Racing the Baja 1000

The other day I get a question emailed to me, asking what it is like to race the SCORE Baja 1000.  This rider has always dreamed of racing the Baja 1000, but is hesitant because he has never been down there or witnessed the race in person.  He knew that there was no way that watching the race on television could prepare him for what it was really like.  The popularity of the documentary Dust To Glory created a lot of interest for amateur racers wanting to give Baja racing a shot, but it is definately a glorified view of what really happens down there.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the movie and have watched it many times, but I would not consider it an accurate barometer of what you will go through in order to race your first Baja 1000.

 

First of all the documentary followed some very experienced and well-funded race teams.  Not many of the amateur level racers are going to have the kind of pre-running, chase, and equipment resources that Mouse McCoy or Robbie Gordon had.  My first Baja 1000 I only had the opportunity to pre-run about 100 miles of my section, the other 230 miles was a complete surprise.  I wanted to pre-run my section more, but we were short on resources and time.  The reality is that not everyone can take 6 weeks off from their lives and livelihood to prepare properly.  The rest of us just have to make due!  This is one area that I would suggest new racers concentrate their efforts; pre-run your section as much as you can.  It will add speed as well as safety to your race.

 

 

Pre-running takes more resources than just time.  You can’t just hop on your bike and start riding your section.  You need people to meet you on the other end of where you are heading.  You have to plan for fuel, mechanical break-downs as well as the unexpected.  It is also not a good idea to pre-run alone for many different reasons, all having to do with your personal safety.  The course may not be perfectly laid out at this stage of the game, either, so you may have to guess at sections of the race course.  GPS is very helpful during this phase of preparations.  There are also not a lot of McDonalds and Marriott Hotels along the race course, so you better be ready to “rough” it some and operate without a lot of rest or the comforts of home.  Pre-running can be a grind, so if you can give yourself a day or two between your last pre-running trip and the start of the race in Ensenada.

 

Your minimum requirements for pre-running your section of the race course are:

 

1. Three people.  Two riders and one chase team driver to meet you at your destination.  Two people in the chase truck would be even better.
2. Three bikes or equivalent off-road machines.  It is wise to have an off-road capable machine with the chase team in case they have to get to you where a truck can’t go.
3. Extra fuel.  As much as the bikes can hold and extra cans with the chase team.
4. A plan.  Map it out and calculate the time it should take.  Be as thorough as possible.

 

Some helpful pre-running equipment:

 

-      Pre-running bikes.  You don’t want to run your race machine out here, bring extras if you have them.

-      Large fuel tanks.  IMS Clarke and Acerbis make tanks as large as 7.0 Gallons for bikes.  Get the biggest you can, and don’t use dry-break on your pre-runners.  You may just need to siphon a little out for one of your friends…

-      GPS.  Very helpful during this time.  The course may not be well marked.  If you can get a plotted course in there ahead of time, do it!  PCI Race Radios did my course.

-      Lights.  Just because you should be completing your ride during the day, don’t make the mistake of leaving off your lights.

-     Tool kit and spare parts.  Bring everything you may need to fix the bike.  Spare tubes, levers, bolts, nuts, cables and the most important parts: zip-ties and duct tape.  You will most likely have a flat tire at some point, so be prepared for that.  Use Bib Mousse foam instead of tubes in your front wheels if you can to avoid flats.  Some people use it in the rear tire, but it has been known to burn up if you are too fast!

-      Hydration supplements found at any health store and plenty of water in Camel Backs

-      Compact food like Power Bars or M.R.E.’s.

-      Communications- you need a Satellite phone and radios between bikes would be a good idea.

-      First aid kit including overnight supplies should you get stuck in the desert.  Glow-sticks and   flares for night time emergencies.

-      Some pesos

 

For more information about racing the SCORE Baja 1000 or to connect with other racers and fans, visit Racer Space

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