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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18366
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
I was there before and after the highway was built... wrote books about it... no BS, I promiss!
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DK, they need to make a new nomad status for you, and call it chief bloviator. You crack me up, even when you annoy me 
I'm even starting to believe that Highway 1 was built for you and you alone.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
I think Nadine and her amigos are en route now...by the way, they never planned to bike the highway much...they were going to take a bus or hire a van
to get them to GN, then they were trying to get permission to bike the back way to Asuncion, then the coast road down to Abreojos etc...mostly
sticking to off roading...so this thread is kinda funny as they wanted to off road it as much as possible....the original suggestion to post here was
to maybe get some info, some logistical assistance about busses etc...and maybe make a few friends they might visit on the way....they are biking down
the continent and I for one wish them a great trip. |
Had they been more specific---read their first post -- probably there would have been more suggestions and help offered to them. Too bad, and I think
even those who disagree with riding bikes on Highway 1 wish them well and hope they have a great trip.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
Yep DK-the hotels were built for those tourists traveling in cars...not huge RVs. So again, the highway wasn't built for bicycles or the monster RVs
or huge trucks that are all over the road. Why are you singling out bikes? I think you're missing the point here....there are a lot of dangers on
the highway...to say that bikes are the biggest danger is laughable. I've seen my share of broken driver side mirrors....oh but I'm sure that was the
fault of some cyclist....give me a break. |
IMHO, Paula's post is worth repeating---there is a giant difference between the different dangers---apples and oranges.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Paula
I think the gut reaction of most people in this situation would be to spare the bicyclist at all costs, because they are out there, unprotected by a
vehicle, and the first thing you see with your minds eye is that person's head, bones and blood al over the pavement. There is no time to make a
value judgement, the reaction has to be instinctual, and the sight of that person so badly injured is unthinkable-- you do anything to avoid being the
cause of that.
And this is why I think riding a bicycle on this road is a very thoughtless and selfish thing to do. I see the appeal of doing it, but there are
other things you can do for a thrill that won't involve endanger the lives of others. |
IMHO, the only thing worse might be running over a dog.
Diane
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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Yes you are correct David. The campgrounds and paradors and motels built along the highway when it opened were built for the expected tourists. So
yes, one of the objectives of the new highway was to encourage travel by americans. However, signs warning cars to slow down because the highway was
primarily intended for commercial use speaks for itself. Who could they have been referring to? Most Mexicans drove clunkers back then. Most
commercial trucks were DINA's back then that belched smoke fumes and were notoriously slow.There's a story by Walt Peterson of one driver who drove
his car with the gas can on the roof of his car and a tube leading to his engine because his fuel pump was out. Of course I can't prove what the
primary reason was for the highway. That's subjective and we could go back and forth for days. But it just makes no sense that they would ask their
own people to slow down for the sake of tourism (you say tourism=commerce in their mind).
But that was 30 years and time has marched on. I feel this has little bearing on the situation today. Except that the highway has remained the same.
There is another slant on this that's relevant. You, David, have always seen the development of baja as progress and I have seen it as it's decline.
Our views on the rights of cyclists may simply be the outcome of these more general viewpoints. That's what I suspect.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18366
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Paula
I think the gut reaction of most people in this situation would be to spare the bicyclist at all costs, because they are out there, unprotected by a
vehicle, and the first thing you see with your minds eye is that person's head, bones and blood al over the pavement. There is no time to make a
value judgement, the reaction has to be instinctual, and the sight of that person so badly injured is unthinkable-- you do anything to avoid being the
cause of that.
And this is why I think riding a bicycle on this road is a very thoughtless and selfish thing to do. I see the appeal of doing it, but there are
other things you can do for a thrill that won't involve endanger the lives of others. |
paula, the selfish act is your barreling down the highway at an unsafe speed, driving too fast. slow down and you won't kill anyone. keep driving
too fast, and you will kill someone.
share the road with bikes!
yes we can!
peace out!
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Since everybody seems to have an opinion on this subject I might as well throw in my "take"---------
-------bike riding on Mex. 1 is an "extreme sport", and we all know the possible/probable consequences of most any "extreme sport".
Tho annoying, I personally drive Mex. 1 within the parameters that were originally stated when the hyway was built---------it is not, and was not
designed to be, a highspeed highway-------it was frugally built to facilitate the economic growth of the peninsula, and that is all, plain and
simple. There was never any consideration of "bike riding" in the original engineering, I am reasonably certain. Bike use on that highway is at the
riders peril, and I wish them luck----they will need it!
Barry
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Nadine
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 11-27-2008
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Well, after 8 pages of comment - fortunately not all of them on our bikeriding... I do feel obliged to respond. Although most has been said, including
that after these 8 pages we still don't have the answers to all of our questions. Don't worry, we found other ways  Thank you though for the tips, the advice and ideas that where included in
the various threads, we will make good use of them!
