Slow Baja

Bi-national artist Paola Villaseñor, known as Panca, is from Chula Vista and has spent over half her life in Tijuana. After her mother's death in 2005, she moved to Tijuana, where she found inspiration in the city's creativity, nightlife, affordability, and danger. Her art reflects themes of feminism and humanity's decay. "With art, you work with your heart, and it can become dark when you expose your vulnerability, but it's also pure. Art has been my therapy, my burden, and my savior." Panca's career took off with her solo show, “I Am the Architect of My Own Misfortune,” at Bread & Salt in 2020, accompanied by her first book, “Los Perdidos.” Her mural "Respect the Paleteros," featuring a distressed and melting ice cream cone, has become an icon in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood.This episode mentions the Slow Baja Winter Expedition, Benchmark Maps Baja Road and Recreation Atlas, and the Pee Sport Bottle.Follow Panca on InstagramSupport the Slow Baja PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelBuy Baja Bound Insurance

Dr. Sean Michael is a professor of Outdoor Product Design & Development at Utah State University, and a writer and product tester in the off-road market for over two decades.  His articles have appeared in ADVrider, BMW MOA Owner's News, Offroad.com, and other magazines.  His research and teaching include the history of vehicle-based adventure travel.  He has also taught at trade shows like SEMA, the Adventure Van Expo, and Overland Expo for the past decade, with classes ranging from solar power to responsible human waste and outfitting vans for the rigors of overlanding.  This episode mentions the Slow Baja Winter Expedition, Benchmark Maps Baja Road and Recreation Atlas, and the Pee Sport Bottle.Follow Sean Michael on Instagram Support the Slow Baja PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelBuy Baja Bound Insurance

Paul d'Orleans is a renowned expert in motorcycle history and culture. He is best known as the founder of The Vintagent, a highly influential blog. In addition to his primary identity as a rider extraordinaire of vintage machines, d'Orleans is a noted curator, writer, and photographer. To make things more challenging, especially in Baja, he often shoots in large format and employs antique wet plate processes. A true Renaissance man, he is also a filmmaker, Concours judge, commentator, and above all, Paul d'Orleans is phenomenally well-dressed. Learn more about The Vintagent here: https://thevintagent.com/Get your Baja insurance here: ⁠https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl  ⁠For more info on Slow Baja Adventures, visit: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Lou Bank is the founder of SACRED, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural Mexican communities that produce heritage agave spirits. He also co-hosts the podcast "Agave Road Trip," which aims to help bartenders gain a deeper understanding of agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico.Lou is a genuinely kind and caring individual, and I am thrilled to share this Slow Baja conversation with you. I'd suggest you pour yourself a fine Tequila Fortaleza or your favorite Mezcal and enjoy the conversation.Follow the work of SACRED in Mexico here.Follow SACRED on Instagram.Listen to the "Agave Road Trip" podcast.

In this Slow Baja Conversation, we meet Vitza and Cesar, the gracious hosts at the beautiful Rancho La Concepción. Originally from Mexico City, the duo met while engaged in conservation work in Baja California. Rancho La Concepcion is a realization of their combined dream to give back to the world by creating a sacred space for thoughtful travelers. The main reason to visit Rancho La Concepcion is the unparalleled stargazing, but the easy access to nature, miles of hiking trails, and slower pursuits like forest bathing, meditation, and yoga are equally compelling reasons to stay. I've stayed three times and shared the experience with my Slow Baja Vintage Expeditions. I appreciate the slow vibe and silence that envelop the property. On my next visit, I hope to get a glimpse of the local Condor population. I highly recommend their cottages. With prior notice, meals are available, and I can attest that Cesar is a fine cook. If you visit the ranch in the fall, you may be lucky to enjoy an apple pie from their ancient orchard. Rancho La Concepcion is worth the drive and is Slow Baja Approved! Learn more about Rancho La Concepcion and book your stay: http://www.rancholaconcepcion.com/ Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl   For additional information on Slow Baja Adventures, visit: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Malcolm Smith is a legendary figure in off-road racing, known for his remarkable achievements on two and four wheels. Between 1966 and 1976, he won eight gold medals in the International Six Day Trial and six Baja 1000 titles—three times on a motorcycle and three times in a car. In 1967, he and teammate J.N. Roberts shared first place on a bike in the inaugural NORRA Mexican 1000. Smith died on November 26, 2024, at 83 years old, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. In September 2020, I was lucky to sit down with him at his home, where I recorded this conversation. He was part of the inaugural class of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and has been featured in the film On Any Sunday alongside Steve McQueen. Despite his fame, he remained humble and actively supported the El Oasis Orphanage in Baja Norte through his Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which provides full tuition for university or trade schools to the children there. During our conversation, he fought valiantly to find and form the words to answer my questions. After we wrapped, Smith apologized for his performance. He is a relentless competitor, always striving to do his best. Before I left, I followed him up his long driveway in 110-degree heat. He wanted to show me a couple of old Land Rovers that he had stashed in his orchard. I had to hustle to keep up! Learn more about Malcolm Smith: http://www.malcolmsmithmotorsportsfoundation.org/ https://www.malcolmsmithadventures.com https://ormhof.org/malcolm-smith SUPPORT THE SLOW BAJA PODCAST: https://buymeacoffee.com/slowbaja BUY SLOW BAJA MERCHANDISE: https://www.slowbaja.com/shop FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @slowbaja Subscribe to the Slow Baja YouTube channel:    / @slowbaja  

In this episode, Maurice Merrick, who hosts the fabulous Horsepower Heritage Podcast, joined me to discuss his experience on the Fall 2024 Slow Baja Vintage Expedition. Maurice and Slow Baja Vintage Expedition alum Derek Boycks drove Derek's 1996 Land Rover Discovery. Upon arrival in Mexico, we stopped to procure our F.M.M. Visas; Maurice was deported because he forgot to bring his passport. We resolved that issue quickly and got Maurice across the border and back on the road. Just before we arrived at Rancho La Bellota, they drove over a rock and tore a hole in their muffler. The newly unmuffled Land Rover sounded like a menacing drag racer! Derek, a master mechanic, won the "Baja Is Right For You Award" for quietly fixing several minor issues on a number of vehicles, including a hazardous steering issue on my truck. Most importantly, he utilized some spare ignition parts from my Land Cruiser to rebuild the ignition on an FJ40 whose PerTronix had failed, so their engine wouldn't start. I was a guest on Maurice's Horsepower Heritage Podcast back in 2021. You can listen to the show here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baja-tales-with-michael-emery/id1525657159?i=1000525723732 Find Horsepower Heritage on Instagram @horsepowerheritage YouTube: https://youtu.be/MuH7G4N-dYU?si=RmwPlcuJYfSsQPd7 SUPPORT THE SLOW BAJA PODCAST: https://buymeacoffee.com/slowbaja BUY SLOW BAJA MERCHANDISE: https://www.slowbaja.com/shop FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @slowbaja Slow Baja on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slow-baja/id1511808843 Subscribe to the Slow Baja YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@slowbaja

