“I can’t believe that is Central Avenue!”  –ABQ resident upon seeing Central Ave. with cyclists
What an honor to ride with the New Mexico Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.  There is something about bicycling that centers us and grows the sense of community.  This ride goes from downtown Albuquerque up Central Avenue, and follows the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe.

Riders were colorful and visible at the start near the downtown government campuses.  People gathered together.  The Chaplain said a prayer.  A vocalist soared through the National Anthem, his voice reverberating down the street corridors and booming off building walls.  The human voice and bicyclist presence filled the quiet streets in the stillness of the morning light.

Just after 8 am we were off heading up Central Ave.  The police escorts on motor bikes provided a rolling enclosure and stopped all traffic at cross streets.  It was wonderful bicycling Central.

Bicycling is a community building activity and a life empowering force.  Central, old Route 66, is such a vital life line in Albuquerque.  We transformed Central today with beautiful people power.

When people ask me why I moved to New Mexico I tell them for the bicycling.  But sometimes I’ll say for the farmers and the local food.  Then I start to make a list to include all the people, the flagship University of New Mexico, diversity, cultural appreciation, the river, the mountains, everything in between in the landscape together.  Maybe I should make it much simpler by saying I moved to New Mexico for the Flying Star eatery.  That would also be true.

I met lots of friendly people today.  It is easy to talk while bicycling in the open air under the blue New Mexico sky.  It was joyful experiencing Nob Hill by bike with neighbors and friends.

The route took us past memorials where officers had fallen in the line of duty.  There were bagpipes playing and officers standing at attention.  Music is a touching tribute.

In the Village of Tijeras I left the peloton and headed up the Sandia Crest.  People doing the 30K ride turned back toward Albuquerque, and those in for the 100K ventured north on the Turquoise Trail for Santa Fe.  Thank you New Mexico Law Enforcement Officers and community.

 

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Ride is my bike org. of the month for April 2015.  They did a super job organizing this ride.  I am grateful.  Here they are on Facebook.