Baja 24 Expedition
The 2024 riding season is almost here, but the planning has been in full swing all winter, along with changes and modifications to Pepe (my 23 KTM 500 Six Days). Winter in Colorado gives a rider plenty of time to think and ponder, which, like any good adventurer, has dominated my free time.
After returning from spending 22 days in Baja traversing the Peninsula in 22' (ironic there with the numbers, eh?) I've been busy planning my next run below the border. 2023 looked promising for returning to Baja, and I wanted to share the experience with a few Ouray locals, but that turned into a disaster, and I withdrew from the trip. One of the guys going poisoned the well, so I stayed in the U.S., riding and perfecting my craft.
Jason on the right, we just made it to Cabo
2024 looks different, and my buddy Jason, whom I traveled with in 22 to Baja, is returning with me and possibly a new, experienced rider to the mix as well. One thing I've learned about planning trips is to invite more guys that you expect to go because, sure as shit, some of them will drop out.
We will have a special guest, Michael, join us this year, whom I wrote about in an earlier blog article. This is a big deal to learn from the master.
Michael and his wives.
The story is similar to the 2022 expedition; we will rerun the peninsula, this time better prepared! Luggage is getting slimmed down to 20 liters from 40, running Michelin Desert Mousse from the get-go, tools are being weighed, scrutinized, and streamlined, and finally, oil changes, tires, and new mousse will all be shipped ahead of time to strategic locations in Baja—no need to carry. We are finally getting smart! I've always said, "The burnt hand is the best teacher," lessons learned from 2022 will be applied.
So, follow along with me in a long series of blog articles, short videos, and shenanigans as I document our expedition preparation for the trip—kickstands up in Tecate on November 1st, with a return shortly before Thanksgiving. The stoke is high!
Until Next Time,
Markus