“Motorcycle Mary” tells the untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee a.k.a. “Motorcycle Mary”, whose racing career spanned thirty years and saw her shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines. The documentary short will feature stunning never-before-seen archival footage and photographs from McGee's life. “Racing was never just about competition for me—it was about freedom, courage, and pushing myself beyond limits,” says Mary McGee. “I'm proud to share my journey in ‘Motorcycle Mary.' I hope my story inspires women and shows that with determination, anyone can carve their own path, no matter the odds.” Following in her brother's footsteps, her remarkable racing odyssey begins in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only later discovering her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles. She was the first woman to race motorcycles in the United States. Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Becoming the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle. “Motorcycle Mary” is a production of Breakwater Studios.  “Motorcycle Mary”, as part of ESPN Films' 30 for 30 Shorts catalog, premieres on November 3  at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available to stream on ESPN+. The short documentary is directed by Haley Watson (in her directorial debut), produced by Rachel Greenwald, and executive produced by two-time Oscar® winner Ben Proudfoot and seven-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. The film made its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. --From ESPN

As a young man, Jerry L'Ecuyer landed a dream job driving a camping tour bus that shuttled young, single foreigners on camping trips throughout the United States. “I still think about that job today. It was way too much fun, and they actually paid us. It was wrong.” A perk of the job, Jerry spent his off-seasons traveling and reconnecting with his new friends. “I learned to ski in Austria; I didn't have a lot of worries; I was single. One of the off-seasons (1984), we did a real overland voyage from London to South Africa by truck.” In this Slow Baja conversation, we discuss that epic four-month drive from England to South Africa in a Bedford truck—meeting his South African wife, discovering “Overland” gear, and building a brand and a lifestyle around Tembo Tusk. It's a little behind the man and a little behind the brand today with Jerry L'Ecuyer on Slow Baja. Check out Jerry's San Felipe property here. Watch this Podcast on YouTube. Learn more about Tembo Tusk. Get your Baja Insurance here. Learn more about Slow Baja Adventures.

Ginni Callahan's Baja introduction started with a simple, straightforward invitation that most would dismiss as crazy: "Why don't you get a kayak, learn to paddle it, drive me to Baja, and tag along for the season?" The invitation from Kayak guide Hans Bruning changed Callahan's life forever. In 2008, she paddled to the Pacific Baja islands of Cedros and Natividad. In 2009, she soloed to Santa Catalina, the most remote island in the Loreto National Marine Park, renowned for its endemic rattleless rattlesnakes. In 2105, she circumnavigated Angel de la Guarda Island in the remote northern Gulf of California. In 2020, Callahan paddled solo across the Gulf of California, completing the final 55 nautical miles from Isla Tortugas to the Sonora coast in 18 hours.When not guiding sea kayaking trips, Callahan is writing a guidebook on the National Marine Park of Loreto. She is a breast cancer survivor who wants to give hope to others undergoing that journey.

For episode number one hundred and fifty, I proudly bring you this important and thoughtful conversation with Journalist Carl Honoré. Honoré is the leading voice of the global Slow Movement. We recently spent some time at Los Sagrados Horse Sanctuary in Pescadero discussing his bestselling book "In Praise of Slowness." In his books, lectures, and TED Talks, Honoré advocates embracing one's inner tortoise and slowing down. He criticizes the Western world's obsession with speed and promotes a more deliberate, unhurried approach to life. Honoré not only explores the negative impacts of our fast-paced society but also champions those who have adopted a slower, more mindful lifestyle. In a world dominated by haste and diversion, Honoré underscores the importance of deceleration. He provides actionable strategies that empower individuals to not just survive, but thrive in a rapidly changing world, all while prioritizing their well-being and fostering meaningful connections. Enjoy this Slow Baja conversation with Carl Honoré. Watch the conversation on YouTube Listen to the conversation on Apple  Learn more about Carl Honoré here. Get your Baja insurance here. More information on Slow Baja Adventures.

Meet Noel Bhavani Cianci, the founder and owner of Los Sagroados Horse Sanctuary in Pescadero. On a recent trip to Baja Sur, I chose to stay at Los Sagrados when I was looking for out-of-the-ordinary and “on-brand” accommodations near Todos Santos for my conversation with Carl Honoré. Carl is an award-winning author, TED speaker, and the voice of the slow movement. We found Los Sagrados quickly, just inland from Highway One, a short drive down a dirt road and behind a large locked gate. The ranch accepts guests happily. Carl stayed in a tidy stone cabin, and I chose the glamping tent. There's a bunk room inside the barn, and camping (for a fee) is allowed. The property features a communal kitchen and bathrooms. The outdoor showers may be the best in Baja! In this Slow Baja Conversation, we discuss Noel's background in fashion styling and the healing arts, her long love of horses, the sanctuary's history, visiting and volunteering opportunities, and the slow vibe that permeates the property. Learn more about Los Sagrados Horse Sanctuary: https://lossagrados.org/ Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl... More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Meet Jeremy DeConcini, the co-founder of Motosonora Brewing Company in Tucson, Arizona. This unique taproom, inspired by road trips, features a rotating art collection that pays homage to iconic races like the Carrera Panamericana, Baja 1000, and East African Safari Rally. With its Moto Mondays and frequent automotive events, Motosonora is not just a place to enjoy world-class beers but also to showcase your classic sports car or vintage 4x4, like my old Toyota FJ40. We've collaborated to launch Slow Baja Mexican Lager, a must-try for scorching summer days and is on tap for a limited time only. In this Slow Baja Conversation, we discuss his African travels with his brother Jeff, which formed the genesis for the brewery. He shares an epic adventure from the 90s, a Baja trip with his father and three teenage brothers, which resulted in a hospital trip and a few broken bones. Buckle up, crack open a cold one, and enjoy the ride. Learn more about Motosonora here. Get your Baja insurance here. More information on Slow Baja Adventures.

