Slow Baja

Sal Fish, the Godfather of Baja racing is back for his third conversation on the Slow Baja Podcast. We recorded this one back in March on our way home from the epic Slow Baja Winter Expedition.We gathered to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the first Baja 1000 organized by SCORE, and personally and painstakingly marked by Sal. The 1975 Baja Internacional and Baja 1000 heralded the dawn of the modern era of off-road racing. Before his joining SCORE, Sal was the Publisher of Hot Rod Magazine at Petersen Publications. He and advertising salesman Bob Weggland raced a Revel Model Company-sponsored Baja Bug in the NORRA Mexican 1000 from 1969 to 1971.Fish will join me on the 2025 Slow Baja Vintage Expedition to share stories from his life in off-road racing. Joining him on the trip are fellow Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famers, journalist Chris Collard, and mechanic and chief margarita-mixer, Curt LeDuc. Learn more about the Slow Baja Vintage here:https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures/slow-baja-vintage-expedition-1More on Sal Fish and ORMHOF here: https://ormhof.org/sal-fish Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl9vypdv2t Listen to the previous conversations with Sal here:https://youtu.be/uNCqWNMTe3s?si=8AVUBgidk0N-YMnkhttps://youtu.be/xnDq0pL-Y1A?si=PW3kbFDOgjcJ5WWZ

Renowned for his eclectic urban style and Baja-Med cuisine, Chef Chad White is fluent in life and food on both sides of the border. Born in Spokane, WA, he received his culinary training while serving in the US Navy. After a stint cooking at the famed Hotel Del Coronado, Chef White moved to Tijuana and opened La Justina Gastro Pub. After an acclaimed run at La Justina and a stint on Top Chef, White returned to his hometown of Spokane, Washington, and opened Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar, High Tide Lobster Bar, and TTs Old Iron Brewery and Barbecue. He was a James Beard regional finalist in 2020.Trail Feast, his latest venture, combines rugged exploration with fine dining. Guests can explore challenging trails, enjoy custom culinary experiences cooked over an open flame, and relax with expertly crafted cocktails. It’s the ultimate blend of adventure and indulgence. To receive notification about the Slow Baja Trail Feast event please email me here.This podcast mentions Overland Expo, La Justina, and Trail Feast

"Jeff's life is built around pictures, and he has been making, showing and selling art for more than 30 years. Whether it's making fine art paintings of Baja California or shooting commercial projects, Jeff's focus is on inspiring enthusiasm for the spaces, faces, and places that make up the world around us." Learn more @Jeffehonea.comFollow Jeff E Honea on InstagramMentioned in this episode: Slow Baja Winter Expedition Support the Slow Baja Podcast Buy Baja Bound Insurance Here

Blue-collar racer Curt LeDuc is a self-made “Imagineer” and Trophy Truck Champion who was born in the unlikely state of Rhode Island. “Why was I born in Rhode Island? Because I wanted to be close to my mother,” LeDuc quips.He has spent decades building and racing his own vehicles at the highest levels of desert racing. LeDuc has achieved notable success, winning the championship in desert class 8 for five consecutive years. He also holds two titles from the Short Course Off-Road Drivers Association, a Governor’s Cup, and a rare and valuable Borg Warner Cup. His impressive career includes victories at renowned events like Crandon, Pikes Peak, the Dakar Rally, and Baja.LeDuc is highly regarded for achieving his accomplishments through hard work and his indomitable spirit. He has earned a reputation for being able to fix anything. Sal Fish once said, “Curt is the guy you want with you in Baja; if he can’t fix it, he knows a guy who can.”I am excited to announce that LeDuc will serve as Mechanic and Sweep for the 2025 Slow Baja Vintage Expedition.Enjoy this conversation with Curt LeDuc, recorded on his 70th birthday.Follow Curt LeDuc on InstagramMentioned in this episode: Curt LeDuc Baja Legends Tour Support the Slow Baja Podcasthttps://www.slowbaja.com/supportBuy Baja Bound Insurance

Bi-national artist Paola Villaseñor, known as Panca, is from Chula Vista and has spent over half her life in Tijuana. After her mother's death in 2005, she moved to Tijuana, where she found inspiration in the city's creativity, nightlife, affordability, and danger. Her art reflects themes of feminism and humanity's decay. "With art, you work with your heart, and it can become dark when you expose your vulnerability, but it’s also pure. Art has been my therapy, my burden, and my savior." Panca's career took off with her solo show, “I Am the Architect of My Own Misfortune,” at Bread & Salt in 2020, accompanied by her first book, “Los Perdidos.” Her mural "Respect the Paleteros," featuring a distressed and melting ice cream cone, has become an icon in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood.Follow Panca on InstagramSupport the Slow Baja PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelBuy Baja Bound Insurance

