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“Mezcal is the new Tequila on steroids! The varietals and process are less restricted the tequila allowing for much more creativity resulting in hundreds of variations. There is everything from “Joven’s" or young unrested Mezcal with smoky, peppery notes to “Anejo” Mezcal aged for more than 4 years in American oak barrels previously used for bourbon with smooth smokey caramel notes. El Tinieblo has an excellent offering of different Mezcal and is one of my favorites for mixing and sipping! You will be blown away with variation within the El Tinieblo offering! We can’t wait to share a taste with all The Legends rally participants,” stated Legends Rally Founder and CEO Matt Martelli.



Perceived as some harsh homemade hooch with a worm in the bottom of the bottle, Mezcal has had a bad reputation to Americans for decades but this complex and diverse spirit has more range and depth than tequila. With over 30 types of agave species, varieties, and sub varieties, the different varieties of mezcal's are endless. The word mezcal means "oven-cooked agave". Though most mezcal is made in Oaxaca, it can also be made in Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán and the recently approved Puebla.



Mezcal is made from the heart of the agave plant, called the piña, much the same way it was made 450 years ago. Mezcal is highly varied, depending on the species of agave used, the fruits and herbs added during fermentation and the distillation process. It is generally consumed straight and has a strong smoky flavor. Though mezcal is not as popular as tequila (made specifically from the blue agave in select regions of the country), Mexico does export the product, mostly to Japan and the United States, and exports are growing.

WHAT: Legends Rally Lazo de Playa // Beach Loop
DATES: October 6th-9th, 2017
LEGEND: Walker Evans
MILEAGE: ~350 miles
ENTRY INCLUDES: All fuel on both days of riding, hotel accommodations (Friday-Monday), all meals, Legends Rally gift bag, photography & video and guided tour, chase support & medical support through Baja, California.

The Legends Rally features a ~350 mile off-road route suitable for all levels of drivers. Participants can either bring their own UTV’s or reserve one of our Polaris RZR rentals. Regardless, our guides will meet participants on the American side of the border to ensure a smooth, hassle-free crossing.

Chef Drew Deckman joins The Legends Rally as Head Chef and Culinary Guide!
Come experience a one of a kind off-road culinary adventure in Baja October 6th-9th!

UTVUnderground announced today that Michelin star Chef Drew Deckman will join the The Legends Rally as head chef and culinary guide. Deckman will be cooking select meals as well as sharing a few hidden culinary gems along The Legends Rally route with participants. Deckman is the owner of award winning restaurant “Deckman’s En El Mogor” located in the culinary hotspot of Guadalupe Valley just outside of Ensenada. Dedicated to local, sustainable ingredients, Deckman is a leader in the slow food movement.

“Introducing people to the food culture of Baja is my passion. We are going to have some fantastic locally sourced food, as well as some of my favorite wine, beer and Mezcal. You are going to get a taste of the awesome food Baja has to offer.  I love off-roading and food so this is the perfect event for me to be apart of!” stated Deckman.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have a unique personal experience with Chef Drew Deckman guiding you through the delicious cuisine of Baja. Only a few spots are left, so register now!

“Baja is currently going through a serious food renaissance, led by Ensenada and Guadalupe Valley.  The Legends Rally takes full advantage of these great foods, beer, wines and Mezcal to create a one of a kind off-road culinary experience,” stated Legends Rally creator and Mad Media CEO, Matt Martelli.    

Prior to his arrival in Mexico, Deckman spent a decade in Europe, spanning countries such as France, Switzerland and Germany cooking with renowned chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Jacques Maximin, Gilles DuPont, and Tommy Byrne. He is Brand Ambassador for SmartFish, a Baja-based sustainable fisheries social enterprise and has previously served as culinary consultant for Casa de Piedra Winery, Paralelo Winery, Estacion por Venir Winery and La Contra Vinos.

His award winning restaurant “Deckman’s” is located in the Guadalupe Valley just north of Ensenada. Set in the magical outdoor allure of the “El Mogor Winery, Deckman's is a must do culinary experience. Reserve your table today.

Walker Evans to lead UTVUnderground’s Legends Rally in Baja This October 6th-9th
Join “The Legend” Walker Evans for two full days of epic UTV riding in the stunning beauty of Baja!

“The Legend” Walker Evans will be leading a 300+ mile, two day journey through Baja California this October 6th-9th at the UTVUnderground Legends Rally. Off-Road Motorsport Hall of Fame inductee Walker Evans is one of the greatest off-road racers to ever walk the earth. A multidiscipline driver, Walker has amassed more than 142 total victories and 21 championship titles in off-road desert and short course racing, as well as pioneered the sport of rock crawling.

