Baja XL - February 2023 Planning and Questions
- Thread starter Johnny Utah
- Start date
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
More questions:
Tools...specifically knives. Do you bring them? If not, what about Leatherman type tools?
Money...I'm planning to go with a few pesos in my pocket so that I have some before we cross the border. How much will I need? Will I have access to getting more pesos through an ATM? Are ATMs safe to use in Baja?
FMM tourist Permit...Do you get one? Are they (police, border patrol, Federalis) going to be asking for one?
Thanks!
Short video for fun:
Tools...specifically knives. Do you bring them? If not, what about Leatherman type tools?
Money...I'm planning to go with a few pesos in my pocket so that I have some before we cross the border. How much will I need? Will I have access to getting more pesos through an ATM? Are ATMs safe to use in Baja?
FMM tourist Permit...Do you get one? Are they (police, border patrol, Federalis) going to be asking for one?
Thanks!
Short video for fun:
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
Updates and continued discussion:
Hey everyone, I wanted to update this thread. We are about 6 weeks out from the official start of the 2023 Baja XL Rally!
The starting line is about an hour east of San Diego just north of the Mexico border near Mexicali. All of the participants will be staying at a small RV/Campsite location the night of Feb 16, and the rally starts the following day, the 17th. I imagine it will take some time to get across the border because we'll need to get our "tourist visas" or FMM document so that we are legal to be in the country for 10 days or so. From there we will head south (by whatever route you choose) to our first Baja Stage and camp for the night in the desert west of San Felipe.
I drove out to Pocatello ID a few weeks ago, where Scott and I spent some time together working on his 80. We installed a GMRS radio, new stainless steel extended brake lines, air compressor, roof rack, a bunch of new bushings on the suspension, stereo upgrade, seat upgrade, extra fuel can mount, and probably some other stuff I forgot.
We are currently working on getting our insurance, both vehicle and medical, and other little things like booking hotel reservations and whale watching tours.
Most of the rally will be remote camping and self-supported but there are a couple of days in Baja Sur, near Todos Santos, that we will have a two-day rest in order to take care of vehicle issues, go surfing or whale watching, or just sit by the pool and relax.
My favorite Podcaster and acquaintance Michael Emry will be attending the event in his '71 FJ40. You can listen to his most recent podcast with the Founder and Organizer of the Baja XL Rally, Andrew Szabo, here:
View: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bajaxl-rally-update-with-andrew-szabo/id1511808843?i=1000592944632
As always, I welcome your thoughts and discussion on this. I know a few of you have shown interest and I believe there is still opportunity to sign up.
Hey everyone, I wanted to update this thread. We are about 6 weeks out from the official start of the 2023 Baja XL Rally!
The starting line is about an hour east of San Diego just north of the Mexico border near Mexicali. All of the participants will be staying at a small RV/Campsite location the night of Feb 16, and the rally starts the following day, the 17th. I imagine it will take some time to get across the border because we'll need to get our "tourist visas" or FMM document so that we are legal to be in the country for 10 days or so. From there we will head south (by whatever route you choose) to our first Baja Stage and camp for the night in the desert west of San Felipe.
I drove out to Pocatello ID a few weeks ago, where Scott and I spent some time together working on his 80. We installed a GMRS radio, new stainless steel extended brake lines, air compressor, roof rack, a bunch of new bushings on the suspension, stereo upgrade, seat upgrade, extra fuel can mount, and probably some other stuff I forgot.
We are currently working on getting our insurance, both vehicle and medical, and other little things like booking hotel reservations and whale watching tours.
Most of the rally will be remote camping and self-supported but there are a couple of days in Baja Sur, near Todos Santos, that we will have a two-day rest in order to take care of vehicle issues, go surfing or whale watching, or just sit by the pool and relax.
My favorite Podcaster and acquaintance Michael Emry will be attending the event in his '71 FJ40. You can listen to his most recent podcast with the Founder and Organizer of the Baja XL Rally, Andrew Szabo, here:
View: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bajaxl-rally-update-with-andrew-szabo/id1511808843?i=1000592944632
As always, I welcome your thoughts and discussion on this. I know a few of you have shown interest and I believe there is still opportunity to sign up.
Inukshuk
Rising Sun Member
Happy to send you my Baja Bound insurance person e-mail. Stated value on my 80.
Have a link for health too.
Never had a claim so cannot vouch for that.
Crossing into MX is usually fast. I head you can pre-fill out a visa form to bring with you and save the minute it takes to fill one out. At least practice? LOL its super easy.
