Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1488031
Handstands At 100MPH Baja Borrego Dual-Sport Ride "T here I was, blazing across this whooped- out valley in top gear. Then boom! I must've hit a rock that was the same color as the sand and my feet were up in the air though I never let go of the bars like some freestyle move. But somehow I saved it!" Anyone who's ever raced in the desert has a similar tale. It's often referred to as a flying W, and it's the perfect name for an event honoring "the history, heritage and legacy of the Baja/ desert motorcycle racing community." And who better to bring that vision to life than Baja/desert legends Johnny Campbell and Scot Harden? After the 2nd Annual Handstands at 100 Miles Per Hour reunion and celebration party in September, the "Baja Borrego" dual-sport riding component moved to a different day and location entirely this year with the Ocotillo RV Resort the base of operations. Friday arrivals could learn from a riding semi- nar plus tech seminar that afternoon while the 100-plus-mile dual-sport ride took entrants across the road to explore the 85,000-acre Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) by follow- ing GPS tracks. After a group dinner that night, all were invited to hang around the large fire pit for probably the most entertaining (and often informative) portion of the weekend for tales around the campfire. Campbell and Harden shared plenty about racing in Baja, rallies and more, joined by SCORE motorcycle liaison Andy Kirker and Dr. Christopher Alexander, lead physician of the Alpinestars Mobile Medical Unit and an avid rider with some harrowing stories of his adventures in Baja. It made for a fun-filled weekend with everyone looking forward to next year's edition. CN IN THE WIND P62 Before the group started (four to a row, five minutes apart), Ocotillo RV Resort staff presented Johnny Campbell and Scot Harden with an honorary proclamation to commemorate the weekend. PHOTOS: MARK KARIYA Holding the event in Ocotillo Wells SVRA required negotiating with several government agencies with the approved route entirely on existing roads and trails. It still included fun and scenic riding.