50 Mile Fun Ride in Mexico

This is a scan of a small photograph of me at the 1996 Rosarito to Ensenada 50 Mile Fun ride. This was back when I was still racing so I was really strong. The race had probably over 10,000 riders, I don't remember, it was a lot.

My friends and I got to the start late so we were way, way back in the pack. I remember passing hundreds and hundreds of riders during the ride. Especially on the big climb where I was weaving in and out and passing dozens and dozens of people as if they were standing still.

I made one mistake which was not eating anything before the ride so I was burnt by the end. This made it difficult to enjoy a night of drinking that evening after the ride.

I did this ride on my mountain bike instead of the road bike. I put "slick" road type tire on the mountain bike. I chose my mountain bike because I was not certain of the road conditions in Mexico and I was also worried about being forced of the road onto the dirt shoulders due to the crowds of inexperienced riders so I wanted something more durable.  

I also heard that you should not high-five the Mexican spectators, especially kids, who held out their hand as you rode by.  The rumor was that they might grab your hand on purpose to pull you down.