Dr. Sean Michael is a professor of Outdoor Product Design & Development at Utah State University, and a writer and product tester in the off-road market for over two decades.  His articles have appeared in ADVrider, BMW MOA Owner’s News, Offroad.com, and other magazines.  His research and teaching include the history of vehicle-based adventure travel.  He has also taught at trade shows like SEMA, the Adventure Van Expo, and Overland Expo for the past decade, with classes ranging from solar power to responsible human waste and outfitting vans for the rigors of overlanding.  This episode mentions the Slow Baja Winter Expedition, Benchmark Maps Baja Road and Recreation Atlas, and the Pee Sport Bottle.Follow Sean Michael on Instagram Support the Slow Baja PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelBuy Baja Bound Insurance

Paul d'Orleans is a renowned expert in motorcycle history and culture. He is best known as the founder of The Vintagent, a highly influential blog. In addition to his primary identity as a rider extraordinaire of vintage machines, d'Orleans is a noted curator, writer, and photographer. To make things more challenging, especially in Baja, he often shoots in large format and employs antique wet plate processes. A true Renaissance man, he is also a filmmaker, Concours judge, commentator, and above all, Paul d'Orleans is phenomenally well-dressed. Learn more about The Vintagent here: https://thevintagent.com/Get your Baja insurance here: ⁠https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl  ⁠For more info on Slow Baja Adventures, visit: ⁠https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Lou Bank is the founder of SACRED, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural Mexican communities that produce heritage agave spirits. He also co-hosts the podcast "Agave Road Trip," which aims to help bartenders gain a deeper understanding of agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico.Lou is a genuinely kind and caring individual, and I am thrilled to share this Slow Baja conversation with you. I'd suggest you pour yourself a fine Tequila Fortaleza or your favorite Mezcal and enjoy the conversation.Follow the work of SACRED in Mexico here.Follow SACRED on Instagram.Listen to the "Agave Road Trip" podcast.

In this Slow Baja Conversation, we meet Vitza and Cesar, the gracious hosts at the beautiful Rancho La Concepción. Originally from Mexico City, the duo met while engaged in conservation work in Baja California. Rancho La Concepcion is a realization of their combined dream to give back to the world by creating a sacred space for thoughtful travelers. The main reason to visit Rancho La Concepcion is the unparalleled stargazing, but the easy access to nature, miles of hiking trails, and slower pursuits like forest bathing, meditation, and yoga are equally compelling reasons to stay. I've stayed three times and shared the experience with my Slow Baja Vintage Expeditions. I appreciate the slow vibe and silence that envelop the property. On my next visit, I hope to get a glimpse of the local Condor population. I highly recommend their cottages. With prior notice, meals are available, and I can attest that Cesar is a fine cook. If you visit the ranch in the fall, you may be lucky to enjoy an apple pie from their ancient orchard. Rancho La Concepcion is worth the drive and is Slow Baja Approved! Learn more about Rancho La Concepcion and book your stay: http://www.rancholaconcepcion.com/ Get your Baja insurance here: https://www.bajabound.com/quote/?r=fl   For additional information on Slow Baja Adventures, visit: https://www.slowbaja.com/adventures

Malcolm Smith is a legendary figure in off-road racing, known for his remarkable achievements on two and four wheels. Between 1966 and 1976, he won eight gold medals in the International Six Day Trial and six Baja 1000 titles—three times on a motorcycle and three times in a car. In 1967, he and teammate J.N. Roberts shared first place on a bike in the inaugural NORRA Mexican 1000. Smith died on November 26, 2024, at 83 years old, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. In September 2020, I was lucky to sit down with him at his home, where I recorded this conversation. He was part of the inaugural class of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and has been featured in the film On Any Sunday alongside Steve McQueen. Despite his fame, he remained humble and actively supported the El Oasis Orphanage in Baja Norte through his Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which provides full tuition for university or trade schools to the children there. During our conversation, he fought valiantly to find and form the words to answer my questions. After we wrapped, Smith apologized for his performance. He is a relentless competitor, always striving to do his best. Before I left, I followed him up his long driveway in 110-degree heat. He wanted to show me a couple of old Land Rovers that he had stashed in his orchard. I had to hustle to keep up! Learn more about Malcolm Smith: http://www.malcolmsmithmotorsportsfoundation.org/ https://www.malcolmsmithadventures.com https://ormhof.org/malcolm-smith SUPPORT THE SLOW BAJA PODCAST: https://buymeacoffee.com/slowbaja BUY SLOW BAJA MERCHANDISE: https://www.slowbaja.com/shop FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @slowbaja Subscribe to the Slow Baja YouTube channel:    / @slowbaja