Non MT bike riders are welcome on the trip as well. You can drive up and hike several of the short trails in the area and meet the riders at the top in a picnic area. This will be a slow uphill ride for 9 miles stopping along the way to see the Fall Colors in the Manzano Mountains. Let's meet at 8:00AM at Smiths (SE corner of Central and Tramway) and we’ll car pool the 45 miles to our starting point in Tajique, at the grocery store. A MT bike or a Cross Trainer bike will be needed on a graded dirt road for most our journey. This ride has a very gradual elevation gain from 6,500’ to 8,000’ and is rated at moderate for aerobic level and easy on technical skills (1 out of 5). Actual ride time is around 3 hours but we’ll definitely take scenery stops. We will stop for a rest at the picnic area at the top before continuing on down hill to Torreon. Then only 4 miles back to the starting point along the road. Plan B for the day, if wet conditions or closure of the roads, would be an alternate Albuquerque ride closer to town. Bring your wheels, plenty of water, sunscreen, bike gear (helmet required), and don’t forget the camera. If there are people that would like to drive around the loop and follow the riders, would be great. As usual we may reward our efforts with lunch/early dinner afterwards on the way back. Tom Mizner (830-9734 or cell 301-2460).