and it also performed very well. I think the Polaris' high clearance and stock tires are a good match for that type of terrain.
When are you planning on going?
Michael 
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David K
Honored Nomad
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My first trip to Mision Santa Maria was on a quad... 1999
Leaving RanchoSanta Ynez
Right through the boulders and up the mountain
On the peninsular divide, 9.9 miles from Santa Ynez...
BajaMur was riding his motorcycle (which I had to pull back to Rancho Santa Ynez as he ran out of fuel several miles before getting back to his truck
at the ranch).
Because of this one grade, you will be better with 4WD on the quad...
Of course, you know it as 'The Widowmaker' as you drove your truck up it in 2003. I named it Widowmaker because both myself and Murray whiped-out
climbing this grade... If I had 4WD (and an automatic clutch) I doubt it would have happened...
Here's a 360 degree panorama at the mission site: http://hometown.aol.com/murcarver/pan/panorama.html
Here's how I pulled Baja Mur back to his truck... Remember 2 cycle motors use a lot more fuel than 4 strokers!
Another group had attempted to drive to the mission... note the oil spill on the road.
Anyway, it is a tough road... just under 15 miles in.
Have a great time!
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
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fishuntr,
I bought a 2005 Polaris 500 HO just before this 3-4 mo trip and have put 500 miles on it now. Some short, but real steep climbs and now would not be
concerned with 'The Widowmaker'. Then you never know when you are at the bottom looking up and your heart starts pounding!! One thing that has not
been mentioned is the Polaris 4 wheel independent suspension. I think it adds a lot to the ability of this fine machine. The Polaris has more pluses
then I knew about, but there are two drawbacks worth mentioning...gas and noise. Carry extra gas...I am getting about 60 miles per Tank!!! Other then
that I think Polaris built this mean machine for Baja.
Wish I was going with you....
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
Registered: 4-15-2006
Location: Loreto
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Get a modern 4 stroke motocycle and really enjoy yourself. 120 miles on a tank and can go anywhere. Girlymen!!!!
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fishuntr
Junior Nomad
Posts: 29
Registered: 10-7-2002
Location: So. Calif. High Desert
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Thanks for all the replies guys. I was pretty sure we wouldn't have too much trouble, but it has been 4 years since I was there. I love my Sportsman
500, have had it 6 years and have wheeled the heck out of it. I have done a fair number of the Piute trails in Utah with it.
One of my sons and I were riding mountain trails near where I live last year. We were both riding over our heads. (It's a dad/son thing ) I charged up a long steep shaley hill with stair steps and by some miracle made it.
My son, however, did not. I will never forget that 800+# Polaris rolling over him. By dumb luck and grace of God he wasn't hurt much. Except for
bent handlebars, neither was the quad.
Maybe in my mid 60's I'm starting to grow up, but I am riding more cautiously now. When are we going? Maybe in May; certainly in August.
Do the best you can and enjoy your life
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David K
Honored Nomad
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An XR 450 is probably THE bike for Baja, but when you are not 20-35 years old anymore, sitting on a quad is more possible!
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ncampion
Super Nomad
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Location: Loreto
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You don't stop riding (motorcycles) because you get old,
You get old because you stop riding!
(61 years and still riding Baja)
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Corky1
Nomad
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Registered: 11-22-2003
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
An XR 450 is probably THE bike for Baja, but when you are not 20-35 years old anymore, sitting on a quad is more possible! |
David,
Are you saying I am to old to ride my motorcycle in Baja???
Corky
 
\"Keep The Rubberside Down\" |
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Corky1
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
An XR 450 is probably THE bike for Baja, but when you are not 20-35 years old anymore, sitting on a quad is more possible! |
David,
Are you saying I am to old to ride my motorcycle in Baja???
Corky |
I never mentioned YOU Corky! LOL
I was thinking of us older people 
You, TW, and ncampion can ride into the sunset with no worries.
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fishuntr
Junior Nomad
Posts: 29
Registered: 10-7-2002
Location: So. Calif. High Desert
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I never said I don't ride 2 wheel anymore. My first dirt bike was a BSA 500 single. I have owned a bunch since then. My sons both raced motocross
when they were little. We used to take our Hondas, Suzuckis and Yamahas to our place Near San Antonio Del Mar in the early 1980's. Since then we
have progressed to off road racing. A class 14 buggy and a class 8 truck. Did I forget the sand dragster? Lately we have gotten involved in the
sport of rock crawling. My youngest son competes, He drives the Marlin Crawler formula toy.
I have to admit I enjoy the quads more now. I wrecked pretty hard at Dumont a few years ago on a Honda XR650. Since then I mostly ride the quad. I
still have a Honda NX250. When my wife read my post about growing up and being more cautious, she just rolled her eyes.
Baja is the off roader's paradise.
Do the best you can and enjoy your life
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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
Posts: 664
Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
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Mood: its always good
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Fishhunter if you have done the switchbacks on the piute you will have no problem
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