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Old 02-27-2013, 04:23 PM   #1
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Baja Question

I've got a 3.5 week vacation coming up and I'm thinking about heading down into Baja. I'll be traveling solo on a motorcycle and was wondering about safety. I rode the bike to Cabo a few years back and didn't have any issues. Well, except for that low flying buzzard, but that's another story. I know with all the drug wars going on things have probably changed a little since last time I headed south.

What's the general opinion of those list members who spend a lot of time in baja? With the current state of affairs is it safe to do a solo motorcycle trip all the way to the tip and back?

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Old 02-27-2013, 05:18 PM   #2
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Re: Baja Question

see this:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...w/tw_5815.html

Only 135 Americans killed in 18 months... but your route might skirt the worst areas.
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Old 02-27-2013, 05:27 PM   #3
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Re: Baja Question

We go all of the time and have been for years. We are headed down next week for the San Felipe 250 race and then down to chase whales after that. I have never had a single problem in Baja and everything seems safer now than ever.

Traveling alone on a bike would not be my first choice though, and not because of any bad guy dangers, but because of the remoteness of the place at times. Something goes wrong (low fliers) it is nice to have a friend.
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Old 02-27-2013, 06:00 PM   #4
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Re: Baja Question

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Old 02-27-2013, 07:32 PM   #5
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Re: Baja Question

Sounds like a blast. We rarely see bikes riding solo, although I don't know that it would be any more dangerous. Seems like it would open up a world of possibilities in traversing the peninsula. I'm envious! FWIW, we see a lot more motorcycle traffic on Mex-5 through Gonzaga Bay and Chapala. Better route to the south anyway, IMO and it's only about 40 miles of dirt now.

I will 2nd what BajaSMB said: I have been going for 40+ years and it's as nice as ever if not better. The news has to sell ads (I worked in media for a number of years) and they have someone who cannot defend themselves in the people of Mexico. It's yellow journalism at its worst given the poor people it has affected.
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Old 02-27-2013, 11:03 PM   #6
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Re: Baja Question

The violence in Mexico is widespread, serious and not a product of media hype. The overall body count is huge (4-5,000 per year).

But it is largely directed at rival drug cartels or law enforcement. Tourists have generally not been targets for violence or kidnapping; although anyone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time due to bad luck. In that sense Mexico is typical of any other place.

As a tourist your odds of encountering trouble are probably very low.

R
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Old 02-27-2013, 11:39 PM   #7
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Re: Baja Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by EMrider
The violence in Mexico is widespread, serious and not a product of media hype. The overall body count is huge (4-5,000 per year).

But it is largely directed at rival drug cartels or law enforcement. Tourists have generally not been targets for violence or kidnapping; although anyone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time due to bad luck. In that sense Mexico is typical of any other place.

As a tourist your odds of encountering trouble are probably very low.

R
Very little of that violence is taking place in Baja, it is a Mainland thing.
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Old 02-28-2013, 11:05 AM   #8
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Re: Baja Question

Thanks for the replies. I kinda figured it wouldn't be a problem if I played it safe when I was close to the border. If I do head down there I'll cross first thing in the morning and ride as far south as I can on day one.

The last time I did the ride my goal was to ride to the very southern tip of Baja. I passed up a bunch of stuff in an effort to make miles each day. At the time I told myself "next time slow down and smell the roses". This upcoming vacation could be that next time.

My plans all depend on the weather patterns over the Western United States in April/May. I'm going to start the vacation on the Oregon California coast and when I get to San Simeon I'll either turn left and head to Mesa Verde in Colorado or stay pointed south and head for Cabo San Lucas.

This picture was taken on my last trip into Mexico.
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Old 02-28-2013, 12:34 PM   #9
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Baja Question

Wish I could join you Gnar! Be safe and have fun!
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Old 02-28-2013, 01:00 PM   #10
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Re: Baja Question

I fondly remember many trips in my Beemers. At that stage of my life motorcycle travel/camping was all I could afford. I've 150K on my R90S, over 100K on an R100RS and a trip from CA to Iowa (visiting family) every year for 20+ years - never taking the same route twice. There is some gorgeous country out there.

Which ever way you turn, you will have a great time.

Keep the rubber side down,

Mike
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