The Ultimate Adventure Motorcycle Tour in Baja California
Baja California, Mexico, is a dream destination for adventure motorcyclists. This 775-mile-long peninsula offers an endless mix of on- and off-road routes, from rugged mountain trails and rocky desert washes to breathtaking coastal highways. For riders looking to escape the winter cold, Baja’s warm climate and challenging terrain make it the ultimate year-round riding destination.
Earlier this year, Eric Nonamaker, a passionate Triumph motorcycle enthusiast and founder of Union Jack Moto, embarked on the ride of a lifetime. Joined by a group of fellow riders, he crossed into Mexico for a week-long moto-camping adventure through Baja’s wild landscapes. His bike of choice? The Triumph Scrambler 400 X—a machine built to handle everything Baja could throw at it.
When selecting a bike to tackle Baja’s diverse terrain, Eric says, “It came down to nostalgia and practicality.” A lifelong British motorcycle enthusiast, he grew up captivated by the stripped-down Triumphs that racers piloted in the Baja 1000. Then Viking Bags approached him about fitting their Tiger 900 luggage system on a Scrambler 400 X. "It’s not a direct fit but the exhaust on the 400 made it a possibility and a challenge I was willing to give a go. Baja seemed like the perfect place to put it to the test—not just to see if it would fit, but to find out if it actually worked in real-world conditions."
Meet Eric Nonamaker: The Man Behind the Handlebars
Colorado Springs-based Eric Nonamaker is more than just an airline pilot—he’s a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast with a deep passion for Triumph motorcycles. Eric’s love of motorcycles started at the age of 10, riding dirt bikes in his home state of West Virginia. He later bought his first street bike at only 16 years old. “I've had a mix of bikes over the years, but Triumph has definitely been a steady favorite,” he shares. “My first dirt bikes were Hondas, and along the way, there was a Buell, a Suzuki road bike, and a few Kawasaki KLX dirt bikes in the mix. But for the most part, it's always been Triumph.”
As the founder of Colorado Triumph Riders, he has built a strong community of like-minded riders, organizing monthly Triumphs, Friends, & Coffee meetups to bring enthusiasts together while supporting local dealerships. But it was a trip to South Korea, and, as Eric puts it, a “well-timed conversation” that planted the seed for his latest venture. In Incheon, South Korea, Eric visited a newly-opened Triumph dealership and went on a six-hour demo ride. Over dinner afterward, a gentleman struck up a conversation about adventure bikes in Colorado.
"He assumed there had to be thousands, and I agreed until he cut in and said, ‘No, to hire.’ That’s when it clicked,” Eric tells us. “There weren’t many, or at least they weren’t being marketed well.” That chance conversation stuck with him until he got back home. “That’s where Wild West Motorsports came in. You helped get me rolling with the 2022 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, which we still rent today. From there, Union Jack Moto took shape, growing into more rental and riding experiences.”
In 2023, at the end of Union Jack Moto’s first riding season, an injury put Eric on extended leave from his commercial piloting career. “There was definitely some panic about what the financial future would look like. It also put a serious dent in the growth of Union Jack Moto, but I kept pressing forward,” he recalls. But the time off from his career gave Eric the chance to explore new opportunities—namely, motorcycle tours in Baja during Colorado’s off-season. “We teamed up with an outfit in Idaho that runs guided rides in Baja, so I went down there a couple of times to scout it out. Eventually, I put together a small group of Scramblers and ADV bikes to see what they thought.”
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Built for the Baja Challenge
While larger adventure bikes often dominate long-distance touring, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X proved to be a game-changer for Eric’s Baja expedition. Lightweight, agile, and packed with off-road-ready features, it was the ideal companion for tackling diverse terrains.
Lightweight & Maneuverable
At just under 400 lbs wet, the Scrambler 400 X is significantly lighter than full-sized ADV bikes. This makes it easier to handle in deep sand, rocky trails, and tight mountain passes—all of which Baja has in abundance. “The bigger ADV bikes were the ones struggling the most, either burying their rear tires in the sand or tipping over in the rocks,” Eric notes. “The Scrambler 400 X handled the terrain much better.”
Built for Off-Road Performance
The 19-inch front wheel, adjustable rear suspension, and switchable traction control equip the Scrambler 400 X for rugged off-road conditions. Its extended mudguard, sump guard, and protective elements for the headlight, radiator, and handguards add durability and confidence for extreme adventures.
