Baja Bikepacking

Travels in Baja, Mexico...what they don't tell you in the Guide Books. Share

Mexico has a bad reputation in the eyes of most Americans. I can assure you, it is a false as the Mexican people are extraordinarily a beautiful people. On cycling holiday, I took a train from Kansas City, Missouri, to LA, then rode South from LA to San Diego, CA, meeting up with Carolina, a French national who had been traveling the world for five years promoting travel under your own steam. She was looking for a travel companion to help her get to Bahia de Los Angeles so she could connect with a Sail boat that she was going to be a crew member.

We crossed the border at Tijuana and cycled together for 12 days. The final day played out like a 1930s adventure movie: First, we rode from our desert campsite 40 miles into town. Once we arrived to Bahia de Los Angeles, the captain of the boat let Carolina know he was anchored 15 miles south of Mulege’ (a couple of hundred miles further south) and we would need to come to him. We needed to move quickly as it was December 30th and Carolina wanted to be there for New Years eve. With no other travel options we made the decision to hitch hike, in Mexico, to get to a town where we could catch a bus to Mulege, and then go 15 miles further south to Playa de Santispac on the Bahia de Concepcion.

One of the best things about bike touring and bike packing is that you must go with what ever life throws at you, adapt and make it work, after all, it is an adventure.

The first hitch was easy, a tour company taking some people on a ATV adventure gave us a lift in the back of a pickup and precariously loaded the bikes on the trailer. The next hitch was a poor farmer with two children and his father, no one spoke english. Then there was a very talkative man, who wanted us to stay at his hotel, which was not in our direction, and finally we, after being dropped off at a restaurant, where two baja divide riders where finishing up dinner, we were able to catch a last hitch with the sun tearing on the horizon we found ourselves strapping the bikes to the flat-bed  of a delivery truck, Carolina had to sit on my lap in the cramped cabin of the truck. Darkness greeted us on the final comical journey to Guerrero Negro, B.C.S., Mexico. After a three hour wait we then took a bus to Mulege'. 

And all seemed well and good, until the bus driver said we could not take the bikes. My French companion told him he could, and to his surprise she rearranged the luggage in the bottom of the bus wrestling in both bikes and gear. A nod of approval from the driver and a few hours later, he dropped us off in Mulege'. It was 130a. 

We were on the side of the highway 1 in Baja, MX, completely exhausted after a 40 mile bike ride, four hitch hikes, and one long bus ride and it was dark, no moon, and now faced with the fact we still had another 15 miles to go to our final destination, Playa de Stantispac on the bay of conception.

We had three choices as I saw it: try to find a hotel open, camp right there on the side of road, or just say WTF and ride at 2am, on a Mexican highway. We rode. I was the only one with proper lights, although we did have the Milky Way, twinkling above, but it made us feel very small in a universe magical way.

So much fun, and what an adventure, we finally rolled into the Playa at 430am, and realized it would just be best to throw down our sleeping bags on a patch of sand. We would sleep a couple of hours then Carolina would try to find her Captain, and I, well I would walk around to the other campers and find someone who would share a cup of coffee with me. I found three, but that is another story.

School update

Hi all, forgive my absence over the last 6 months! Trying to start a school is not easy when you are doing it alone, and hopefully, that will change.

Teaching, as most of you know, is a passion of mine. But have not had alot of time lately.

Over the last six months I have been working on some writing projects, teaching yoga, teaching adults career transition, coaching/ advising some fellow adventurers, traveling, researching, training for expeditions and ultra endurance bikepacking racing, and trying to keep a balanced life while playing with my cat, Coyote.

Currently I am working on developing some relationships for training sites for the school, more news later on this development.

I will most likely change the name of the school to something with "Outdoor Leadership" in the title, but still have not come up with a good name, here are a few examples:

Outdoor Leadership School of KC
Whole Earth Outdoor Leadership School
The Outdoor Leaders School
Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness Education School (or Academy)


Classes taught so far:

Yin Yoga Outdoor classes
Bikepacking 101 and 102
Overnight bikepacking trips-S24O's

More future classes:

Outdoor Leadership
Outdoor living-campcraft
navigation
no-trace camping principles
outdoor cooking
risk management
gear selection
backpacking
bikepacking
wilderness medicine
wilderness ethics
foraging

and more...


I would love input, donations (time, money, teaching, land, professional services, and practical advice).

