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The Baja evening sky. (Photo/Clark Merritt at SoloSports)
Back in 2011, Lisa and I were working in the bike industry in SoCal. Living in Hermosa Beach, Lisa commuted to Laguna Beach working at Crank Brothers. I embraced the commute to North Hollywood working for Niner bikes. Crank Brothers combined their holiday party with a silent auction fundraiser for Han’s and Carmen Rey. Their charity provides low cost bikes for people in the developing world. When the drinks are flowing, I am very good at bidding on silent auction items, winning a small Ibis Mojo and a week at SoloSports Adventure Holidays in Punta San Carlos, Baja. The Mojo went for sale being the wrong size and plans started to take for a visit to SoloSports.
Homebase (Photo/Clark Merritt at SoloSports)
SoloSports is at a remote part of Baja California, Mexico. It is about 30 miles down a dirt road and four or five hours south of San Diego. It started as a wind surfing destination but they also have an amazing network of mountain bike trails. I had tried two previous times to make it. In the fall of 2015 my buddy, Randy and I were en-route when my motorcycle broke down on the way. October of 2016 was the time to make it happen. After a week of supporting Baja Rally, Randy Fish and I finally rolled into SoloSports via motorcycles and spent three days there. WOW, the journey was worth it!
Oceanside. (Photo/Clark Merritt at SoloSports)
The camp is an all inclusive (tents, gear, food, and drink are all provided). Traditionally it is a week long stay with a van transport from San Diego. One also has the option to take a small plane in and out that will allow more time at the camp and less driving.
You arrive and are assigned a tent, attend orientation, and receive general information. Since neither of us are a wind sports guys, we got set up on rental bikes. Since we had just arrived by motorcycle and it was really windy, we opted to have lunch, beer, and just relax on our first afternoon.
Mexican singletrack at its finest. (Photo/Clark Merritt at SoloSports)
Three meals a day are provided and more than enough snacks. The food is top notch and ranges from mexican, locally caught lobster, salmon, etc. A cooler is always stocked with beer and cold beverages.
Once happy hour hits, one must try a notorious, Baja Fog. New Friends are made from all aspects of life during these hours. Hanging out with Mike Doyle - legendary surfer and accomplished artist was a highlight.
Randy & I at happy hour.
The second day was mellow in the morning so went out on a stand-up paddleboard adventure followed up by a tour of the trails. The trails are super fun flowy goodness. That evening we also met a new friend...
Tequila & scorpions.
On the third day we started out with a fantastic tour of the area indian artifacts. One of my core reasons of exploring baja by motorcycle is for indian finds. Clark Merritt gave us the tour and is working on historic books of the area. More riding was had, and wow-oh-wow was the riding great! Food, fogs, beer, more food, more friends, and eventually bed.
Indian artifacts. (Photo/Clark Merritt at SoloSports)
Day four we headed out early north along the coast on dirt roads back to Rosario with a successful trip in the books.
Punto San Carlos is not a place for beginning wind sports but there is plenty to do or just sit. We were not able to surf as the conditions were not right, but that's part of chasing surf, wind, or anything - adapt to what's presented and keep smiling. This is a glamping resort that needs to be on your list!
Many thanks to Kevin, the man behind SoloSports, and in honoring my ‘credit’ 5 years later. I look forward in my return and on my next drive down Baja, our mountain bikes are coming with to stop here!
