In the News   NM Bike Route 12 Unvailing August 20,2008 Posted August 17, 2008 The "Grand Opening" of the New Mexico Bike Route 12 in Tijeras featuring NMDOT Deputy Secretary Pego Guerrerortiz. This event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday very close to the start of NM 337, Wednesday, August 20, 2008. State Bike Route 12 is a beautiful 12-mile ride with wide paved shoulders through the Manzanita Mountains south of Tijeras on NM337 (also known as "South 14"). SBR12 ends at the junction with NM217, a narrow 11-mile road that cyclists may use to loop back to Old Route 66 (NM333) about eight miles east of Tijeras.) Tom Trowbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, Equestrian Coordinator New Mexico Department of Transportation 1120 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 Phone:505.827.0050 Fax: 505.827.3229 Trowbridge, Tom P, NMDOT [ TomP.Trowbridge@state.nm.us ]     Cumbres - Toltec Challenge, August 24, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 Come chase the Cumbres & Toltec, America's highest narrow gauge scenic railroad, through the mountains of north-central New Mexico and Southern Colorado. On Sunday, August 24, the Sunday Express train will provide bicyclists a unique opportunity to race the train uphill from Chama depot to the historic town of Cumbres or downhill it from Cumbres back to Chama. The Challenge will take uphill riders along New Mexico Highway 17 approximately 15 miles climbing over 2,100' of vertical to the top of Cumbres Pass where a picnic lunch will be served. Riders can then return to Chama depot via the train. Riders choosing to downhill can take the train to Cumbres, enjoy a picnic lunch and then race the train back to Chama depot. Pick your ride OR take the double challenge and race the train both ways! The Cumbres - Toltec Challenge train departs Chama Depot at 11am and will return by 3 pm. Purchase your tickets early as space for hauling bicycles will be limited. If you would like to "haul" your bike on the train one way, there would be an additional $15 charge. Please inform the ticket agent of your special request. The Cumbres Toltec Challenge Train departs Chama at 11:00 AM. Arrives back to Chama at 3:00 PM. FARES: $49 Adult $25 Child includes Lunch and Beverages Please go to: wwwcumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-CUMBRES for more details and to reserve your ticket on train.     Adventure Cycling - US Bicycling Route System, July 17, 2008 Posted June 3, 2008 Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:30 -8:00pm Albuquerque REI 1550 Mercantile Ave (I-25 & Montaño) Adventure Cycling Association is helping lead the effort ot develop an official US Bicycle Route System. Join Ginny Sullivan, AC's New Routes Coordinator, and Richard Mouer of AZDOT to lear more about this initiative. Sullivan will also talk about Adventure Cycling's new routes, tours and programs. Join us from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Clinic Room at REI. It is located at the NW corner of I-25 and Montano. We also encourage you to invite fellow cyclists, friends, or family. Snacks will be served. Please RSVP by July 11 to Beth Petersen: 800-755-2453 x211 or bpetersen@adventurecycling.org We are also looking for a few volunteers to help with the event by picking up some snacks and beverages, and prepping the gathering location. Please contact Becky Douglas at bdouglas@adventurecycling.org or 800-755-2453 ext. 235 if you are interested. Becky will be out of the office through July 11th and will get back to you on July 14 with more details about volunteering. Beth Petersen Adventure Cycling Association 800-755-2453 x 211 www.adventurecycling.org     GARTC Members Needed Posted May 5, 2008 Do any of you know of a person who would be interested in becoming a member of the Greater Albuquerque Recreational Trails Committee? GARTC provides input to the city about off-street trails, e.g. the Bosque Trail, etc. The following representative positions are open: 1. Pedestrians and Hikers 2. Runners and Joggers (Cyclists can walk, run, jog, or hike too) Applicants will need to fill out a nominee form that I can send via e-mail. Theresa M. Baca Baca, TBaca@cabq.gov Associate Trails Planner Transportation Division Department of Municipal Development Phone #505-768-3649     Otero Canyon Military Withdrawal Boundaries Still in Effect Posted July 25, 2007 Recent newspaper articles have led some hikers/bikers to believe that DOE/Kirtland officials have relaxed their regulations regarding the Military Withdrawal boundaries. Be advised that the boundaries are still intact and the signs posted along the boundaries provide up-to-date information. A decision has been made (by the military officials currently in command) to not construct a fence, but again, boundaries are intact, and safety and liability issues continue to be a concern. Negotiations are in progress with the Forest Service to determine if a portion of the withdrawal can be returned to the Forest Service, but no decisions have been made. Military officials continue to patrol the area and will cite trespassers who violate the regulations as posted on the signs. USFS, Sandia Ranger District     Child Helmet Safety Act Effective July 1st, 2007. Posted July 16, 2007 New Mexico law requires all minors under age 18 operating or passenger on a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, skates and tricycle wear a well-fitted protective bicycle helmet, fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet. This law takes effect on July 1st, 2007 and helmets will be required at all Skate Parks, Bicycle Paths, Parks, and Public Roadways. See the law.     City of Albuquerque Jerseys Available from Parks and Recreation Posted July 16, 2007 Jersey Front Cool new City of Albuquerque jerseys are available from Parks and Recreation for $79.95. This will be the only time the City will offer them so get them now. Made by Primal. Full length zipper and 3-pocket back. Sizes: men's S, M, L, XL. XXL will be available August. Women's S, M, L, XL XS and XXL are coming. Sizes run a little small. Also available in some bike shops whose stock is from the City. Contact: Chuck Malagodi Bike Safety Educator Bike Safety Education Program 1801 4th St. NW, Building A ABQ, NM 87102 505-768-2453 cmalagodi@cabq.gov www.cabq.gov/recreation