Last week I went out to the Baja peninsula in Mexico to pre-run this year’s Baja 1000 course. The Baja 1000 is the longest non-stop cross country race in the world – and one of the most dangerous. My son Tanner and I do it on a motorcycle. (See our YouTube movie “Into the Dust” for our first race in 2015). Last year we decided to enter in the “Ironman” class, which means you have no teammates – you do it solo. Riding 855 miles non-stop in the desert over rocks, deep sand, sand with rocks, river crossings, in close quarters with hostile cacti and barbed wire, with cattle and horses all over the course, with desert racing trucks screaming past you at twice your speed while being sleep-deprived and fatigued beyond anything you have ever done before…what could go wrong?
Last year, Tanner finished in 28 1/2 hours, becoming a member of less than 20 people to ever finish this class in the Baja 1000. I got hurt (whiplash) at mile 200, but persisted for 400 more miles to tap out at mile 600 in 27 1/2 hours due to the injury. I am going back to finish, and Tanner won’t let me go alone. Being fully informed, he doesn’t want to do it again, nor do I – but I have to.
This year’s course, 1134.4 miles – 279 more than last year. It starts in Ensenada, Mexico and weaves through the desert to LaPaz. That’s like from my house in Connecticut to Miami Beach, Florida. It starts at midnight on Nov 15 and there is a 46 1/2 hour time limit. I have trained all year. I have prepared. I have planned. I am ready.
In order to find out what your limits are, you must attempt to exceed them. In the end, most limits are mental ones of our own construction.
Push your previous limits. It’s how you grow.
Thanks for all your well wishes! You can track the race live on score-international.com starting at 5am EST Nov 16.
Best of luck to you and Tanner!
Hi Larry,
The best of luck to you and Tanner.
Bill,
Country Carpet Cleaning
Good luck Larry !!
Be safe my friend….
Stay safe and well! Is there a tracking app again for mobile phones again??
I cannot express how hard this race is and the courage it takes to do it and the stamina you need. Larry and Tanner are driven beyond any I know both in work and in life so this falls right in it. I wish them to be safe and hopefully a finish so they do not have to try this again. No one can appreciate how dangerous this is and tough god speed
Larry, sending prayer’s with you on this very difficult run. I remember you and Tanner doing it last year and difficulties and injuries. Please be safe and we all know you can do it. Rooting for you here in Chicago. Susan
My light will be with you and watching over your son Tanner. I believe you can do it and so should you. Attempting and Going through a mental purgatory as the Baja race makes us all stronger. Focus on the light, your internal light.
Good luck Larry! I look forward to hearing about your adventure!
We are looking forward to following the race online again! And hearing about it after. Good luck to both you & Tanner!
You can do it! Best of luck and safe travels!
Wishing you all the best Larry. What a fantastic life experience!You sure know how to pick `em .Say hello to Tanner please.
Good Luck Larry & Tanner! I’ll be following every mile! Praying for a safe ride & an amazing experience!
Prayers and good vibes to you and Tanner.I’ll be watching the race and rooting for you guys
Praying for both of you for safe ride.