General Ride questions

How good of a rider do I need to be?

Malcolm’s Baja Ride and the Ducati DRE can accommodate all skill levels; every day has multiple routes to keep everyone entertained regardless of skill level. No Wimps is for experienced riders only. A level and very good B level riders only.

What is the average mileage each day?

For Malcolm’s Baja Ride and the Ducati DRE some days we only do 150 miles, some days we do 300! After 7 days of riding you should have covered approx. 1,200 to 1,700 miles. For No Wimps we do around 100-200 miles each day. Depending on the year it will either be 5 or 6 days of riding.

Is Vehicle insurance needed?

Mexican auto insurance is required for all vehicles in Baja. This includes your vehicle AND motorcycle for the duration they are in Baja. As in the USA, liability only is the bare minimum but full coverage policies can be purchased. We recommend Baja Bound or Discover Baja for insurance policies. It is very easy to purchase online here: www.bajabound.com or www.discoverbaja.com

Do I need a Tourist Visa?

Tourist Visas are required for all riders. Tourist Visas can be acquired at the Tijuana border crossing very quickly and easily.

How long Does it Typically Take To Cross the Border into Mexico?

It usually only takes about 30 minutes to enter into Mexico and about two hours to enter back into the US, but times vary depending on the situation at the border at the time of your crossing.

What brand and provider satellite phone do you recommend?  

Our support team all have sat phones.  There is no need for you to bring one.  If you want one anyway you can rent them from www.satphonestore.com We use the Iridium 9555.

Are Satellite Trackers required for all riders?

Yes, we require all riders have a satellite trackers. We offer Spot Gen4 rental devices if you don’t have one of your own.

Which Brand Satellite Tracker Do you Recommend?

We recommend the Spot Gen4 or Garmin Montana 710i or 760i devices. We also offer Spot Gen4 rental devices if you don’t want to purchase one.

Do I need a GPS?

YES! All of our adventures are GPS self-guided. A basic understanding of the functions of your GPS is all that is required. We take care of loading your GPS, all you have to do is turn it on in the morning and follow the line. We can provide loaner GPS units if you don’t have your own (see below).

Which GPS do you recommend?

We recommend all riders purchase a Garmin Montana 710i or 760i prior to the ride. You will need powered mount and bracket so you don’t have to worry about battery life. All parts can be purchased through Malcolm Smith Motorsports.

Do you have loaner GPS units?

Yes. Our loaner units are Dakota 10 and have a fairly small screen. While these units will get you there, they are not ideal if you want to navigate quickly or if you have vision trouble. We recommend a Garmin Montana 710i or 760i which has a much brighter and larger screen.

Can gear Be laundered along the way?  

Many hotels offer laundry service but turn around time can be longer than we are actually at the hotel. Plan on bringing three set of socks, underwear, pants and jersey and wear them two days at a time.

Do you offer motorcycle transportation?

For Malcolm’s Baja Ride and Ducati DRE we offer bike transport from Riverside CA to Ensenada, as well as from Ensenada back to Riverside CA both options can be purchased separately through our webstore. Bike transportation from Cabo back to Ensenada is included in your entry. We do not offer any transport options for No Wimps.

Do I need Mexican Pesos?

Yes! We also recommend you order Mexican Pesos from your bank ahead of time or get them at a currency exchange somewhere close to the border in San Diego. There are plenty of these places just before the border crossing. Most places you will buy gas or food in Baja will give you a low exchange rate. So every time you use dollars in Baja you will be loosing money to the exchange difference unless you purchase them in advance.

How many Pesos will I need?

Depending on your personal budget you should have around $600 - $1000 USD (converted to Pesos) for Malcolm’s Baja Ride, $200 - $500 USD (converted to Pesos) for No Wimps and $500 - $800 USD (converted to Pesos) for the Ducati DRE.

Where Do the Rides Start?

Malcolm’s Baja Ride starts around Ensenada, Baja California and the No Wimps ride start location changes yearly. Ensenada is about 1 hour from the US/Tijuana Border. The Ducati DRE starts in Valle de Guadalupe.

Where Do the Rides End?

Malcolm’s Baja Ride and the Ducati DRE ends in Cabo. The No Wimps ride ends at the start location.