"Holy fu@k, I'm going down!"

These were the words I yelled out loud 1.5hrs into my 5hr, 187km overland trip from San Ignacio to San Juanico.  I once sampled some BC sand for a stretch of about 50m way back in the day, but I wasn't on a motorcycle.  I was in fact walking through the sand at a local beach and finding it very tough at the time.  I read in a few places on ADV rider that when one experiences sand on a two wheeled, gas powered machine, there is one very important thing that you do... you punch-it.  (Then, you commit, and hold-on).

I saw my first section of deep, unavoidable sand and I did what I read, I punched-it.  I was already going about 50kph on hard pack when I encountered this zone of sand so by the time I hit the throttle, I was up to at least 60.  I committed, held onto the bars and my bike started violently zig-zagging all over the place.  This was the exact moment I yelled out loud, 'Holy fu@k, I'm going down!'. 


The zig-zagging brought my speed down substantially at which time I regained control of my bike.  I have no clue how this happened, but I am grateful it did.  Miraculously it all came together and I was spared from eating some serious Baja-shit (this time anyway). 

One of my Baja gas stations, 'Fill 'er up amigo!'

Now, just wait a second here... ???

One of the countless tidal flats - I made good time on these sections cruising at 90kph keeping 'er pointed south.

In the middle of Baja nowhere

At one point I was certain I was lost.  So, I stopped in the middle of the road and engaged in a little Nelson-style meditation pray session.  It seemed to work as I'm here to tell about it...

The next few times I hit sand, my tuned changed.  I checked my speed, slowed right down and crept through it in control.  I came to realize that it all has to do with the depth of the sand, if it didn't look too deep, I'd keep my speed, if it was deep, I'll reel it in a bit.  I could definitely feel a few more gray hairs sprouting through my Baja sand experience, probably good for me.   

'By the looks of that sign, I'm guessing I'm right on track...'

Loving the wash-board goodness - hrs of it.

Pulling into a remote fishing village 100km south of Laguna San Ignacio

I like lists.

Time for a list.

The following words, phrases and statements best describe my off road adventure a few days ago - in no particular order:

- exciting

- reasonable BC logging road action

- bumpy

- nerve wracking 

- smooth-sailing

- rattle-my-brain-washboard

- smooth n' fast

- bouldery

- knee deep water crossing through not-so-dry 'arroyo' (dry river bed)

- lost

- tengo hambre

- time to meditate in middle of road and pull it together

- x2 rabid dogs trying to eat me from both directions (lovely moment in fishing village)

- sandy

- more sandy only different sandy sand

- fish tailing fun, loving my new Dunlop rubber

- 'Are we there yet??'

- I SEE WAVES!!!!

Pulling into Scorpion Bay and seeing the perfect peelers was a welcomed sight

I had a great room (top right) at Lupitas with cold cervesas in the mini mercado below and ocean views.

Maia the dog guarding my hotel with enthusiasm

First surf session of the trip, pretty small swell, but so great to be on the water. 

The quirky courtyard of Hotel Yeneka, La Paz, Baja

I was told to wheel my bike off the street and right through the lobby of Hotel Yeneka where it slept for the night. 

I made it to La Paz after a long day and roughly 400+ kms of typical Baja paved roads.  I spent the night at the recommended and quirky Hotel Yeneka and while in La Paz I was able to purchase my ferry ticket to Mazatlan for the sailing next Thursday. 

I'm now in San Jose del Cabo and have met up with my Padre.  It is nice being in a familiar place with family.  I'm planning a few days of relaxing with my Dad, some bike maintenance and definitely some surf at my favorite breaks.  5 nights here and then off the Mainland Mexico.   

Time for a cervesa!