This song reminds me of the ride to a little neighborhood called Tranquillo Pine south of Tijeras, New Mexico. Here’s a map with some options. There are so many roads to explore best to get an exquisite muffin and coffee at the Pedaler’s Cafe, regroup, ride more!
Cedro Peak in the background
sunrise the day of this ride from our neighborhood near Grant Park
You don’t want to miss these
I ran into a bunch of kids using the bike and pedestrian bridge at Tomasita Street over I-40. Fun to see the next generation building the leg power. I remember my bmx days.
Funny how we grow into those backpacks. I-40 is just over the wall to the left. The kids have just crossed over it.
The multi use path has access to adjacent neighborhoods and is very useful for many purposes. Kids rock.
so this route begins from Los Altos Park down the I-40 trail, through Tijeras Canyon, and here in Tijeras we’ll go right
Right in Tijeras takes you down South 14, otherwise known as Highway 337. It climbs from Tijeras at 6,300′ to about 7,500′ in Tranquillo Pine, winding through a canyon along the way. Nothing very steep. There are many places for mountain biking along this route. I’m looking for a nice trail over from Albuquerque, but it seems most people drive. Kirtland Air Force Base has withdrawn most of the land on the west side of the Manzanos from public use.
If you’re riding in this area stop by the Pedaler’s Café just south of Tijeras. Yes, those are coffee cups inside bicycle cranks on the front windows. They have more bike paraphernalia all over the tables in there, magazines, bikes for sale, etc. You’ll get a buzz just by walking into the place. If you’re biking your metabolism needs a hit of sweet cake. Yes.
It takes a few pedal strokes to get out of Tijeras, New Mexico although it is so small you don’t feel any need to get out.
You climb out of the pinyon juniper woodlands into tall ponderosa forest
There was smoke from a burn when I reached Oak Flats Road so I turned around. You can see the first hints of smoke in the distance in this photo
On the way back heading northbound on 337. Cedro Peak straight ahead and the Sandias further in the background
The descent is engaging, you pedal, fly, corner, pedal, fly. Playing with gravity.
I love wide open roads where I can motor and soar
In many places along this road the hills were cut through to level the gradient across undulating topography
Although you can’t tell from my pictures South 14 is a medium traffic road because it carries all the commuters who live in the eastern Manzano communities. I wanted to search out a quieter road since I didn’t get to do the Oak Flat-Anaya loop because of smoke. So I turned right on Juan Tomas Road.
an intimate road with almost no traffic, just me today
laid back cruising
I took the left on Cedro Peak road. Although it is dirt you can climb it on a road bike. I had to go explore it
I’d like to come out here with a cross/touring bike and ride more dirt roads
I can’t say enough about what a joy it is to travel by bicycle to all these wonderful places. I know folks feel intimidated by the exposure to weather, or are not sure you can do this. Yes you can! Check your preparations with cyclists friends and give it a whirl. The rewards of exploring on a bicycle are immense and stay with you forever. Worth the small cost of pushing your legs over the pedals. Dinners taste better. Rest is more settled. And the fitness you gain. Wow!
views I’ve never had before, here is Mosca Peak and Guadalupe Peak, Manzano range. Cibola Forest is huge.
there’s Cedro Peak up and to the left. The road is gated so I could not go all the way up.
descending back down to Tijeras and on home to Albuquerque
I use my red flashing rear light when riding between light and shadow in the canyons. Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy!
Bike Yogi 