Trip report wrap-up and final thoughts.
The trip was an absolute blast and I'm really glad I did it. We chose a very long route and it provided a "sampler platter" of Baja. I'd love to go back and explore many places in more detail on both a dirt bike and a street bike. The dual sport bikes provided an excellent exploring platform but were very tiring on the long highway stretches. With the knowledge gained from our trip I'd have a better idea of where to stay and how to do it much cheaper in the future.
Since our return, the news reports of drug violence have only gotten worse. This is a pity. The inhabitants of Baja are hard pressed enough to make a living as is and negative effects on tourism of this violence is really hurting a lot of good people. Even though the violence is localized to areas such as Cd Juarez, Mexico City, and Tijuana, the entire country suffers the consequences. Aside from Tijuana, Baja is far removed from the other areas seeing the violence. Given that Tijuana is located in the far northwest corner of Baja, being worried about drug violence in Loreto is like living in Moab and being afraid because of voilence in Phoenix. As my pictures show, most of Baja is remote desert and anything even resembling a large city is few and far between. I actually felt more comfortable in remote Baja than I did in the outlying areas of Yucca Valley, just miles from Twentynine Palms Marine base.
For anyone planning a trip to Baja, I say, plan your trip and go. Avoid larger border crossings, use Tecate or Algodones or Aqua Prieta or some other small crossing. Use common sense, don't get really drunk and wander around at night being an ass, don't make a target of yourself by ostentatious displays of wealth or flashing a lot of cash around, don't be afraid to talk to locals and ask questions, learn a little Spanish, and learn a bit about the customs in Mexico. Mostly, don't be an arrogant American who thinks that the way we do things is the only way. Go, relax, adapt, enjoy.
Keep an open mind
Keep an open heart
Keep the wind in your face
See you out there
johnnymac
Below are some pictures of Baja that I poached from the internet.
Loreto
