DAY ONE:
After spending the first night at Horsepower Ranch, the crew geared up and hit the trails for the next destination—Mike’s Sky Ranch. The day consisted mostly of desert roads and some of the Baja racecourse, but nonetheless, everyone still had a blast transferring up to the next stop. Once up at Mike’s, those who didn’t want to immediately hit the tequila and beer went for another ride on some virgin single track up a nearby river. MC himself even took his brand new CRF450R and climbed a nearly impossible hill full of rocks, cactus, and more rocks. You’ll have to check out the photos, though, to get a full feel for what went on once everyone hit the bar after dinner.
FMF’s Donny “Lil’ D” Emler was the first to say the secret word, meaning he had to drop and do 10 push-ups.
This was the motley crew before heading out for the first day of riding from Horsepower Ranch. Troy Lee Designs provided some very cool custom jerseys for everyone in attendance.
There were multiple stops along the route that were tended to by the Desert Assassins crew who provided gas, food, and water for everyone on the ride. Here, multi-time off-road champion Kurt Caselli takes a few gallons before current Baja Champion Colton Udall does the same.
Cameron Steele was the leader of the pack for the entire trip and kept constant radio communication with the chase crew. For this ride, the Desert Assassins brought out a buggy for added chase support in case of an emergency. In this photo, Sheldon, DC Shoes’ Nate Hawley, and Spy’s Kyle Krause follow close behind.
Even amongst the rocks and desert shrubs, McGrath looks right at home.
Always the nice guy, Caselli helped another rider change a flat tire out on the trail. As one of the top International Six Day Enduro competitors, Caselli has to be able to do this in less than 10 minutes.
During breaks in the ride, many of the riders went off on their own and goofed around. Here, Udall cuts a perfect circle track into the moist soil.
At lunch, the group stopped at this very tasty taco stand in a small town in the middle of Mexico. Taco stands like this are everywhere in Mexico, and provide some of the best food out there.
Ah, made-to-order street tacos. Is there really anything better?
Once at Mike’s Sky Ranch, the crew let loose and had a good time.
Everyone was doing push ups for saying “mine”, even The King himself. There is no "I" in team.
Spy hosted the dinner for the night the crew spent at Mike's Sky Ranch. Victor Sheldon could be found tagging anything and everyone with Spy stickers throughout the night.
This is what happens when you have too many “Triple Threats” and pass out at 7:00. Your bike gets stripped of all it’s dignity and put on the diving board for everyone to see.
The late Jeff “Ox” Kargola participated in last year’s Baja Bonanza and Mike’s Sky Ranch was where he had many good memories. As a special tribute to Jeff, everyone signed a Bonanza jersey that was then hung inside Mike’s. We all miss you, Ox!
PAGE TWO: Day One | PAGE THREE: Day Two | PAGE FOUR: Day Three and Photo Gallery
TAGS: Baja, baja bonanza, colton udall, danny laporte, desert assassins, dirt bike, ensenada, FMF racing, geoff aaron, jeremy mcgrath, kurt caselli, kyle redmond, Mexico, mike's sky ranch, motocross, mx, off-road, Toyota, toyota trucks, troy lee designs
