Mexico
13. October 2009 — Border madness
So finally leaving San Clemente after Roger took us for breakfast. We loaded up the bikes and went over to Roger’s company. I blagged a fuel canister. Then we were off. Quick ride down to freeway to San Diego. We tried to find a bike shop but on the address I got of the internet there was no bike shop. We were running out of time so we continued on to the border and the mayhem started.
14. October 2009 — Hanging out in Rosarito and getting lost in Tijuana
Woke up slightly hung over. We followed Javier on the bikes to Tijuana to his dental practice. There we could check our emails and buy some maps. Got a giant bowl of fruits for breakfast. One perk of knowing a dentist was that I got my teeth cleaned. Handy.
Slow start. Made omelet for breakfast. Then went to Walmart to buy something for dinner and some beers. Thought after drinking all of Javier’s beers we really should stock up his fridge.
15. October 2009 — Getting misplaced in Mexico
Did change my rear tire to a Pirelli MT90. See what that is like. We ate lunch before setting off. Uneventful drive to Enchinada. Well nearly, got to a junction and I had looked at the map for the road number we had to get on.
16. October 2009 — Easy drive and early stop in San Felipe
Had an early start. Packed up the bikes and Elena had some bean & egg burritos for us. Really nice of her. Pretty but uneventful drive to San Felipe. Stopped at a Taco stand when we got into town and it was really really good tacos.
17. October 2009 — Dirt road on Baja
Woke up and went for breakfast at a restaurant that had wifi. Checked emails etc. Then went back to the motel to pack up the bikes up. We headed out of town on a paved road that after 30 miles turned into a gravel road.
18. October 2009 — Hitting the Dirt literally
After a quick breakfast we loaded up the bikes. We wanted to go back to the petrol station to buy some more water. David was in the front and I was following him doing about 30 - 35 mph when a small dirt track intersected with the main track.
19. October 2009 — Rest day for my beaten body
Woke up and felt pretty soar. A guy came over and I chatted with him for a while. He had an 1975 BMW on his trailer. Jupiter (his real name) was heading to Loretto a town a day ride further south.
20. October 2009 — More dirt roads
Earlyish start. Had some problems finding the dirt road out of town. Then it was 140 miles of dirt, gravel and sand. After about 50 miles I let some air out of the front tire and it made a huge difference in the sand.
21. October 2009 — Staying with Jupiter in Loreto
So woke up early, first thing was to take the seat and tank off. I then put some more of the “cold metal” putty on the return hose nipple of the oil tank. While this was hardening we packed our camp. 30 min and I fired up the engine and there was no more oil leaking.
22. October 2009 — Getting bike fixed in Loreto
Woke up at 9am had a coffee and Jupiter told us he had to met a few people at 10am and then we could go for breaky. So started checking the bike and figure out why the head light was not working. Not really sure but there is a strange noise from the HID bulb.
23. October 2009 — Leaving Loreto
Got up relatively early and went to “Augie’s” for breaky again. Then stopped at a car parts store to get oil for David. Went to see some friends of Jupiter before returning to the house and packing our gear.
24. October 2009 — Ferry to the mainland
Went a little bit up the hill to dry our stuff particularly my sleeping bag. Lots of dew this night. Rode for an hour or so and then stopped for breaky. While we sat there two overlanders (bikes) rode by but they didn’t spot our bikes parked behind a pickup.