Some of the biggest names in off road pitched in to lend a hand with the 3rd annual Racers and Ranchers membership drive this past Easter weekend in Baja with names like Robby Gordon, Larry Roeseler, Andy Grider, Tim Morton and Malcolm Smith leading the way for many others to donate raffle prizes and auction items.
Racers and Ranchers (R&R), is a non-profit organization working to preserve Baja’s off road legacy. Started only 3 years ago, R&R has attracted plenty of attention and that translates into awareness for the cause. The idea is to educate and inform all Baja off road lovers to the important sensitivities that exist in the areas they ride and drive in Baja, namely with land owners and ranchers.
The membership ride is broken down into smaller groups of 4-6 at the staging point in Rancho Santa Veronica. From there each group leader takes his/her group down different routes to meet at the same point for lunch at the famous Sawmill also known as “Ramona’s”, which has been a focus for R&R since that area sees a lot of traffic. The idea here is to have seasoned vets share a bit of their experience in the area. To several riders this was their very first time in Baja. Josh Sheets, a poli-sci major in back east, came all the way from Delaware for his 1st 2-day ride in Baja.
Under perfect weather, each of the groups enjoyed their Friday morning riding up to the Sierra Juarez Mountains. Despite one leg injury on the first morning, the event was a perfect success but these things happen on dirt bikes and the good news was there was a capable group of experts who coordinated the rescue and extraction effort.
At the end of the first day everyone convened at the world famous Horsepower Ranch just outside Ensenada. There, R&R members were treated to a special grilled steak dinner with traditional Mexican fare and the best desert some guests had ever seen in Baja: “Choco-Flan”.
The generosity of these Baja heroes kicked in after dinner with R&R co-founders giving a brief talk about R&R progress and then straight to the prizes. Every singe guest won something. MSR jackets, Master Craft helmet bags, and a GPR stabilizer were raffled along with a top favorite: a copy of an 80’s B flick “Time Rider”.
Two separate anonymous donors bid at auction on two huge items bringing $3,900.00. The first was a set of Robby Gordon Wheels with choice of TOYO tires. The second was a day of pre running with Larry Roeseler prior to the upcoming Baja 500.
On day two it was a proper breakfast and group photo before making the 100 mile of so ride back to event sponsor Rancho Santo Veronica just outside Tecate. The weather was just as perfect and the evidence of this heavy rainfall was everywhere in the lush green landscapes and bright wild flowers.
Baja is a place of never ending magic for those who go back and for those who are bitten their first time. It is a very special thing to see people come together to share their knowledge and generosity in a coordinated effort to perpetuate the great aspects of adventure sports in Baja.
For more information and, to become a member of Racers and Ranchers visit
http://www.racersandranchers.com/
Special thanks to:
Andy Grider Racing,
Baja Bound Moto, www.bajaboundmoto.com
Baja Designs, www.bajadesigns.com
Baja.net, www.baja.net
Dez McDonald – The Off Road Network, www.off-road.org
Baja Pits, www.bajapits.com
C&D Cycle Center, www.shopsocalmotorcycleparts.com
Dynamic Sound Systems, www.dynamicsoundsystems.net/
DP Racing,
General Tire, www.generaltire.com
GPR Stabilizers, www.gprstabilizer.com
Hacienda Santa Veronica, www.ranchosantaveronica.com/
Hurley, www.hurley.com
Larry Roeseler/Norman Motorsports, www.rogernormanracing.com/
Master Craft Safety, www.mastercraftsafety.com/
Mohard Racing, www.mohardracing.com/
O’Neal Racing, www.oneal.com
Robby Gordon Off Road Motorsports/Toyo Tires,
www.robbygordonoffroad.com/
SCORE International, www.score-international.com
Team CPR Fab, www.teamcprfab.com
Threat Racing, www.threatracing.com
Thumper Talk, www.Thumpertalk.com
Wide Open Baja Adventures/Horsepower Ranch, www.wideopenbaja.com
