Leen Van Dijk | Storytelling

Pushing Limits in Baja California

When the Journey Becomes a Challenge

In December, my wife Claudia, three friends and I left the snow and freezing temperatures of Colorado behind for eight days under the sun of Baja California, Mexico. We rode two-up on a fully loaded Ducati Multistrada V4 S, while our friends were riding their KTM adventure bikes. Our goal was the legendary Mike's Sky Rancho, deep along the famous Baja 500/1000 route. The final 30 kilometres proved to be the toughest part of the journey, with deep sand, rocks, brutal climbs and technical descents turning every metre into a test of endurance. After an exhausting crossing of a sandy riverbed, we reached the ranch just before sunset, where the staff welcomed us with surprise: it was the first time a Ducati Multistrada V4 had ever made it there. The following morning we attempted to continue south, but the trail had become nearly impassable, forcing us to turn back and tackle the same demanding route in reverse. For the remainder of the trip, we explored Baja on paved roads and hard-packed trails, enjoying its spectacular coastline. The journey proved just how capable the Multistrada V4 can be beyond its intended limits, while reminding us that in Baja, every kilometre has to be earned.