Would you spend time in Ensenada?

[sleazy rider]

I'm fumbling and bumbling on my planning for this year's adventure.  I've got a nice ride plotted out for Nova Scotia and the Cabot Trail, but I hear the swan song of paved Baja in my head.  It's a 3.5 day ride out to San Diego and the same back to Michigan, leaving me 7 days to totally screw off in SoCal and Baja.  Ensenada is just a few hours south of the border, but I'm sure it's miles apart in culture and culinary delights.  I do speak some of the language, so that doesn't worry me too much.  We're talking June timeframe.

Would you do it, where would you go and how would you stay cheaply?

[Mookie]

Ensenada is OK but it's kind of a tourist trap, though it's miles better than TJ.  If you've got the time,  head further south. La Paz is a beautiful little city with lots to do and there are amazing empty beaches and crazy uber-desert along the way.  For a really nice and quaint little town, Mulege is really nice too.

[sleazy rider]

Been to TJ back in '94, no desire to go back.    I'd rather deal with the real Mexico than the cesspool that is any border town.

[miles]

Rip to the tip.  It's a lot of riding for 3.5 days, but easily possible.  La Paz is about 1000 miles from San DIego, so you're looking at 600 mile days, but plenty of locals here in San Diego do it in two days.

[sleazy rider]

I see there's a ferry from La Paz to Topolobampo?  That would make going home at least a day shorter.  Kinda like cutting the corner for a 6 hour ferry ride.  $200 one way though.  

[Mookie]

I see there's a ferry from La Paz to Topolobampo?  That would make going home at least a day shorter.  Kinda like cutting the corner for a 6 hour ferry ride.  $200 one way though.  

It's an awesome ferry.  Can't beat $1 cans of Tecate and mariachi bands.  They've also got sleeper rooms.

Also, in order to get on the ferry you've got to register your motorcycle, which is a refundable $100-300 but it's kind of a pain in the ass.  The mainland is VERY different from Baja and it gets quite sketchy north of Chihuahua.  Beats riding in the same place twice though  

[Lawn Dart]

I'm fumbling and bumbling on my planning for this year's adventure.  I've got a nice ride plotted out for Nova Scotia and the Cabot Trail, but I hear the swan song of paved Baja in my head.  It's a 3.5 day ride out to San Diego and the same back to Michigan, leaving me 7 days to totally screw off in SoCal and Baja.  Ensenada is just a few hours south of the border, but I'm sure it's miles apart in culture and culinary delights.  I do speak some of the language, so that doesn't worry me too much.  We're talking June timeframe.

Would you do it, where would you go and how would you stay cheaply?

I'd also suggest sending a PM to rgbeard - Rusty's a good guy and spends significant time down there.  Well worth pinging him.

[Playinthestreet]

I'd also suggest sending a PM to rgbeard - Rusty's a good guy and spends significant time down there.  Well worth pinging him.
[/quote

Yesssssir, Rusty's the man in that part of the world.

[Mookie]

He's got a sweet spread outside Ensenada from what I've gathered....

[rgbeard]

Yep - we love it down there, and think it to be worth the trip.

My wife and I have a home on the North side of town, and are there about every-other weekend.

I can help with some good motorcycle roads and hotel/restaurant recommendations.

[sleazy rider]

Good to hear someone likes it!    I'd actually like to find a campsite near or on the water unless the budget lodging is that cheap.  That would lighten the load coming out and back, not having to haul the camp gear.  Being a military retiree, i can plot my cross country trip to use military Space Available rooms and save my back from sleeping on the ground.  I don't need much more than a clean bed and shower in Ensenada.  Anything you can share would be outstanding, either here or by PM.  Thanks!

[rgbeard]

Budget lodging is around $30/night.  The recent downtick in the Peso (from 11:1 to now almost 14:1)  makes it even less expensive.

Lots of campgrounds on beaches, including one in the village where we live.  

PM Me anytime or email rusty at desertjags dot com

[sleazy rider]

   As time gets closer, I'll do that.  Just put the Mexico maps on the Zumo.  It's filling the time while I'm recovering from this damn head cold.  Two days off work now in the recliner with good cold medicines and pushing the "C" and fluids.