Throughout his 30 year racing career, Walker was applauded for his exhilarating racing skills and his informal, gentlemanly manner. Walker always felt right at home in the cockpit of his racing trucks where his performance suited his nickname “The Legend”. Walker has won the Baja 1000 nine times in his specially built trucks. He was the first driver in off-road racing history to win that grueling race overall in a truck. His other multiple desert victories include well-known races like The Mint 400, the Baja 500, the Parker 400 and the Fireworks 250. He also has many victories in short course and stadium racing events.

“I love meeting new people and introducing them to off-roading. I have spent my entire carrier bringing people and business into our great sport. Taking them riding in Baja is absolutely the best way to do it. You will become a lifelong off-roader after an experience like this,” stated Walker.

Don’t miss out on this once in lifetime opportunity to have a unique experience with arguably the legend of all legends. Only a few spots are left:

“We are honored to have “The Legend” Walker Evans leading our ride. He is an important figure in our culture and at 78 years young he is still contributing and active. There is a saying in our culture, “Old racers never retire, they just pre-run more!” I am excited to share the opportunity to meet Walker with new people. Our goal with The Legends Rally is to preserve, celebrate and share off-road racing culture. The fact that you will get to ride and hang out with Walker is truly a unique offering,” stated Legends Rally creator and Mad Media CEO, Matt Martelli.

Named Lazo de Playa (Beach Loop), the October rally will begin at the famed Horsepower Ranch outside of Ensenada and head straight to the beautiful Baja coastline, offering participants an experience only possible in Baja. Come ride and hang out with one the greatest off-road racers of all time, while exploring the beauty and allure of Baja.

WHAT: Legends Rally Lazo de Playa // Beach Loop
DATES: October 6th-9th, 2017
LEGEND: Walker Evans
MILEAGE: ~350 miles
ENTRY INCLUDES: All fuel on both days of riding, hotel accommodations (Friday-Monday), all meals, Legends Rally gift bag, photography & video and guided tour, chase support & medical support through Baja, California.

The Legends Rally features a ~350 mile off-road route suitable for all levels of drivers. Participants can either bring their own UTV’s or reserve one of our Polaris RZR rentals. Regardless, our guides will meet participants on the American side of the border to ensure a smooth, hassle-free crossing.

UTVUnderground announced today the return of its Baja, California based off-road event series, The Legends Rally. This October 6th-9th, off-road legend Walker Evans will lead Legends Rally participants on a 300+ mile, two day journey through Baja, California. Named Lazo de La Playa (Beach Loop), the October rally will begin at the famed Horsepower Ranch outside of Ensenada and head straight to the beautiful Baja coastline, offering participants an experience only possible in Baja. Come ride and hang out with one the greatest off-road racers of all time, while exploring the beauty and allure of Baja.

WHAT: Legends Rally Lazo de Playa // Beach Loop
DATES: October 6th-9th, 2017
LEGEND: Walker Evans
MILEAGE: ~350 miles
ENTRY INCLUDES: All fuel on both days of riding, hotel accommodations (Friday-Monday), all meals, Legends Rally gift bag, photography & video and guided tour, chase support & medical support through Baja, California.

 

Throughout his thirty-five year career, Walker Evans has been applauded for his exhilarating racing skills and his gentlemanly manner. Evans felt right at home in the cockpit of his race trucks where his performances earned him the nickname, “The Legend”. It’s no wonder that Walker has become so admired and respected by so many. With 142 victories and 21 championship titles in short-course and desert racing events, Walker is one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport of off-road racing. Evans continues to compete and share his love with off-road racing culture the masses and will lead our participants on a ~350 mile off-road route suitable for all levels of drivers. Participants can either bring their own UTV’s or reserve one of our Polaris RZR rentals. Regardless, our guides will meet participants on the American side of the border to ensure a smooth, hassle-free crossing.

The Legends Rally has partnered exclusively with Cervecería Agua Mala as official beer sponsor of the event. Agua Mala has been brewing since 2009 and seeks to offer something new and different with each style beer. Experimentation is a fundamental part of their brewing and they pride themselves on unique combinations of aromas and flavors within each of their beers. Committed to nature and its resources, sustainability is the fundamental value that the core of their brewing, which makes them the perfect fit for The Legends Rally.

Day 1: Horsepower Ranch (Ensenada) —> Ojos Negros —> Tres Hermanos —> MD Vinos (Uruapan) —> Santo Tomás —> Eréndira —> Punta Colonet—> Camalú —> San Quintín

Day 1 will begin at Horsepower Ranch, just outside Ensenada. After breakfast we will hit the trails just a couple miles from the ranch. As we make our way slightly east near Ojos Negros, we will cut back towards the Pacific Ocean through the iconic, heavily raced, Tres Hermanos. Lunch will be served at the beautiful MD Vinos before we head to the beach via Santo Tomas, Erendira and Punta Colonet. After more than 60 miles along the coast, we will reach the Bahia San Quintin. Day 1 will conclude with waterfront dining and accommodations at Old Mill Hotel. Click here for information on Day 1.

