Hanging out with Fred Williams

We recently were contacted by Fred Williams and the Dirt Everyday crew. They wanted to take a 2017 Toyota Tacoma and 2 editors of Surfer Magazine to Baja for some surfing and to put the truck through its paces, We were happy to oblige. We had a fun time hanging out with Fred and crew, Lots of Tacos, and trails covered and many laughs with our new friends. Fred really put the truck through some challenges. Sand, dirt roads, some hill climbs. Solid little truck.
Thank you guys for coming to Baja with us!
Enjoy

Overlanding?

We have all seen this,

Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries.

Where does it say you have to outfit your kit with thousands of dollars worth of gadgets?
After a trip to the Off Road Expo this past weekend I was reminded by plenty of exhibitors that most of their wares were out of reach for me and I started to get a little discouraged. I felt my 83 Bronco with it's 3 inch lift kit, and double shocks, and dents and dings was just a complete POS.

Then I thought about the trips I have taken throughout my life.
My wanderlust began at an early age. Surfing up and down the coast of Southern California. I had a 1976 Mustang 2 hatchback which I promptly pulled the back seat and built an area to stow my surfboard and it also doubled as a sleeping area. That little car had a 4 cylinder motor it was basically a Pinto with moderately better lines. I did put quality BFG Radial T/A's on it and tried my best to keep it up mechanically. It was what I had, and I didn't let anything stop me from going anytime I had the time and enough cash for some fuel and a couple cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew.
You see, I was all about going and doing. I did not care how I went and did. I just did. I had a small group of also broke ass and like minded friends and we all did the same thing together.  I guess I've  been an overlander since the early 80's.
This trend continued when a couple of us became a pit crew for a class one racer. He was one of the last true privateers and he did not have a huge bank roll. We used to pre run for the Baja 1000 and several times we camped and slept on the trailer on the side of the highway. So what. I was a 17 year old kid riding in a race car pre running the Baja 1000. Hell, I'd sleep in a scorpions nest for that opportunity.
These experiences and others have taught me one thing. It is about the adventure, taking yourself out of the norm and getting fresh air and seeing the world.

Don't sit on the couch and wait to have the ultimate adventure rig before you get your rump in gear.
All you truly need to have a great time is a rig of course. Something to keep you warm at night, something to keep your beer cold, and a chair. Coffee is pretty important too, it separates us from the savages.
 Grab a buddy and go. Try some local trails first so you can work out the kinks.
My point is just get out there. You will be sure to find other like minded adventurers on your journey.
You will be surprised how much fun you can have and how little you really need.

There are a couple Instagram feeds I have been really liking lately

 @hollyj_tj
Look at her! There is no BS with this chick.
She is a real inspiration. Can't wait to meet up with her on the trails someday.














                                                                         

@underland_usa
Their tag line says...
Do you really need a rooftop tent, an 8 drawer system, a fridge, a sink, a toilet, and a shower for your weekend trips?

I am on board with these guys.










So maybe I am not an overlander. Looks like I am an underlander after all.
Is this becoming a thing? I think I have been an underlander my entire life.
Lets start #underlanding trending

I'm not bashing the gadgets by any means, I 'm just saying don't let your lack of funds and cool guy gear detour you from getting out there and doing stuff.

Pole Line Road / Baja 1000 spectating run

November 15-19 2016

Pole Line Road / Baja 1000 spectating run

During WW2 the fear was the Japanese may invade the US through our southern border. The Army secretly constructed a telephone line from San Felipe to Ensenada in an effort to be able to call in trouble if any was seen.
The telephone line has long gone away but there are remnants of poles still in the ground and other signs of our presence years ago.
The Pole Line road is not for the stock rig. We recommend at least 33 inch tires and lockers to attend this event. There will be plenty of challenges along this trail. We will also be camping 1-2 nights as well.
Once we complete the Pole Line Road we will head West across the peninsula to the West coast and we will stay at Cuatro Casas.

We will also be spectating the Baja 1000 from one or two different spots. Because Racecars!

Day 1
Meet in Mexicali early AM
Travel  South to the entrance of the Pole Line Road
Wheel until late afternoon and camp.