To all of you that have expressed concern about our trip - I do not want to defend myself and the choices we make, but I do want to try and put some
of your minds at rest, although judging by the fierceness of some responses I wonder if that's possible. We most certainly do not have a death wish -
but a desire to enjoy life and the world around us. Being on a bike is one of the best ways we know to do so.
First of all, both Paul and I have been riding for years and years, in many corners of our beautiful world. Together, we've made about 15 trips, not
counting short brakes. A lot of our trips have been in Europe, believe me a lot more crowded than US or central America roads (see Italy photo in the
thread!). So we do know to be carefull, attentive, on the alert.
Don't forget, on a bike you hear everything around you (part of the attraction, because most of the times it's birds, the sea, the wind, silence and
your own wheels on the pavement). So we will hear a car coming up behind us, or in front of us, or both and notice whether it is slowing down or not.
And we will anticipate.
I have to agree with the people that said - slow down behind a bike and pass when you can. Of course, there are curves and bends when you might not
see a bike before the turn - we will hear you coming and make sure we are out of the way. If you do see us, and there is another car coming from the
opposite direction, please take half a minute to slow down.
And yes, wherever possible we try and avoid Hw 1, as Shari stated. Mainly because biking is even better on dirt roads, more lonesome, more in touch
with nature. However, travelling from GN to San Jose all on dirt is not an option. So on parts we will have to take the Hw, which judging by the
pictures some of the nomads posted isn't all that bad.
Baja seems to be a beautiful place and I can't wait to be there and see it all. From the viewpoint of my bike - slow travelling to experience it all.
And so far, everywhere in the world that we've been it has been an amazing way to meet people - I hope in Baja it will be the same!
Take care everyone, be it on the road or elsewhere.
Nadine
[Edited on 7-12-2008 by Nadine]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Thank you Nadine... always have a safe trip and enjoy Baja!
For the record, and to clear the false assumptions said by the pro bike ninjas out there: I am not anti bike, I am pro safe riding roads for bikes to
use (narrow part of Mex.1 isn't). I actually was sad that Highway One was built, having experienced the old road in the '60s and early '70s... I am
available to help a bike rider find a 'non- narrow Hwy. 1' route to use!
Igor said: "There is another slant on this that's relevant. You, David, have always seen the development of baja as progress and I have seen it as
it's decline."
Not sure how you got that impression, but let me tell you I agree with YOU!
Have a great Sunday everyone!
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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Nice to hear from you again Nadine,
Just some final recommendations related to this subject. They deal with the road loops available from the main highway. They're really the best way to
experience the peninsula at a more leisurely rate.
1. Puertocitos-Gonzaga-LagunaChapala road - Mentioned by others. Great ride along the cortez followed by pretty good desert scenery.
2. BOLA-SanFrancisquito-ElArco - The desert between SF and ElArco is as good as it gets in baja IMO. Stunningly beautiful and not a soul in sight.
3. LaRibera-CaboPulmo-SanJose - Another great ride along the cortez shoreline with warmer waters and more tropical climate. Don't know how developed
the southern leg of that road has become.
These are just three. There are tons more. I suggest you construct an itinerary that strings a bunch of such loops as you work your way south for a
memorable baja vacation. There are members here who can give great advice.
A side trip to the Mag Bay region would be good. Another side trip up the canyon to Mission San Javier would be excellent for a bike ride. Or branch
off to Comodu and visit old baja. Any time you leave the highway the quality of your vacation goes up.
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Nadine
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 11-27-2008
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3. LaRibera-CaboPulmo-SanJose - Another great ride along the cortez shoreline with warmer waters and more tropical climate. Don't know how developed
the southern leg of that road has become.
Thank you Skipjack Joe We are definitely doing that last stretch you mention - actually from La Paz on we won't be on Hw 1 no more! The other 2
stretches are to far north as we start riding from Guerrero Negro (or probably Vizcaino). From there on we will go west to Baha Asuncion, going south
from there and hitting the highway again at San Ignacio. From there one it seems it has to be highway all the way down to La Paz, although we are
considering taking the bus partly. Any advice on riding dirt instead of highway is more than welcome!
[Edited on 7-12-2008 by Nadine]
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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Nadine
Take the road from San Ignacio west and south to San Juanico Then South how ever you desire. Eliminates some nasty parts of HWY 1.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Sounds like you have your wheels aligned properly.
As far as the pointed semi-opinionated folks such as myself goes, please just keep our/my concern in the back of your minds. I'll give more berth as
well.
Wasn't trying to pop yer bubble or diss your trip.... just want your trip to be great enjoyable one and you guys to be safe.
Enjoy Baja and all the greatness it offers up. Salutos y bueno suerte. Corky
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Nadine
Well, after 8 pages of comment - fortunately not all of them on our bikeriding... I do feel obliged to respond. Although most has been said, including
that after these 8 pages we still don't have the answers to all of our questions. Don't worry, we found other ways Thank you though for the tips, the advice and ideas that where included in
the various threads, we will make good use of them!.
