Images: Simon Cudby –
February in Baja can bring some unpredictable weather, and 2023 was no different. Wind, rain, and even some warm temperatures put us to the test on our 1100 mile adventure into Mexico.
We loaded up our Yamaha T7 bikes with Giant Loop bags in Tecate, CA, then crossed over south of the border on our first day, hitting the road through Ensenada, then eventually on dirt out to the coast south of Santo Tomas. We rolled into San Quintin at sunset for a nice cold margarita and a good rest.
Day 2 took us on some old Baja 1000 tracks that were slow going in places on a fully loaded ADV bike. We filled our bikes in Catavina out of gallon jugs, then crashed out at the only hotel for miles in Catavina.
Day 3 was a new trail for us, just north of Catavina we pointed our bikes to the Pacific and followed the coastline south on dirt to Santa Rosaliliita, before crossing over to Bahia De Los Angeles on the Sea Of Cortez.
Day 4 we turned north through the Calamajue sand wash to old Coco’s Corner. Next was a 100 mile asphalt grind with wind gusting and almost blowing us off our machines more than once. Finally we made it to the great Stella Del Mar hotel in San Felipe.
On Day 5 we crossed the El Diablo dry lake bed, taking care to avoid getting stuck in the mud after recent rains. We eventually =ended up at the Baja Oasis south of Mexicali for the night.
Our last day had it all from deep sand washes to sketchy mountain passes and sideways rain. We were more than relieved to make it back across the border at Tecate after a great 6 day adventure. Thanks to Scott Lantefield and Todd TC Corbitt for the great ride!!