Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride

In less than one week, the historic Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride will be a thing of the past, putting an end to a legacy of almost 30 years. Organizers of the historic Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride, Paseo Ciclista Rosarito Ensenada SA de CV, announced earlier this month that this would be "the last ride ever".

The Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride attracts thousands of riders from both the US and Mexico. A majority, 69% of riders come from the United States and 31% come from México. Organizers sited a decline of Baja tourism as the cause . Unfortunately, rider participation has dwindled to 5000 participants barely enough to cover the operating costs and is the company's "financial break-even point".

Event artists designed a commemorative bicycling jersey for the final event.

The Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Bike Ride is one of the biggest single events in Baja and helps generate tourist dollars to the local economy. Street vendors come out on the day of the event to sell. And, hotels and restuarants benefit from the event as well.

Although they call it a fun run, the Rosarito to Ensenada 50 Mile bike ride is not an easy ride, but it is fun. It is a challenging course with rolling hills and two very steep climbs that force some riders to walk up the hill along side their bike. Then there's the downhill which makes some riders pull off to the side while they muster up the courage to continue.

It is a fun event in that the upbeat spirit is there from the cyclists who participate year after year and from crowds who show up to cheer the riders on. Even the Powerade girls strick up a pose for photos.

The ride itself is a very scenic ride along the coast. It has been recognized locally and internationally as Best Cycling Event of 2007 - LA Sports & Fitness, Best International Cycling Event of 2007 - Competitor, Best Destination Cycling Event of 2007 - Competitor.

The first thirteen miles or so of the event take you through the city. Some cyclists throw candies to the crowds that cheer them on. About halfway into the course, there's a restaurant & bar where many of the cyclist stop to rest, grab a bit to eat, and just plain hangout and have fun meeting other cyclist.

If for some reason you can't make it to the finish line, there is a sag wagon that comes to take bicyclists back to the finish area.

Riding veterans of the legendary bike ride are planning to play tribute to this final event and are planning to show up to see it off.

A passport is still not required but is highly recommended. If you don't have a passport, you will need to bring you must have a government photo ID (driver's license) and your birth certificate/citizenship certificate.

For a more indept look at the 50 Mile Rosarito Ensenada see Crystal Fambrini 's CurrentTV video on the event.

Event Day Registration
Located in parking lot of the Rosarito Beach Hotel

- 400 pesos for Mexican Citizens

- $45 for U.S. and other Citizens

For more information, visit www.RosaritoEnsenada.com.