Monster Energy Rip to the Tip presented by General Tire

April 15, 2011

Over 475 years ago,
Spanish conquistador Hernandez Cortez sailed into the Bay of La Paz,
kicking off the beginning of exploration for thousands of adventure
seekers, which continues now into modern day history.  Cortez discovered
trade routes connecting the Pacific Ocean with what is now called the
Sea of Cortez.  Horses and mules transported lobster and fish from the
oceans to the mountains and deserts, which were beaming with a plethora
of wildlife. 

Fast-forward more than four hundred years and the adventure is still the
same -- only the horse has become a motorcycle.

Nowadays, the 70-horsepower, two-wheel steel horse navigates the same
routes forged centuries ago and those who ride have created a vibrant
culture thriving for the wild, untamed land known to many as "the Baja."

Nestled against the southern border of the United States is a vast
800-mile shard of land considered by many to be one of the last natural
wonders of the world.  It's painted deserts, remote white sand beaches
and dramatic marvels of geology all combine together in protecting the
land from the reaches of civilized mankind. 

This year's 8-day journey through the Baja Peninsula will test both the
physical endurance and the mental fortitude of each and every rider.
For the third consecutive year, riders will commence in Tecate, Mexico,
and will crisscross southbound down the Peninsula through some of the
most amazing and difficult terrain the Baja has to offer, finishing at
the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of
Cortez meet in Cabo San Lucas.  Each rider will be seeking the coveted
"Full Pull," where every mile of the ride is achieved.

In 2006, the idea of an adventure Baja ride took shape with 13 riders
taking off from Ensenada headed for Land's End in Cabo, on what would be
the first ever Rip to the Tip.

Now, five years in existence, the adventure has grown to a new level for
year six. The 2011 edition has the riders dropping down the breathtaking Rumarosa
grade, one of Baja's largest descents.  This route is not for the faint
of heart, but is one of the most stunning views of Baja.

Riders will descend 4,200 feet in just a couple of miles to the Laguna
Salada dry lake bed at sea level and then traverse the dry lake bed for
75-miles before climbing back into the Sierra De Juarez mountain range
as they battle the legendary "Summit," near the top of Cerro Grande.

Challenging themselves by riding "up" the Cerro Grande Summit merely
marks the halfway point of the first day.  Only seven-and-a-half more
days before riders can say they conquered the Baja Peninsula.

The ride is scheduled through the towns of San Felipe, Bahia de Los
Angeles, San Ignacio and includes all new locations never before visited
on the Rip.

An eclectic group of riders will take on their own individual battle of
mental and physical challenges in a group setting where the riders
become known as a band of brothers.

The Rip launches an all-new web page that will track the antics as they
happen day or night.  You can catch it all online, anytime 24/7, at
www.riptothetip.com.  The adventure launches at 7 a.m. on April 28.