Do you have a race radio? If not, get one. The race is so spread out that it's not really all that spectator friendly in terms of keeping track of what's happening. It's awesome to see the cars and bikes go by, but without a radio you're really in the dark on what's going on.
Whatever you do though, DO NOT sit on your mic. Everybody on the peninsula does not wanna hear your conversation. I generally tune my radio into weatherman and then unplug the mic.
Thanks! We are here now and this is REALLY GOOD INFO!!!!! We are always pretty respectful while on public frequencies. We have used the weatherman frequency to plan our whole trip and make last minute changes based on race updates.
I haven't been there in years, but I always loved San Felipe.
Though the last couple times I went, I noticed more and more bars/clubs. Not the same sleepy little fishing village I was used to.
But I always try and avoid entering through T.J.. T.J., Rosarito, and Ensinada are pretty notorious for cops pulling you over looking for bribes.
The biggest thing you need to plan out is your fuel stops. Any of the smaller rural towns will be shut down on Sunday and will have no fuel available.
Above all, pay attention, drive sober, try not to drive at night, and respect your host country and you will have a pretty awesome time.
If you do go to San Felipe, go to Tony's on the malecon for fish tacos. Then on race day, head out to Zoo Road to watch the action...
Good advice. Appreciate it. TJ wasn't bad, but we filled up right before we crossed the border and drove straight through. Ensenada may have changed though, we walked around the whole night going from bar to bar without any issues. Our assumption is that there is such a high influx of American people that maybe crime is a bit less. We also had the bright idea to walk back from downtown Ensenada to our Airbnb. GPS said it was like 1.5 miles, but like 3 miles later, we made it. Point is, we didn't feel unsafe or sketched out and it was just 2 white dudes and me(Hispanic guy). Maybe I fit in..? Ha!
But absolutely carry a stack of stickers with you. Doesn't matter what kind (maybe not a "Trump in 2016" sticker). Everybody loves stickers, even the soldiers at the military checkpoints.
This make sense now. We kept seeing the kids on the side of the roads with stickers signs and such, but we thought they were selling stuff so we didn't stop unless we had to. Next time, we will bring random stickers to give out.
You will also need a passport...
Yes, passport definitely required.
I believe, if you are driving, you can enter Mexico with an Enhanced drivers license. At least, you can drive across to Canada with one. If you are flying, for sure you need a passport. But probably better with a passport, regardless.
David "i have both" Bricker / SYR
A passport "card" is also a less expensive way to not have to get a passport if you don't have the cash.
Passport or passport card definitely needed.
Thanks for all the input folks. We are here now. We are sitting at like race mile 165 with the beach 20ish feet behind us and the course 20ish feet in front of us. We are at Punta San Jacinto, BC. If anyone else is thinking about doing this, DO IT!! people here are awesome and they are super hard core Baja fans. We are having a ball!!
Things I have learned:
-Bring race radios
-Fill up whenever you see a gas station(we overdid this, but rather to be safe than sorry). We are also carrying a 5-gal jug of spare fuel.
-People are generally friendly and mean well
-Get pesos BEFORE you cross the border. If they see dollars off the bat, prices change.
-If you can bring your Spanish speaking buddy, highly recommended.
-Also, it gets cold as shit. Like much colder than expected.
That's all I can think of for now.