Day 2
Up early camp style breakfast and coffee
Head out to finish the Pole Line Road and traverse to Cuatro Casas

Day 3
Off road trails to the beach and dunes.
Stay back at Cuatro Casas

Day 4
Easy relaxing morning. Big breakfast
Head out to watch the Baja 1000

Day 5
Head home





As always this trip is all inclusive. All lodging, meals, snacks, and refreshments (yes beer) are included.
The price is $750.00 per person $250.00 for co rider.

$100.00 deposit due when signing up

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

CLICK HERE to see photos of a previous run. 
MAIL  or call 951-251- 44LO with any questions

Mexican 1000

Back when men were men. Pre GPS and a marked course. This is a great tribute to the pioneers of Baja travel.
Enjoy

2016 Schedule

2016 is here and we can not be more excited to announce this years schedule.

We have some great Baja off road adventures planned and we are looking forward to meeting more of you and sharing Baja with you. We have some new trails we recently checked out and think you will really enjoy. Bring your overland rigs RTT's and camp gear as we plan to add a camp night on the March run. Hotel rooms will also be available as well.

Viva Baja! 

Northern Baja Run report July 9-12 2015

We have been wanting to run a section between Mikes and Coyote Ranch for a while now and figured early July would be best, after the Baja 500 craziness and before the late Summer possibilities of hurricane rains.  We let everyone know we were going to be on a Pre Run the third day and we didn't know what to expect. We published this run without much advanced notice but that didn't seem to matter we filled up the roster with a great mix of rigs.  We met up Thursday morning at the usual place, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance, shook hands with our guests and I quickly realized this was a good group and my stoke level went to 11.

3 Toyota's and 3 Jeeps ready for the Northern Baja Run

We crossed the border and made our way to Ensenada stopping at a taco shop for lunch.

All fueled up on Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Pescado, and Camarones we headed straight to Santo Thomas. We started our off road journey heading West toward Erendira on part the Baja 500 race course.

Off roading the Baja coastline toward  Erendira.

We arrived at Coyote Cals late afternoon just in time for a few cold Pacificos. 

Friday morning greeted us with plenty of sunshine and near perfect temperatures.

We geared up and made our way through the sleepy little town and resumed our off road route on the Baja 500 course.

Here are a few images from Fridays leg....

No bad days in Baja!

Friday night we stayed in a nice hotel in Colonet had well deserved showers and a great meal.

Our guests were tired from the days activities. We all retired early in anticipation of the next days adventure. I was pretty excited about the new day and the trails we were going to run Saturday. I had not been on them in quite a few years. 

Saturday we awoke to fresh coffee and another great breakfast provided by our friendly staff.

We loaded up and motored North on the highway for a few miles and we turned East on the Calentura road toward Valle De Trinidad.

We Came up on a shortcut used in the Baja races but the racers are usually coming down this hill. We wheeled UP the trail. Fun little excursion,

Ben making it look easy in his super clean Taco

The last couple had to have a little help, the earlier rigs really dug it up. Loved seeing everyone jump in and work together.

Max earning his stripes. More on that later

After our little fun challenge we hit Valle De Tinidad for some Tacos then motored down Mex 3 for a few miles to the "good road" up to Mike's Sky Ranch. We enjoyed a little break and a cold drink.

After a few photo ops we saddled up for the last leg of our journey. This was the unknown and where the exploration began. We hit a super trail loaded with plenty of obstacles. We had to spot each other several times through this trail. We worked as a team and really had a blast. There really was nothing a stock rig couldn't handle with a little care and technique, we proved that.

We arrived at the Coyote Ranch late afternoon and enjoyed all they have to offer. Family style dining and a great campfire that night where we all sat around and reminisced about what we had just accomplished.

Sunday morning after a leisurely breakfast we headed out the mild 5 mile dirt road to the pavement and headed North to Ensenada for some souvenir shopping and a great final lunch.

   

                         We found a neat spot in the trees. If anyone wants to camp let us know!

                                                         Cabins at Coyote Ranch

And finally Max. our rookie who  truly embodied the spirit of Camp4lo. His can do it attitude and go for broke but calculated style earned him the coveted VIP trophy.

Thank you to our guests, you made this a great trip!
Dave and Sharon
Andy
Ben
Max
Jacob
Bill
and our special guest Juan Carlos from BAJA VOYAGER We have added him to our team and are now able to offer first class accommodations and restaurants and more. Look for more exciting destinations available in the coming months.