In 2006, the Rip to the Tip took shape as a group of riding buddies collectively deciding to take on the Baja Peninsula. Green in experience, but worthy of the challenge, so the twelve thought, the group forged their way through the 1327-mile journey from top to tip of the mighty Mexican Peninsula.

“The Dirty Dozen,” as they donned themselves, rode six days to Lands End and came to understand what it meant to ride to Cabo San Lucas on dirt bikes. A head on collision, subsequent life flight and more bike drama than could be described widdled the crew down to the final five riders that rode every mile of the inaugural Desert Assassins Rip to the Tip.

Over the years, the “Rip” has grown both in rider numbers, mileage and degree of difficulty, as the Desert Assassins continually search out new routes to take them to land’s end in Cabo San Lucas. Much respect has to be given to those that have pioneered trails and fallen in love with The Baja as the DA has.

In 2009, the Rip consisted of 24 riders who consisted of a combination of returning vets and “Fresh Fish.” Together as a brotherhood they worked their way from the border crossing in Tecate and battling to Cabo San Lucas over seven days of riding. The challenge is more than physical as the desolate wilderness of the Baja Peninsula can get inside riders heads, especially those newer to Baja and unsure of their surroundings. This becomes even more true as the sunset sets and the majestic views turn to darkness and landmarks are snuffed out in the black of moonless Baja nights.

Fifteen of the 24-strong group would run into issues that would eliminate them from contention for the coveted “Full Pull.” The 9 riders that made it were awarded hand made bracelets at the awards ceremony at the Ruth Chris steak house in Cabo San Lucas, a tradition that continues to live on.

The 5th Annual pilgrimage this year will see 29 steel horse cowboys take to the Baja all hoping to find something, both inside of them and in “her,” the Baja. The 2010 crew consists of three Original Gangsters (OG’s) of the Rip, as well as six returning veterans and 20 “Fresh Fish,” many with little or no Baja knowledge, but armed a vast Baja database.

Departing on April 22, 2010, from the United States/Mexico border in Tecate, California, each of the 29 will have their shot to ride all of the projected 1408 miles. The trip will take them through the Sierra de Juarez mountain range, the beaches of Pacific Coast villages near San Quintin, El Rosario where they will share a meal with the family of the famed, “Mama Espinosa,” the Mexican desert town of Catavina, the famed Seven Sisters surf spot, the 28th Parallel located at Guerrero Negro also the border of North and South Baja California, the village of San Ignacio, Scorpion Bay, and finally the Southern Pacific beaches that lead to the point of the peninsula in Cabo San Lucas.

Can they all make every mile? History says no. Some will break and others will thrive as one of the greatest adventures in a lifetime is about to kick off.

You can follow the trip with live updates, photos, videos and tracking through the Internet. View new and old videos on You Tube by searching “Rip to the Tip” and again in 2010 you’ll be able to see the beauty of Baja and those trekking through her on FUEL TV.

Viva Baja