tunaeater
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Can you make it ?
Is it possible to go from mission santa maria to gonzaga bay on motorcycles ? If so how far and how long would it take ? Thanks Paul
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TMW
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No
[Edited on 10-22-2003 by TW]
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David K
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It has been done, but at great effort and damage to the XR600. I have documentation that matches the description of the route taken by Baja Bucko who
rode a mule on the El Camino Real up to the mission and on to Santa Ynez, strating at El Crucero. In all reality, from his letter, I would not
recommend doing it...
A hike yes! I hiked about a mile of it, see photos at http://davidksbaja.com/1102/page6.html
[Edited on 10-23-2003 by David K]
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TMW
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A more doable route on a MC may be from El Marmol to the sea of Cortez. I haven't done it but rumor has it that Kasey Smith did it last year for her
new GPS guide book due out next year. I have been up the El Vulcan wash a ways on the Sea of Cortez side (in the topo book it is switched with the
Zamora wash, I believe). It's worth a try.
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David K
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Yes, I think Kacey's route was up Arroyo El Volcan (mislabled Zamora in Almanac). This was a trail in pre-auto mining days as shown on my 1905 Mining
map of Baja (thanks to 'BillB'), going from the Miramar gold placers to the onyx quaries (El Marmol).
Kacey was pretty excited about researching that trail when I saw her at Alfonsina's last Thanksgiving.... But, wasn't sure where it was exactly, yet!
Here's her web site:
http://www.bajagpsguide.com
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TMW
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David if I have time coming back from the 1000 I plan on stopping off at El Marmol and going into the El Volcan wash etc like you did. I also will
explore some of it toward the Sea of Cortez on my MC.
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David K
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That would be really cool! The photos I took of Arroyo El Volcan, at El Volcan are mostly pointed north, the direction you would arrive from, if
coming up from the gulf.
Note the big shield volcano in the background, north from El Volcan. When you arrive at the Arroyo crossing the arroyo, turn right (south) for El
Volcan geyser. Go up Arroyo El Volcan 0.4 mi. to see the pools and onyx dome/geyser: http://davidksbaja.com/403/page13.html
Coming from El Marmol: Left at the arroyo crossing for the gulf... Straight across the arroyo for the white spring slope in 0.3 mi... and continue for
La Olividada in about 6 miles (view of gulf).
[Edited on 11-11-2003 by David K]
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Corky1
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Can you make it??
TW, did you get any time to check out El Marmol trail??
Corky  
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TMW
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Sorry, but no I didn't check it out. I was by myself and didn't have my MC with me. I sent the forks and shock in to White Bros and they weren't done
before I left. It will be New Years weekend or Feb after the SF250 race before I can do it.
Corky are you a MC rider?
If this section can be done without a lot of difficulty it could open up a whole new section for MC Baja tour rides.
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David K
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Yah, Kevin Ward would like to do that one, I bet! He uses Kacey's XR trail (La Turquesa canyon up to Hwy. 1 at Pedrgroso)... known here as 'Coco's
loco shortcut'. Kevin was working with the the movie company making that new off-road racing film, instaed of racing this year's 1000, he said. Sounds
great!
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Corky1
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Can you make it?
As to weather I'm a M/C rider or not is a matter of opinion.
It depends on who you ask.
I have been riding Baja since 1971. Last race in Baja was the 2000. Old farts class.
I hate to ride pavement.
Want to do an all dirt ride, San Felipe to San Felipe.
Want to do a trail a national B rider or less can ride without hurting himself.
It will take a little work and a lot of time.
I like riding and exploring for new stuff. Corky 
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TMW
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Corky it sounds like your better at it than me. I rode and raced a lot until the 92 1000. I crashed and burned as they say pre-running. I now only
ride for fun about 3-4 times a year in Baja on my XR 250. I'm with you, pavement sucks.
TW (late 50 group)
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tunaeater
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Hey guys. I ride about twice a week YZ 400. Good long desert rides is what I like75-100 miles. I do the sand sometimes glamis, gordons well but not
to into it. I agree with you guys I hate the pavement also.I've never raced but love to ride. I wolud like to ride baja more but my normal rides are
here in the imperial valley plaster city, superstition, ocotillo wells.. I would love to hook up for some good rides in baja. Tell me more about some
of your baja rides. Thanks Paul
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TMW
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Some bike riders will ride sections of a race course after it's over. Maybe the day after or the week after or later, because
it's marked. I think San Felipe is the easiest (if you like sand) because it's harder to get lost. Mtns on the west and ocean on the east.
A ride we often took was from Santa Veronica east of Tecate to Mikes Sky Ranch. Trail ride down one day and back the next. It's even better if in a
group so someone can drive the truck etc to Mikes.
Mike charges $45 per person per night and that includes dinner and breakfast. The last time I did it, Santa Veronica charged $5 to leave your vehicle
overnight. I'm sure it's more now.
For various race courses go to either
www.score-international.com or
www.rlhcomm.com web sites and print out the race maps and tulip notes.
I also recommend the Baja Almanac
for reference.
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