Thom Hill is the founder and visionary behind the iconic brand Iron and Resin. He was raised on the East Coast, attended college in Southern California, and made his first of many trips to Baja as a student in the mid-80s. After graduating, Hill lived on a sailboat and continued exploring the peninsula by water. His passion for the outdoors, surfing, riding motorcycles, and seeking solace in a vintage 4x4 shines through in his brand and work. “Forged in Ventura, CA, in a mass-produced, disposable world, Iron & Resin is a product of “one-off” culture, where men still build, by their own hands, the craft they ride, be it water or land.” Get your Baja insurance here: ⁠ https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl... For more information about Slow Baja:⁠ https://www.slowbaja.com/⁠ More information on Slow Baja Adventures:⁠ https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Growing up in the rural farm country of New England, you're bound to see scores of Jeeps, trucks, and more than a few tractors. Many people have them for daily transportation and working on and around their properties, and the Ladden family was no exception. Fascinated from a very early age while watching his dad with his Jeeps, it's a piece of family lore that Michael's first word was not “mom” or “dad” but “Jeep.” A pivotal moment in Michael's life came when he left his first significant job after college to explore Africa. This journey ignited a passion for Land Rovers, adventure travel, and a desire to live life on his own terms. Despite a successful career in real estate and hospitality, his adventurous spirit eventually led him to sell everything and embark on a 220,000-mile expedition across all seven continents. When the pandemic disrupted his global journey, Michael didn't let it deter him. Instead, he adapted his plans and turned his travels towards North and Central America. He has spent significant time exploring Baja California Sur, Mexico, riding the peninsula on a KTM adventure motorcycle and most of the Baja Divide by bicycle. In addition to his ground adventures, Michael is a private pilot and just released a book about his African adventures. He has visited 122 countries and proudly states he's been to nine out of ten of the worst ones! Get your Baja insurance here: ⁠ https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl... For more information about Slow Baja:⁠ https://www.slowbaja.com/⁠ More information on Slow Baja Adventures:⁠ https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Azure O'Neil is a badass. She has traveled through 31 countries on two and four-wheels, including a multi-year journey on her 1989 Honda Transalp. In addition to her love for overlanding, Azure enjoys paddleboarding, scuba diving, moto-camping, and planning her next big trip. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @MyTicketToRide. I met Azure at the 2023 Overland Expo, where she is the Director of Programming. Recently, we spent ten days tent camping through Baja. We kayaked Loreto National Marine Park, mule-packed in the mountains above Mision San Javier, and interviewed people involved in the conservation movement in Baja. In summary, Azure is a wealth of knowledge, travels easily, makes a damn fine cup of coffee, and is the one to ask when you need a pinch of salt. Azure O'Neil is Slow Baja Approved! Learn more about Azure O'Neil's travels here: https://youtu.be/9JE3ZXjqM5A?si=tvxDvkc9_13rxb2C Follow Azure on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/mytickettoride/ Get your Baja insurance here: ⁠https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t⁠ For more information about Slow Baja: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/⁠ More information on Slow Baja Adventures: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Author Doreen Cunningham's beautiful volume is a luminous depiction of an epic grey whale migration and an intensely powerful memoir of reclaiming a life battered by poverty and isolation. It is a shining testament to the healing properties of the natural world. Soundings is the story of a woman reclaiming her life, a child growing to love an ocean that is profoundly endangered, and a mother learning from another species how to parent in a time of unprecedented change. Learn more about Doreen Cunningham: https://doreencunningham.com/ Get your Baja insurance here: ⁠https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t⁠ For more information about Slow Baja: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/⁠ More information on Slow Baja Adventures: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Basil's Garage, located in Vista, California, is your one-stop shop for all your Baja Overland rig build needs. As a specialized vehicle outfitter, Basil's offers practical, simple, and capable off-road vehicle builds for long-term remote travel, from selecting the right vehicle to suspension configuration and camp setup to planning every minute detail. They offer in-house advanced electrical system design, lighting, suspension, wheels/tires, bar work, armor, fabrication, camp accessories, and flatbed conversions. They pride themselves on delivering high-end finished products with impeccable workmanship, partnering with quality businesses such as REDARC, MITS Alloy, Go Fast Campers, ARB, ADS Shocks, Baja Designs, Nomad Wheels, and more. Basil's Garage is Slow Baja Approved! Learn more about Basil's Garage: https://www.basilsgarage.com/ Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Troubadour Steve Poltz has a legendary Baja tale involving a whale-watching excursion that went comically awry. As he infers, it might not have been as comical as it sounds today in today's Slow Baja conversation. In the early 90's, Poltz was a singer-songwriter with a massive cult following in his adopted home of San Diego. He and his girlfriend at the time, a little-known folk singer named Jewel, decided to go on a getaway to write some songs for a few days. Without much of a plan, they headed South and found themselves on a dark and lonely road late at night somewhere south of San Felipe. Finding a few dim lights down a washboard stretch that doubles as an airstrip, the duo broke into a semi-derelict motel room to crash for the night. They awoke to a glorious day on a gorgeous bay; Jewel, taking in the scene, decided they needed to find a boat to go whale watching. The only boat they could find belonged to a group of Federal Police. Poltz surmises that months of boredom AND seeing Jewel in her bikini may have motivated the Federalies to become tour guides. A high-speed nautical chase ensued; Poltz and Jewel were given bullet-proof vests and offered automatic weapons for their protection. They ran the boats hard onto an island beach. A short foot pursuit led to the apprehension of the slowest drug smuggler; after a brief beating, he revealed where they had hidden a massive stash of marijuana. Poltz tells the harrowing and hilarious story and the after-bust-party antics that led to their writing Jewel's 1996 smash single “You Were Meant For Me,” which reached number 2 in the US. Listen to Jewel tell the story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hBXcpGHPVA And here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHNKgze6ERc Check out Steve Poltz here: https://poltz.com/ For more information about Slow Baja: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/⁠ Get your Baja insurance here:  ⁠https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t⁠ More information on Slow Baja Adventures: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Sungodz California is the creation of Surfer, turned Fashion Photographer, turned Designer Sasha Eisenman. Sasha grew up in Huntington Beach and began surfing in the Newport River Jetties in the mid-1980s. He traveled camping and Surfing all throughout Baja back in those days, and many of the experiences of this time would later become a foundational part of Sungodz California style. An esthetic that was further shaped during his time working at the legendary Frog House surf shop in Newport Beach in the early 90's. --from about Sungodz Check out Sungodz here: https://sungodz.com/ For more information about Slow Baja: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/⁠ Get your Baja insurance here:  ⁠https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t⁠ More information on Slow Baja Adventures: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

In today's Slow Baja Podcast, we discuss the future of Overlanding with Lance Gillies, the Founder and CEO of EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles. We recorded our conversation at the Chicago Auto Show while sitting inside the new EV Hummer EarthCruiser Upfit built by EarthCruiser Innovation.  ECI is a new division of EarthCruiser that draws from decades of Overlanding experience, bringing together people and resources to nurture a culture of innovation. Their first project was collaborating with GMC to design and build an upfit solution for the all-electric GMC HUMMER EV. The future of Overlanding is here. I've seen it and sat in it. Enjoy our discussion about its past, present, and robust future on today's Slow Baja. “EarthCruiser is a company of designers, engineers, technicians, and, most of all, adventurers with millions of miles of collective, real-world Overlanding experience. With its EarthCruiser EXP, FX, and EC Terranova models, EarthCruiser designs and manufactures the ultimate self-contained, 4×4 off-road, world exploration vehicles in Bend, Oregon.” Learn more about EarthCruiser: https://earthcruiser.com/ Get your Baja insurance here:  https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

In today's Slow Baja conversation, we turned the tables, and my good friend, Wilson Craig, interviewed me about the origins of Slow Baja. I discuss my childhood, becoming a photographer in high school, and attending San Diego State University.  In the Summer of 1984, I made my first trip to Tijuana --to shop for a laundry basket and to drink, of course. Soon, we were venturing down to Puerto Nuevo for lobster and, eventually, to Ensenada for a weekend on the beach. The true origins of Slow Baja were born in my Junior year when we left Spring Break in San Felipe to explore points south.  Enjoy this look behind the curtain of Slow Baja—huge Thanks to Wilson for pushing me to sit down for this conversation.  For more information about Slow Baja: https://www.slowbaja.com/ Get your Baja insurance here:  https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