Leatherman and pocketknives are fine. Make sure no bullets anyone forgot about!
DO not cross into MX with full gas cans. They may tax you.
Have a link for health too.
Never had a claim so cannot vouch for that.
Crossing into MX is usually fast. I head you can pre-fill out a visa form to bring with you and save the minute it takes to fill one out. At least practice? LOL its super easy.
Leatherman and pocketknives are fine. Make sure no bullets anyone forgot about!
DO not cross into MX with full gas cans. They may tax you.
Lots of good stuff here. I’d highly recommend a dedicated gps nav tablet (I use an iPad and Gaia pro and avenza). High res downloaded sat imagery has saved us a few times. Use the Almanac as a solid backup. Through the years an InReach has proven to be very nice to have and on a couple of occasions has worked where a sat phone was not able to connect. 80’s were built for Baja! I think the only issue me dan or Steve have seen are shot brake pads, loose drive shaft bolt, and feeling really bad for it while keeping up with 200 LC’s haha
Sounds like a blast, have an awesome time!!
Sounds like a blast, have an awesome time!!
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
Thanks you guys! I really appreciate hearing all of your thoughts, especially from those of you that are Baja veterans!
Daniel, will you share your health insurance info with me?
Jackson, I have both Gaia and Avenza but no spot tracker yet…do you know where I might find one to borrow?
Daniel, will you share your health insurance info with me?
Jackson, I have both Gaia and Avenza but no spot tracker yet…do you know where I might find one to borrow?
Inukshuk
Rising Sun Member
Last few years I got a policy at www.imglobal.com
Their Patriot International Platinum was $70 for 9 days.
Note that many policies will exclude "racing" and "extreme sports" so read the fine print.
You may want to contact the folks below at Baja Bound as they seem to be many people's go-to for the vehicle coverage.
Baja Bound provided vehicle insurance. It was a Chubb Platinum Policy with full coverage
The person I spoke with past few times was Shauna, Baja Bound Customer Service, shauna@bajabound.com
Baja Bound Insurance Services, Inc.
Tel: (888) 552-2252 ext 304 • Tel: (619) 702-4292 ext 304
shauna@bajabound.com • www.bajabound.com
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
Hey there. Glad to hear from another local heading down to Baja.
I’m participating in the Baja XL next month with some friends. We’re using GMRS radios. There are a couple of posts on this thread that talk about communication in Baja.
What will you be driving? Are you going to be traveling solo or with a team?
I’m participating in the Baja XL next month with some friends. We’re using GMRS radios. There are a couple of posts on this thread that talk about communication in Baja.
What will you be driving? Are you going to be traveling solo or with a team?
Hey Thanks for getting back to me.
I am running as a support Vehicle for two biker friends. (the Montana Mule
) I am Driving my 2008 FJ Cruiser. It is relatively stock, a small lift so I can run 33's, Bumpers, winch and an aux fuel tank.
Your Rig is pretty hopped up. Details?
I am running as a support Vehicle for two biker friends. (the Montana Mule
Your Rig is pretty hopped up. Details?
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
Your FJ Cruiser sounds perfect for the trip. We’ll be in my buddy’s 97 Land Cruiser. Nothing too crazy. Mild lift and 35s.
What kind of bikes will your buddies be riding?
I guess we’ll be seeing each other at the starting line.
What kind of bikes will your buddies be riding?
I guess we’ll be seeing each other at the starting line.
rckhound
Rising Sun Member
Dont forget when you cross the border to find a good chicken joint. Usually they will have a bunch of chickens on a spit with a lot of smoke. Its amazing. When your near Todos Santos go over to Cerritos Beach and get a marg at the Barracuda bar. This is also a great beach for surfing.
I usually carry enough pesos to buy a couple
Meals when I cross the boarder and many towns have exchanges or ATMs where you can get pesos.
I usually carry enough pesos to buy a couple
Meals when I cross the boarder and many towns have exchanges or ATMs where you can get pesos.
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
Hey @rckhound this is great info! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We’re actually staying at a small hotel about 5 minutes from Cerritos beach and we’re planning to rent surfboards while we’re there. Todos Santos is a two day stage meant for maintenance and repairs if necessary. Hopefully we’ll just be chilling on the beach and not up to our elbows in grease!
Johnny Utah
Rising Sun Member
Just rolled back into the good ol USA about two hours ago. Had an awesome time down in Baja. I plan to do a big write up with all the details. Here’s a few teaser pics for now.
Inukshuk
Rising Sun Member
mmmmm tacos!