It’s a Fiesta on Two Wheels

This is supposed to be a fun bike ride, but turns out my riding partner’s idea of fun is a bit twisted.

At least that’s what I’m starting to believe after laboring to pull up next to Mike at the top of a two-mile beast of a hill on the way to Ensenada, Mexico. He looks fresh as he straddles his mountain bike, ready to pound out the remaining 25 miles.

“OK, let’s take ‘em,” Mike says, referring to the thousands of cyclists ahead of us, many of whom are whizzing past as we speak. My legs are burning and my heart is pounding in my head.

The only thing I’m ready to take is a break.

Which brings us to one of the reasons the Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride is so enjoyable: If you do decide to rest, there’s no need to feel shame.

This is a mass ride for the masses. Last month, 8,100 pushed off from Rosarito, a dusty beach town 30 miles south of Tijuana. In September, nearly that many are expected for the 18th annual fall ride.

It’s an eclectic crowd, ranging from serious athletes to serious partyers. Most fall somewhere in between, and because there is no official time clock, seem in no rush to reach the finish.

And there are plenty of reasons to take your time. Start with the views. For the first 20 miles the course hugs the still mostly undeveloped coastline, offering sweeping vistas of the Pacific and close-up looks at brilliant blue-water coves.

The inland turn brings hilly terrain that is tough on the cyclist but beautiful on the eyes, especially because of the wildflowers that proliferated this rainy season.

Along the way, especially on the coast, supportive crowds of tourists and locals line the course. Veterans of the ride bring candy to toss to children.

Rest-stop opportunities are frequent. There are three official water stops set up by race organizers, but entrepreneurs step in with a range of refreshments, from Gatorade to energy bars and orange slices to cold beer.

Some even offered a shady spot to sit while sipping your cerveza, though getting back on the bike must be tough after such a choice.

Because as laid back an event as this is, it is still a physical challenge. Ride organizers suggest that you have ridden 50 miles in one stretch before attempting this one.

That’s good advice. The aforementioned hill is tough--many people choose to walk it, figure at least 15 minutes of steady pumping to reach the top--and after that there are a few more taxing ascents in the next 10 miles, before you get to coast downhill to the coast.

Then it’s about 10 miles of flats to reach Ensenada and the fiesta at the finish. That’s where all entrants can redeem their coupon for a free beverage, listen to live music and dine on a fish taco or two.

Now that’s my idea of fun.

The fall Rosarito-Ensenada ride will be held Saturday, Sept. 26. For information, call Bicycling West at (619) 583-3001 or on the Web at https://bikelink.com/calendar.htm.