Day 2: San Quintín —> Punta Colonet —> Mike’s Sky Ranch —> Valle de la Trinidad —> The Goat Trail —> Cava de Queso (Ojos Negros) —> Rancho el Tule —> Horsepower Ranch (Ensenada)

 

Day 2 will begin with more beach time after breakfast at Old Mill, heading north to Colonet before turning east towards a climb to Mike’s Sky Ranch. After traversing through the rugged Sierra San Pedro Martir Mountains, we will drop down in to Valle de la Trinidad for a feast of some of the best Baja tacos. We will then ascend the famed Goat Trail back into the highlands and skim the pine forest as we loop back towards Ojos Negros. Dinner will be served at La Cava de Marcelo (Cava de Queso) in Ojos. After dinner, we will ride one final leg to Rancho el Tule to soak in the sunset overlooking the city of Ensenada. Day 2 will conclude back at Horsepower Ranch for drinks! Click here for more information on Day 2.

For more information or to read about previous Legends Rally events, click here.

Click here to read Day 1 from Lazo de Bosque de Piños.

Sunday morning everybody was limping, shaking off the evident “Baja Hangover”. It’s easy to over do it when you are here when the wine, beer, and mezcal is flowing. The ranch style breakfast at Horsepower Ranch definitely helped. We said our goodbyes to about half our group and then loaded up our UTV’s to head back out towards Ojos Negros.

I had promised our smaller group we’d take them to the famous “Cava de Queso”, a magic little oasis in the middle of the valley of Ojos Negros. Upon the encouragement of one of our new friends Curtis Belk, we took “Cat’s Tail” which is a much more technical way out consisting of tight rocky ridges, silty valleys, and lots of short quick cut backs. I was sure someone was going end up on their side due to the amount of off-camber rutted sections but we didn’t have any issues.  

Once we got to blue gate, it was all graded farm roads to the Cava de Queso. As we turned onto the Cava de Queso property the landscape went from dry desert to green lush grass with leisurely grazing cows spread thought the green landscape. We could actually feel the temperature drop and the air moisten as qw entered the property.  After the final turn past the milking and cheese processing barn, we pulled up to a lush grassy area with large trees lined with picnic tables. Everyone immediately jumped out of their UTV’s, eager to take in this gorgeous ranch.

Cava de Queso

The more time I spend in Baja off-roading, the more treasures I find like the Cava de Queso. The irony is I have been driving by this place and looking at the “Cava de Queso” sign for more than 20 years. Technically, the real name for the cheese cave is La Cava de Marcelo.  The cave is a 100+ year-old artisanal cheese cellar that now serves as a wine and cheese tasting room.

Founded originally by a Swiss-Italian immigrant 110 years ago, the ranch is still family owned and operated. They have a variety of cheeses to choose from that are all made on the ranch and aged in the cave. Not only do they have the best cheese in all of Baja, but the have fantastic food and wine, making it an ideal lunch spot in the middle of nowhere.

The cactus salad, caprese salad, oyster rockefeller, and lengua capacio are all fantastic. If you're in the mood for a steak they have a solid bone in ribeye and many other dishes to chose from. We spent a few hours eating different dishes, drinking wine and talking about the previous day's ride then decided to head back to Horsepower Ranch with one more stop in mind.

We took the easy way back basically just cruising enjoying the sights in the warm afternoon light.  Once we got to the Pepsi stand we began to head back down the highway to the ranch until we came upon the turnoff on the right hand side to “Rancho El Tule”.

Rancho El Tule

Although the largest concentration of wineries in Baja are in Guadalupe Valley, there are little ranch style wineries sprinkled throughout the region as well. Rancho El Tule is a well known local spot that makes very unassuming but good sangiovese wine. We refer to it as cowboy wine because the proprietor Don Heriberto resembles more of a cowboy than some sort of fancy vintner.

Rancho El Tule is over 100 years old and still fully functional as a working ranch and winery. El Tule is a 100% organic winery that dry farms their grapes, meaning they don’t use any sort of irrigation, only natural waterfall. They serve basic mexican ranch style food cooked in the traditional open kitchen. The wine is sold by the bottle unlabeled and is a perfect unpretentious casual drinking wine.

After a bit of wine and local cheese, we took a stroll around the old winery buildings laced with rusting farm antiques and ended up walking into the fields of old gnarled and knotted vines to watch the stunning sunset over Ensenada.  Quickly after watching the sun go down we loaded up into our UTV’s with a case of wine and headed back to Horsepower Ranch where we regrouped for dinner and more drinks. After a quick shower we sent one of our guys out to bring back some local tacos for dinner. We closed out the night swapping stores and sharing wine and drinks in the bar. As with most trips to Baja we wanted to squeeze every moment out of it before we had to head back north of the border.

We woke up monday morning and loaded our vehicles and gear up, said our goodbyes and headed back north towards the border. The entire way up we talked about all the experiences we had just had and shared with an amazing group of people who I am now glad to call friends.