Daily Archives: February 28, 2014

February 28, 2014 San Felipe, Mexico Part 2

We were really fortunate that Bob and Sharon invited us to share their RV site at El Dorado Ranch.  It not only gave us a chance to spend more time with this wonderful couple, but all the campgrounds in San Felipe were full due to the Baja 250 which is an international off road 250 mile desert race involving motorcycles and all terrain vehicles of many classes. The top class is a “trophy truck” which has few rules.

Friday we went into town to see the parade of motorcycles and vehicles that were going to be in the race the next day. They had to go down the city center to be inspected by the SCORE race officials.IMG_20140228_215905 IMG_20140228_220143 IMG_20140301_094635 IMG_20140301_094959 IMG_20140301_095114 IMG_20140301_095652 IMG_20140301_100104 P1040635 It was amazing to see how they do parades in San Felipe.  The streets are not blocked off and people roam back and forth across the street during the parade. IMG_20140228_214608 While the parade vehicles were stopped, people were free to wander off and look at the vehicles and talk with the drivers who happened to be the mechanics.  One mechanic found a way to get lunch while waiting in the parade line!  IMG_20140228_205431IMG_20140228_215629 IMG_20140228_215308 IMG_20140228_215244 IMG_20140228_215818IMG_20140228_213950 IMG_20140228_213236 IMG_20140228_213203 IMG_20140228_203825 IMG_20140228_203102 IMG_20140228_203004 IMG_20140228_123619 IMG_20140228_111055 P1040641 P1040636 They were all headed to the inspection area where the vehicles were taken apart and inspected in depth to be sure they were within regulations.  IMG_20140228_215015 IMG_20140228_214646Bill and Bob had fun looking at all the vehicles and talked with the mechanic of #21 which later turned out to be the winner of his vehicle class. IMG_20140228_114303 P1040637 IMG_20140301_114334

Meanwhile during the parade people dragged chairs and coolers of beer through the streets to enjoy during the parade.  Only in Mexico could you bring your own coolers of beer on wheels.  We were amazed to see they charged $5 pesos (about 50 cents) to use port-a-potties. IMG_20140228_215703 Bill found a vendor who sold max trax which you put under your tires so you get un-stuck.  P1040644These would make the perfect gift for those of you who live in those cold snowy climates since they can be used on snow or sand! P1040642IMG_20140228_213900 IMG_20140228_205354 Some people had very inventive strollers that went with the theme of the race.

Saturday morning Bill and Bob were undecided about whether to attempt to watch the race.  The main problem is the race is held off road and it is extremely dusty and therefore rather unhealthy to breathe.  The drivers of the cars wear special oxygen masks due to the dirt.  Bill found the race on his amateur radio and discovered that the start of the race was being delayed for several hours.  The race course had to be altered due to snow on the summit part of the race.  Yes, snow.  It does snow in the mountains of Baja even though the sea level area is warm.  So the guys were content to listen to the race on the radio and we also spent part of the day at the golf club and of course the hot tub.  Sharon made a great pitcher of margaritas to take to the pool