I will be scheduling some classes and bikepacking overnights soon.

If you want to be involved please reach out and lets go for a ride or walk, and have a cup of coffee or tea.

A few of the classes, talks and trips...

Bikepacking the Flint Hills

Flint Hills by Bicycle By Bill Poindexter

 The Flint Hills have a a quiet beauty that allows you to catch your breath, to gather your thoughts, to feel the calmness of, the oneness with Nature.

-William Least Heat-Moon

I just returned from five day Bikepacking expedition in the Flint Hills, you might ask what is Bikepacking? Just think Backpacking-now add a bicycle!

My friend Randy Rasa and I met in Spring Hill and headed west. As you can see by the map, we primarily traveled off the beaten paths rolling over rough gravel roads or rails trail like the Flint Hills Nature Trail.

We travel “self contained” meaning we carry all our gear-tent, sleeping bag, tool kit, food and water, stopping in towns along our route for resupply and then heading back out on the roads. This style of travel is very similar to traveling by horseback, a slower pace, allowing one to absorb all the beauty of nature and the environment.

The first two days I had food supplied by Aixios-sandwich’s, energy bars, and some amazing pate’ all high in energy for our 300+ mile trip.

I trust Chef Emmanuel Langlade in making me healthy nutritious food, and as always, was amazed by the deliciousness he created!

Cold Croque Monsieur- cheese, butter, dried meat, or pate’ perfect for a picnic. Hearty with a sensuous mouth teasing explosion of taste, making me wonder as I ate on the side of the road...was I in Kansas or in the south of France!

Being self sufficient, and after I ate the sandwich’s, in the evening of the 2nd day, as we camped by a lake, all that was left was pate’ I had to be creative and add my own creative spirit and forage for green’s and clover flowers to supplement my nutrition with a little flour tortillas-and a dash of hot sauce makes it sublime.

Do not worry, my stash of Aixios Energy Bars was intact, I enjoyed sharing one with Randy who took one bite, smiled and said, “Those are REALLY good!” I felt bad as I wouldn’t share any more:)

Photo by Randy Rasa

We rode for five days on the backroads of the Flint Hills, traveling through history as we meandered on and next to Sante Fe Trail, Oregon Trail and California Trail, on long abandon railroad track, identifying plants, birds and animals along the Route and meeting a wide variety of kind people who restore our faith in the beauty of humanity.Thanks to The Aixios family for your support of our Bikepacking Expeditions, and “Oui!” There are more to come so stay tune!

Events and guided adventures

This weekend I will be teaching Bikepacking class at Loose Park at
8-11. You can find the link on our calendar.

Next weekend I will be teaching a Advanced Bikepacking course from 8-1p
And then will be talking up the school at the Waldo Bike Fest at Family Bicycles
You can find links on the calendar.

Are you interested in going on guided Bikepacking expedition this summer?
Maybe exploring the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park? or maybe the Katy trail?

If so, let me know! Bill@Poindexterrecruiting.com

What our Graduates are saying

The momentum is building...join us for the adventure of building the Bikepacking School!

Graduates of Bikepacking 101 and Gravel Travel class:

“My husband and I got to attend "Bikepacking 101" last weekend. It was great! We are new to biking in general and didn't know much about bikepacking other than "it's like backpacking with a bike." I wanted to learn more but was hesitant because the concept was rather intimidating to me and seemed only for those who were hardcore cyclists. Bill is very personable and knowledgeable (and a great story teller!). We covered a lot of information and got to experience a lot (setting up a campsite, going through what was actually packed on a bike, even the kinds of meals you could eat when out on an expedition). I wasn't intimidated at all. His "helpers" for this session, Greg and Sam, were also great. All three definitely know what they are talking about and were quick to share their knowledge, tips, and sense of humor. The range of topics was incredible and applicable without being overwhelming. I look forward to continued associated with Bikepacking Kansas City. Thank you!” SK

"Went in to this class only knowing about bikepacking from a few YouTube videos

Didn't know anything else.

Bill was very cool dude & had a lot of info from personal experiences, helped me see & learn about some of the thing I never thought about, like water purification, food & what brands to look at for bike bags.   Was very cool to see someone like bill spreading his knowledge &  Getting a scene like this  started here in Kansas. Was really fun & learned alot

I hope the scene grows here.   Totally check Bill & his Bikepacking school out. It's worth it!!"  Nate

“Hello. It was a real treat to share in your experience in bike-packing. To have that glimpse at the peace of combining two things, cycling and camping, I am so passionate about.” Chris

Events

April 13th Bikepacking 101 and Gravel Riding strategy workshop

101: This class teaches the fundamentals of Bikepacking (think backpacking-then add a bike). Included are strategies for gravel riding.

