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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64719
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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OFF ROAD RACING POLL for all Nomads
With the 42nd annual running of the Baja 1000 off road race this week... and the obvious popularity the sport has in Baja... and the great financial
benefit the race has...
What is your opinion?
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norte
Super Nomad
Posts: 1163
Registered: 10-8-2008
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But why the poll. trying for more controversy and posts?
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by norte
But why the poll. trying for more controversy and posts? |
Well, there goes your controversy and here comes some more posts !  
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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I was an off road racer. The operative word there is WAS. I voted that truth, but I have been unlucky enough to be running against the flow going home
from La Paz. I don't know how it can ever come to pass that the racers going home were rested, not hungover, and not driving at "raceface" speed
pulling those wideazz trailers. I think I remember that four racers died on the way home that year. This puts innocent people at risk. I realize
that there are bone deep traditions for racing in Baja. But, I think that the racers would have to agree that part of the allure of racing Baja is
that there just isn't anyplace in the US that would allow any comparable thing. Should we wish any lesser protections for the Mexican people, and
their land? I'd feel a little better with some good info. about economic benefits for the people. This should be an interesting discussion.
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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fishbuck
Banned
Posts: 5318
Registered: 8-31-2006
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I race strictly closed course motocross. But I have alot of respect for the Baja1000 racers.
I do try to avoid Baja when there is a race. Only because of traffic and crowds.
Someday I might camp out along the course and party. Might be fun.
[Edited on 11-19-2009 by fishbuck]
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." J. A. Shedd.
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein
"Life's a Beach... and then you Fly!" Fishbuck
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64719
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vgabndo
...
I realize that there are bone deep traditions for racing in Baja. But, I think that the racers would have to agree that part of the allure of racing
Baja is that there just isn't anyplace in the US that would allow any comparable thing. ... |
??? Perry, there are many off road races in the US. I would think if you were a racer, you should know this?
Score has a race in Nevada, BITD has all their races in the US, so does MDR...
The Vegas to Reno off road 3 day off road race was recenlty run (America's longest off road race),
The Mint 400 was brought back, as well,
Races are run in Primm...
Laughlin has races,
Henderson, too,
Lucerne Valley, CA...
Plaster City (east of San Diego)...
Just way too many desert races to name.
It all started with the Baja run and the first organized race, the 1967 Mexican 1000.
This year's 1000 stays in Baja Norte, starting and ending in Ensenada.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13043
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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Having lived many years in Guerrero Negro, i have seen how the city really appreciated the baja 1000 race for economic reasons...it is a real boom to
the economy when it goes through there.
I believe this weekend is the Mulege 500 as well...we saw some trophy trucks and dirt bikes prerunning the course which goes right by our secret
beach.....sheesh....I kept having to put my bikini back on!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64719
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by soulpatch
I am curious as to the great financial benefit. After costs and mitigation how much ends up in the locals hands. ...
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All the racers, pit teams, spectators do one or more of the following which benefits the people of Baja: eat food, drink, buy fuel, stay at hotels,
use campgrounds, have repairs made, buy insurance, etc.. It is a huge business boost, huge!
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vgabndo
I was an off road racer. The operative word there is WAS. I voted that truth, but I have been unlucky enough to be running against the flow going home
from La Paz. I don't know how it can ever come to pass that the racers going home were rested, not hungover, and not driving at "raceface" speed
pulling those wideazz trailers. I think I remember that four racers died on the way home that year. This puts innocent people at risk. I realize
that there are bone deep traditions for racing in Baja. But, I think that the racers would have to agree that part of the allure of racing Baja is
that there just isn't anyplace in the US that would allow any comparable thing. Should we wish any lesser protections for the Mexican people, and
their land? I'd feel a little better with some good info. about economic benefits for the people. This should be an interesting discussion.
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Some races in the US have been stopped for positive environmental reasons---some still exist. Just as some areas have been closed completely to off
road activity, which keeps the destruction to the land more contained in limited areas.
It would be interesting to see ACTUAL figures on the financial impact, etc., especially from the Mexican point of view. And ACTUAL figures as to who
really benefits financially. It is often easy to say an entire community benefits when only a very select few benefit.
I do know many locals who love the races, and others who hate what it does to the environment---divided, just as it is here.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sling time!
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looking forward to following my teams on line tomorrow.
i will chase via findmespot and others.
go DP Racing!!!!!
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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In San Felipe a lot of the local businesses benefit from the races. Even the 100 which just passes through. Pre-runners have been in town for a
couple weeks, staying at local motels and campgrounds, eating in a variety of restaurants, getting vehicles repaired at local shops, groceries and
beer at the local stores - about everything in tow except the elect company.
