Quad Practice

Apparently this went well - I heard somebody was thrown over the handlebars and a fender was ripped off one of the quads - like I said...all things considered...sounds like things went well.  Billy's face says it all.

A Bit of Off-Road Experience

Finally got the Dakar off road for some proper trail riding - whoa! Deep sand and 400lbs of motorcycle squirrelling around beneith me - good times! Paul tells me this is a great way to prep for riding a quad in Baja...OK...I'm still alive. (Editors note: the photo isn't actually on the off road trail...that was 30 miles and a ferry crossing over the James river away)

This thing is starting to look serious

Sponsorship (Taco Johns)...a 'fleet' of quads...and Billy bought a bunch of tough looking gear...no turning back now...!

Come on guys...this is "mythic destiny" stuff!

So, I got word today that Billy and Paul wouldn't be departing on their 2000+ mile roadtrip (Madison to Ensenada...aka: the start point for the 1000 mile race) until the weekend prior to the race...something about "Paul not being able to get off work."

I think I saw this play out in a Kevin Costner movie:

"Here I am, ready to charge forth in pursuit of my mythic destiny, and I can't even get time off of work to do it." - Roy McAvoy (Kevin Costner), Tin Cup

"A Most Increadible Adventure"

"YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENCOUNTER A MOST INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE.
You must be alert that there are many cows, calves, bulls, horses, and goats roaming freely on and around the course. All competitors are reminded that off-road racing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or even death. Be advised that spectators on or near the racecourse may engage in malicious activities by building ramps, digging ditches, and placing objects on the course. Once the race starts – you’re on your own, or in other words, the lunatics will, indeed, be running the asylum.”

-Sal Fish, CEO of SCORE International, speaking about the Tecate Baja 1000

Research (Part II)

Gents - here's another must see: Charlie Boorman, a couple other privateers and a $100,000+ budget take on The Dakar...awesome story of bike preps, maintenance, and the day-to-day trials of the race...absolute wreckage!

Available on Amazon.com

Passports

Don't forget your passports. Les you don't have a good history with this.

Research

Whoa...ah...I mean....cool! Read about this movie, bought it on Amazon, watched it tonight...and then updated my life insurance.

Check out the Trailer

Accomodations in Mexico

Hey - we should probably be thinking about where to stay in Ensanada. There are actually still rooms available (Michelle's been surfin' the travel sites and found a few good options:

The "Americas Best Value Inn" seems like a good alternative.


The search results on Expedia linked here.

Airport

Billy: Hey, what time and day should I fly in? What city?

Les: I'm looking at flying out on the 13th to SOCAL (LA or SD). I guess we should be in Mexico Sunday to begin the pre-running as soon as possible. San Diego is obviously closer - I could try to book a room at one of the Navy bases in SD for Sat night...and we get an early start on Sunday...just a thought.

Traffic out of LA towards SD will be painful.

Nice Job Les

Cool photo and background Les!