Mexicali or bust!! - Ducati.ms

FrozenInCND · Feb 8th, 2010, 2:43 pm

Hi all

A group of us are planning a ride from Edmonton, Canada to the Mexico border in late June. The destination will actually be San Diego, but seeing as we are going that far we would like to get a photo and maybe a pint of beer just south of the border. I was told to stay away from Tijuana, and looking at Google maps photos I would have to agree. Looks like a huge line up and a maze of highways. Does anyone know this area well enough to give me some ideas as to a good crossing and anything else I should know?

Also as I will be a little saddle sore, and going to be doing to tourist thing while in San Diego. I was thinking it might be a good time to book my Duc in for an oil change, and a new set of tires. Can anyone recommend a Duc dealer in the San Diego area for this service?

Thank
Lenard

redpato · Feb 8th, 2010, 10:42 pm

Stay away from Tijuana if you can. With all the drug problems they have, it is not as safe a place to be as it once was. No need to ride all the way to Mexicali, just to Tecate. It's quite a bit smaller but just as much a tourist spot to stop at for the day. If you're looking for places of interest, the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail is in Campo, within a few feet of the border wall. Be sure you have a valid passport as it should be enforced to cross back to the US.

"in God we trust"

jbcaddy · Feb 9th, 2010, 9:30 am

definitely Tecate, the roads up in the hills are a good ride. Mexicali is in the flat farm country and in June is an oven.

BrianG · Feb 9th, 2010, 12:12 pm

We would also like a reference to an excellent service facility in San Francisco.

jbcaddy · Feb 9th, 2010, 12:39 pm

Monroe motors in S.F.

Modesto Ducati if you are coming down through the central valley

Largerthan9 · Feb 9th, 2010, 12:45 pm

Tecate will be an exellent destination for you guys. in the local mountains and away from the urban sprawl of Tijuana. The road to there is nice (Hwy 94) There is a nice diner just east of the Tecate turn off in Potrero You really do not want to go to Mexicali/Calexico not much there and the roads down there in the southern Imperial Valley are not so bueno. Going north up the Imperial Valley on the other hand is outstanding. lots of gorgeous sweeping roads and multiple nice grades to go up and down.
If you are comming down through California hit me up for some sweet roads you have to hit up in the western sierras. Also the mountains around LA. and SD.

Mospeada · Feb 11th, 2010, 11:30 am

Hit up Largerthan9 or myself when the time gets close.

In fact, let me know, I'll meet up with you all, and can give you a proper tour of San Diego. Not just the back roads, but really, all the places that you DO want to see in SD. (Point Loma, Balboa Park, Coronado, etc...)

GP Motorcycles in San Diego has always taken very good care of me. Depending on what you're looking for, I would also suggest Cycle Gear for buying tires, they have pretty good prices. But GP for the tire swap/oil change.

Until my Mexican friends are willing to go back into Mexico, I won't be going back down there. And I've been going into Mexico for well over 3 decades having fun and goofing off.

**John** · Feb 12th, 2010, 11:39 pm

Are you guys coming through Northern California? Sounds like you will be in the SF area, we are in the Sacramento area, 2 hours east at the base of the Sierras.

FrozenInCND · Feb 16th, 2010, 10:16 am

Thanks for the info guys. The plan right now is for the 3 of us to hit the Oregon boarder, and follow it all the way to San Diego. One of the guys has to head for home a little early so he will be turning back at San Francisco. I will continue down the San Diego. We may touch base with some of you when we get closer to your area.

Thanks again
Lenard

typh0n · Mar 12th, 2010, 2:12 am

i used to live in Edmonton.
Now i live in Socal!
just getting a Monster 2010 1100s