All Blue  When we were first moving here Chris and Thomas took me on an after work ride down Diversion and up Tramway and La Luz.  What a great way to cap the day.  On the way home we took time to have frozen yogurt.  I realized that day what a special bicycling place this is.

Destination: western flank of Sandia Mountain

I’m glad I went for a bike ride today

We have this gem of a climb on route 556 that starts near the traffic circle by the river, passes by the Sandia Casino, then veers left on Forest Road 333 (La Luz) for the final approach up into a little nook in the Sandia Mountains.  It gains about 2,000 vertical feet, is accessible from town, with beautiful views.  It is a very special asset to the cycling community.

On the way to the base of the climb I passed this sign on Edith

The Sandia Pueblo farms the riverlands. Looking northwest from Roy Rd.

The fancy Sandia Casino Resort

I think everyone visiting town flocks to this climb.  The Sandia Pueblo keeps abundant space open on the north side of Albuquerque so the road has expansive vistas.  It is inspiring to ride.

Yes there are buffalo in Nuevo Mexicano, even in Albuquerque! The Sandia keep them at the base of the big mountain

Smooth riding

They did a good job on the shoulder. Thank you!

It was 14 degrees this morning.  These winter days make for clear air and incredibly blue skies.  A long climb like this is a great way to warm up.

Mesmerizing. As I was looking around I felt sad the camera would not capture the atmosphere

you just ride right up into better

Mai unpacked our rechargeable batteries, so now I have a steady supply of double A’s to run my camera.  I set a new record taking almost 300 photos today.  Got it down to 15 good ones for this blog post.  Taking photos helps me see with precision.

Day itself seems to throw a celebration in New Mexico

On Forest Road 333 now, La Luz, traffic is light

a different kind of blue here

This climb humbled me today.  I took a rest day yesterday and I was trying to gently rekindle the system.  I definitely knew how I felt once I got into the top half of the climb.  So I took it easy.

I had my jacket open to dissipate that heat. Wore my special SESES wool jersey today & on Applied Ecology Lab pedals

Even when alone I’m still relying on all the help I receive from my friends and family. Gracias.  Bicycling is wonderful