In today's Slow Baja Podcast Conversation, I feel like I need to start adding a disclaimer to my recordings. "Slow Baja is not responsible for your desires to blow up your life and move to Baja. Please listen to these shows at your peril; Slow Baja LLC and Slow Baja Adventures are not responsible for feelings of irrational exuberance for living near cacti or an irrepressible desire to surf regularly or fish from a kayak daily." Or consider the version sent by my legal team: No part of the Slow Baja Podcast shall inspire you, your family, or your heirs to sell all your worldly possessions and move to Baja. The views expressed in the Slow Baja Podcast are mine, and mine alone, not necessarily those of my sponsors, their agents, Slow Baja Adventures, Slow Baja LLC, its directors, officers, or employees. I make no representation or accept any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided herein regarding the quality of tacos, adobado, birria, queso birria, al pastor, carne asada, or fried fish and or shrimp. Unless expressly stated, the quesadillas are routinely regarded as excellent. Seafood tostadas in Ensenada may be the finest street food in the world. This message is not intended to be relied upon without subsequent written confirmation of its contents. Slow Baja LLC, therefore, shall not accept any liability of any kind that may arise from any person acting upon the contents of this Podcast without having had, at a minimum, two tequilas and two Tecates and driven at least seventy miles of dirt road in the preceding week. All humor aside, listen to Hallie and Austin tell their incredible story, and for the record, I only take the tiniest morsel of credit for what happened. Enjoy this Slow Baja Conversation recorded initially in February 2023. 

Longtime riding buddies Chris Gardner and Dom O'Mahoney share a harrowing tale from a Baja ADV ride gone wrong. "When it's time to shut it down --when you are on your last redundant backup plan --it's not time to keep carrying on and bombing down these roads. Our ride was over, but we were just overwhelmed with fun, and we lost sight of that." -Chris Gardner on an ADV Ride For The Ages. Strap in as these two highly experienced riders talk about how they were having too much fun to shut it down when everything went wrong. Dom was lucky that the fire he experienced on the first night --that burned almost everything he had with him --spared his Garmin In-Reach and waterproof tent cover. Those two items probably saved his life. He used the tent cover for warmth and shelter as he weathered the cold and rain on the night he spent exposed to the elements. Coincidentally, he had just gotten his Garmin In-Reach charged the day he broke down. He chose his out-of-country communications contact wisely, as that fellow (Matt) a former Navy Seal --remained very calm, all things considered. Ultimately, we were lucky that we only had a modest story of endurance while exposed to the elements in Dom's case --and a harrowing tale of devotion to one's mission in the face of extreme adversity in Chris' case. Happy New Year, and thank you to all who tuned in in 2023 and are still listening today. Please watch this conversation on YouTube. And as always, subscribe, post, tag, and r--emember to enjoy the ride.

Today's show is with Slow Baja Alum David Kier. This is David's third visit to the show and today he joins us to talk about the 50th Anniversary of the Transpeninsular Highway. Kier began exploring Baja with his parents in the mid-60s. In 1966 David's father took the challenge to drive to La Paz in their Jeep Wagoneer. Sitting between his folks on the front seat –his copy of Gerhard and Gulick's Baja Bible in his lap, young David was given the responsibility for navigating for the entire trip. He diligently watched the slowly turning odometer, and took note of every passing kilometer marker. They made it to La Paz and as was the custom at the time, put the truck on the ferry to Mazatlan and drove the paved highway back home to San Diego. David was hooked! That epic trip spurred a lifelong affinity for history, maps, off-road exploration, and a deep desire to help his fellow Baja traveler. To that end, in 1973 as a high-schooler, David released his own guide book to Baja and the still under construction Transpeninsular Highway. Since then, David has made countless trips to Baja. He was a consultant on the Benchmark Maps Baja Road and Recreation Atlas and writes a regular travel feature for the Baja Bound Insurance Newsletter. His book BAJA CALIFORNIA LAND OF MISSIONS is in its 13th printing. Learn more about Baja and David Kier here: https://vivabaja.com/ Follow David on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja Going to Baja? Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl... More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Sal Fish, the Godfather, is back for his second conversation on Slow Baja. This time, we met above the beach at his place in La Paz. We picked up where our previous conversation ended around 1969. At the time, Sal worked for Petersen Publications as the Publisher of Car Craft and later Hot Rod Magazine. One day, while visiting Revel, the model company, with Bob Weggeland, his advertising salesman, the company's owners asked Sal and Bob to race the Baja Bug in the NORRA Mexican 1000. He knew the adventure would be a good story (and ad sales) for the magazine and leaped at the opportunity. Sal competed in the 1969, 1970, and 1971 races. Racer and entrepreneur Mickey Thompson recruited Sal as a partner soon after he created SCORE International in 1973. By 1974, Sal and Thompson were hosting the Baja 1000. Sal used his people and publishing skills to rapidly grow the organization and soon bought Thompson out. In the process, Sal realized Thompson's vision to make off-road racing as big as NASCAR. Sal sold SCORE in 2012. Active and fit, he enjoys living in Malibu and spending time with his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara. The couple has a second home in La Paz, where Sal enjoys kayaking and entertaining his friends.  Sal is a 2006 inductee of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. Visit their website here: https://ormhof.org/sal-fish Enjoy this Slow Baja Podcast conversation with Sal Fish. Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

At age 8, Bob Bower read about the Bill Stroppe Lincoln teams that dominated the 1953 Mexican Carrera Panamericana and later learned about the Baja 1000 race to La Paz. It became a fixation with him to be part of it someday.  Living the life of a Corvette enthusiast, Bower caught the eye of BFGoodrich at a time when the Brand was in the early stages of marketing performance tires to car clubs. He accepted the offer to go to work for BFG in 1977 and found himself at the Mint 400 as a pit volunteer. The fixation transformed into a deep passion for off-road. From that day forward, he would make a huge impact on the world of off-road racing in a variety of roles. Pit volunteer, chase crew, race team manager, pit manager, program manager, winning co-driver, winning driver, ESPN TV color analyst, and teacher. Bower's goal was to have a positive impact on whatever he was doing. His philosophy of “be alert, listen to what people have to say and always use the truth” served him well. It was 1982 when BFGoodrich put him in the role of Off-Road Program manager. With very thin budget resources available, the challenge was to provide support for the contracted teams and win races. Bower's race strategy was very straightforward… “You start winning rather than finish winning.” Bower's vision was to establish a common direction on the race course and in the pits, and bring all the teams into one big BFG team. “The direction we're heading is very, very clear.” “That is to be the best between the green and checkered flags”. Bower launched the BFGoodrich Pit Support program. To this day the BFGoodrich Pits are arguably the most successful and widely used pit service in Off-Road Desert Racing. The 1985 Baja 1000 ended early for Bob and his teammate Mike Randall in the Class 4 Honcho when they got off course and lost, ending up sunken to the frame in a tidal mud marsh. It took two days for the team to find and retrieve them. Bower swore, and promised his wife Necia, that we would never be lost like that again in Baja. He would make detailed maps of the race course, highways, and chase roads (KM mileage included), along with other information like fuel and food locations. The chase crews knew at any given time they could drive to the correct chase road and how long the drive should take. Teams raced with a higher degree of safety for their chase crews because of those maps. In the early 1990s Bower turned the map making over to BFGoodrich in order to make it available to the masses. By widely distributing the maps, all of the chase crews could support their teams with a higher degree of safety. Bob wrote “What About You?”, a powerful piece that has been included in almost all pit books over the past 20 years. It remains fresh and relevant today because of its absolute raw truth. “What About You?” is Bob's heartfelt advice to everyone in off-road, about safety and taking care of yourself and those you are with during the race. Many are convinced “What About You?” has saved lives over the last two decades. Bob says he was “simply speaking from the heart.” Over the years Bob has shown his passion, humility and wisdom. They are matched only by his unshakeable ethic. There have been many young racers who have been helped along their way by Bower. He's always been a champion of the little guy. Sometimes it's a quiet conversation, sometimes a few hours of highway windshield time, other times simply introducing them to others in the sport who could help them get better. Young stars like Robby Gordon, Ivan Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Arciero, and Rob MacCachren all have had Bob help them along in their racing career in one small way or another. For Bob Bower, it has been a labor of love. “I never wanted to change things in our sport, I just wanted to do what I could to help it along.” -- Courtesy of ORMHOF More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

