Baja Travesia 2008
Paul and Karen give some hints about this year’s route...
Jacqueline Windh / 20.03.2008
I’ve been pressuring RDs Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren for more details about the 400 km 2008 Baja Travesia route. While they’re still not divulging any specifics about the stages, they’re giving a pretty good idea of the type of terrain competitors will pass through, and it sounds simply spectacular!“The 2008 course will be really stunning,� says Paul. “This winter was tremendous, and in some regions the landscape now resembles Ireland, with all the water, flowers and green mountains.�
Don’t let that make you feel complacent, though. “There is no getting around the point that the giant 3000 m Sierras must be crossed,� he warns. “Starting from sea level. It will bring many of the athletes to their mental knees. Navigation is no joke in this region. A wrong turn or two, and you had better have packed an extra sandwich or seven! It's remote, and it's Mexico.�
This year, in contrast to previous editions, about 80% of the biking will be downhill. “And there is a real big treat: a remote abandoned single-track discovered by our recon team...that is just super super cool!�
Paul and Karen are excited to be introducing the sport of paddleboarding to AR. “This first year it will primarily be an exhibition type event, but we expect it will be a staple in the Baja Travesia in coming years.�
“There is no place like Baja,� Karen adds, “where you find the calm and mild Sea of Cortez, the great expanses of the San Felipe desert, huge unexplored canyons, pine tree forests, snow, bush- and cactus-covered foothills, small ranches, small towns and the beautiful sandy and rocky Pacific coastline that will lead teams back to civilization and Ensenada.�
And, as an added bonus, they note that racers just might come upon a gorgeous natural hot spring or two along the route. (I’ll try to be there waiting for them).See All Event Posts
