REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Agressive Trail

1211 Views 21 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Eric B, Jan 3, 2006

PrincipalRider

Discussion Starter · Dec 18, 2005

Are there any trails in Albuquerque that cater to the agressive side of things? I don't mind climbing but I like technical descents. Any ideas?

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

AndyN

· #2 · Dec 18, 2005

NMPhi767 said:
Are there any trails in Albuquerque that cater to the agressive side of things? I don't mind climbing but I like technical descents. Any ideas?

This time of year you're pretty limited, I'm guessing the higher elevations are snow covered or muddy by now.

South foothills has some pretty techinical stuff along the powerline trail.

You could also try Cedro, if you look hard enough there are some nasty descents to be found out there.

Otero may be rideable, some really good riding out there although only moderate on the technical scale.

PrincipalRider

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 18, 2005

How do you get to these places?

AndyN

· #4 · Dec 18, 2005

South foothills- Take Indian School Rd. east from Tramway, towards the mountain, it will dead end in a parking lot. Park there and pick a trail. Head for the powerlines at the base of the mountain, the trail underneath has the best techy stuff.

Cedro and Otero- Take I-40 east from Abq into the canyon, exit at Tijeras and head south on 337. Cedro will be about a mile past the ranger station on the left side of the road, park in the dirt lot and look for singletrack just up the dirt road on the right.

Otero is about two miles past Cedro, there are two lots you can park at, one called Tunnel canyon and the other called Otero which is a mile or two past Tunnel, both on the right hand side of the road.

You can't get lost at the south foothills, Otero can be tricky but you'll be alright if you do an out and back. Cedro is a maze, on occasion I still get temporarily lost out there.

When will you be in town? I'm sure someone can show you around.

ArroyoBomber

· #5 · Dec 18, 2005

There's lots of what you're looking for in the foothills...too bad the hikers rule them with an iron fist.Don't get me wrong,it's not like they're "rude" about it per se...but just because something is labeled as a "bike trail" doesn't mean that anyone on 2 (or 4) legs is going to honor that in the least.Just my experience.Sometimes the journey is the destination...good luck,and happy hunting.

PrincipalRider

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 18, 2005

I'll be visiting the familia from 12-23 to about the 28th or so. I still need to see if bringing my bike is even an option. There is a lot of stuff I have to take to NM and probably even more I have to bring back. Anyway, thanks for the information. If I do get the bike out, it should be lots of fun.

ArroyoBomber

· #7 · Dec 18, 2005

Didn't mean to discourage you in any way,the area does have some good places to ride.I second the idea of Otero and Cedro:it's not very far outside of town (I live in the NE heights and can get there in 20-30 minutes).Much more technical than the foothills,and they're more established as "bike trails",so you should have less hikers to dodge.As Andy said,ya just go east on I-40 to the Tijeras exit,head south past the Ranger's station,and follow the windy road until you see the canyon on your right.There will be turnouts for parking,as well as probably a few cars with bike racks already out there,depending on how early it is.Also,there really isn't much of any snow in the foothills even in higher elevations,and what little exists is not hard to ride over...I just really resent having to dodge all the hikers on trails with big honkin' signs that say "Elena Gallegos BIKE TRAIL".I'd love to show ya around personally,but am myself leaving the state in a couple of days to see family.If you do make it out here you'll be glad ya brought your bike.Have fun!

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Timo

· #8 · Dec 19, 2005

ArroyoBomber said:
...I just really resent having to dodge all the hikers on trails with big honkin' signs that say "Elena Gallegos BIKE TRAIL".!

Why not read what COA Open Space policies are, before you fabricate a statement that the trails are for bikers only.

The foothills are multi-use, and for bikers, generally begginer areas. Ride them and respect others rights to be there. If you think they are too easy, then ride a bike without suspension or one with limited gearing.

Rant over.

ArroyoBomber

· #9 · Dec 19, 2005

Time to do the p.c. walking on eggshells thing...

Timo said:
Why not read what COA Open Space policies are, before you fabricate a statement that the trails are for bikers only.

I understand the policies now.However,on my first expedition up there I read a sign which said "Elena Gallegos Bike Trails ->" and "<- Hiking Trails",so I went "->".All was well until I was coming back downhill and there were hikers walking 3x.No close call,confrontation, or anything,but it did take me by surprise.I found the sign to be highly misleading,and perhaps at the time I took it too literally...my bad,I guess.I say this based on the possibility that the original poster who is a traveler here might be mislead by the same sign and be similarly frustrated.