In 1978, shortly after graduating as an oceanologist, Antonio Reséndiz Senior went to live in Bahía de los Ángeles. They called him "Crazy" Reséndiz since he arrived with almost nothing and lived in a tent on the beach.  Commercial exploitation of the turtle had skyrocketed, and the species was on the brink of extinction. The National Fisheries Institute and Reséndiz created the first Center for the Study and Conservation of Sea Turtles in Bahía de los Ángeles. Today, the sea turtle is no longer in danger of extinction, and the scientific knowledge about its lifecycle is extensive. One of the turtles that Antonio kept in captivity was released carrying a radio tracker. A year later, this turtle appeared in Senday Bay, Japan. An epic journey of eleven thousand five hundred kilometers!  Antonio "Toni" Reséndiz Jr. runs the eco-tourism resort, Campo Archelon on the grounds of the now-defunct turtle research center. On today's Slow Baja Podcast, we discuss his history at Campo Archelon and his focus on sustainability in every aspect of life, from reducing, reusing, and recycling to creating a hamburger from Tonno, a little-loved member of the tuna family. If you visit, have a meal at Toni's locally-focused Cafe Siete Filos, although I strongly suggest sharing your plates as the portions are sizable. Campo Archelon is Slow Baja Approved.  Visit their website here: https://www.campoarchelon.com/ Enjoy this Slow Baja Podcast conversation with Toni Reséndiz. Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Trudi Angell makes her third visit to the Slow Baja Podcast to discuss her new "retirement project," The Museo Antigua Californio in Loreto, BCS. Trudi is well known in Baja as the longtime owner and "Bell Mare" guide-in-residence of the mule-packing outfitters Saddling South. Through her travels into the remote mountains of the Sierra de Giganta, she befriended Dario, a gregarious rancher and "keeper of the old ways" who became the subject of her fabulous documentary film La Recua. https://larecua.com/ You can visit the Museo de Antigua Californio in the Pueblo Mágico town of Loreto BCS on the corner of Benito Juarez and Calle Davis. To book a mule-packing trip, contact Saddling South: https://saddlingsouth.com/ Get your Baja insurance here:  https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Today's Slow Baja conversation is with Kurt Williams. He owns Cruiser Outfitters, a legendary company specializing in parts and services for Toyota Land Cruisers. I am eternally grateful to Kurt and his staff at Cruiser Outfitters, who were instrumental in sorting (and sponsoring) my suspension upgrades last year.  Williams, a lifelong Utah resident, bought his first Land Cruiser Fj40 at age 15. He's an intrepid traveler (40 countries and counting) and an integral team member of E-7 (Expeditions 7). In that fantastic experience, Williams drove five of the seven continents and befriended fellow team member Clay Croft, whom he's joined in several X-Overland Expeditions.  As a member of Canguro Racing, he's raced a "stock" Land Cruiser 200 Series in the grueling Baja 1000. While he embraces the Slow Baja travel philosophy, Williams attributes his success in finishing 8 out of 9 Baja 1000s to going just slow enough to survive. He's a Tread lightly Master Trainer, HAM radio operator, Land Cruiser Heritage Museum Board Member, and a member of several local Utah 4×4 clubs.  In this episode, we discuss his extensive travels, his love for paper maps, and his shop locally, eat locally philosophy that feeds his passion for connecting with locals --usually over a meal! Cruiser Outfitters is Slow Baja Approved. Visit their website here: https://cruiserteq.com/ Enjoy this Slow Baja Podcast conversation with Kurt Williams, powered by Baja Bound Insurance. Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

We meet Brandon Thomason and Nathan Stuart in today's Slow Baja conversation. Brandon owns and operates TopoTerra, a leading off-grid vehicle and camping gear rental provider. Based in San Diego, California, with operations in Colorado, TopoTerra “has the rig and the gear to help you escape the daily grind.” Whether you are looking for an off-road vehicle, a rooftop tent, a camper van, a trailer, or an off-highway adventure vehicle, they have you covered! Their slogan says, “Adventure is our specialty; get out and explore today!” Nathan Stuart is a highly-respected travel guide. He's the son of a mountaineer, diver, pilot, sailor, and backpacker, and went on his first hike strapped to his father's chest at 16 weeks old. He learned to love the outdoors and adventure at a young age, --and moved to Baja at 18. His deep passion for nature opened a path to guiding that has him well positioned to show his guests a side of Baja few travelers see. Nathan operates Legends Overlanding and provides small-group, African Safari-style, vehicle-based adventures up and down the Baja peninsula. His experience, knowledge and meticulous attention to detail set him apart. Legends Overlanding shares Baja's wild side, --from private chefs delivering delicious locally sourced food to expertly scouted, exclusive camp locations, Nathan can get you to where the wild things are. Check out their upcoming Loreto and El Camino Real trip here: https://www.elcaminorealbaja.com/ Learn more about TopoTerra Overland Vehicle and gear rentals here: https://www.topoterra.com/ Learn more about Nathan and Legends Overland here: https://www.legendsoverlanding.com/