The Score races are really controlled course races - not the old "cross country wherever you can" type. Marked course that must be followed or be
penalized.
The 250 that starts and ends her really picks up the local economy.
They also welcome the CODE races. More Mexican participants so less motel usage but still restaurants etc get a boost. The Mexicali-San Felipe race
will be about Dec 5th I think.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
The Score races are really controlled course races - not the old "cross country wherever you can" type. Marked course that must be followed or be
penalized.
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That is a good thing
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
The Score races are really controlled course races - not the old "cross country wherever you can" type. Marked course that must be followed or be
penalized.
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If there are problems, and I'm sure there are some, it's probably the fans, spectators and groupies who cause most of them.
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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What about the sandhill crane at San Felipe that hasn't laid an egg in 3 years?
Huh? What about her?
You heartless people.
Talk about constipation .... 
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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David, you seem to have missed this part..."anyplace in the US that would allow any comparable thing". I don't believe that any of
the US races you cited are run on the same roads the locals have to use. Are the local's roads in better condition after a race? I can't imagine they
could be. Do you think for a second that IF racers were allowed to use the public roads in the US that they wouldn't be required to repair them.
Of course there are still races held on public ground in the US but I believe it is true that there are VERY few other uses of these public lands that
are compatible with off road races. Increasingly, the citizens are asking that their pristine desert lands be protected. Personally I think that
everyone has the right to be free of the "excitement" of approaching a hill top only to be met by an 800 HP 4x4 half sideways, five feet off the
ground at 135 MPH. "Hey Sluggo, can't you see we're PreRunning here?"
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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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 DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
The Score races are really controlled course races - not the old "cross country wherever you can" type. Marked course that must be followed or be
penalized.
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If there are problems, and I'm sure there are some, it's probably the fans, spectators and groupies who cause most of them. |
Is a wannabe the same as a groupie.
I'll tell ya, those machines get my blood pumping.
Offroading is a lifetime addiction for many of us. I am a little suprised by the large number of ex-racers et al. Then again a lot of us grew up
with a Baja adrenaline habit.
Need a fix right now asamatteroffact
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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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
Having lived many years in Guerrero Negro, i have seen how the city really appreciated the baja 1000 race for economic reasons...it is a real boom to
the economy when it goes through there.
I believe this weekend is the Mulege 500 as well...we saw some trophy trucks and dirt bikes prerunning the course which goes right by our secret
beach.....sheesh....I kept having to put my bikini back on! |
Shari
My son runs this circuit. and he said there was some lady trying to distract the prerunners. The last race of the season will be in Abreojos on
the 27th of Dec...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64719
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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It is called 'off road' racing... but only because that sounds better, because it has ALWAYS been 'dirt road' racing, with some paved sections to
connect to more dirt roads.
No Score off road race runs 'cross-country'... a road is used always because that is a cleared route between rocks and plants.
Sure, sometimes plants & rocks get hit... but far less than when that road was made!
Perry, those desert roads in the USA were not put there for racing... they are/ were ranch or mine roads being borrowed for a day. The BLM watches it
closely.
The older NORRA races (1967- June, 1973) were point to point races... where any road could be used as long as each check point was used... and they
mostly all used the same road, because it was the fastest route to the finish. Mexico ran the 1000 once (1973) and made a mess of it... Score was
called in to take over.
Score races started in 1974 with the July 'Baja Internaciona'l and have always been highly regulated closed course races with standard check points,
visual check points and secret check points to make sure the race course was used and not some shortcut through a town or rancho. No 1000 was run in
'74 (the only year it was not).
Sure, there have been cheaters... they are racing for the win, afterall... However, now with the GPS tarckers on board all racers, that is going to be
a thing of the past.
The damage is the garbage the local spectators leave behind after the race... not pit teams or racers, but the local spectators. Beer bottles and cans
are just left behind. Hopefully, that too will change as the Mexican people become more enviromentally concerned. The racers bring excitement to an
otherwise greatly unused amounts of land... When the race is over, the land is quiet again for the lizards and snakes! No great harm comes from the
sport... and even the trash can be collected later.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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| Quote: |
Personally I think that everyone has the right to be free of the "excitement" of approaching a hill top only to be met by an 800 HP 4x4 half sideways,
five feet off the ground at 135 MPH. "Hey Sluggo, can't you see we're PreRunning here?"
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yeah, i can't see nuthing wrong with this statement at all...... 'specially if you're cruising down Hiway 1.....
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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Just for you Glenn. Kevin is third in points right now on his quad even though he missed one race and couldn't finish in another
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