@FREDRZR aka Fred Rojas, invited me down to tag along on his favorite ride of the year, which runs from Mexicali, to San Felipe. This area is rough, race course rough! I'd heard rumors for years, so I can to see it for myself. The Pro R worked awesome, no issues what so ever. It's pretty amazing what these cars can do, at these paces, over this terrain.

Transcript:

(0:01) – Introduction & Ride Overview

• Nick Olson (Chupacabra Offroad) joins the Baja Quates Run #19.
• Ride is in memory of racer Anival Lopez.
• Riding 180 miles from Las Salada to San Felipe (rough terrain, big whoops).
• Nick: “I’ve always heard about the San Felipe whoops—time to experience them.”

(1:16) – Starting Point: Mexicali Off-Road Course

• Cold Race Series runs here (local Baja race series).
• Tavo Vildósola & other racers use this area for testing.
• Plaster City comparison – This is the Mexican equivalent.
• Plan:
  • Ride 95 miles → Fuel Stop.
  • Continue through La Ventana, Tres Palos, and El Chinero.
  • Finish with 35 miles of Zoo Road (famous brutal whoops).

(3:00) – History of the Baja Quates Ride

• Started in 2006 as a quad-only ride (no UTVs yet).
• Organized by Robert Urias.
• Originally a small group of friends riding in memory of two twin racers.
• Now a family-friendly event open to UTVs, bikes, ATVs, and pre-runners.

(6:30) – First Stop: 26 Miles In

• Tough terrain: Sharp rocks, soft sand, and cross-grain sections.
• Race course markings visible throughout.
• Nick: “Barely comfortable going over 30 MPH—don’t want to blow a tire.”

(8:26) – Midway Fuel Stop (55 Miles In)

• Car status: Down to 33% fuel (Pro R is a gas hog).
• New auxiliary fuel tank (EVO) installed → Adds 6 gallons.
• Testing MTS internal bypass suspension upgrade.
  • Nick: “Small bump sensitivity is better—feels more plush and controlled.”
  • Trying track mode vs. Baja mode to compare stiffness.

(10:11) – Halfway Point Thoughts

• Nick: “Baja is still the best place to off-road—this ride is incredible.”
• Enjoying new terrain & washes.
• Second half will be rockier, finishing with famous Zoo Road.
• Testing ZRP tie rods – Improves bump steer & handling stability.
• Nick: “Definitely a worthy upgrade—reduces steering feedback.”

(14:05) – Final Stop Before Zoo Road (137 Miles In)

• Zoo Road ahead: Brutal, fast-paced whoops.
• Expecting 30-35 MPH speeds depending on roughness.
• Nick: “Race cars handle this—excited to see how my Pro R does.”

(15:50) – Arriving in San Felipe

• 180 miles completed!
• One flat tire, one fuel stop—minimal issues.
• Zoo Road:
  • Nick: “Brutal! I thought my tires would fly off!”
  • “I can't imagine doing this in a Trophy Truck at 100+ MPH.”
• San Felipe at sunset = perfect vibes.

(16:59) – Wrapping Up at Baja Kitchen

• Dinner & recapping the ride.
• Checking King of the Hammers race updates.
• Nick: “Racing is what got me into off-roading—I’d love to compete one day.”
• Future goals:
  • Race a Code or Score event.
  • Enter the NORRA 1000.
  • Get his kids involved in youth UTV racing.

(17:30) – Final Thoughts

• Baja is a must-experience ride for off-road enthusiasts.
• Nick: “This was an amazing ride—who’s down to do this next time?”
• Encouraging UTV owners to explore Baja.
• “See you on the next adventure!”