Zihul Martinez is the man to know in Guerrero Negro. He is a highly-respected wilderness guide who can show you the whales, the cave paintings, the pronghorn, or, as he says, "the magic of the central desert."   Born in Chiapas, Mexico, Martinez moved to Mexico City at fourteen to attend school. Later, he joined the Mexican Army and had a twenty-one-year career, eventually retiring in Guerrero Negro --the location of his last post. He says he loved the place and the people and decided to start his retirement "doing only things that make me happy."   In addition to his guide services, Zihul operates a hunting supply shop that carries a large selection of his handmade jewelry and knives. His tidy workshop is next door to the shop, and his home, campground, and secure parking lot are located across the street.    Zihul Martinez is Slow Baja Approved.   Calle Pedro Altamirano E Mz 64 Lt 5 Colonia Fundo Legal CP 23940, Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, México. Abierto de lunes a viernes de 1000 hrs a 1600 hrs Teléfono: 615 1554106 | Celular / Whatsapp: 615 1592998 Enjoy this Slow Baja Podcast conversation with Zihul Martinez, powered by Baja Bound Insurance. Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t Watch this Slow Baja Podcast on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqjVYiP-L_A Learn more about Zihul Martinez here: http://www.zihul.com/ Follow Zihul Martinez on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zihul.martinez More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Note: Strong language warning. We bleeped the F-bombs but left the other swear words unbleeped! In this Slow Baja Podcast conversation, I sit down with off-road personality and Shreddy brand founder Blake Wilkey and filmmaker extraordinaire Michael Squier. The duo teamed up to run a Manx Remastered in the 2023 NORRA Mexican 1000 Slow Baja Safari Class. From Squier, we get an update on the smashing success of his Baja Bug Movie. And a brief history lesson on Bruce Meyer's record Baja run from 1967 that led to the first Off-Road Race. We dive deeply into Wilkey and Squier's five days in the Slow Baja Safari Class. And their unabashed delight in running a Manx Dune Buggy 1286 miles --with a smile on their face and their foot firmly planted on the floor.  Our conversation concludes with Wilkey and Squier's new film project, "Urban Assault 3," where Wilkey rips his VW-themed trophy truck, “Jaws,” through the streets of Tijuana. This film is a fully-sanctioned project in the style of his famous 2016 video "San Diego Shark Attack Urban Assault" that went viral with over 3M views and resulted in Wilkey spending 45 days in jail. Enjoy this Slow Baja Podcast conversation with Blake Wilkey and Michael Squier, powered by Baja Bound Insurance. Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t Watch Urban Assault 3 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/8Jlc5WWXi18 Follow Blake Wilkey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakewilkey357/ Check out Shreddy Lyfe here:  https://shreddylyfe.com/ More information about The Baja Bug Movie here: https://thebajabugmovie.com/ Follow Michael Squier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atypicalsquier/ More on Meyers Manx here: https://meyersmanx.com/ More information on Slow Baja Adventures: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Adam Sheard, a Brit by birth, has always had an affinity for old vehicles. He runs Speed Deluxe, a full-service motorcycle shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee, specializing in custom builds, restorations, and fabricating unique solutions.  He started Speed Deluxe Vintage Adventures to combine epic road trips with vintage motorcycles. Harking back to the days of multi-day enduro events --where you have to fix your bike as you go and make it to pre-scheduled stop points each evening. The grueling Vintage 1000, now in its ninth year, has been a smashing success! Adam has developed a loyal following over the years --with his ever-expanding array of trips. A testament to his devout following, his first Baja Vintage Adventure sold out within 24 hours of querying a select list of Vintage 1000 veterans. Check out Adam's Speed Deluxe Motorcycle Adventures here: ⁠https://speeddeluxe.com/sdva/⁠

"Experience life in the old west with us, riding through 1000 acres of privately owned ranch land and wilderness. Wide open spaces, epic vistas, and sightings of grass-fed cattle, pasture horses, wildflowers & a variety of birds all await your soul." -Baja by Horse. Marty found her way to Baja in 1961 when her parents bought a lot in La Mision and built a simple vacation house.  She would steal her father's garden hose and lasso local horses to keep herself entertained. Marty would swing herself up and go for a ride until she fell off. And she ALWAYS fell off!  She calls Rancho La Pila --Old Baja. "It's a ranch. When you're out there, you've got no phone, no service, nothing. You unplug, but you recharge."   These days, she spends her days sharing the slow life with friends, new and old. To book your stay and get a ride on her 1000-acre slice of heaven, contact Marty through her website: https://bajabyhorse.com/

“Evan Christenson is a dirtbag who believes that the slower you ride, the more you take away. He's also a photographer and a burnt-out roadie who's bikepacked on four continents.” -Bikepacking.com We met in 2021 while Evan rode the Baja Divide on a 1700-mile first date with his new girlfriend. I was on the BajaXL Rally and was happy to share a little Fortaleza Anejo to celebrate our meeting. I was delighted to run into Evan again in February at Casa Concepcion. We were going in opposite directions this time, and we both had to get on the road. We recorded a quick conversation about Evan's Baja ride and his work for BikePacking.com.  Follow Evan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanchristenson/ Check out his articles on Baja: https://bikepacking.com/?s=evan+christenson

The Hotel Seven Crown is an laid-back boutique hotel beautifully located on the famous La Paz Malecon. With clean architectural lines and updated rooms, some featuring spectacular bay views. A stay at the Seven Crown puts you in the heart of the lively La Paz waterfront. We arrived as one of the many Fiestas celebrating the 488th Anniversary of La Paz was underway. With scores of street closures, Ted had to do some seat-of-the-pants-navigating to get us to the hotel. A security guard jockeyed some cars to accommodate our open FJ40 inside the secure garage. We dropped our bags and took in the carnival-like fiesta --wandering past games of chance and vendors hawking food that would be at home at any state fair, we reveled at being the only gringoes in attendance. Singer Eugenia León was on the main stage, and we listened for a few songs before our hunger had us moving on to dinner at HarkerBoard Companies' roof-top restaurant. For this Travel Talk conversation, I spoke with Faine Lara. Faine is the Community Manager of the family-owned hotel. We sat down in El Aura, their fifth-floor restaurant and meeting space. The airy terrace dining room has a friendly vibe and unobstructed waterfront views. Enjoy this relaxed conversation and consider a stay at the Hotel Seven Crown La Paz Malecon.

When Patty Mercier jumped in Loren Upton's 1966 Jeep CJ5, she knew she was in for an adventure. The man behind the wheel was on his fourth attempt to cross the Darién Gap. The first three trips had ended in death and disaster, but Upton, an intrepid adventurer, would not be deterred.  In addition to his determination to cross the treacherous Darién Gap entirely on land, Upton had raised the stakes on this voyage. For his fourth attempt, he decried that he would drive one American-made vehicle around the world. The route would be from North America's Northernmost point to South America's southernmost point. The only water crossing would be the South Atlantic. They would continue from the Southernmost point in Africa to the Northernmost point in Norway.  The trip started in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, on 15 June 1984. They traveled more than 56,000 miles and took five years to complete the drive around the world. The crossing of the 125-mile Darién Gap was an astonishing 741 days. The Sand Ship Discovery, the name that Upton gave his intrepid Jeep, reached the Sletness Lighthouse near Gamvik, Norway, On 4 July 1989. The couple earned a citation in the 1992 Guinness Book of Records for the “First All-Land Crossing Of The Infamous Darien Gap From Yauiza Republic of Panama to Riosucio, Columbia 22 February 1985 to 4 March 1987.” Loren Lee Upton died at 87 years old on 9 August 2022 Patty Upton is searching for a museum to house Sand Ship Discovery, the 1966 CJ5, and for a writer to capture the story of their around-the-world drive. Please get in touch with her through her website: www.outbackofbeyond.com

Please enjoy this archive edition of Slow Baja with Mary McGee. The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame just voted McGee into the class of 2023, and I am delighted to share this Slow Baja conversation that originally aired on 1 August 2022. Mary McGee is an American motorsport racing pioneer. She was the first woman to compete in motorcycle road racing and motocross events in the United States. McGee started as a sports car racer in 1957. She drove the finest cars of the period. McGee raced the best of the best, from her first race in a Mercedes Gullwing 300SL to running Porsche Spyders and Ferrari Testa Rossa. After legendary racer and Porsche dealer Vasek Polak suggested she take up motorcycle racing to make her smoother in the car, McGee started road racing bikes in 1960. At a New Year's Eve party in 1963, McGee's pal, actor Steve McQueen said, "McGee, when are you going to get off those pansy road racing bikes and come out to the desert?" A few weeks later, she began riding dirt bikes and racing with McQueen and his stuntman pals. She raced a Datsun 510 in the first NORRA Mexican 1000 in 1967. McGee was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 2018 and named an FIM Legend for her pioneering motorcycle racing career. Her career accolades are as follows: • Past Pacific Coast Champion SCCA Sports and Formula Cars • First woman US MC/FIM motorcycle race in the US – 1960 • First woman to finish the Baja 1000 in 1968 • First woman to Road Race motorcycles in the US • First woman to race motocross in the US • First woman to compete in International motocross • Only person to ride the Baja 500 solo - 1975 Follow Mary McGee on Facebook here. Learn more about the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame here.

