san diego-tecate-ensenada
 

I'm leaving for baja next sunday, and am still doubtful of riding hwy. 1 from TJ to ensenada. I'm taking amtrak to san diego, and was thinking of riding hwy. 94 to tecate, mexico, then hwy. 3 to ensenada. If anyone has travelled these roads I'd appreciate any info/advice. Or would I just be better off riding through tijuana? Thanks.

Here's a thread I found after a quick search.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ghlight=mexico

I've never ridden from Tijuana to Rosarito but I've ridden from Rosarito to Ensenada. That part is very cyclable. Twice a year there is an organized ride that draws between 10,000 and 15,000 riders!
From Rosarito you cycle along the coast for a few miles and then you turn inland. There's lots of climbing after the road leaves the coast, it's mountainous. The road returns to the coast 10 or 15 miles above Ensenada and then it's a flat easy ride to Ensenada along the coast. The distance from Rosarito to Ensenada is about 50 miles.
Looking at Mapquest I estimate the distance from Tijuana to Rosarito to be 15 miles. Once you reach Rosarito it's smooth sailing. You would be using the free (libre) road as opposed to the toll (cuota) road. I don't recall seeing a bike on the toll road.
The challenge would be in getting to Rosarito through Tijuana. Here's a link to the Mapquest map of Baja. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp...m=0&country=MX
You might make many detailed copies of the route and pick your way through. Take your time and use your head. It seems like an awful waste to go to Ensenada via Tecate.
Tijuana is a garbage pit. Be prepared to be shocked. Go in the middle of the day. Use your instincts.
The mountainous part of the road between Rosarito and Ensenada is rather isolated. I've never been there except with 10 to 15 thousand cyclists. I'm sure it would seem much different riding it alone.
Good luck. Post a full report when you return.

I have ridden TJ to Ensenada in the past. To be honest I can't recall if I took the free road or the toll road, but it was no big deal. Definitely a lot of traffic, but I recall having a shoulder of some sort most of the way. The farther you get from TJ the easier it becomes.

I didn't find TJ too much of a challenge just have a small map at hand and follow the signs.

For the most part Baja is wonderful.