Road Biking suggestions (Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Socorro: club, safest, rail)

[Rebscott]

Does anyone have road biking suggestions for someone who only has 3 days in the Albuquerque area in which to ride? Safe shoulders, scenic, 50+ miles. Please suggest the best of the best. I know there are a lot so only the cream o' the crop please. In February. Thanks!!!!! Rebscott

[trauch10]

when I was in ABQ in Oct I saw a lot of riders doing a route more or less similar to this. You may have to check snow conditions in the mountains before trying this one out. It would be a beautiful ride if the roads were clear though.

MapMyRide.com | View Sandia Peak Hill Climb in Albuquerque, New Mexico

[Burquebinder]

^Sandia peak hill climb is good in the warmer months, not so much in February. You should check bikeabq.org for more specifics, but I can tell you the Tramway loop is popular - Bosque trail from downtown to Tramway, east on Tramway to the aerial tram, south on Tramway to any number of routes back west into town. You should look into getting an ABQ bike map before you arrive. Others can help with great out-of-town, rural hwy bike routes...

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by Burquebinder

... Tramway loop is popular - Bosque trail ...

Good post. That is what I would have said.

To detail what Burquebinder said:

Tramway -- I-25 to Tram turnoff is about 5 miles.
Tramway -- Tram turnoff to I-40 to is about 10 miles.

You can ride old Rt. 66 to Tijeras as far as you can find it
snow-free. Depending on when you do this, it might be
100% clear or intolerable right away. -- about 7 miles.

You can ride city streets or arroyo paths from Tramway
back to the UNM area. -- about 8 miles.

The N diversion channel path is about 6-7 miles to the Paseo Trail.

The Paseo Trail is about 2 miles from the trails in the bosque that
run along the Rio Grande. Those trails will allow you to ride some
10 miles North-South.

If you do all that, you'll get a real feel for the layout of the city
and get your 45-50 miles in.

[Rebscott]

Thank you guys for you responses. Maybe I'll see you on the road in February! Rebscott

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by Rebscott

Thank you guys for you responses.

Do you need any suggestions for open road/highway
routes that might be good in winter? I'm just a
commuter, but I know that a true bike nerd eschews
those multi-use trails and stuff.

Note that Tramway is the NUMBER ONE route since it gives you
a choice of a huge, nice shoulder and a huge nice multi-use trail.

[Rebscott]

Mortimer;

Yes, please, I would also love some open road/highway suggestions. Basically, I've got 3 days in Albuquerque in late February. I'll definitely take one or more of the city suggestions. But as you correctly surmised, as a fairly serious road biker, I'll end up riding either once or twice outside of town somewhere. I'm looking for the safest, prettiest, most memorable ride(s) in the area. I'm definitely willing to drive a ways if necessary to start a pretty ride. Any suggestions welcome. Unfortunately, I may be there mid-week and won't be able to ride with the local bike club unless I can change my schedule. Rebscott

[mortimer]

I've got two suggestions:

(1) Ride Rt 44/550 to Rt 4 to Jemez Springs or till it gets icy. If it
.... has been dry enough, you could ride all the way to Los Alamos.

(2) Ride a loop around the Manzanos. You can use the Rail Runner
.... and Rapid Ride to avoid some of the congested bits.

(3) Drive to Socorro and ride out on Rt 60 till you decide to return.

( "two" it's the new "three" )