We arrived safely in Mexico, the Baja peninsular to be precise. The first night spent getting to know the other group members some of who were thankfully looking as unfit as me. Day one’s sea kayaking went well but when the Mexican members – including none other than the French Ambassador from Mexico city – and yes we did crack all the jokes possible about dodgy 70’s Ferrero Roche adverts, appeared next morning with their full suspension bikes, walkie talkies, Platypus backpacks and all the proper gear, it was obvious that this was going to be no ordinary holiday.Each days biking provided plenty of incentives to reach our final destination. Excellent freshly prepared food – including an amazing lasagne cooked in the sand – don’t ask me how Hiram did because I don’t know - and I’m not sure he does either!, the constant encouragement from the team leaders, Hiram and Straws, wonderful locations for lunch and dinner and the excellent wilderness locations for camping. Each evening provided a different view, from hill-side camping to deserted sandy beaches. Stunning sunsets, starry nights, story telling and guitar playing by an open camp fires and beautiful sun rises. Need I say more!

The trip had a supported vehicle, so that we could do the biking for two or three days at a time, and for someone like me, you can use the vehicle for rest periods as others in our group - including my wife Georgia were much fitter. The brochure was right, you can do as much or as little as you like! There was no doubt about it this was a fairly hard tour but this didn’t detract from the enjoyment and satisfaction of cycling as far as possible on each day. The conclusion we came to was that you do need to be quite fit and have some technical ability for off-roading on this kind of trip but even though it was hard work it was still hugely enjoyable.

Some of the routes we took were tough yet exhilarating ‘up hills’, and followed by adrenaline flowing, speed inducing scary downhills. All part of the Saddle Skedaddle service! with the satisfaction of reaching the end of the day immense even though I was completely knackered!!! Some days our speed was helped by wild dogs chasing us, and local kids throwing stones, which all added to the authenticity of the adventure. However, I have my suspicions that Straws arranged these incidents to prove to us that Saddle Skedaddle really believe in true adventure holidays!

The sea kayaking was great, the boogie boarding fun, the swimming with seals was different and the one-day hike with a local tour guide to view ancient wall paintings interesting. If you want to know the story of the near breaking by Straws, of our local guide’s prized possession - the ancient stones of Baja, ask him to explain it when you next see him – genuinely very funny!

All in all the holiday was great fun if hard work. At times one asked ones self, what the **** am I doing here as you struggle up a hill in the heat, but in the end it was one of the most satisfying and enjoyable holidays we have ever been on.

We met some interesting people, the locals were extremely friendly and hospitable and made new friends along the way. None of us suffered from Montazumas revenge or the Aztec two-step which proved how good the authentic Mexican food was!

Here’s to our next Saddle Skedaddle holiday!!

Alkis and Georgia, London, UK.