Timo said:
The foothills are multi-use, and for bikers, generally begginer areas. Ride them and respect others rights to be there.

I do respect their rights to be there and didn't mean to imply that I didn't.I'll admit,perhaps "resent" was a stronger word than was necessary.Maybe instead I should have said something like "I wish I didn't have to deal with it since it's the only trail system within riding distance but I have to deal with it so I deal in spite of wishing otherwise".I hike there as well,but I stay on designated hiking trails only when I do...just a personal choice, for the sake of safety.For the record,I have never had any negative encounters with any hikers (other than a doberman snipping at me,but the owner apologized to me,all was cool,I drank a beer with him later at "County Line"),but that is due to my being more cautious of my speed than I wish I had to be but I have to be so I am.

Timo said:
If you think they are too easy, then ride a bike without suspension or one with limited gearing.

Too late;I already ride a full-rigid on those trails.But I'm not the one who was looking for more technical trails...it was NMPhi767.

Timo said:
Rant over.

I sure hope so.

Now back to our regularly scheduled topic...

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perropirana

· #10 · Dec 19, 2005

So much love...

PrincipalRider

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 19, 2005

Wow, I didn't think this thread would get so heated over me asking for a trail with a few boulders and ledges. Anyway thanks for the information.

Eric B

· #12 · Dec 20, 2005

NMPhi767 said:
Wow, I didn't think this thread would get so heated over me asking for a trail with a few boulders and ledges. Anyway thanks for the information.

Shoot me a PM if you get to bring your bike and I'll show you some good stuff.If not I might be able to find you a loaner bike. I am off work the whole week between X-mas and New Years and will be riding pretty much everyday.

Eric

Wzl

· #13 · Dec 20, 2005

Eric B said:
Shoot me a PM if you get to bring your bike and I'll show you some good stuff.If not I might be able to find you a loaner bike. I am off work the whole week between X-mas and New Years and will be riding pretty much everyday.

Eric

Where're you getting a loaner? Last time I checked the other bike in your garage came with a 1000cc engine. Are you pimping out my Stinky?

I hear there's some new stuff at the far south end of the south loop, by the giant yuca, that's got all kinds of good rocks and such to smash your cranks up on.

Eric B

· #14 · Dec 20, 2005

XTRKona said:
Where're you getting a loaner? Last time I checked the other bike in your garage came with a 1000cc engine. Are you pimping out my Stinky?

I hear there's some new stuff at the far south end of the south loop, by the giant yuca, that's got all kinds of good rocks and such to smash your cranks up on.

Nah, I was actually gonna loan out your Salty. There's nothin back there

PrincipalRider

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 20, 2005

Eric B said:
Shoot me a PM if you get to bring your bike and I'll show you some good stuff.If not I might be able to find you a loaner bike. I am off work the whole week between X-mas and New Years and will be riding pretty much everyday.

Eric

Will do. I should know tonight! What type of dress to you recommend with regards to the temperature in ABQ these days?

Wzl

· #16 · Dec 20, 2005

Early afternoons have been getting into the low 50's but if the wind is blowing it can feel much colder. I have been getting away with leg warmers and a long sleeve shirt under a regular jersey. I throw my vest in my pack just in case. Wool socks are nice too and a furry headband to cover your ears is a nice thing to have along. If it gets much below 40 then you will probbably need another layer, some real tights, and some thicker gloves.

Jim Beam

· #17 · Dec 21, 2005

NMPhi767 said:
What type of dress to you recommend?

Dude, you ride in a dress? That seems kinda weird. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Just sayin, I'd like to join you guys on a ride to see how you keep it out of your chain.

;-)

Wzl

· #18 · Dec 21, 2005

Jim Beam said:
Dude, you ride in a dress? That seems kinda weird. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Just sayin, I'd like to join you guys on a ride to see how you keep it out of your chain.

;-)

You're a cook, Robert. Pretty funny though.

Jim Beam

· #19 · Dec 21, 2005

Spellcheck

doesn't catch everything.....

XTRKona said:
You're a cook, Robert. Pretty funny though.

I believe you meant to say that I am a kook. Although I have been known to make a pretty good stir fry, and I can grill a steak to perfection, I excel far greater at acting retarded. Hey, everybody has their own special talents.

PrincipalRider

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 21, 2005

Alright, I am bringing the bike! EricB I will PM you with some info.

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