Nadine
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Now that you have asked specific questions and after all this time made your intentions clear, notice that you are getting more useful responses,
although with no response, it was suggested early on in this thread that you consider using the dirt roads.
FDT, who would be the one to contact offered his services for when you arrive in Tijuana---a specific answer to a specific answer.
You might also consider the back road from Bahia Asuncion to Tortugas---interesting country and Tortugas is worth a visit.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Nadine
To all of you that have expressed concern about our trip - I do not want to defend myself and the choices we make, but I do want to try and put some
of your minds at rest, although judging by the fierceness of some responses I wonder if that's possible. We most certainly do not have a death wish -
but a desire to enjoy life and the world around us. Being on a bike is one of the best ways we know to do so.
Nadine
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I don't think any of us have a death wish, and yes you are a very experienced rider. However, you are not familar with the main highway in
Baja---notice that many who have riden lots of places, while they defend people's rights to ride down Highway 1, they themselves would not do so.
That is why MANY suggested the back roads.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Nadine
I have to agree with the people that said - slow down behind a bike and pass when you can. Of course, there are curves and bends when you might not
see a bike before the turn - we will hear you coming and make sure we are out of the way. If you do see us, and there is another car coming from the
opposite direction, please take half a minute to slow down.
Nadine
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Do you really think any of us would NOT slow down when we see a bike rider? 
| Quote: | Originally posted by Nadine
And yes, wherever possible we try and avoid Hw 1, as Shari stated. Mainly because biking is even better on dirt roads,
Nadine
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Information posted very late in the thread. Clarity of intent very much affects the responses received.
Have a great trip and if you have any questions about the back roads, you might want to start over and ask the specific questions---answers will
come.
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Paula
Super Nomad
Posts: 2219
Registered: 1-5-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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Well hi there Nadine! Nice to hear from you again.
If you take the road that rts551 recommends from San Ignacio to San Juanico (I've never been on this road, and can't say how it might be) you can
continue south to La Purisima, a lazy and lovely little town. While there may or may not be a hotel and restaurant there, if you ask and smile at one
of the stores there, someone will put you up and feed you, perhaps for a small fee, maybe just for the smile. From there you can ride to Insurgentes
on a paved road (BCS53) that is straight and level and far less traveled than Hwy 1. This will spare you a very treacherous, though scenic, stretch
of hwy 1 south of Loreto. From Insugentes south, the road is relatively safe riding at least to Las Pocitas. An alternative is to take the bus to
Loreto, and just south of Loreeto head up to San Javier and turn off before you get there-- take the signed road to Commondu, the ride southwest to
Francisco Villa, and on to Insurgentes. Study your map. As you ride into San Jose de Comondu, ther is a palapa for camping, and the family who runs
it will cook for you if you ask.
On Nomads, if you ask the specific question you want answered you might get a lot of good information instead of a rant
Whatever you do, have a wonderful and safe trip down
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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Nadine,
As I understand it you have asked for offroad suggestions to enhance your baja experience. I'd like to also include sections of the
highway that are most attractive for cycling.
The ride from El Rosario to Guerrero Negro is the most beautiful ride on the highway on the entire peninsula and is the least traveled. It's
physically difficult due to the climbs and drops but the the views and vegetation is stunning. It's the best thing the highway has to offer.
The highway as it circles Conception Bay is also a great ride as it drops down to beaches now and again giving you the opportunity to experience it's
waters. Conception Bay is the most beautiful body of water on the peninsula and the highway provides great access to it. It would almost criminal to
experience the peninsula for the first time without visiting this area.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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Hola Nadine and Paul
Skipjack Joe has it right...the high desert he describes is tranquil and beautiful ... a quiet ride through here will give you memories for years to
come.
I took these photos of that area a few weeks ago.
As for Conception Bay, well....it's unbeatable in natural beauty. You would miss a real gem by not cycling through it...and camping in a palapa on the
beach. There are many to choose from all along the bay's shoreline. The highway will take you past a half dozen choices. Explore.
This is your first sight of the Bay about 15 miles south of Mulege.
I live in Coyote Bay, close to where this camping beach is located. Lots of palapas right on a beautiful sandy beach. Can't get much better than
this.
.
I know from experience that biking cross-country sometimes does not get you close to a hot shower when you want one. Please be my guest if you are in
the area..got lots of hot water and a comfy bed or free campsite in my yard if needed. Ask for Roger's (Rogelio's) beachhouse near km. 108 in Coyote
Bay.
Good travels and Godspeed.
Mi casa es su casa.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Eugenio
Nomad
Posts: 206
Registered: 4-23-2008
Location: Navojoa, Son.
Member Is Offline
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Nadine - are you folks using road bikes - or mountain? For some reason I assumed road bikes when I read your first post.
I don't think you'll be happy with road bikes off road in Baja. If you use mountain bikes be sure to use a tube liner and heavy duty tires and tubes
- and maybe slime - they're worth the extra weight - the thorns and spines can eat you alive off road. Expect many punctures. Good luck.
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