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bajadock
Super Nomad
Posts: 1219
Registered: 12-20-2006
Location: Punta sur de \'Nada
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Avid cyclist here repeating old threads(treads?). My road bike still is in retirement since moving here. Roads and drivers here do not welcome
bicyclists.
Mtn biking off-road is a blast and all the challenge any biker can handle.
Good news about this thread is reminder for all to have safe travels this holiday season. A slow moving buzzard is the only thing I've run into on
hwy 1, thank goodness. I interrupted his/her road kill buffet in the desert. SALUD!
[Edited on 11-27-2008 by bajadock]
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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I suggested these kids post here so they could get some good info...warning them is fine and useful but I'm hoping they can also get some cool
contacts along the way.
I agree that is is dangerous....but...we see cyclists all the time.This week we saw 3 different groups of em. When we see a cyclist, we slow down to
make sure we can pass them safely with no oncoming traffic....kinda like when you see cows.Baja highways are full of hazards to deal with and
these folks are gonna do it but it is good to let them know about the dangers...if they are aware of 2 trucks gonna meet where they are, perhaps they
can get off the road. Good luck and hope you get here safely.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
I suggested these kids post here so they could get some good info...warning them is fine and useful but I'm hoping they can also get some cool
contacts along the way.
I agree that is is dangerous....but...we see cyclists all the time.This week we saw 3 different groups of em. When we see a cyclist, we slow down to
make sure we can pass them safely with no oncoming traffic....kinda like when you see cows.Baja highways are full of hazards to deal with and
these folks are gonna do it but it is good to let them know about the dangers...if they are aware of 2 trucks gonna meet where they are, perhaps they
can get off the road. Good luck and hope you get here safely. |
To accept the dangers for themselves is their choice, but they will also be endangering the lives of others.
I wish them well and hope they have a good time with no problems for them, or for others.
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
Member Is Offline
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Please look at this, bikers
Where would you be?
Compliments of JR(RIP)
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mulege marv
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 10-8-2004
Location: san carlos / grass valley, calif.
Member Is Offline
Mood: relaxed
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nuts
i see em but dont understand it ! there is nowhere for them to get out of the way, ya gotta be nuts !
Want what you have
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Norm
Junior Nomad
Posts: 82
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: AUBURN CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: GOOD!!!!!
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YES WE SAW THE ASS HOLES ON THE PEDEL BIKES ALSO !!!!!!!!!!!!!! + lot more on our way home this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THERE IS NO WAY THE AIR HEADS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RIDE ON THE ROAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LET ME SAY IF IT YOU OR ME / YOU ARE GONA BE IN A VERY BAD WAY / AS WE HAVE A NICE RIG CUSTOM BUILT & I WILL NOT RUN OFF THE ROAD FOR SOME ASS
HOLE !!!!!!!!!! ON A LITTLE BIKE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEA YEA ~~
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: Gettin' Better
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Choices
Bikeriders,
I enjoy risk-taking adventures and used to want to bicycle in Baja. After my first trip to Baja in 1988 to kayak for a month, I understood why people
strongly discouraged bicycling the main highway.
Subsequent trips by truck and motorcycle (on and off-road) only emphasized the point of the dangerous risks posed by bicycles on the highway. I can
handle meth-crazed truckers, local and gringo drunks, potholes you can lose a Winnebago in, running out of gas, livestock on the highways (yes, I have
driven at night a few times), rocks left on the highway, and witnessing wrecks along the way....but the most dangerous encounters I have had on Baja
highways was caused by bicyclists either taking up more than their share of the road, or being on it in corners with two-way traffic.
If you MUST bicycle Baja, I agree with the suggestions of getting to south cape area and/or riding off-road sections with mountain bikes.
Take the bus from Tijuana south.
If I had a choice between the ditch/cliff and hitting a bicyclist, I might not chose the ditch.
Rent a vehicle and drive down there first and then plan your trip....because we would rather hear that you enjoyed your vacation than causing grief to
yourself and others.
If you want to live on the adrenalin edge, have people cursing you, and getting the back of your head crushed by a passing side mirror....bicycle the
Baja.
Back to your regular programming.....
Don't believe everything you think....
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Paula
Super Nomad
Posts: 2219
Registered: 1-5-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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Nadine, I have to agree with the people who are hoping to discourage you from this bike ride. We encounter bicyclists all the time on the two lane
highways of Montana--no problem! But Mex 1 is different, as jdtrotter showed with her photos-- very dangerous for you, and for everyone else on the
road too.
I think you should ask yourselves whether your primary goal is to have a great ride, or to see Baja. If it's the ride, do it some place safer. If
you want a Baja adventure, do a mountain bike ride on the dirt roads, or better yet, arrange a mule ride or hiking trip to see cave paintings and
amazing back country and ranches with a local Mexican guide. If you do a bus trip all the way down you can make stops to do these things along the
way. If you decide on this and start a new thread asking for specifics, you'll get lots of good free advice here.
