Jay, putting this out there for others on the trip to comment on: I am still trying to figure out a reason why people would rather cross at Tijuana than Mexicali? Mexicali to Laguna Chapala/Mex.#1 via the Sea of Cortez route takes no longer, in fact it takes less time on several trips that I have made the comparison.
Crossing at Tj, you get the insane traffic of TJ to Ensenada with the toll roads, the exceedingly unpassable, slow, smog belching truck traffic that persists all the way to San Quintin which takes hours and hours. You get the all crime ridden/trashed out towns of northern Mex 1.
I just think that those going might consider driving the Sea of Cortez's small towns, San Felipe/Gonzaga route. It takes the same amount of time, some of the very best scenery in Baja (David K, top baja poster on bajanomad.com agrees, the Expedition Portal trip is also going this way: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/65137-Baja-The-Gray-Whales-2012 ). That being Mexicali to San Felipe, to Gonzaga Bay (one of Baja's top jewels), Coco's Corner, and then finally reaching Mexico #1 and avoiding the trashed out, crime ridden areas. The route I recommend is legendary as one of Baja's most scenic "must do" road.
Hmm...the Sea of Cortez route, a Baja Jewel vs. northern Mex 1, the armpit of Baja....kinda' no brainer. Another thought, we could all meet at Laguna Chapala and people can make their own choices.
Pics from Sea of Cortez route: