Rip To The Rio
The Baja Oasis has one of the cheapest moto tours in all of Baja, and it’s amazing! We actually offer 2 of these short, cheap motorcycle tours. We have a three-day all-inclusive ride and a two-day Rip to the Rio.
The “Rip to the Rio” ride is one of the most amazing off-road motorcycle rides you can do in Baja. It starts in the small border town of Tecate and heads 130 miles east to the Baja Oasis lodge. This ride heads east and goes into the Sierra Juarez Pine forest. Lots of people don’t realize Baja has high-elevation pine forest trails. The Baja Oasis trail team created a one-off trail heading east through the pine forest mountains just for this ride. Owner Justin Strong, Baja champion Colton Udall, photographer Ryan McCasland, and Baja medic John Clark teamed up to cut this legendary trail. Ryan showed up with a chainsaw and immediately started clearing brush through critical sections. Colton Udall placed the down lumber to resist erosion. John Clark was the muscle, and Justin was the visionary.
Justin set out to create a “fun route” heading east towards the lodge. He spent days searching through washes and canyons for the perfect, most scenic route. He would park his truck at the paint shop in El Condor, unload, and head out searching for ideal routes. He found game trails going through the meadows and mountains that were in mint condition, then stumbled on “Cattle Canyon.” This canyon was special; it had a year-round creek and majestic cedar trees. It had a beautiful, existing cattle trail that criss-crossed the creek. However, the cedar trees had overgrown parts of the trail. This is when he knew he needed help, and the crew set off to trim “Cattle Canyon.” They gently pruned the cedar trees to create a beautiful path they now call “The Oasis Trail.” The few people who get invited each year boast of its beauty. This is the premier trail on the “Rip to the Rio.”
Some guests would rather not take on the challenging “Oasis Trail” and would rather cruise along a 2-track dirt road. They also created the ultimate route for 2-track adventurers and novice riders. There has been recent grading in this area, and it has some of the most buttery 2-track you’ve ever seen. They searched out the route of least resistance, so guests who don’t enjoy technical terrain can still enjoy the mountain scenery and this legendary ride. They can also bypass the Rumerosa grade and cruise down the scenic highway pass to the desert floor. Once at the desert floor, they’ll enjoy a refuel and snack break at the La Cuesta pit stop before heading into the desert. After the fuel stop, riders will cross Laguna Salada, a large, dry lake bed. From there, they’ll exit through the miners’ canyon and out towards Highway 5. They cross the highway and land at the river oasis! They will be greeted with a home-cooked dinner and cold drinks on the river.
Once at the Baja Oasis, they can add the option for a sunset boat ride on the river or local karaoke songs. Have the staff crank up a bonfire outside or start the fireplace inside if it’s winter time. Guests can relax and watch Netflix, reflect on the day, or work on their bikes in the large garage. The garage stocks a good amount of parts, fluids, and tools.
The next day, riders will have the option to return the way they came, or attempt to tackle the legendary “El Mano Grade.” This grade is not for the faint of heart; it gains 3000 feet of elevation up a rocky, challenging climb. You will be reminded of the remoteness and difficulty as you pass stranded vehicles abandoned on the grade. Nothing is said, just a deep gulp as you pass each vehicle, hoping you didn’t forget something while prepping your bike. You’ll cross the Laguna Salada just to reach the bottom of this grade, so it’s remote to say the least. At the bottom, have a gut check or pray to your nearest god before ascending this rocky challenge. Once past the main ascents, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Take a much-needed break and soak in the views before heading into the Sierra Juarez pine forest. At the top of the grade, you’ll start seeing DG dirt and pine trees, noting that you’ve made it to the summit. The most important thing on your mind will be lunch and fuel at the infamous “Sawmill” at Laguna Hansen. Stop at this famous fuel station that sells low-octane fuel by the gallon. It’s not cheap, and who knows how old it is, but it’s critical and much needed. Riders gladly dish out $8 a gallon and push north towards Tecate.
Laguna Hansen and its sawmill have long been a critical stop for baja motorcyclists. It’s no doubt a must stop after conquering the “EL Mano Grade.” The grade can deplete your fuel faster than expected with its rocky inclines. After refueling, you will head past Laguna Hansen, a natural lake in the pine forest that may or may not have water depending on recent rains. Take a photo, but don’t waste time, as it may be getting dark. Riders will undertake 175 miles along this route and won’t have much time to waste. Enjoy the flowy 2-track through the trees and keep a good pace, and you just might make it through the Tecate border before dark. This route is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Book a guide through the lodge, and they’ll help your group make the most out of this budget adventure.