Looking Back http://eldiablorun.blogspot.com/p/manifesto.html
It doesn’t feel like all that long ago when Michael Garcia called me and said “We’re going on the EDR”. I had been a few times back in the day and pretty much swore that I would never go again. I had done it and there was nothing new to experience by going again.
Well that wasn’t true at all. Over the years I realized that rushing down to Baja as fast as my bike will let me wasn’t the way to go about it. There is a cliche quote “It’s the journey not the destination” that I have heard and never really understood. This trip was going to be a cruise. A chill, relaxing drive through the dessert with cold beer, good friends and motorcycles. What could be better?
The route is pretty simple. The large group meets in Temecula. Everyone parties, meets and has a chance to race around for a final shake down run of their rusty old bikes and shit pack jobs.
Like any road trip, people spend two weeks pulling shit out of their garage thinking they will need it in Mexico. Once you decide you don’t need your teeth whitening kit and a 3rd set of toenail clippers, you are ready to go!
The ride from Temecula through the mountains is amazing. Lots of twisties and beautiful scenery. The last stretch before you get to Calexico is where you get a little taste of the dessert. Don’t worry, your hangover will keep you motivated.
Crossing through the border is always a breeze. You just got to keep your head on a swivel for all the last second lane changes and confusion that is always present at the border. Calexico/Mexicali is a little bit of a shock once you get through.
It’s pretty fast paced and confusing but if you’re following all the rest of the motorcycles its a breeze. Getting out of the crown and finding a gas station has always been our M.O. By the way, in Mexico, you can NOT pump your own gas. The have workers at every station there to do it for you (I have a great story about that).
In the past EDR’s I have camped on the beach or slept in a hammock. I have even slept on the floor of a Palapa gently placed right on top of the all night DJ (that was a fun year).
This year we got a beach house!
As you can see there aren’t any waves here in the Sea of Cortez so naturally fishing was the next choice activity.
The circle of Death was fun this year. Robert and I posted up on top of an old boat trailer for a better view.
We even took in some local boxing matches in San Felipe. It was a great time!
Monday morning (ish) it’s time to leave it all behind and head back to Los Angeles. Nothing is more fun than nursing a 3 day hang over and riding back through the dessert watching your friends pull over to vomit and poop! I won’t show any hardcore pics and I won’t tell any secrets.
Random pictures is about all I can legally do.
Enjoy
When James isn’t working, surfing or riding he is content to hang out with his family, making them laugh till they pee and baking a mean artisanal sourdough batard.
When James isn’t working, surfing or riding he is content to hang out with his family, making them laugh till they pee and baking a mean artisanal sourdough batard.
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