Baja XL 2023?

T

Tanksoldier

New member
gnel said:
I think you missed the 2022 xl:)
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Oops, you’re right. Fixed.

monark192 said:
I did the 2019 XL and will be there in 2023. Anything specific you want to know?
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Mostly advice in general. I know it isn’t the Budapest-Bamako, which I also want to do someday, but it isn’t driving across town to Grammy’s either…

What’s the availability of spare parts, fuel, tires (especially oversized tires)? How much can I rely on finding locally, how much to bring with?

Are there any forums or pages specific to the race?

Ive been watching YT vids of previous races, but they mostly focus on the race category rather than the touring category.
 
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monark192

monark192

Observer
I did the race category in 2019 and will be in the adventure next year, not because it wasn't fun - it was a total blast - but made for some longer days trying to chase as many points as possible and having done it once, decided to take it a little easier this time around.

As for fuel/spares/tires - there is plenty of advice on traveling in Baja and the XL isn't really any different. I carried 10 gallons spare fuel and never needed it. I will carry 5 gallons next time because it is Baja and just because there is a gas station on the map, doesn't mean it has any fuel. The rally notes each day usually point out any fuel challenges for the route ahead.

Tires - I ran General Grabber all terrains - including spare - and had 2 punctures on the same day. Plugged one myself and then stopped at the next tire repair place to get them both properly fixed.

Spares - never needed anything but there are Autozones in Baja. I didn't carry any spares as such - just little things like extra fuses etc.

No forums that I know of but check out the Baja XL News and Support Facebook group if you haven't yet.

The spirit of the event means you can follow the route, or not. Off road a lot or mostly on road. Decide to stay an extra night somewhere to go fishing and catch up later etc etc. There is an offical camp at the end of each day and hanging out there was a lot of the fun.

Let me know if you have more questions.
 
T

Tanksoldier

New member
Thanks for your reply.

I’m on the FB group.

I kinda want to run it just for fun, but also to gain experience for other rallies.

Id like to do the Budapest to Bamako, some of the other rally-raid style events.

Im hoping to use this as a relatively safe test run: see what breaks, what I wish I had and what I brought but didn’t need. That sort of thing.
 
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sackettmw

sackettmw

Member
monark192 said:
I did the race category in 2019 and will be in the adventure next year, not because it wasn't fun - it was a total blast - but made for some longer days trying to chase as many points as possible and having done it once, decided to take it a little easier this time around.

As for fuel/spares/tires - there is plenty of advice on traveling in Baja and the XL isn't really any different. I carried 10 gallons spare fuel and never needed it. I will carry 5 gallons next time because it is Baja and just because there is a gas station on the map, doesn't mean it has any fuel. The rally notes each day usually point out any fuel challenges for the route ahead.

Tires - I ran General Grabber all terrains - including spare - and had 2 punctures on the same day. Plugged one myself and then stopped at the next tire repair place to get them both properly fixed.

Spares - never needed anything but there are Autozones in Baja. I didn't carry any spares as such - just little things like extra fuses etc.

No forums that I know of but check out the Baja XL News and Support Facebook group if you haven't yet.

The spirit of the event means you can follow the route, or not. Off road a lot or mostly on road. Decide to stay an extra night somewhere to go fishing and catch up later etc etc. There is an offical camp at the end of each day and hanging out there was a lot of the fun.

Let me know if you have more questions.
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This event has been on my radar. I have never been to Baja and it seems like a good way for me to see it without having to go alone or preplan a route.

If I could fit it in next year though, it would have to be worked into a vacation with my wife so that would mean taking our van versus one of my trail rigs so that is where my questions arise. We would participate in the non-competition class but I wouldn't necessarily want to have to bypass sections. I see you participated with a fairly stock rig and I also saw some videos with Earthcruisers so is it safe to assume my 21' long 1ton Quigley van would fit / be capable of passing through all of the sections? 33s, front and rear lockers. I'm experienced off road but not looking to destroy my van. It would be about an 8000 mile trip for us.
 
monark192

monark192

Observer
sackettmw said:
This event has been on my radar. I have never been to Baja and it seems like a good way for me to see it without having to go alone or preplan a route.

If I could fit it in next year though, it would have to be worked into a vacation with my wife so that would mean taking our van versus one of my trail rigs so that is where my questions arise. We would participate in the non-competition class but I wouldn't necessarily want to have to bypass sections. I see you participated with a fairly stock rig and I also saw some videos with Earthcruisers so is it safe to assume my 21' long 1ton Quigley van would fit / be capable of passing through all of the sections? 33s, front and rear lockers. I'm experienced off road but not looking to destroy my van. It would be about an 8000 mile trip for us.
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You would be fine. While there is an end point every day, there isn't necessarily a required route to get there. The road book gives options to avoid anything difficult for the adventure category. In 2019 there were at least 3 Crown Vics, 2 Volvo wagons and we met one couple doing it a rental Rav4! I did it in a stock 4x4 Xterra . It was a fun event.
 
O

Oscar Mike Gulf Yankee

Well-known member
Can someone give some more history of this bash?

I see it's a chunk of change but the schedule was paying in 2021. Where is current info.?

Ah man, bail money isn't included with your fee!
 
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Slow Baja

Slow Baja

New member
Tanksoldier said:
Thanks for your reply.

I’m on the FB group.

I kinda want to run it just for fun, but also to gain experience for other rallies.

Id like to do the Budapest to Bamako, some of the other rally-raid style events.

Im hoping to use this as a relatively safe test run: see what breaks, what I wish I had and what I brought but didn’t need. That sort of thing.
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Slow Baja

Slow Baja

New member
We did the Touring Class in a stock 1971 FJ40 --2019 & 2021 Our approach was to go slow and say hello. We pulled out our Baja Atlas over eggs and machaca and figured out what dirt road we would drive that day. We camped and stayed in motels. While most of the group camps, nobody judges.

The BajaXL is a no support rally, that said, you will be traveling with many other participants so you'll find support among them if needed.
I have a few podcasts on it at Slow Baja and will be recording a new one with the founder next week.
 
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