Mexico 2016

With the weather turning colder, the baseball Hot Stove heating up, and entering the height of the Christmas season, it means that it is time to get ready for my now-annual trip south of the border to Mexicali. This will be my third visit to the capital of Baja California Norte, and while some aspects of the trip will stay the same as in previous years, I'm looking forward to adding a few new elements to this final Baseball Road Trip of the season. Like in the past, I have meticulously planned this trip trying to cover every detail and in an attempt to really maximize my visit.

On Sunday, I'll be leaving Highland with my bike in tow heading southeast towards the border town of Calexico. I'll park my car at the big mall there and proceed to ride across the border into Mexicali. Considering how this is my third trip, I'm going to attempt to talk, using my carefully planned Spanish language skills, to a Mexican Border Agent to officially stamp my passport going in to the country. The past two times I've crossed the border, I've either been ignored or simply waved through by the Border Guards. To be honest, those two times, my eyes were as big as grapefruits with the notion of crossing the border into a foreign country. This year, I have a little more confidence in the city and my details to approach the Border Guard for a stamp. This will require a conversation, perhaps, which may yield to an interesting cultural exchange, of sorts.

After the border, I want to ride to see two monuments. First is the Parque Heroes de Chapultepec in the middle of the Centro District adjacent to the border crossing. Then, I'll ride down the Calzada de los Presidentes towards the Mexicali Zoo. On the way to the zoo, I'll stop at the Plaza Centenarios, which is supposed to be cultural significant place, but I haven't quite found out why yet. From what I remember riding past it last year, and what pictures I have found on Google, it looks like a very artistic representation. Again, I will have to decipher what it is when I get there, using my limited Spanish skills.

My second visit to the Mexicali Zoo is now established as a tradition. I'm looking forward to seeing the many different types of animals and seeing the people of the city out on a Sunday afternoon. I remember the Zoo being in a park-like setting with lots of entertainment and activities for families. This time, I want to pay attention more to what is going on and my surroundings.

From the Zoo, I'll make my way across the city on a ride that should last about a half hour. On my last two trips, the only real issue I have faced has been getting hungry before the game. I have been reluctant to stop because I was leery of eating any local flavor while in the country. This year, however, I think it is important for me to take the next step and actually buy some food in the country. Through some research, I found a reputable burger place that is less than a mile from the ballpark. It is supposed to be pretty good, and also offer local craft brews. I'll ride to the restaurant, park my bike, and hopefully enjoy a late lunch of burgers, fries, and a local beer.

After lunch, I'll head to Estadio BAir for the game. Mexicali is hosting Hermosillo in what is the last weekend regular season game for both clubs. Looking at the rosters, both teams have some names that I recognize either as prospects that have played in the California League, or some Major Leaguers that are a little obscure. I'm sure that when I get to the park, I'll see for myself what the makeup of the teams are. I also said that I would pick up a souvenir for my brother as his Christmas gift.

Once the game is over, it'll be dark, and I'll jump back on the bike to hustle the three miles back to the border crossing. Last time, I simply wove through the standstill traffic jam of cars up to the motorcycle lane. This seemed to freak out the US Border Guard as though seeing a guy on a bike was somehow out-of-the-ordinary. I don't know if using the motorcycle lane is acceptable on a bike as I have read that at some border crossings they require you to wait in line with the pedestrians. We'll see how it goes.

As you can see, I have quite the day planned. I'm hoping that my planning will pay off and that I have a good time. The new stuff I am incorporating is exciting, and the traditions that I am reliving will certainly offer a good time. I'll be as active as I can on social media, but it'll be Twitter more than not because I can use text messaging to send out tweets at a significantly less price than using data. I invite all of you to follow along on the feed that's on the left side of the blog.

It should be an experience unlike any other on Sunday, and I'm so excited to have all of you come along!

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)