The 3rd Annual Robert Rosas Jr. Memorial Off-Road Ride will return to the East San Diego County border area on Saturday, May 28. This year’s ride will cover about 50 miles, much of it on the dirt border road between Boulevard and Tecate. The ride will take 4-5 hours according to event organizer Ronnie Golden. The event officially begins and ends at the Golden Acorn Casino, just off of I-8 at Crestwood Rd.
"The ride drew 63 vehicles in September 2009 and 120 vehicles and over 200 people in June 2010", said Mr. Golden. "We are expecting another large turnout this year."
In addition to stopping at the Rosas Memorial Cross, this year the ride will stop at the new Rosas Memorial Tree near the border fence on Forest Gate Rd. in West Campo. The Minutemen planted a Pinyon pine tree there last summer in honor of Rosas. A bronze plaque will be installed at the site and will be unveiled to the public on the day of the ride.
Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas was murdered at the border near Campo on the night of July 23, 2009 by Mexican drug cartel hitmen who lured him into an ambush. Four of the five suspects in the killing have been arrested. One of the killers pled guilty in 2010 and is serving 40 years in prison. The other three in custody, including the suspected gunman, are facing trial for murder in U.S. Federal court.
Organizers and participants hope this annual event reminds all citizens of the ultimate sacrifice Agent Rosas made and the constant dangers our border agents face patrolling our dangerous and porous southern border, especially in East County.
The event is open to the public. The cost is $10 (donation) per vehicle and riders get one raffle ticket for every dollar they donate - no limit. The drawing for various donated prizes will be at the Golden Acorn parking lot after the ride, along with a free hot dog picnic sponsored by the casino.
All money collected will go to the Rosas Family. Robert Rosas is survived by his wife Rosalie and their two young children, Robert and Kayla. Mrs. Rosas and the kids will be in the ride again this year.
Off-road vehicles, 4-wheel drives, ATVs, etc. are recommended for the off-road ride, however most trucks and SUVs should be o.k. Passenger cars are not recommended on the steep and sometimes rutted dirt border roads.
Registration starts at 7 am at the casino parking lot. The ride begins at 9 am and will be dusty and possibly warm. Food and lots of water are recommended, as well as goggles and head gear for open vehicles.
For more information contact Ronnie at 760-554-8417.
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