Johnny Johnson was one of the early champions in off-road racing. With 112 career victories, and eight Baja 1000's where he proudly claims “l never got out of the car!” Johnson was one of the very very best in the dirt. He was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2010. Revered by his fellow racers for his fabrication and tuning skills, it is his humility and willingness to help anyone, anytime, that his friends say is his defining trait. Famed writer, George Plimpton chose Johnson, to star in his 1971 television special “Behind The Wheel.” In the feature, Plimpton interviewed Formula One racer Jackie Stewart at the Monaco Gran Prix before jumping into Johnny's buggy for the Baja 1000. Thanks to Carol Mears, and Lynn Chenowth for arranging this Slow Baja conversation.

Meet Nathan Burbey of Casa Concepcion B & B in today's travel talk with Slow Baja. In our conversation, we discuss his history in Bahia Concepcion. --Nathan's father owns the restaurant and campground just down the road known as Mark and Olivia's Playa Buenaventura. Nathan has lived between Posada Concepcion and Buenaventura since he graduated from college more than a decade ago. My Podcast producer, Keiser, and I stayed in Casa Concepcion on our recent BajaXL trip. I was delighted by the hospitality. The Inn was sold-out, but Nathan held our room for our 10:00 PM arrival --a kindness not practiced routinely on the peninsula. The room was lovely, thoughtfully decorated, with cotton sheets and blankets --and was a generous cut above the Baja standard. Cold beer was in the fridge, and Nathan invited us to help ourselves to a snack if we were hungry. Nathan had the coffee brewing at 5:30 AM for the early risers. As we poured our cups, he implored us to follow him across the road to watch the sunrise. His stoke for nature's beauty was infectious, and the show was a stunner. Casa Concepcion at Posada Concepcion is Slow Baja Approved. We look forward to returning soon to slow our roll and fish with Nathan. Find links to Nathan Burbey and Casa Concepcion in the show notes at www.slowbaja.com

Glen Horn is about as Slow Baja as it gets. He has prioritized a life filled with surfing, physical fitness, and living modestly and in harmony with nature. After moving to San Diego as a "young tike," Horn grew up playing Davy Crockett in the local canyons. Soon his older brother was surfing, and the Horn boys were hitch-hiking down Balboa Drive to the beach. He began surfing as a youngster and tried his hand at shaping a board when he was 12 years old. Soon he was exploring Baja looking for his version of Endless Summer. Amazingly, he found it and has held on tightly to it for decades.  In The Bull, Filmmaker Eric Ebner captured Horn's beautifully spare existence feeding his surf habit and living his soulful life. "A secret spot in Baja, California, hundreds of miles from civilization. An old milk van converted into the perfect surfing mobile. A 67-year-old man at the peak of his physical fitness and in line with mother nature every step of the way. "The Bull" is the award-winning story of San Diego surfing legend Glen Horn and his journey to an unconventional lifestyle. Enjoy this intimate Slow Baja Podcast with shaper and surfing legend Glen Horn. Hearty thanks to his wife, Roberta Horn, for her help in making this conversation happen.

For most off-road racing fans, Ivan “Ironman” Stewart needs no introduction. Stewart utterly dominated off-road and stadium racing in the 1980s and 90s. Born in 1945, Stewart grew up in East County, San Diego. As a youngster, he raced go-carts, competing on street circuits on both sides of the border.  Stewart made the unlikely leap to off-road racing in 1973. Scheduled to co-drive the Ensenada 300 in a Class 2 buggy with his friend Bill Hrynko --before the race, Hrynko broke his leg. Stewart raced the event solo, virtually unheard of then, and won! A tradition and a nickname were born.  In 1983, Stewart joined PPI Motorsports, Toyota's factory-backed race team. At the time, Stewart was seeking a ride from an American manufacturer --“something with a V-8 motor.” The 4-cylinder motor and the Japanese truck didn't sound like a winning combination to Stewart.  Cal Wells, head of PPI, stressed the reliability and the better weight-to-horsepower ratio of the Toyota and talked Stewart into taking the ride. This unlikely marriage created one of racing's longest and most successful relationships. Stewart and Toyota teamed up for over 30 years resulting in unparalleled success in the Mickey Thompson Stadium Series and SCORE Off-Road desert racing. Slow Baja would like to thank Carol Mears for her help in arranging this conversation. We would also like to thank Ivan and Linda Stewart for their generosity in opening their home and making time for us. Learn more about Ivan Stewart here. Follow Ivan Stewart on Facebook here. Photos courtesy of Kurt Scherbaum see more of his photography here.

Today's show is with Pauline Marguerite Wickham --Paulina, as she's known in Baja, is a retired “child-whisperer,” having taught for over 35 years. She resides full-time in Bahía de Los Angeles, where she keeps busy with three mules, a burro, an elderly dog, and her husband, "Dern." We discuss her life and friendship with Baja legend, prospector, and raunchy-raconteur Herman Hill. She began traveling to Baja at 3. She fondly remembers sport fishing trips to Ensenada with her Grandfather. As the men fished, she would dip her sleeves into the bait well filling them with cool water and tiny fish. From those earliest days, Baja has played a significant role in Paulina's life. Her parents were adventure-seekers. They were avid off-roaders and raced motorcycles. Paulina soon joined them, running enduros in the powder-puff class. She made many trips to Baja in high school and continued traveling to BDLA to study Marine Biology in college. She is a highly accomplished mule rider and had ridden with the vaqueros of Rancho San Gregorio during the spring round-ups --an experience she calls “life-changing!” Paulina loves a challenge and relishes her arduous remote emergency radio work with BFGoodrich for SCORE. She rides for hours carrying radio equipment by mule high into the mountains so the racers and teams can maintain vital communication. Enjoy this Slow Baja Conversation with the Mule Mujer of BDLA, Pauline Marguerite Wickham. Follow Pauline Marguerite Wickham on Facebook

As we sort our video and audio recordings from our recent BajaXL drive, we are delighted to share one of my favorite shows from last year. We will return next week with a video of our Slow Baja conversation with Ivan Stewart on YouTube. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel here. "Chango," the twelve-inch tall, plaster-of-Paris, irregularly painted statuette, first appeared in the San Ysidro border traffic lines during the early 1970s as street vendors hawked them to passing tourists. Many a gringo returning from their surf trip, tourist jaunt, TJ bar run, or mission trip came home with one of these in the back seat." Slow Baja has questions, and in this riveting interview, Beth Slevcove of the Surf Monkey Fellowship has the answers. Monkey or ape? Who is Chango's creator? How did an icon of border tchotchkes become nearly extinct? Stay tuned for all the answers! Check out the Surf Monkey Fellowship Follow Surf Monkey Fellowship on Facebook.

