Baja 2016 Day 3 -
Bola to PSF
We are breaking up into three main groups today. Lunchbox and Dmitriy will start later and guide Greenhornet to PSF (all three could use the extra rest and time). Leo_jb and Anytwowilldo will guide Fran on his GS while I ride with the rest of the group with a planned short sidetrip to play in the sand of San Rafael.
Its only a 90 miles easy route with a few obstacles to overcome (a rocky climb and a few washes with sand). I've done it at warp speed in less than two hours. Its a good easy shake down ride for the group to get used to the pace and terrain. The plan, like all days, is to get to our destination no later than early afternoon to rest, drink beer, bench race, and enjoy the destination. It also allows plenty of time for mechanical issues and flats to be resolved on the trail. Early starts, with relatively short planned stops to refuel our bodies. Leaving at 7am there should be no reason the group doesnt arrive by 1 or 2pm.
We all take off as planned in our groups with the exception of the three going later in the day. I lead the group directly out on the right trail from town this year instead of the 3 block long shriner circus parade I lead for 10 minutes last year after the obligatory coffee shop stop for Fran and his GS.
About 17 miles out on the trail I stop to regroup at the first intersection of the route. Anytwowilldo, Leo_JB, and Fran on his GS come blazing in to the group... and Anytwowilldo does what he does so well... those long big circles off the trail to come to a stop. Its quickly noticed that this time he has acquired a large 1/4" diameter stick in his rear tire (yes, that big.) After a silly conversation about considering slime,
its wisely decided to change the tube. Our first flat and folks find it a curiosity and all want to watch the process.
Its here and now that Fran extorts how fast he has to ride to keep Leo_jb and Anytwowilldo in sight.
Norcalslowpoke also has lost his brand new GPS, so he goes back to look along the route (he is experienced and fast enough regardless of his screen name that we dont need to worry about him falling too far behind the group).
Not quite finished, but getting there on the tire we decide to send the group forward to continue making time while Anytwowilldo and I finish the tire (or should I say I just stand around as Tom is really the master fix all on this trip.) Finished up, the two of us take off on a bit brisker fun pace to catch the group.
Its now that I first notice how much more competent and fast HadesOmega has become from the last trip. He definitely wins the most improved rider award from last year. I really need to twist the throttle to inch closer and closer to his dust cloud out in the distance before catching him. Good fun.
As we do, we come across Fran with his GS and few riders doing some trail side "disassembly". Fran is clearly up to the route, his GS however is complaining. On one of the fast g out washes or perhaps a rock has partially ripped off his rear skid plate that covers his cat. Doesnt take a large crew to fix this, so I and few others take off to catch the rest of the group now spread out up ahead.
I am keeping track of who I pass and where to monitor the groups progress, and honestly... having fun opening up the XR I havent ridden since last year.
By the time I reach the turn off to PSF I have passed or know where all the riders are but two. 1962siia, and Eric_B. 1962siia is waiting for me at the turn off... but no Eric. Hmmmmmm.... I wait at the turn off until most of the group arrives and then they go on to PSF to arrange dinner. We are making good time as its just past noon.
On my own waiting, I find some shade to eat lunch and hydrate while waiting for the final riders. Minutes stretch and I find myself taking my first knap of the trip.
I am awakened an hour and half later by the sound of two bikes in the distance. I get the sleep out of my eyes and prepare to greet the last of our group. Two blue Yamaha WRs come to a stop.... wait... we didnt start with any Yamahas on this trip.
Its a nice couple heading south. I ask about the rest of our group and they inform me that the GS has a flat and all are accounted for there either helping or spectating. Somewhat relieved, we do the normal Baja conversation and discuss routes. The wife is tired from the sand, so I pull out the Almanac to discuss options to get to San Ignacio. Good nice folks.
As all the riders are accounted for and together back down the trail, I decide I no longer need to wait for them at the intersection and proceed to PSF. Arriving about 2pm I find the group has arranged for dinner at 6:30, out of their riding gear, opened a bar tab, and enjoying beverages on the Sea of Cortez!
arty And I quickly join.
For whatever reason, I decide I need something out of my backpack but cant seem to locate it. Hmmmmmmm..... 1962siia88 says he doesnt remember me arriving with one. BS, of course I did. Wait... the shade, the rock, the nap, and my passport in the bag. Yep, its back 20 miles under the shade.
By the time I gear up, Anytwowilldo arrives with my backpack slung in front of him. Tom to the rescue again! Party back on. I hear about the GS getting a gash in the rear tire they attempt to patch but cant, then ultimately putting Hadesomega's spare rear tube in the GS. I am sure they can and will elaborate on their adventure.
I suggest to Fran that it probably isnt safe for him to continue on solo considering the time of day and condition of his tire. He agrees to join us for drinks, dinner, and the bonfire at PSF. Leo_jb is able to use his in reach to actually send a txt to Scott, Frans riding buddy waiting in San Ignacio via his satellite track. Effing COOL.
A few beers on all are accounted for with the exception of the late leaving three. Nearing dusk Dmitriy and Lunchbox arrive and Greenhornet is stuck in the sand somewhere near the entrance to PSF. I hear stories of a long day and some mechanical issues. I go out and find Greenhornet and unload his gear before riding his bike through the deep sand to the party.
Sometime in there I had the great idea to also jump my XR off the three foot storm wall on the beach into the deep sand. Not sure who to blame for that idea.... but no one got hurt including myself.
No need for a menu at PSF... fish tacos are always the special... and always your only choice. Good thing they are GREAT fish tacos. After dinner we retired to the beach for the bonfire, beer, and any booze we were able to carry this far. As always, great recaps of the days adventures and many other stories shared before retiring to cowboy camp under the stars.
Greeenhornet was a trooper and worked under a headlamp to try and resolve his mechanical issues. Anytwowilldo, being Anytwowilldo was lending a hand.
Great day, and grateful to be back in Baja with such a great group of folks to share the experience.
Somebody was stepping up his game! 
