The Bike Geek

Overview: This 50 mile ride is a very famous ride for folks from Southern California. The ride actually starts about 20 miles south of the Border in Rosarito, Mexico and ends 50 miles later in the Port of Ensenada Mexico. About 10,000 people show up for this popular ride. The beginning of the ride features rolling terrain, nothing that requires a granny gear. About the 20 mile, the infamous El Tigre Climb starts. This 2 mile 7 % climb really separates the real cyclists from those that just showed up for the ride. Most of these unfit dorks walk all of the way up the hill. The funny part is that everyone you ask about this ride will tell you about ‘El Tigre’, what they don’t tell you is about the next little hill. Although this hill is not as long as El Tigre, it is definitely steeper. This hill is where most of the dorks that managed to walk up el Tigre, take a ride to Ensenada on the infamous ‘SAG’ wagon. Once you are over those 2 hills, it’s a fun way down all the way to Ensenada. (Well, there is 1 little hill, but not a biggie). Here’s my review of this ride:

What I liked about the ride: I like the ‘flavor’ of this ride. You can ride and stop at each bar on the way, you can cruise along with your buds, or you can really hammer the ride to beat your personal best. Most of the locals come out and watch and cheer the riders go by. Some of the riders take candy and throw the candy at the children along the route. The scenery is pretty cool; you get nice views of the beach as you climb up the valley. I also liked the descent after El Tigre, it was fast and twisty, and you can easily hit 50 mph if your cojones are mucho grande. Once you arrive in Ensenada, there’s a big Fiesta with Fish tacos and beer vendors galore. What’s not to like about beer and fish tacos???!!

What sucks about the ride: Well, there are about 10,000 riders so the first 20 miles it’s kind of crowded. Watch out for the for-mentioned dorks. The surface of the road is not as smooth, there’s a reason why this is the toll-free road. Sometimes, there are drivers that didn’t get the memo about the ride. They are a pain in the ass to pass and some of the drivers get frustrated ‘because they got stuck with 10,000 riders and can become dangerous. The ride in April can be rainy, if you don’t have the right gear, it freaking sucks big time.

Recommendation: This is one of my favorite rides, especially because I get to go to Mexico and have a good time before, during, and after the ride. I highly recommend this ride to a beginner that is looking for a challenge. I do advice that you train for a least a month so you don’t have to ride the SAG wagon. I also advice to work your way to the starting line before there ride starts, the less people you have to pass, the safer it is.