Cycling Baja
 

I have been reading a lot about trips that have taken place over the past few years. One of the big concerns is the narrow roads. I am looking at going to the baja and I'm also a little concerned about the roads. Just how narrow are they and what is the traffic like. Is this something to be really worried about. Its just some of the post mentioned it as a big factor.

Also, if you were looking at staying mostly in motels-how many actual camping days do you have. I would stay at motels when ever possible, but understand there are a few stretchs where this is not possible. I have also been thinking of taking the bus thru some of the tough areas but that kind of defeats the purpose. I will be traveling solo.

Thank you in advance.

Baja is lovely!! We loved it - my son keeps asking me when we can return.

The road is narrow, but not too bad. We rode with a triple bike with our two kids and never felt like we were endangering them! It's just a 2 lane road with no shoulder. The traffic isn't all that bad - gets less as you get farther south. The truck drivers were great and gave us plenty of space - if they couldn't get around they stopped behind us until they could. At one point, we had truck drivers coming from both directions stop and wait for us!

The best part of Baja is the most remote stretch and the part that most people bus through - the part through Catavina. It's magical! There is a hotel in Catavina, but nothing after that until Guerrero Negro.

I don't remember specifically, but I think you could probably get away with only three or four nights camping.

Thank you Nancy.

I have been following your trip with your kids. What a great thing for all of you. I live in Sacramento so touring the baja is close. I have always wanted to travel thru the baja but have never made it. I have 6 weeks to tour so I might even go to the main land from La Paz and go down the coast and fly back. Any other info you could share would be great.
larry

We spent 6 weeks cycling the Baja as we were hanging out waiting for meet Grandma in Mazatlan. We pulled off the road and camped in the desert for many days - just hanging out beneath the cactus. It was magical!

Baja is my favourite place to cycle. Mexicans are friendly and I've had no problems there in 10 years of regular visits. I'm headed there for 7 weeks right after NYE.

If you have a rear view mirror you can see cars coming. They will move over for you. The highway sees low traffic volume so 95% of the time you don't have to do anything. on the 5% of the time cars might be coming both ways you may have to move over, but it's not a big deal. I've had semis crawl uphill at 10kph behind me patiently until it was safe to pass. Nobody complained. Mexicans love cycling so you are kind of a super star on tour down there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikappr...7603997077952/

Vik, those pictures are great!! i'm going to start thinking about baja!

yep, the road is pretty narrow with no shoulder, but if you can be seen (bright colors), the drivers are courteous. I would definitely take a mirror, but I think as far as narrow shoulderless roads go, it doesn't get much better.

I would definitely plan to camp if I were you, just because the camping is incredible on Baja. No joke, one of my favorite places I have ever travelled. The southern half is particularly magical...

PS, boojum tree forest!!!!! Its great in springtime, say march or so...

While stationed in San Diego in th e U.S. Navy in the spring of 1975 a couple of shipmates and myself drove to Bahia De Concepcion south of Mulege and camped on the beach for a week.Definately the best vacation of my life.Now that I am getting into bike touring I am hoping in the near future to maybe revisit but this time via the car ferry from Guaymas across the Sea of Cortez to Santa Rosalia and then south to Cabo.It's been 35 years but Baja really left a great impression on me.

I rode the peninsula in 1985. IMHO, Baja is probably the most beautiful desert in the world. The roads were OK, a little narrow and no shoulder. It was the bridges I found dicey. They are narrow, and no place to bail in an emergency. Also the buses are king of the road. If you see one coming, get ready to hit the sand.