Baja on a Budget

̈"When in doubt take a side-road, go explore.̈ - Ben Slavin

There is no shortage of events, talks, or booths to visit for the weekend pass at Overland Expo. RideNow was there again this year with a big rig set up in Moto-Village right out front this year!

There are hundreds of vendors to visit from moto-centric to larger overland vehicles. The products that surround you are endless and will make any adventurer think...oh, I need that! But the highlight to me is the talks from fellow adventure seekers and world travelers like Ben and Amberlynn Slavin. I have known them for a few years now but had to catch up as they just returned from 5 months of travel!

They spoke on many items, like the one I will cover here: A Quick Trip to Baja on a Budget! It is perfect, just a hop skip and jump from Arizona and Ben is well known for his motorcycle and documentary work covering Mexico. (Motorcycle Mexico: Get Inspired, Get Educated, Get on Your Way. You will get the advice you need to help you cross the border, buy insurance, organize your documents, interact with police, find safe hotels and camping, break the language barrier, avoid Montezuma’s Revenge and much more...)

One of the critical points of the talk is about being able to live and do these incredible adventures on a budget. Ben talks about buying the vehicle/motorcycle from craigslist. You don ́t need a brand-new bike, just one that is reliable and one you are comfor table with is perfect.

Be friendly, and a smile goes a long way. On the road you will pass through armed military checkpoints, this can be nerve-racking if it is your first time encountering these. Smile and be respectful, most of these stops are run very professionally, and the young men that typically guard them will most likely be interested in a chat about the bikes. You are more likely to be stopped heading back north out of Mexico than coming south through Mexico. Begin the plan to head south of the border with these essential items that you will need for your journey.

Paperwork:
TVIP - Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (only if you travel out of Baja and to mainland Mexico, you do not need one for Baja)
Passport
A tourist card for your passport (picked up at the border)
Vehicle insurance
(Ben ́s tip for documents - Laminate)
First Aid kit
Pain Meds (some regular and a few for the more severe days)
(not in the talk but I also always travel with a little Cipro and Anti-diarrhea meds)

Many people may have a fear of Mexico. The biggest danger in Baja is livestock. Slow down and keep an eye out for burros! Try to never ride at night, the burros’ eyes do not glow like other wildlife, and you may not see them until it is too late. The other significant danger is potholes! They can be big enough to swallow your bike, another reason why to never ride at night in Mexico.

Depending on your dietary needs, you do not need to take much food to Baja. Ben spoke about the fresh fish tacos and the abundance of cervezas along the way... what else do you need? Maybe a Jetboil and a few essential foods just in case you are traveling into far back areas with not many places for food. This way you will always have at least one or two meals on the bike with you.

Baja on a Budget Essentials list:
Know how to fix a flat & have a kit
Air compressor (there all tire shops all over but for your off the beaten track locations - this skill is a must)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bottle Shower (buy the cap at REI or poke how in a liter bottle and squeeze)

Cash is king in Mexico, and you don ́t need to come with wads of it over the border but be sure to hit the ATMs for Pesos once at your destinations. It is always good to have some backup cash hidden on your person/bike.

And after all, that, once you have prepped just kick back and relax. Go and explore, get lost.

There are so many, but here are a few points of interest:

•Hwy 1 - main paved road, the further south into Mexico / Baja the less pavement you will encounter. Ben ́s note - get off the roadway and explore!

•Coco ́s Corner - popular location during the Baja 500 races, and you get to meet Coco and exciting character

•Valley of Guadalupe - wine country with perfectly placed Airbnb’s for rent.

•Downtown Encinitas- for those that need a dose of the city life.

•Mike’s Sky Ranch - popular motorcycle destination, can be pricey as supply and demand - is quite popular. (http://www.totalescape.com/lodge/ADS/mikes.html)
Noteworthy - Apps and maps of use
i-Overlander app- shows campsites, cultural points of interest, border checks...and so much more.

Maps.ME- free and can download the maps and then use them in off-line mode for the areas you need.

Find more information on the blog: https://afewmoremiles.com/ and also the FB page about Mexico: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MotorcycleMexico/