They basically close the road down to motor traffic. 10,000 plus riders takes the entire highway. As others have noted, there is only one climb of any significance. A second climb is shorter, but still challenging. It's a pretty fun ride, but the newbs and dip*****s and drunks make it not the safest ride. I did it three times, then discovered domestic fun rides to be less hassle and much safer.

The ride is fun and easy. The logistics of getting you and your bicycle across the border and back is the most challenging. There are companies that will take you, for a fee, from San Diego to Rosarito, then pick you up in Ensenada. That's the best way to go, but it tacks on another fee. Check to see if you need a passport, too. I think this is the last year you can do the ride without papers, but double check me on that.

Mark