Mexico to Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: WHERE DOES THE RIDE START?
A: The actual course starts on the US side of the US/Mexico border at Tecate.
With the border crossing in the background, we will get a group shot before
everyone starts.
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Q: HOW CAN I GET TO THE START?
A: Although riders are responsible to get themselves to the start, we can
provide assistance for a limited number of riders from LA or a rental truck
return, or the San Diego Airport. Some riders have had their bikes trucked to
Tecate then fly to San Diego and some have come in a one-way rental truck.
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Q: WHERE DO WE MEET TO START?
A: We will be meeting at a motel in Tecate the night before the start to pack
the support and chase trucks and go over last minute instructions. Lodging for
this night is not included, and you will need to make your own reservation.
You must have current registration on all bikes and trucks crossing the border
plus personal ID for each person.
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Q: WHAT HAPPENS AT THE 1ST HALF FINISH?
A: You will enjoy our complementary celebration dinner then head home the
next morning. Again we can provide assistance for a limited number of riders
with transportation from Fallon Back to the LA area. For a fee, your pick up
driver can be included in the dinner and overnight lodging.
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Q: WHAT ABOUT THE 2ND HALF START?
A: We will meet the night before the 2nd half start in Fallon. Lodging for
this night is not included and you will need to make your own reservation. Although
riders are responsible to get themselves to the start, we can provide assistance
for a limited number of riders from the LA area. You can fly to Reno and then
take a one-way Enterprise rental car to Fallon.
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Q: HOW DO I GET HOME FROM CANADA?
A: The morning after you finish at Canada and enjoy our complimentary celebration
dinner, you will be taken by bus from Bonner's Ferry, Idaho to the Spokane airport.
You will need to make a reservation for a flight home (airfare not included
in tour fee).
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Q: HOW DOES MY BIKE AND GEAR GET HOME FROM CANADA?
A: We will trailer your bike and gear south from Canada. We will drop them
off at rendezvous locations along any of the main north-south highways (I-5,
395, 95, or I-15).
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Q: HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
A: You can bring one carry-on size suitcase (with nametag) that will be transported
inside the luggage van. It should be at the motel before you arrive at the end
of each day. For the return from Canada, you will also need to bring an empty
gear bag for your riding gear and two tie downs with your name on them.
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Q: HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE ROUTE?
A: This is not a guided tour; you will navigate by following a standard Dual
Sport Roll Chart with turns that are based on mileage. You can view some sample
roll-charts here.
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Q: WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS?
A: You will enjoy a full range of accommodations from US Business Class to
Baja Basic. Five locations have pools with Jacuzzis. Two are mountain rustic
with log cabins. We reserve every bed in a couple of one-motel "towns"
and some riders may be on a rollaway.
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Q: WHAT IS THE BUDDY SYSTEM?
A: It is what can save your life! If you were riding alone and got off the
route and then got hurt, you may not be missed until the end of the day. There
would be no way to find your bones for your widow. For this reason we insist
that riders use the buddy system. Obviously 2 (or 3) riders that enter together
will be buddies (4 or more should be split into pairs).
BUDDY RIDING PROTOCOL -
1) Don't lose sight of your buddy
2) Don't make a major turn unless you know your buddy will also
3) If buddies get separated, both go back to the last place they saw each
other
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Q: WHAT IF I ENTER ALONE?
A: We prefer that you enter with at least one friend but if you do come alone,
you will be paired with another rider as your buddy. Buddies may be changed
after a day or two if not well matched.
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Q: WHAT ABOUT REFUNDS?
A: Because the tour can only accommodate 16 riders, we cannot afford to offer
any kind of refund after the 16-rider limit is full. We will help you try to
sell your entry to another rider. If you are concerned about needing to cancel
or getting hurt and not being able to complete the ride after you have started,
travel interruption insurance is available from travel or insurance agents.
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Q: WHAT MODEL BIKE IS BEST?
A: Riders have been happy on XR250s through big KTM Adventures. The prime
considerations are comfort (suspension & seat) and reliability. Your motorcycle
must be street-licensed, meet Vehicle Code requirements, have a spark arrestor,
and have a gas range of 130 miles minimum.
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Q: WHAT ABOUT SPARE PARTS?
A: You may bring a reasonable amount of spare parts (like a pre-oiled air
filter). We will have a spare front and rear tire in case someone destroys one
but most people make each half without changing tires. We recommend Dunlop 606
for the best wear with good performance. All tires, spares, and large gear bags
will be carried in the chase truck and trailer.
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Q: WHAT ABOUT TOOLS?
A: We will have a very complete toolbox with tire tools, air pump, a bike
stand, and chain lube. You may bring any special tools but obviously we cannot
haul a toolbox for each rider.
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Q: DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?
A: You must have a Roll Chart Holder; they are available from good dirt bike
shops. We will also have a couple of spares in case you break yours.
You must have a tenths re-settable odometer; because of calibration error you
cannot follow the chart with reset to zero models.
You must carry current registration and proof of insurance.
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Q: WHO SERVICES MY BIKE?
A: You must be able to fix your own flats on the trail and service your bike
at the end of the day. Each rider must carry a spare tube (front works in rear);
tire irons, hand pump, and air bottles. You must fix your bike on the trail
or be towed by your buddy to a Highway where we can pick you up. You must be
able to tow your buddy if he cannot fix his bike. Every rider must carry a tow
strap.
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Q: WHERE WILL I GET GAS AND LUNCH?
A: All lunches are at restaurants. With the exception of two locations on
the second half where we provide you a gallon so that you can make a long section,
you will buy all gas at gas stations.
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