emtb Baja
baja desert retreat
DEtails:
2024 DATES: November 3-9, 2024
Duration: 6 Nights, 7 Days
Joining In: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Land Cost: $3295 USD/person | Currency Conversion
Single room supplement: $795 USD
Activity Level: Novice+ | more info »
Mountain bike Mexico's glorious sunny Baja California where days are kept simple so you can focus on riding, relaxing and enjoying the sun. This eMTB holiday spends four nights in the small fishing village of La Ventana located on the eastern shore of the Baja along the beautiful Sea of Cortez where we pedal from the door of our seaside resort each morning to access 133 kms of buffed and fun desert trails. Then, we head up to nearby Rancho Cacachillas, a private sustainable ranch with over 70 kms of IMBA-built singletrack where you sleep in a lux tented camp with a swimming pool, amazing cuisine and service. This trip is unique and memorable, as far away from a “Mexico all-inclusive” as you can get.
*eMTB rental is included in the trip price
Looking for another trip in this region? Check out our Baja Retreat Skills Camp.
Trip Highlights:
- Settling into a relaxed pace as the locals do, where days are kept simple.
- Riding through the cardon forest of giant cactus in soft evening light, in a perfect temperature.
- Setting off on an early morning desert ride from Rancho Cacachilas with the moon on one side and the riding sun on the other.
- Gazing up at the night’s canopy of scattered-diamond stars like you’ve never seen.
- Devouring the freshest fish-tacos washed down with a frosty cerveza post-ride.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Expert leadership.
- Four nights seaside resort hotel & two nights private ranch accommodation.
- All breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners.
- Airport transfers for group on scheduled days only.
- One yoga session.
- High performance eMTB rental.
- Detailed pre-departure information & trip extension assistance.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Five lunches & three dinners
- International airfare, airport taxes, excess baggage charges.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Optional tipping to leaders.
- Your bike related equipment needed to ride.
- Drinks and snacks (we suggest approximately $30 USD/day for extras).
Bike and equipment
A rental eMTB is included with this departure. We know that quality eMTB’s and components are paramount. We take the time to ensure that our rental bikes are inspected, well-maintained and have appropriate tires, brakes, extra parts and more. We will communicate all aspects of the bike to riders prior to the trip. Note that the Trek Rail bike pictured to the right is not necessarily the bike that will be provided. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A smaller 6L backpack is recommended.
Suggested Bike
Trek RAIL
Suggested pack
EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The minimum technical ability required for Baja Retreat is Novice+. This trip is suitable if you have been riding consistently for one to two years or more and are keen to improve your riding skills. You can climb and descend in control in mildly steep singletrack with some loose rocks and sometimes sandy surfaces. This trip is a Level 3/6 for fitness. On all days you can choose to ride longer if you wish. The accumulation of multiple days of riding will add up, as it is on all of our trips the fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have.
THE RIDING
In La Ventana access to trails is a 15 min. pedal on asphalt and gravel road from our resort with climbs & descents on purpose-built mtb singletrack on dry desert trails that can be loose with fine rocks with fun swoopy corners. Climbs can last up to 20 mins. and descents last up to 10 minutes. At Rancho Cacachilas we'll ride purpose-built singletrack with fixed rock sections and cactus that line the trails to add an element of challenge, as does the mid-day heat that takes some time to get used to.
LODGING AND FOOD
We spend four nights at Pelican Reef Ventana Resort in the small village of La Ventana with a private beach, small restaurant and beach bar - and several buildings and homes on a gated driveway. Rancho Cacachillas is located on a private ranch where we sleep in well-appointed canvas tents (with power) and a central dining area, all meals included. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
CLIMATE
Early November through late March Baja, Mexico has great temperatures for mountain biking, with daily average around 25-30 degrees Celsius with 18 degrees Celsius overnight. It can be hot at first as you adapt to the heat. We recommend bringing some warmer layers for cooler evenings and a raincoat, just in case.
YOUR SAFETY
Our trips take place in remote regions with limited evacuation options available. Our guides have basic first aid training, if a serious injury is suspected they will call helicopter search and rescue at the cost of the participant. Personal medical travel insurance is mandatory for all riders. If you choose to participate in our trips it is up to you to ride well within your limits, to ride conservatively, to walk sections if needed and to be safe as mountain biking is a dangerous sport. There are always risks and hazards on all trails that we ride. It is your responsibility to inspect your bike or rental bike daily and keep it in excellent condition. Helmets are mandatory and alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding your bike.
THE NEXT STEPS
Please read and understand our Terms and Conditions and our Waiver. Then, email or call us to make sure that your desired departure is confirmed and there’s still space available. We’ll then send you a short Rider Questionnaire to learn about your riding experience and ensure that you are suitable for the trip. The last step is to complete our secure online Registration Form and pay your 25% deposit, and we’ll send you detailed Trip Preparation Guide that includes steps on preparing for your adventure.
A Travel Protection Plan protects your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. We strongly advise travelers to enroll in a Travel Protection Plan in case an unexpected event causes you to cancel or leave your trip. Please review Big Mountain Bike Adventures’ Cancellation Policy:
A Travel Protection Plan should be purchased once a deposit or any payment is made for a trip. Insurance must provide coverage for personal accident, death, emergency remote evacuation including helicopter evacuation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We advise travellers to confirm that it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You will be asked for proof of insurance in lead up to your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, Big Mountain will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect to insurance coverage that would have otherwise have been available.
“This trip far exceeded my expectations. Booking was a breeze and the rides were fun, challenging, good flow & well built. Nothing about this trip was left to chance and it made it effortlessly enjoyable! ”