Tickets

“My husband and I got to attend "Bikepacking 101" last weekend. It was great! We are new to biking in general and didn't know much about bikepacking other than "it's like backpacking with a bike." I wanted to learn more but was hesitant because the concept was rather intimidating to me and seemed only for those who were hardcore cyclists. Bill is very personable and knowledgeable (and a great story teller!). We covered a lot of information and got to experience a lot (setting up a campsite, going through what was actually packed on a bike, even the kinds of meals you could eat when out on an expedition). I wasn't intimidated at all. His "helpers" for this session, Greg and Sam, were also great. All three definitely know what they are talking about and were quick to share their knowledge, tips, and sense of humor. The range of topics was incredible and applicable without being overwhelming. I look forward to continued associated with Bikepacking Kansas City and the Bikepacking School. Thank you!” SK

This will be a hands on class to teach you: proper bike selection, gear choice, navigation, nutritional needs, food prep, simple bike maintenance, water purification, where to camp and why, no trace principles, and much more. Each student will be given a Bikepacking course handbook at beginning of course.

 Class will simulate what it is like to travel by bicycle: We will set up a mock camp  talk about gear, Bill Poindexter will share real examples from his expeditions. Everyone will be encouraged to participate in experiential learning exercises. We will cover gear check list, logistics, route finding, nutritional needs, wilderness ethics, camp outdoor living skills, risk management, first aid, emergency bike maintenance, camp selection, group dynamic will be engaged-so we have good communication with each other for a positive experience.

Snacks will be provided. Class is 3 hours with break in the middle. Wear warm clothes, bring water for yourself, and good walking shoes as we will move to various locations, you will not need bike for this class.

This is for beginners as well as experienced bikepackers. Bring questions!

Hosted by Bill Poindexter, Founder

Bikepacking School

(913)220-1213 or bill@poindexterrecruiting.com

www.bikepackingschool.blogspot.com

The Bikepacking School-Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness Ed. is a newly created and ever evolving grassroots organization promoting a healthy world. Call or write Bill for more details and if you would like help or donate.

Can you help?

Bikepacking School is a newly formed school to teach people of all ages how to travel responsibly by

Bicycle. Outdoor leadership and Wilderness Education is part of the curriculum teaching: Outdoor living skills, navigation, no trace ethics, first aid, risk management, expeditionary living, and yoga.

This is a grassroots organization which started with outdoor Yoga classes in winter to teach people they could be comfortable outside while learning something new. Now we are teaching Bikepacking fundamentals classes and soon overnight courses. Ultimately
we will be leading multi day bikepacking and advanced bikepacking courses similar to Outward Bound and NOLS type courses. We see this also evolving into training: First Responder Organizations, SAR, and International Aid workers e.g. Doctors Without Borders or Red Cross, in using the Bicycle and Bikepackers as tool for deployments.

We are seeking volunteers and support.

Wish list:
volunteers, free legal and marketing services, logo design, financial support, land use or land for the school, professional instructors, and leadership.

If interested in helping out, please reach out to Bill Poindexter​ at bill@poindexterrecruiting.com or call (913) 220 1213
for more info go to our simple website, which will always be evolving.
www.bikepackingschool.blogspot.com

If you would like to host a fundraiser we are all ears!

What people are saying

My husband and I got to attend "Bikepacking 101" last weekend.  It was great!  We are new to biking in general and didn't know much about bikepacking other than "it's like backpacking with a bike."  I wanted to learn more but was hesitant because the concept was rather intimidating to me and seemed only for those who were hardcore cyclists.  Bill is very personable and knowledgeable (and a great story teller!).  We covered a lot of information and got to experience a lot (setting up a campsite, going through what was actually packed on a bike, even the kinds of meals you could eat when out on an expedition).  I wasn't intimidated at all.  His "helpers" for this session, Greg and Sam, were also great.  All three definitely know what they are talking about and were quick to share their knowledge, tips, and sense of humor.  The range of topics was incredible and applicable without being overwhelming.  I look forward to continued associated with Bikepacking Kansas City.  Thank you!