The Baja and a Knights tale

We wondered why we chose to follow the California Baja on our trip. It was always in the back of our minds whether we should ride it or not, but it was more by luck than judgment that we were brought to this incredible place. I remember being apprehensive about traveling it, but the work on the shed meant that Tijuana would be our border crossing which meant the Baja was a no brainer.

We now find ourselves in the southern part of the Baja in a town call La Paz. The bike safely locked away......but only just!



After the journey through the peninsular this place is a jewel in the crown. It's a holiday resort which is beautifully kept with a bustling, very Mexican market town sitting behind the row of sea food and taco restaurants which front onto the perfectly turquoise crystal clear sea...... its wonderful.

Getting to this place was both difficult and rewarding. The temperatures in Mexico rises rapidly from around 11 in the morning, which means our riding has to start early and finish around midday. We also have to dress accordingly, our biking jackets being demoted to being packed on the bike. Once we had perfected this routine traveling became much much easer.

Going back a few days, we had a good time celebrating Sandra's birthday in a hotel in Mulege with a pool, a bar and even a pool-bar. It was good to chill for two nights. However, the harmony was shattered on the first morning. I woke up around 6 ish and headed straight for the bathroom, As I opened the door I saw a rather large black creature scuttling along the floor up against the wall. The body of this thing was the size of a small mouse with 8 hairy legs. I quickly shut the door and informed Sandra of my finding. Several openings and quickly shutting the door confirmed what was there. I had no idea what it was if it bites, or if it flew or carried small automatic machine guns. I did know that Sandra now cowering under the covers was not going to be much help and it was down to me to take care of it. I honestly looked around for something big enough to put over it but nothing came to hand.

Now to finish painting this picture you have to know I sleep with no clothes on and I was not going to face my nemesis naked. I had the bright idea I would go armed into battle with my motorcycle boots on. This I did. However it was incredible how vulnerable I still felt as I opened the door with said nasty bitey thing still in the corner. I swear he was looking at me saying "bring it on". I needed more protection.

As quickly as the boots came on, they came off again and I fitted myself out in my full riding gear gaining comfort knowing that the Armour met all European safety legislation and the boots were put back on. Sandra still under the covers was still no use but she was nearly crying with laughter as I prepared for battle. I thought I looked like a medieval knight saving his lady from the dragon like foe. She thought I looked like an overweight sun burnt half crazed biker with the fear of God in his eyes. For the squeamish I will spare you the details of the battle itself. It was mercifully quick and I came out of the bathroom triumphant if not feeling a little sick, my ladys honor in tact. Anyway August 18th should be known as St Brian's day.

We left Mulege the next morning around 7 ish and had a wonderful ride to Loreto and then onto Cuedo Constitucion going through more wonderful scenery. A quiet afternoon and evening in Constitucion meant an early night and an even earlier start. This town has endless traffic lights as you try and get out of town so it took a while.


Another great ride, the shed not dripping any oil, saw an early arrival in our current location La Paz. We decided to take a break in this town and we booked into a nice hotel and even booked a snorkeling trip which turned out to be very worthwhile. Leaving at eight we where placed into a rather fast boat with two massive 150HP outboard motors sent us off to the Isla Espiritu Santo island. The boat was quick, really quick, and I loved it. Even at this speed it took nearly an hour to reach our destination. A snorkeling brief, then we where let loose into the water. I am not a great fan of the water and I was actually fighting blind panic as I drooped into the water. Careful guidance by Joel our guide kept everything in shape and it was in no time at all that I was enjoying the views of large schools of fish and all their colours. The island is also home to many many sea lions and we got real close and watched them as they swam around us. It was incredible.


After an hour or so we climbed back onto the boat then off to a beach on the island, only accessible by the sea. We had our lunch cooked for us, fish of course, and then a bit of kayaking in the sea and a little more snorkeling.


The afternoon went by quickly and we had to get back, the two massive engines ( I want two of these) making short work of the journey back......



a really really great day.

The rest of the time hear in La Paz has been spent eating and drinking and planning the next part of our journey. We will have to cross to the east coast of Mexico to meet up with Shelly, my daughter, in Cancun. We have received lots of offers of help to store our bike as we intend to fly out to Cancun and fly back to the shed.

The Baja is a fantastic place often ignored by overland adventurer bikers who take the more direct route through mainland Mexico. Whilst I am sure that is beautiful too I can't help thinking they are missing a trick by not experiencing this magical peninsular..... as you can tell we loved it.