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Paula
Super Nomad
Posts: 2219
Registered: 1-5-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jdtrotter
| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
I suggested these kids post here so they could get some good info...warning them is fine and useful but I'm hoping they can also get some cool
contacts along the way.
I agree that is is dangerous....but...we see cyclists all the time.This week we saw 3 different groups of em. When we see a cyclist, we slow down to
make sure we can pass them safely with no oncoming traffic....kinda like when you see cows.Baja highways are full of hazards to deal with and
these folks are gonna do it but it is good to let them know about the dangers...if they are aware of 2 trucks gonna meet where they are, perhaps they
can get off the road. Good luck and hope you get here safely. |
To accept the dangers for themselves is their choice, but they will also be endangering the lives of others.
I wish them well and hope they have a good time with no problems for them, or for others. |
To state the dangers of the trip and then hope to find contacts to make it easier just doesn't make any sense, as it is encouraging these kids to take
the risk. If my best friends wanted to ride a bike down here to see me, I would tell them to drive, fly, or take the bus, but if they're coming on
bikes I won't be home to see them when they get here!
Edit: That sounds pretty harsh! If they went ahead with the trip I'd be glad to see them when they arrived
[Edited on 11-27-2008 by Paula]
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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While I have to agree with the posts preceding me trying to convince you of not riding because of this and that "real" dangers, I can help you with
the picking yopu up at the airport, getting you to a hotel and getting you on the bus to Guerrero Negro or werever it is yu wil be starting your ride.
I can also provide you with phone contacts were you can check in if you need help.
Let me know.
Saludos
fernando
fernando@ultimatebaja.com
PS I will request you provide a gift or two 
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=35415
[Edited on 11-27-2008 by fdt]
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
Member Is Offline
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Bad idea, period. Just because others do it or have done it, so what...... get real. It would be bummer if all these people are correct and you or
someone else died cause of a silly whim to bike Baja.
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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Crusoe
Senior Nomad
Posts: 731
Registered: 10-14-2006
Member Is Offline
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Nadine....Put off your bike trip down hwy 1 immediately....After the road first opened in the early 1970's and into mid 80's there was not nearly the
volume of traffic that there is now. We have done parts of it in sections. It can be very beautiful, but also a huge horror show each time you here a
large truck to close for comfort, bearing down.The Mex. Govt. should make it illegal. It is suicide. Try the Oregon Coast and N. Cal Coasts in summer
months, if you need that kind of rush. Its much safer by a long shot. There is alot of good hiking and kayacking all over Baja where your actions wont
effect others. Be safe.Be smart ++C++ 
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
Member Is Offline
Mood: Bajatastic
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While I urge caution, I also find it funny that those who are most adamant against riding are those who probably haven't ridden a bike since they were
12.
If you go.. watch out for the crazy gringos.. don't ride at night.. and ride with at least one or two others.
There are no hospitals, 911, etc.... so make sure at least two of you know good first aid. The road can get rough; and, you never know when some
speeding gingo that you unwittingly "endangerd" will run you off the road.
Be safe, everyone in a car.. stay home. 
(The terrorists would have a lot less money if more people rode bikes)
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Stickers
Senior Nomad
Posts: 571
Registered: 4-12-2006
Location: SoCal
Member Is Offline
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In the 1980's two friends of mine started riding their bicycles from Los Angeles to Cabo (lands end) every December. Sometimes through horrible rain
storms and mostly sleeping beside the road. They continued this for a few years until it became routine.
One of them would travel to England every summer and ride his bike from Los Angeles New York to catch the plane, again sleeping beside the road at
night.
They are both alive and well having loved every mile of their great adventures.
Many people are seduced to do the impossible and Baja has always drawn them in. Gee - who would live on a river that overflows its banks continuously
and has hurricanes every year? Anyone you know?
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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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Sure it can be done, and sure it is dangerous... but not just for the bike rider!
That highway was NOT made for bike riders... it was made for automobiles and trucks to imporove the economy of the peninsula. There are hundreds of
miles where the road is elevated above the surrounding terrain with NO SHOULDERS and no extra room to pass bike riders while remaining in your lane.
They are finally widening sections near El Rosario (after 35 years) where so many trucks and cars have been tipped over and down the cliffs because on
the curves, the semis and RVs with boat trailers actually cannot avoid crossing into the other lane (perhaps while passing some bike riders?)!
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Lindalou
Senior Nomad
Posts: 623
Registered: 1-12-2004
Location: Punta Banda Baja
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Mango
While I urge caution, I also find it funny that those who are most adamant against riding are those who probably haven't ridden a bike since they were
12.
If you go.. watch out for the crazy gringos.. don't ride at night.. and ride with at least one or two others.
