Soundtrack: The Nearness of You
I was lucky to be shown the long way around the Sandia Mountains today. First we headed north along the Rio Grande to the San Felipe Pueblo. Then east on a dirt road past the ghost town of Hagen. We emerged on La Madera road and reconnected with the Turquoise Trail and continued around back to town. Here’s a map.
Looking north from near La Madera at the snow capped Sangre de Cristo. More of that to come
We rode past wild horses on the rangelands between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
Traveling by bicycle is an awesome way to experience this incredible countryside
Today I felt no inclination to ride quickly. I just wanted to sit back and enjoy it all. Sometimes I tend to rush through things but today I was happy in the here and now.
It was mild today with temperatures warming to the low 60’s, warm in the sun. There was lots of sunshine
The road climbs sharply just before La Madera
Nearly 20 miles of dirt and most was navigable except for a few spots of loose sand
Seeing is believing
The road bike builds intimate connections between riders and places. There are not many barriers or screens between us and the world when we are riding a bike. Being in the open air is simply exhilarating.
Road bikes are such versatile and tough machines. Add a little dirt and we’ll adapt
Wild horses ranging on the north side of the Sandia. They know way more than we do about this place
We speak to ourselves on these rides like we whisper to horses, its ok, you can do it, come along, gently now
It seems paradoxical to be so at ease on a bicycle in a far away and remote place but that’s how I feel when I give myself up to the adventure. The self reliance and freedom bicycling involves brings a relaxed sense of security. To know the shape of the day and the landscape so intimately are gifts indeed.
Loving La Madera
A classic long ride starting and ending from home in Albuquerque through the austere high desert
Spending time on a bicycle out here gives rise to the notion that the days can be gods
Bike Yogi 