Over The Edge in Todos Santos
When I first started working with Over The Edge one of the main things I had to do was to get myself up to speed on what OTE really was, which meant spending some time with OTE founder Troy Rarick and learning the ways of the company. We decided the best way to do that was traveling to the various OTE locations together.
My first adventure with Troy was a trip to Over The Edge in Todos Santos, BCS. It was December in Colorado, and Baja promised warmth and bikes which would be a welcome change from the cold at home. I wasn’t really sure what to expect of the riding on the trip, but flights to Cabo were relatively cheap, and the trip promised to be amazing with great food, surfing, and biking.
Todos Santos
Located about an hour north of busy Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is one of Mexico’s designated “Pueblo Magico’s.” This is a distinction given to towns that offer visitors a “magical” experience – by reason of natural beauty, cultural richness, historical relevance, food, arts and hospitality. Originally founded as a Mission in 1724, the town has a history steeped in agriculture. Primarily a sugar cane producer in the beginning, modern day Todos Santos now boasts many organic farms. Farm to table restaurants have sprung up serving fresh locally grown produce and seafood, and several local hotel/eco-resorts have their own farms on site, growing all their own produce. It’s a great destination for foodies and people looking for adventure accompanied by healthy food.
While undiscovered as a destination for many years, the town has seen a slow surge in growth over the past few years as travelers have fallen in love with its Pueblo Magico charm and never left. Newer residents include surfers, yogis, and artists, among other expats, and the cultural scene is growing. Among those that have recently found their place are Anne and Dave, owners of the 6th and newest Over The Edge in Todos Santos. The store celebrated its first birthday just this year.
Over The Edge Baja
The shop is located near the top of the main street through town, and it’s just a short ride to several trail networks. They carry rental bikes ranging from hard tail Trek Roscoe 7’s to full suspension Trek Fuel EX 8’s and Pivot Trail 429’s. It’s an easy way to add a day of mountain biking to your already planned vacation. If you bring your own bike they also offer full service and a good selection of parts if needed.
The riding was pretty awesome! Primarily cross country single track, the trails around town were a lot of fun to ride, with mostly short climbs and rolling flowy descents. You do need to stay aware of all the cactus while you’re riding, it can easily puncture a hand or a tire. I would definitely recommend running tubeless, if you need sealant it’s available at the shop.
The shop staff can give you help and directions for self guided tours, or take you out on a fully guided tour, the choice is yours. Check out the area on Trail Forks here. If you’re looking for a longer trip with more riding than Todos Santos has to offer there are several other trail networks within an hour of town.
Accommodations
The town offers some great accommodations ranging from beautiful boutique hotels and eco-resorts to AirBNB and VRBO listed cottages and villas, either in town or close to the beach. We stayed at La Bohemia in town for a few nights and it was amazing, definitely recommended!
Food and Drink
Taller 17 a coffee shop and bakery with great espresso and fresh pastries in downtown Todos Santos.
The bar at Hotel San Cristobal near Todos Santos. A great place to relax over a drink and some appetizers.
Lunch at El Faro Beach Club
Dinner at The Green Room BCS
Other Things To Do
While we were in Todos Santos we spent a few days traveling around the area and checking out local destinations. One of those days was at Las Cerritos, enjoying the beach atmosphere, fresh tacos and margaritas at Barracuda Cantina, and even a surf session. It was Troy’s first time surfing, and although conditions weren’t perfect the warm water and easy beach break kept it fun. Mario’s Surf School offers rentals and lessons if you want to get in the water, and they also offer a shuttle service from the airport making transportation to the Todos Santos area fairly easy.
As a destination Todos Santos did not disappoint! With amazing culture combined with great food and plenty to do it’s worth a day trip from Cabo just to check out the town, even if you’re not planning to ride. Stop by the shop and say hi, maybe even pick up a souvenir t-shirt!
We’re headed back to Todos Santos in December, why don’t you join us! More info here.