Wow, we’re here in San Felipe, we just returned from a great dinner along the malecon, and yep, it’s still cold. I’ll have more photos than text this evening, boys and girls, mostly because I want to get a good night’s sleep. We’re staying in the beautiful Costa Azul Hotel right on the Sea of Cortez, and with that, let me get into a recap of the day’s ride.
One of the funniest things that’s happened on this trip occurred this morning. When we stopped for our Mexican visas at their immigration office, Devin mentioned he was looking forward to great salsa with our dinner.
“I make the best salsa,” the Mexican immigration officer said.
“What time should we be over for dinner?” I asked.
“You can buy my salsa,” he answered, and with that comment he paused in his review of our visas and pulled out a variety of salsas and other condiments. He arranged them neatly on his desk. Devin and I looked at each other, and then we looked at the immigration dude.
“They are very good…” he said.
“I’ll take one of these and one of those,” Devin said. Tourist visas approved, salsa in hand, and we were on our way. I can’t make up stuff this good, folks. That’s Baja for you.
So we were on the bikes, and our first big stop was the Rumarosa Grade. It’s breathtaking. Take a look at the photos we grabbed there on this cold and sunny day…
We rode east on Highway 2 and as we descended from the Rumarosa Grade, we found what we had been seeking: Warmth. It was still a bit on the cold side (and we’re riding with lots of layered clothing), but it was an escape from the frigid high-altitude air we had been riding through for the last day and a half. The warmer temps felt great.
We took the bypass around Mexicali, and we were soon southbound on Highway 5. That meant a stop for lunch at my favorite open air taco stand, and wow, was it ever good. Devin went back for seconds. It was awesome.
After our fabulous lunch we rolled across the upper Sea of Cortez plains. It was a glorious ride on a glorious day. Jordan was grabbing video and taking photos. Me? I was just enjoying the ride.
We checked into the hotel and went to dinner. Fish tacos tonight, folks. Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a motorcycle blog! All I’m doing is talking about food!
All right, one more. After dinner, Jordan and Devin stopped at a churro stand. The churros looked good, but I’ve got my figure to think about. I took a pass. That didn’t slow Jordan and Devin down, though!
And folks, that’s a wrap for tonight. Tomorrow we’re riding across the peninsula to Ensenada, we’ll ride along the Pacific for a bit, and then it’s through northern Baja’s wine country.
Stay tuned!
Want to read the rest of the story? Please visit our Baja page for an index to all of the Janus Baja blog posts!
Are the bikes different enough that you guys should swap rides?
We may do that tomorrow, Tom.
Was the salsa from the immigration officer good?
That’s to be determined…
I wish I was riding with you guys. Steve Maricle, Halcyon 008.
Good second day on you ride…