I've been going to Baja for 25 years now, and NEVER a single problem. I took my Daughter to her first Baja 1000 in 2010, here is a little video of that;
Baja 1000, 2010 - YouTube
Here is a video I love to share for those that fear Mexico;
Safety of Mexico - YouTube
---------- Post added at 08:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:42 PM ----------
Awesome video Treypal!
Like I said, to each his own. I went there for many, many years and for the time being, won't be going back anytime soon.
You can point out spots you consider "safe" but in my line of work, I have access to a lot of information that is WAY more than just "media hype" and I'll be staying here for now. FYI, many of the Narco-blogs are Mexican bloggers inside Mexico trying to get the word out about the scope of what's happening there and it's not just confined to the border. The long wait times in Tijuana or any other large border crossing is not a reliable indicator as to the absolute decimation of cross border tourist traffic. Let's not confuse the cross border traffic of the thousands of people who work and earn a living in the U.S. There's a reason the TJ border crossing was and remains the busiest land border crossing in the world. A huge portion of TJ residents work in SD.
Am I being too cautious? Maybe.. maybe not. There are plenty of places all over the U.S. that would not be considered 'safe' by many however, relatively speaking, nowhere in the U.S. is as dangerous as Mexico right now. I'm sure there are pockets of relative safety and tranquility but overall, it's far more dangerous to be riding around in Mexico than the U.S. and that was my point. Secondary to that point is the fact that I can legally carry in the U.S. and cannot in Mex.
Trust me man, I miss K59, San Blas, Nayarit and some of my other favorite breaks and agree, the people, once you get away from the border, are some of the most generous and kind people I've ever had the fortune of knowing. No argument here.
Just as you find it upsetting to see people "believe the media hype" about Mexico I find it equally as upsetting hearing people tell people who are not aware how safe it is down there. I think you have over simplified the security situation. It's not quite as easy as just 'stay out of the bad places, don't be where you shouldn't be..." I can reel off numerous instances of Americans being targeted simply for who they are in places that were supposed to be "safe" and away from the border but... maybe my point of view is just due to some professional cynicism.
Either way, I wasn't trying to pick a fight, just putting forward my $.02 since I believe an informed traveler is in a much better position to make decisions that will keep him/her safe and if you're heading into any country, you should go in eyes wide open with all the info, not just the nice bits.
Stay safe and when things calm down, I'll take you to some of my favorite breaks if you show me some of your favorite Raptor rides. Deal?
Tengan Cuidado mis hermanos..
~BGM
