I woke up a little later than I would have liked but still got started around 930. It was a long hard day of riding but with absolutely spectacular sights along the way. At the suggestion of Daniel from the night before I took highway 3 instead of highway 1. This took me over to the east coast of Baja instead of west. This was an awesome decision as I could not have imagined highway 1 being better.
I passed a few military checkpoints but they never even glanced at me. The riding in the mountains was a bit windy and slow but once I was near the water it was gorgeous and just a straight shot down.
I’m finding gas stations to be pretty sparse. So in the future ill be stopping a lot more for gas just in case. I’ve got about a 200 mile range on the tank, maaaaaaybe 250.
I finally got to San Luis Gonzago, the spot Daniel said I should stay at. The place I wanted to stay at was full which was really surprising. It wasn’t too far from sunset and I knew I wouldn’t have time to find something ahead. I walked in a store and there was a little reception there. They were renting out beach campgrounds so I went ahead and booked one. It was 250 MXN. I wasn’t expecting anything more than a little sandy square but was happy to see they had built these little bungalow things on each one which would block the wind some. The beach was gorgeous and the sun started to set right as I finished making camp.
I realized I would have way too much free time and noticed the bungalow would be the perfect support for the idea I had in mind. I ratcheted the rear of the bike up using the bungalow overhead and was able to pull the rear axle out and change out the chain tensioner that have needed to be replaced FOREVER. I’ve been so nervous driving knowing the right side would snap off at any moment and send me tumbling. I was able to quickly and smoothly change out both sides and I’m super happy that it’s done. I know I’ll feel less nervous on the bike tomorrow as everything is in great shape. The rear sprocket is getting worn down a little but I think I should be able to find a shop that can replace it. That also means I probably could use a new chain soon as it’s showing to be more and more slack.
Once it got dark I just sat in front of the beach and thought about life. The stars shone more brightly than I’ve seen probably since I was a kid. It’s a perfectly moonless night. It’s totally overwhelming. It gives me time to think about what’s important and what’s not. I pretty surreal moment alone.
I am planning on making tomorrow the longest day of riding. There’s not much ahead for me. Some more mountain riding. Because I’m camping I’m sure I’ll be up really early and once I take down camp I will get going