There are no hospitals, 911, etc.... so make sure at least two of you know good first aid. The road can get rough; and, you never know when some
speeding gingo that you unwittingly "endangerd" will run you off the road.
Be safe, everyone in a car.. stay home.
(The terrorists would have a lot less money if more people rode bikes) |
So, you figure they only have to
look out for the gringos? How do you figure the Mexican truck drivers feel about them? What has not riding a bike since we were 12 got to do with our
saftey? We were riding our bikes till we moved to Baja.
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fernando
Junior Nomad
Posts: 69
Registered: 11-16-2008
Member Is Offline
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Hi Nadine I have met few people that have done it and they say it was awsome. So I would encourage you to do it.
What I recomend to you is to take a buss from the airport to Ensenada so you have one thing less to worry about (Tijuana). In Ensenada there are
several hotels where you can stay and you can ride your bike from the buss station to it with no problem. From Ensenada you can then (next day or so)
take the buss down to guerrero negro so you start your trip.
If you ned further advise please contact me. My email is in my webpage
www.baja-outfitters.com
also check this forum
http://rodandoenbaja.com/foros2/
fernando
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
Member Is Offline
Mood: Bajatastic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by RichnLinda
| Quote: | Originally posted by Mango
While I urge caution, I also find it funny that those who are most adamant against riding are those who probably haven't ridden a bike since they were
12.
If you go.. watch out for the crazy gringos.. don't ride at night.. and ride with at least one or two others.
There are no hospitals, 911, etc.... so make sure at least two of you know good first aid. The road can get rough; and, you never know when some
speeding gingo that you unwittingly "endangerd" will run you off the road.
Be safe, everyone in a car.. stay home.
(The terrorists would have a lot less money if more people rode bikes) |
So, you figure they only have to
look out for the gringos? How do you figure the Mexican truck drivers feel about them? What has not riding a bike since we were 12 got to do with our
saftey? We were riding our bikes till we moved to Baja. |
Nope, I'd worry about everyone. As most good bike riders do.
We just don't hear too many truck drivers here. The attitude of some here imply that it is the duty for slower traffic on the road to "get out of the
way." BTW - I had a CDL for years.. so I actually was a professional driver at one time.
SORRY! Both in boating and driving, overtaking traffic must yield to slower traffic. Sure faster traffic can and should pass when safe. However, it
is not the obligation of the slower traffic to "get out of the way."
This topic has been discussed ad nauseam before. Feel free to dig up the tread if you want to continue bashing bikes, pedestrians, or anyone else not
in an RV towing a boat. Don't forget grandmothers, dogs, cats, and school children.
Sure riding on Hwy 1 not "safe"; but, is going to Mexico "safe"? Funny.. those who swear Mexico is not safe have never been there. The same is true
about riding a motorcycle, doing your own taxes, smoking cigarettes, rock climbing, etc..
I'm bigger than most people here. I'm faster than most people here. I played rugby for years... yet I don't ever use the twisted logic of some here
that people should be prepared to get out of my way. Maybe I have it all wrong? Maybe the law is wrong, maybe the other person should care about MY
well being instead of me caring about my own actions.
Ok everyone, continue ignoring reality and scapegoat others for your own inability to accept the risks and responsibilities of operating YOUR own
vehicle.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Stickers
In the 1980's two friends of mine started riding their bicycles from Los Angeles to Cabo (lands end) every December. Sometimes through horrible rain
storms and mostly sleeping beside the road. They continued this for a few years until it became routine.
One of them would travel to England every summer and ride his bike from Los Angeles New York to catch the plane, again sleeping beside the road at
night.
They are both alive and well having loved every mile of their great adventures.
Many people are seduced to do the impossible and Baja has always drawn them in. Gee - who would live on a river that overflows its banks continuously
and has hurricanes every year? Anyone you know? |
Oh, you need to know why these storms have taken a different track in the last 5 years. Are you interested?
Most folks simply bought a home there in the wrong decade. Of course before all the most recent floodings the "other" threat was having a coastal
home on Ejido land.
Yep life's a gamble but we didn't ask for no stinking hurricanes.
This is one subject that borders purely on the amount of common sense you pack.
The flooding of ones' home doesn't do the same potential for harming others. I find that a silly comparison.
Anyhoo, it's just my opinion that it is unwise for those that err on the side of safety.
Remember this as well, if there were to be an accident who would get the short end. even if you survived they would probably blame the biker who most
likely has plenty of guts but no vehicle insurance.
Could get nasty, be very careful.
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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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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You know, the road wasn't made for wide campers or RVs but I don't hear anyone talking about how they could endanger others. As an avid cyclist
myself, I understand the dangers and would not attempt that ride but hearing everyone talk about how a cyclist is endangering others is getting old.
Slow down and be aware that a rock, RV, cow, or cyclist could be just around the corner.
just my thoughts...
Zac
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