Back in the Saddle Again
Trip Start
Jul 04, 2010
1
20
163
Trip End
May 10, 2011
Where I stayed
Palomar Campground Resort
Santo Tomas, Baja California, Mexico
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Total Distance (cumulative) 566 kilometers
We were up at 6 but didn't get riding until 7:15. We wanted to get an early start because of the heat. It was cool and overcast in the morning. We bid Delia goodbye as we dropped off the keys to La Casa. We expected little traffic on the early Sunday morning but got quite the opposite. It seemed everyone was out to squeeze the most out of their weekend. The Baja 100 mile Motorcross was the big happening so we were far from alone on the road. Dozens on motorcross bikes zipped passed us, as well as 4-wheel ATV’s and their support trucks. The riders all decked out in colorful protective gear with helmets to match.
Dave got a flat again and spent extra time trying to find the reason because the hole was in the same place as the one 3 days before. Eureka! He found a small metal barb in the tire about the diameter of a staple embedded in the rubber. With this bugger gone, we expect the tubes to be safe until cactus country.
By now, the clouds had burned off and the searing sun was upon us. Just before noon, we found some shade under a cottonwood tree and took a two hour siesta. With the sun now at an angle, we braved the last 3 miles to Santo Tomas. El Palomar Camping has a quirky pricing structure. 60 pesos. Great! Only 60 for us. Not so fast Gringo, we needed to pay for day use which is another 60. BUT if you’re out by 7 AM, that will be refunded. We were skeptical about the refund but said 'Okay’. Then they said that is x 2. Two people!! Still a bit overheated when we set up the tent, we wanted to rest but forced ourselves into the swimming pool for a refreshing dip. What a sight for sore eyes we were. We looked like zebra’s with raccoon eyes. But will we ever see these people again?. Revived, we cooked soup at the campground to augment burritos purchased at the overpriced store. We plan an earlier start tomorrow for the 30 km ride to the next town San Vincente. Our plan is to cross this hot part of Baja in short bursts in the cool of the mornings and relax the rest of the day. We will see…..