Comfortable for Long-Distance Touring
Not all of Baja’s routes are off-road, and the Scrambler 400 X excels on pavement too. “With our 400 Xs having a 15T front sprocket, they zip along at highway speeds up to 80 mph with no problem,” Eric says. The wide handlebars, upright seating position, and grippy footpegs provide comfort for both highway stretches and technical sections.
The Baja Adventure: A Journey Through Mexico’s Wild Side
In total, Eric and his crew spent seven days in Mexico, hitting many of Baja’s adventure riding hotspots and beach camping along the Sea of Cortez.
Eric's group tackled the route on Triumph Scramblers and Triumph Tigers, following a portion of the Baja 1000 through Valle de los Cirios. That meant plenty of rugged terrain, wide-open desert, and some serious adventure riding.
Day 1: Border Crossing & Coastal Ride
The group’s shortest ride—150 miles—allowed extra time for navigating border crossings and settling into the rhythm of the journey.
Days 2 & 3: Tackling the Legendary Baja 1000 Route
The riders followed a section of the Baja 1000 route, battling through a 20-mile stretch of deep sand and 25 miles of rocky climbs in Valle de los Cirios. After struggling in the sand, Eric made a quick decision to stop at a ranch he had scouted on a previous trip. “I knew that any rider, regardless of skill level, could at least make it that far. It ended up being the perfect spot to regroup, rest up, and take in a solid lesson on tackling deep sand before continuing the journey.”
The legendary Baja 1000 is one of the toughest off-road races in the world, pushing riders and machines to their limits across brutal desert terrain. Treacherous obstacles, from deep sand pits to jagged rocks, claim countless competitors who never make it to the finish line. Eric and his crew experienced this firsthand when they found themselves stuck in a sand trap while navigating the rugged expanse of Valle de los Cirios.
Day 4: Exploring a Volcano & Reaching Loreto
The group ventured to the base of a volcano before arriving in Loreto, one of Baja’s top adventure motorcycling destinations.
Day 5: Mountain Roads & Laguna Ojo de Liebre
A mix of paved and dirt roads took the group through San Ignacio and down to Laguna Ojo de Liebre, where they enjoyed whale watching, a boat tour, and a beachside dinner.
Although the majority of their trip was spent riding, the group had the opportunity to enjoy Mexico's rich culture along the way. "Unexpectedly, I found the best latte I’ve ever had in my life in San Ignacio," Eric recalls.
Day 6: The Final Stretch to San Felipe
A challenging five-mile grated road gave way to a scenic 200-mile ride into San Felipe, where the group wrapped up the day with fresh Baja-style fish tacos.
Day 7: Returning to the U.S. & Continuing the Adventure
The last leg of the journey took them back across the border, but some riders weren’t ready to head home. A smaller group extended their adventure into Southern California for more riding.
"It was an incredible ride,” Eric muses. “The Scramblers and Tigers handled everything Baja threw at them. The scenery, the challenges, the laughs around the campfire, it’s exactly what adventure riding is all about.”
Join a Guided Motorcycle Tour with Union Jack Moto
Starting this spring and summer, Union Jack Moto will continue offering Triumph motorcycle rentals and self-guided rides. In the winter, Eric will shift gears to lead guided Baja motorcycle tours, allowing riders to experience the magic of Mexico’s backcountry without the stress of planning.
"We’ve taken rider feedback and revamped our Baja routes,” Eric explains. “We’ve scrapped that brutal deep sand stretch through Valle de los Cirios to keep the ride fun and accessible. It will still be challenging, but something every rider can enjoy.”
For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Union Jack Moto’s tours offer an incredible mix of off-road excitement, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable camaraderie. Riders can book their Baja adventure this winter at unionjackmoto.com.
Union Jack Moto currently offers several rental options, including two 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X models and a 2022 Triumph Tiger Rally Pro—originally purchased from Wild West Motorsports during the company’s early days. This summer, the fleet will expand with an additional 2024 Scrambler 400, a brand-new 2025 model, and a Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Ready to Ride? Explore the Triumph Scrambler 400 X at Wild West Motorsports
Whether you’re dreaming of a Baja motorcycle adventure, or planning for a summer full of off-road touring here in Colorado, Eric’s trip proves that the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is more than up to the challenge. “I chose the Scrambler 400 because we have a mindset in the US that it has to be a liter bike or better to do anything,” Eric shares. “I wanted to prove that 400 cc was more than adequate for the job.”
Explore the Scrambler 400 X and other adventure-ready Triumph models at Wild West Motorsports. Visit us online at nocopowersports.us or stop by the dealership to speak with our expert team.