Today's Slow Baja conversation is with filmmaker and photographer Sam Hurly and his Baja chauffeur and amigo Danny White. Sam creates automotive films and photographs for Turtle Wax. He convinced the fine folks at headquarters to send him down to Baja to follow us in the NORRA Mexican 1000. Sam needed a skilled off-road driver with a reliable rig to pilot him while he made photographs and shot film. Danny White got the call. The Baja beginners get a heaping dose of adventure --and they speak candidly about their pre-trip worries and the multitude of scary stories that (well-meaning) Baja veterans gleefully shared with them. After a day or two in Ensenada, the myths and preconceived notions flew out the window, and after a few tasty tacos, all was well. Watch the Slow Baja Turtle Wax Sponsored film here. Watch the behind-the-scenes cut of the film here. Follow Sam Hurly on Instagram here. Watch his YouTube channel here. Learn more about the NORRA Slow Baja Safari here.

Today's Slow Baja conversation is with Ramon Castro, the genial Class 11 Champion better known as “El Tomate.” Growing up in Ensenada, Ramon Castro watched the early Baja 1000 races from his elementary school playground. When he was only 17, much to his mother's chagrin, he entered his first Baja 1000. He had no experience, no plan, no pre-run, nothing. Amazingly, they finished second. “We were young boys; we don't know nothing; we raced to La Paz, turned around, and raced home.” Castro dominated Class 11, winning Championships in '83, '86, '87, '88, and '89 in --'84 and '85, they finished in 2nd. He became a Baja racing legend, setting the fastest finish time of 27 hours in Class 11. He worked tirelessly with SCORE chief Sal Fish behind the scenes, negotiating with ranchers, marking the course, and helping young racers get their start in his RECORD Off-Road Series. Enjoy the ride and this Slow Baja conversation with my amigo, “El Tomate.”

Genevieve Mattar and Kevin Branscum met in South America while exploring the Andes ruins and the Amazon forests. He was an American seeking adventure, and she was a travel guide leading a group of French Canadians. The couple soon married and as Kevin was a Southern Californian and seasoned Baja traveler, they began exploring the remote regions of Baja Sur. They became interested in the old mission trail while visiting the Sierra de San Francisco rock art. One day on a mule ride, they came across a track that looked different from the one they were following. They asked their local guide about it. He replied, “That is the old mission trail, el camino antiguo de los misioneros.” El Camino Real. The El Camino Real, or “King's Highway,” is the mission trail leading from Loreto in Baja Súr, Mexico, to all Californias. They include Baja Súr, Baja, and Alta California, better known as the state of California. The mystery of that trail, combined with its history and the beauty of its surroundings, hooked them. For twenty-two years, they've regularly returned to explore El Camino Real, locating and accurately mapping additional trail segments. They hope to find and preserve the exact position of as much of the El Camino Real as possible. Only through sharing the story and developing eco-tourism --will the historic trail remain alive. Learn more about their work here.

In this archive edition of Slow Baja, we return to my 2020 conversation with professor Paul Ganster. I wanted to share this show again as I recently watched Isaac Artensteins's magnificent Journeys of Harry Crosby documentary. The Crosby film is available to stream on PBS here. Ganster began traveling to Mexico with his friend and former high school teacher, Harry Crosby, in the early 1960s. When Crosby landed his 1967 commission to photograph the El Camino Real, he asked Ganster, then a graduate student at UCLA, to make the trip with him. In retracing the original Portolá missionary expedition of 1769, Crosby and Ganster covered 600 grueling miles, mostly by mule. Ganster took trail notes, made detailed drawings and maps, and shot scores of photographs. However, no job was more important than feeding the mules. Each evening, he would climb the palo verde trees and use a machete to hack off branches that the mules would crunch on loudly. The trip was a life-changing trip for both men. Crosby's photographs from the journey were published in The Call to California in 1969. He often returned to Baja to photograph cave paintings and study early life in Alta, California, and published several books on the subject. Baja figured prominently in Ganster's life as well. In his long academic career, he is an acknowledged expert on the U.S.-Mexico border region. Currently, he directs the Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias at San Diego State University. He's recently edited Loreto, Mexico: Challenges for a Sustainable Future (2020, SDSU Press) with Oscar Arizpe and Vinod Sasidharan. He and Arizpe, a professor at the Universidad A. de Baja California Sur, collaborated on two earlier projects examining Loreto's sustainability. Check out Paul Ganster's extensive writings here.

In today's Slow Baja Podcast, we talk to Bruce Trenery about his experience racing the wild and wooly early days of the La Carrera Panamericana Classic. Bruce ran in the LCP Classics from 1987 to 1993. In its early “Baja” period, the race was a high-speed sprint from Ensenada to San Felipe. A few years later, the La Carrera moved to mainland Mexico and, at 2000 miles, officially became the world's fastest, longest, (and most dangerous) vintage car race. Bruce raced it for three more years before moving on to less perilous racing pursuits. In 1987, I was a college kid on Spring Break in San Felipe and heard the snarl of a Ferrari V-12. I followed my ears to the finish line and marveled at the assembled cars. Rumors of mayhem and death swirled around the event. For decades I've wanted to talk to somebody who ran that crazy race and hear their account of it. Bruce Trenery owns Fantasy Junction, a classic car dealership in Emeryville, California. Over the last 30 years, he has built a reputation for quality and integrity worldwide. With his son Spencer, he has raced the NORRA Mexican 1000, among many other events. Spencer, a highly accomplished racer in his own right, now runs the day-to-day operations of Fantasy Junction, allowing his dad the occasional afternoon off to record a Slow Baja Podcast. Learn more about Fantasy Junction here. Follow Fantasy Junction on Instagram here. Follow Fantasy Junction on Facebook here.

Doug and Shannon Miller open their hearts to share honestly about their service-first approach to family travel. After their newly adopted daughter from China needed open heart surgery, they did the only sane thing you can do with two weeks of "use it or lose it" vacation. They packed up their fresh-from-the-ER-brood and headed to Baja! When Doug realized his family was spending their "vacation" hunkered down on a wind-whipped beach so he could enjoy kite-boarding, they began exploring family-friendlier locations. One day a flat tire on their minivan led them to seek help nearby at Rancho Sordo Mundo, a home for the deaf and mute. Soon they realized why they had come to Baja. Seventeen years of service travel, and giving back have followed that initial encounter. Enjoy this uplifting conversation with my new friends, Doug and Shannon Miller. To learn more and support the places mentioned in today's show: Casa Hogar Mulege BCS click here. FFHM Orphanage Vicente Guerrero BC click here. Rancho Sordo Mundo, Deaf Ministry click here. PAW Animal Clinic Mulege BCS click here. To contact Doug Miller about Baja service travel, click here.