Day 56: Should I skip a section of Baja divide out of bike worry
Woke to a great sunrise at my first wild camp spot
Tire held up pretty well today but I found that I was constantly worried about my chain, crankset, that I can’t get into my lowest gear, and the beaks are way too spongy and they struggle to stop me on the steep downhills. Also my rear tire is a little too bald for comfort. All this was on my mind as I had a choice to make late today (or early tomorrow). Option 1 is to continue on the Baja divide in a big loop into the mountains before coming back to almost the same point. This mean Baja hard type cycling. The 2nd option is go on highway 1 direct to Vincete Guerrero and the famous bike shop of the route called Fass cycles. Many other bikers recommended stopping in Fass cycles even if nothing is wrong as it marks a kind of unofficial checkpoint on Baja.
I am feeling that I can’t quite provide the tender love and care that my bike needs so the faster route to the bike shop is the decision.
Going to skip describing the remote mountainous wilderness landscapes as I am sure you are sick of this. Another interesting thing today was a horse ran alongside my bike for maybe a km or so which was pretty cool!
So after a day of pretty easy cycling by Baja standards but pretty brutal cycling by my standards, we arrived at a town called Colnette. After a group lunch, sharing some whatsapp and-or social details, I said goodbye to newfound friends who continued on the Baja divide route and I checked into a hotel for the night, with the idea of taking the highway to the bike shop town tomorrow. I haven´t taken rest days in Baja yet so I guess I should take rest days in the place with he bike shop so I guess this groups will catch up again.
Hotel is fine. Went down for dinner of tacos and got talking to the only other group in the restaurant who are running a truck in the Baja 1000 race. They invited me to their table, paid for my dinner and drinks and we shared stories. They are riding in the Baja 1000 race next Friday and they showed how I can view the live stream GoPro footage from their vehicle. Given I don´t know anyone else, I guess I am cheering for these guys now!
