Canada through Mexico to Baja
 

Hey all,

I wondered if anyone has, or knows about biking through Mexico, especially crossing the border in Tijuana. I am planning a tour from Canada to Mexico, and I need some good resources for info on the safety aspects once I leave the states. I thought people who where in the loop may know of some safe trails etc... Let me know what you all think!

TeamOly,

I did Baja last winter and it was great. I crossed the border at Tecate to stay away from Tijuana. Be prepared for a general lack of shoulders.

Here's a link to my journal:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?...c_id=6422&v=HE

(Skipping the narco-violence issues plaguing the border areas) I've never been thru Tecate, but I couldn't imagine going through Tijuana on a bicycle - its a nightmare in a car! South of the Ensenada area there are almost no services (and a lack of water sources). Crazyguyonabike might have some better info, but the one time I drove down to LaPaz would not be something I'd attempt on a bicycle.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/...af9a767e_o.jpg

I've biked through Tijuana from SD twice [once at night] and had zero issues.

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

The ride down the Baja is one of my favourite bike tours ever. i'm there right now kiteboarding south of La Paz.

There is no special security or safety techniques needed. Nobody is after you. I would act exactly like you would at home. I've been down here for ~10 winters on bikes, motorcycles, sea kayaks, beach camping, driving, etc... and nothing has ever happened to me.

I'm camped right now on the beach in a fishing village with $5000 of kite gear unlocked tucked inside my tent's vestibule....it was safe all last winter and will be there when I go to use it this afternoon.

Baja is as safe or safer than where you live...don't stress...:o:thumb:

My Baja experiences are very similar to Vik's whether driving, bike touring or sea kayaking. The TV news version of the world is mostly useless for travel planning. They need bloody stories to capture eyes for advertisement money.

I have found folks South of the US border to be kind, helpful and ingenious problem solvers when fixing things without the proper spare parts. Since Baja is a desert by the sea, water sources are limited at times so plan accordingly. Above all don't poison your tour with unnecessary worry - relax and enjoy your tour.

I ditto Vik's comments! We cycled Baja in 2006 with our two children - actually dared to take a triple bike on the road! It was fine - absolutely no problem whatsoever.

I think the most important thing to do if you want to go to Mexico is turn off the TV and don't read the newspapers!! The news makes it sounds like people are wandering the streets of Mexico just looking for someone to shoot - it's not true. The Mexican people are wonderful and it's of my favorite places to travel.

We crossed into Tijuana and, although there were a lot of cars, it wasn't a problem. As we were trying to maneuver through the major highway that we got funneled on to, a police car came up behind us and stopped allt he cars so we could get over. Then they escorted us through the tricky part until the road opened up. As they drove off they turned on their loudspeaker and said, "Bye bye! Enjoy Mexico!"

Nancy,

I followed your Crazyguyonabike ride through Mexico and you guys were great; that's speaking as both a cyclist and a parent. I loved how you had the boys write things in the journal and how you were able to keep them happy during the trip. Very inspiring!

Thank you so much! We really loved Mexico - I think it might be my favorite country so far.

We are now in Argentina - only 2300 km to go to the end of the world!!