The Fun Run, Baja style

If you've never pulled the strand cruiser out of the garage, thrown it in the back of the car and taken it down to Rosarito Beach for the annual 50 Mile Fun Ride that goes from the hotel down to Ensenada every April and September, there's added incentive this year.
The organizers of the event, in its 28th year, have decided to help out the "economincally challenged" families in that stretch of Northern Baja and will now collect cash donations for the local Red Cross of Rosarito Beach and Ensenada. With an estimated 7,500 riders, the added donations will be welcome.
"We encourage our riders to donate through our events," said Gary Foster of San Diego's Bicycling West, Inc. "A dollar or two from each of a few thousand people really adds up."
The event, which has a $35 pre-admission ($40 on race day), already generates over $10 million of tourism revenue each year for local Baja businesses. The Fun Run also collects bicycle donations for Baja residents, distributed through Mexico's family relief agency, D.I.F.
This year a new "elite start" will add to the competition from regional cycling clubs as well. Some 200 riders will try to beat the course record of 2 hours, 2 minutes, 8 seconds set last September.
The upcoming April 21 event starts at 10 a.m. in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel and goes 50 miles south on Highway 1 to Ensenada. There are aid stations with purified water and Powerade, U.S. medical support, bike repair and a finish-line fiesta hosted by Corona with live music. All very safe and, most importantly, a great time.
For more information and registration, go to the race website (www.RosaritoEnsenada.com) or call (858) 483-8777. A company named Outback Adventures also offers transporation to and from the race, leaving from San Diego to avoid having to drive across the border for $75.