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
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1:13:05
Lou Bank Mr. Agave Talks Mezcal
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.
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1:13:40
Rancho La Concepcion
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
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40:26
Malcolm Smith Off-Road Racing Legend
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
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1:04:54
Maurice Merrick On The Slow Baja Vintage Expedition
In this episode, Maurice Merrick, who hosts the fabulous Horsepower Heritage Podcast, joined me to discuss his experience on the Fall 2024 Slow Baja Vintage Expedition.
Maurice and Slow Baja Vintage Expedition alum Derek Boycks drove Derek's 1996 Land Rover Discovery. Upon arrival in Mexico, we stopped to procure our F.M.M. Visas; Maurice was deported because he forgot to bring his passport. We resolved that issue quickly and got Maurice across the border and back on the road. Just before we arrived at Rancho La Bellota, they drove over a rock and tore a hole in their muffler. The newly unmuffled Land Rover sounded like a menacing drag racer!
Derek, a master mechanic, won the "Baja Is Right For You Award" for quietly fixing several minor issues on a number of vehicles, including a hazardous steering issue on my truck. Most importantly, he utilized some spare ignition parts from my Land Cruiser to rebuild the ignition on an FJ40 whose PerTronix had failed, so their engine wouldn't start.
I was a guest on Maurice's Horsepower Heritage Podcast back in 2021. You can listen to the show here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baja-tales-with-michael-emery/id1525657159?i=1000525723732
Find Horsepower Heritage on Instagram @horsepowerheritage
YouTube: https://youtu.be/MuH7G4N-dYU?si=RmwPlcuJYfSsQPd7
SUPPORT THE SLOW BAJA PODCAST:
https://buymeacoffee.com/slowbaja
BUY SLOW BAJA MERCHANDISE:
https://www.slowbaja.com/shop
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
@slowbaja
Slow Baja on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slow-baja/id1511808843
Subscribe to the Slow Baja YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@slowbaja
Tequila, Tacos, and Tranquilo! Sharing the beauty of Baja one conversation at a time. Hop in and ride with us as we head south-of-the-border to raise a glass, taste local fare, and explore the people and the place in our vintage Toyota Land Cruiser.