I plan to bicycle Baja this winter. There are several options off Highway 1 that depend on dirt roads being passable.

1. South of Puertecitos to Highway 1.

How would this road be on a bicycle? I plan to take a hybrid bike that is built for rough rides (extra 14-gauge spokes, disc brakes). However, the bike does not have shock absorbers. I have done some long rides before in other places, including arid climates. I don't like mountain bikes unless I am really off road, because they absorb too much energy. I like a hybrid road bike with a stiff frame that feels good going downhill.

I would be depending on stopping at villages or ranches to refill my water. On the map, it looks like there are a few camps, villages, and ranches. As long as there are one or two places each day that I can count on for water, or even a passing motorist who is generous, I should be fine. Is this realistic? I will have capacity for about 4 liters. I could take more.

How many motorists pass by in a typical day on this road?

I would stop one night, perhaps somewhere along the Bahia San Luis Gonzaga. Any suggestions?

Once I hit Highway 1, will there be a place for water right away, or do I have to get all the way to the gas/petrol station at the Bahia de Los Angeles road?

2. South of Bahia de los Angeles?

This looks like a more interesting route than Highway 1, but can I do it on a bicycle? My map shows a graded dirt road down to El Barril, and an unimproved dirt road from the El Barril area to El Arco. Is this passable? Water looks a lot scarcer on my map in this area. Should I go back to the main raod and pass through Guerrero Negro instead?

3. How is the road along the coast at the southern tip of Baja, from San Jose del Cabo to La Rivera?

metzenberg(at)yahoo.com

Two weeks and no replies. I guess I'll just have to wing it.

I've found some good maps since I posted this.

metzenberg(at)yahoo.com