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Frequently Asked
Questions

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It's a play on words where the first "beaten path" is the cliché that means "the well traveled route taken by others", and the second "beaten path" is the literal that means "a crude trail formed only by the passing of another".  It symbolizes the utility and versatility of a dual-sport motorcycle, that is, the ability to take you from crowded freeway to  nothing more than a mere trail through the woods.

Because you ride your own bike, I don't have to keep a fleet of new and nearly new bikes in tip-top condition.  Some would say you are forced to ride your own bike, but I say you are allowed to ride your own bike.  Our tours are geared towards people who are already enthused and knowledgeable to some degree about motorcyling, not folks who just wanna try something different.

What's the weather like?

It can vary based on the area and altitude and the time of year. Spring and fall temps average in the 80s in the daytime on the eastern side in the north, but can be much cooler in the mountains and on the Pacific coast. Nightime temps in the desert and in the mountains can get way down there, so it's a good idea to bring a sweatshirt. Summer can be downright scorching in all but the high mountains and along the Pacific coast, and winter can bring snow to the mountains. For this reason, we schedule most of our Baja rides in Spring and Fall.

Yeah, we've all heard the stories of a friend's sister in-law's step-son who was robbed at gunpoint in the middle of nowhere.  While no doubt someone at sometime has had a bad run-in with a bad person while in Mexico, the fact is that most of these horror stories are nothing more than tales that have been overexaggerated into urban-legend mythical status.  It is true that caution and diligence must be exercised when traveling abroad, however the same holds true for traveling anywhere here in the good ol' U.S.A. as well.  The fact is there are bad people everywhere, and folks who have spent much of their lives visiting Mexico regularly will assure you there are less of them south of the border.

You rode, of course!

How much money should I bring with me to Baja?

You'll just need gas and alcoholic beverage money, (think cerveza).  Gas is in the neighborhood of $2.50 /gallon, and you should figure on getting as much as 33% less MPG due to variables such as road condition and surface, load carried, fuel quality, pump accuracy, etc... basically figure high to leave yourself a cushion.  Bumming gas money is embarassing in any language. If your ride offers and you choose the "camp-out" option, you'll need enough money at the least for fuel and food.  Meals can be as little as $3 on up to $15, depending on your appetite and tastes, but it's hard to spend over 7 dollars for breakfast or lunch.  You could easily spend more on beverages than on meals.  If you think you'll want to get a room and a shower every so often, figure that in as well.  All money for gas/food/lodging should be in Pesos.  Bringing a few extra bucks for souvenirs should be considered.  Having a handfull of American ones and fives always assures good bartering power.

No way is my back tire gonna make it that far...

 If you supply a spare, we'll throw it into the support rig, no problem.  We'll also have a few worn front and rear replacements on hand for major blowouts--no charge!

What about Mexican gas?  Isn't it bad for your engine?

Good question.  In theory it is supposed to be the same blend we use here in the States.  And if you can get Premium grade, that might be true.  However, outside the larger more populated areas like Tijuana, Ensenada and San Felipe, premium is likely to be either sold-out or not available.   Depending on your bike, using the regular grade unleaded "Magna Sin", you may or may not notice something different about the way your engine performs and even sounds.  I use it in my bikes, and although it lacks a certain "something", I've never suffered any damage that I could relate to the use of poor quality fuel.  The newer model KTM LC4s have an ignition module that can be switched to run low octane fuel, which I would recommend doing if you have one.  If you are concerned about it, you could carry bottles of octane boost, but that's not so convenient.  Buying fuel out of barrels from roadside vendors has the most potential for getting "watered down" fuel, but I've done this many times with no ill effects so far.  And switching back to U.S. fuel has always returned my bike's powerplant to it's smooth, quiet self.

Do I really need Mexican Insurance?

Oh yeah, I would say so!  In Mexico, if you have an accident you are held until fault and the ability to pay for any damages have been determined.  Napoleonic law there states that you have to prove your innocence, which could take a lengthy amount of time.  And in Mexico, damages could include crazy stuff like the gouge you put into the fine Mexican asphalt or the signpost you broke when you plowed into it.  Having liability insurance is like having a get out of jail free card.  Note that if you do not hold the title to your motorcycle, you'll need a letter from the title holder giving you permission to take it into Mexico.

Do you have a word or two of wisdom about how to ride through deep, soft sand?

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