Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride named an “Official Event” of the 2010 Bicentenario
8/21/10 - Bicyclists are getting ready to roll on September 25 at the historic bike ride that attracts thousands of riders from around the world.
“I am honored and thrilled to be part of your nation’s Bicentennial celebration,” said event promoter Gary Foster of San Diego, attending a press conference in Tijuana with Baja State Secretary of Tourism Oscar Escobedo at which his Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride was named an official event of Mexico’s 2010 celebration. “We have been warmly welcomed by the people of Baja for 31 years, and we look forward to continuing the tradition for many years to come.”
Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres, whose city hosts the event said: “The ride is one of the signature events for Rosarito and this region of Baja. It attracts excellent people and creates a great atmosphere. We are greatly looking forward to it.”
The Rosarito-Ensenada ride has been called the Original Party on Wheels. Revelers in costume roll along, tossing candy to children along the course. Beach cruisers strap boom boxes to their handlebars. Parents tow children in bike trailers. And racing teams form pace lines, trying to beat the official record of 1:52:54 set in April of 2007.
In addition to the tourism revenue that is generated for the local Baja California economy, the Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride also benefits the people of Baja with its ‘One Way Ride Program,’” Foster explained. “Participants have the opportunity of making a positive difference on the life of less fortunate people, by donating a gently used bicycle at the event.” Many riders volunteer to bring a bike for donation to the Start Line or Finish Line Fiesta, and event organizers distribute the bicycles to charity organizations. (For more information, contact event organizers through the website at www.RosaritoEnsenada.com.)
U.S. citizens can register to ride for a reduced price of only $35 USD (available online through September 22, 2010 at www.bettersignup.com), or they can register on the day of the event at the Rosarito Beach Hotel for $40. Mexican citizens can register in advance for $300 MXN at local Baja bike shops and gyms, or on the day of the event for $350 MXN. The event also offers commemorative t-shirts, cycling jerseys, and a free finishers medal for each rider.
The Rosarito-Ensenada ride is the Original Party on Wheels.
“Transportation packages are available from the United States for anyone who doesn’t want to drive,” Foster said. “Our tour partner buses riders and their bicycles, and because they return to the United State through the rapid SENTRI lane, our riders enjoy a quick trip back across the border.” Round-trip bus rides from San Diego’s Balboa Park are available with early online registration for $89 USD. Many hotels offer special rates and are also participating in the Border Fast Pass program which can cut border waits in half, especially on the weekends.
Shuttles are available on the event course from the finish line to the start line before and after the event. So if participants stay in Rosarito Beach, they can take the shuttle back to Rosarito after the event, or if they stay in Ensenada, they can take the shuttle to the start in Rosarito before the ride.
The Finish Line Fiesta is free for participants and spectators, overlooking the Ensenada harbor with panoramic views of the cruise ships at sunset. Live rock-n-roll, jazz and salsa plays into the night while local chefs serve their best. The Finish Line Fiesta is located at Hotel Corona, on Boulevard Lazaro Cárdenas, just south of the giant Mexican flag.
Foster continues to see an increase in event attendance compared to years past. “The media is finally reporting that crime has declined and that Northern Baja has never been as dangerous as other areas like Arizona and Texas,” said Foster, who expects 5,000 cyclists next month. “The corridor from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada is safe for tourists, and Baja remains a beautiful and affordable destination for travel with friends and family.”
