Run - Up Area
Our Run-up Area answers all of your questions:
Why Trail Boss Tours?
Good question. Chris Steward has been racing and riding Baja, Mexico and the Southwest United States for over 30 years. His experience in Baja has given him insight for great places to ride and comfortable places to rest your bones after the days ride. Trail Boss knows the special places other tour groups just aren't aware of. Also, we have the mobile support truck. Now our truck just isn't a pickup truck with a few gas cans strapped to it. Our truck is a 20 foot turbo diesel truck which carries all your gear securely, all the bikes (including a spare) fluids, tools, lubricants, parts, food, water, snacks and over 220 gallons of premium fuel so you'll never have to worry about running out of gas or having to deal with the questionable quality of fuel south of the border. We're also very nice people and really easy to ride with.
I Have My Own Bike, Can't I Just Ride To These Places On My Own?
When you ride "on your own" you literally are "on your own. "We've been doing this for many years and we know the details it takes to make an off-road trip go smoothly. We know the all scenic roads and special places which make for a special trip. South of the Border we know where to eat & sleep and the local customs. We also know where comfortable beds and good eating is to be had at the end of a day' ride. We transport all your gear (there's nothing like clean clothes after a long day's dusty ride!) On the trail you'll always have access to the basics of off-road riding; food, fuel & water (By the way, we should tell you, we have some very spectacular lunches waiting for you thanks to our support truck & drivers.) When you ride with us you don't have to worry about anything because we have it handled. Just show up to ride and enjoy. Nothing to worry about especially mechanical breakdowns. We take care of all the details so you can enjoy your ride. Isn't that the way it should be?
Who Will Meet Me At The Airport And How Will I Recognize Them?
A Trail Boss representative will be sent to meet you at the gate or pick you up at your hotel if you're coming a day early. At the airport we'll pick you up right at your gate and all you need to do is look for the "Trail Boss" vehicle. We will call you a few days before you leave to confirm your flight and arrival time. Be sure to take along our phone number just in case. We will also return you to the airport or hotel after the ride is done. For a more relaxing trip fly in a day early and stay an extra day to enjoy the whirlpool.
How Much Money Should I Bring?
If your trip is in the USA, judge accordingly. Your hotel and meals are inclusive with your trip but items such as your bar tab, gratuities, and souvenirs are something you need to plan for. If your ride is in Baja, you won't need too bring much along for the actual trip. A few hundred dollars is probably more than enough. Keep in mind Trail Boss does not have a big enough wallet for your bar tab and in that area you are on your own. Remember to bring a fair amount of singles and smaller bills for Baja. A little money goes a long way there.
What Else Should I Bring?
- Camera, film & watertight zip lock bag
- Drivers license & passport or birth certificate
- Health insurance card
- Small flashlight
- Foam ear plugs
- Swim suit
- Sunglasses
- Sweat shirt
- Suntan lotion with high UV protection ( SPF 30 or better)
- Eye drops - Chap Stick - Tylenol - Pepto Bismol tablets
- Padded bike shorts (Very important!)
Riding Gear To Bring:
- Jerseys (it's nice to have a fresh jersey for each day)
- Warm lightweight jacket a.k.a. Enduro Jacket (it gets cold at night in the desert)
- Helmet * Goggles with replacement lens
- Gloves
- MX Pants
- MX Boots
- Riding socks (these are the most comfortable)
- Knee Pads - MANDATORY
- Elbow Pads - MANDATORY
- Chest Protector with a Song Dog drinker or Camel Back drinking system
- Kidney belt
- Fanny pack (with water bottles if possible)
Is There Anything I Shouldn't Bring?
Yes! Drugs and drug paraphernalia, guns, bullets or weapons of ANY kind are STRICTLY forbidden on our rides. There are checkpoints in Baja for contraband. Bringing drugs or weapons along not only means a trip to a Mexican prison for you (not fun) but your actions jeopardize the entire group as well. We cannot stress this one enough, they don't mess around. This rule applies to ALL of our tours including rides within the United States.
How Much Dirt Riding Experience Do I Need?
That depends on which ride you are taking. For a dual sport ride such as "The Lost Coast" a street rider shouldn't have any trouble. A trip through Baja to Mike's Sky Ranch or Cabo San Lucas requires more riding experience. There are times when a ride may be made up of only novices and you may feel more comfortable in that type of group. We ask you use good judgment when selecting a ride and we can certainly give you guidance. The rides are rated in the "Prices and Schedule" page and use the enduro rating system for degree of difficulty (A the hardest & C the easiest). If you have any questions, just ask!
What If I'm A Slow Rider?
If need be we'll break the group into two groups so you don't have to worry about being too slow. Remember, this trip is YOUR vacation and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible but your safety is also our concern and we reserve the right to pull you from the ride if we feel your safety or that of the group is a threat.
Are These Rides Safe?
If you ride motorcycles you already know the risks involved with the sport. That's not to say some haven't had a few bumps, bruises and scrapes along the way. Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety by wearing protective gear and riding within your limits. This is a vacation ride, it's not a desert race, that's a point we can't stress enough. Ride within your ability and you'll be just fine. We take breaks often and have radio communication between our lead "Trail Boss" and our sweep rider at the back in case of mechanical trouble and to make sure everyone gets to the next check point. Nobody gets lost on a Trail Boss Tour.
Do Women Go On These Rides Or Is This Just A Guy Thing?
No, this isn't just a guy thing. Women ride with us all the time and have a great riding experience! In fact Nancy (see hosts page) is one of the guides and owners and she is on all of the tours.
What If My Bike Breaks Down In The Middle Of Nowhere?
You will never be more than 5 minutes in front of someone. Don't move. Stay with the bike. Our sweep rider will come to your aid. We are very mechanical and chances are your bike will be fixed on the trial in a short amount of time. We have fixed dozens of flats, broken chains and other mechanical gremlins in our time. If you have rented one of our bikes and repairs are beyond what we can do on the trail, you'll be given a working Trail Boss bike on the spot and the broken bike will be towed back to the support truck for repairs.
Doesn't It Get Really Hot In Baja?
As the old saying goes; "It's a dry heat." If you dress in layers and keep moving you'll be just fine. It does get cool at night in the desert and in the mountains so you should plan your attire accordingly. Remember, our Baja trips are scheduled in the spring & fall so temperatures are usually in the low 80's. During the summer months we do northern Baja rides but stay on the Pacific coastal side where ocean winds help keep us comfortable. Central and southern Baja during the summer is a furnace.
Do I Need To Be Careful About Drinking The Water In Baja?
Bottled water will always be provided. Some of the hotels we will be staying at bring their own water in or have access to a natural spring. We have never had problems with water. Most ailments are due to an overactive evening at the bar (we ask that you drink responsibly - riding with a hangover is NOT pleasant.) On the trail we bring our own bottled water which is in the support truck and you'll be able to take on water and snacks throughout the day's ride
Is There Anything Else I Should Plan On?
Yes! Plan on having the time of your life!
