Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008 - (Page 37)

outdoor enthusiasm www.itsatrip.org/outdoors albuquerque’s environmental heritage T he environmental heritage of Albuquerque’s natural landscape is marked by striking variations in terrain at elevations ranging from one mile in the Rio Grande Valley to 10,678 feet at Sandia Peak. The energizing blue of high desert skies, open spaces and warming sunshine offer ideal conditions for contemplative walks and reflection, hiking and wildlife sightings, road cycling, running, mountain biking and hang-gliding. Local road cyclists appreciate the unique combination of visual stimulation and physical training opportunities the 16-mile Bosque Trail affords any two-wheeled athlete. From casual cyclists to Olympic athletes who have selected the Duke City for high-elevation training, there is a generous sense of in-transit community and camaraderie, as cyclists nod to each other along the trail passing in opposite directions. Juxtaposed between the eastern mountain range and the expanding western horizon, the bosque trail meanders through the valley from south to north with multiple entrance points for further diversions and excursions along the way. Visitors can walk, run or spin along a flat ribbon of trail, admiring the mountains, without experiencing their fatigue. To the west of the trail, careful observers of the natural world are joined by roadrunners, hawks, migrating birds, jackrabbits and lizards in a cottonwood canopy. Breathe mountain air, piñon and juniper and feel the scope of Albuquerque’s eastern mountain ranges for a more rigorous workout with an accessible and speedy journey up 5,000 feet in elevation in only 20-30 minutes. The western foothills of the Sandia Mountains offer multiple open-space parks with single tracks for hiking, cross-country running and mountain biking. Starting at 6,000 feet and climbing, the foothill openspace parks offer a wide range of choices in terrain and trail options to meet the needs of visitors seeking light exercise and escape with a view, or high-elevation endurance training. Some favorites for locals are: the Elena Gallegos Open Space Park, Embudo Canyon, Embudito Canyon and La Luz Trailhead. For wooded hikes among coniferous trees, or a scenic drive, take I-40 to the eastern side of the Sandias, where extreme cyclists will climb the mountain on two wheels, tracking back and forth to the top of the crest, only to race back down. Climbers are also found on the eastern side of the Sandias for a full range of climbing experiences from bouldering to higher-level climbs, and hang-gliding. Because of the high altitude, all visitors should take precautions to wear sunblock, stay well-hydrated, and pace outdoor activities. 37 Courtesy of www .newmexicostock .com Albuquerque often hosts professional athletes, especially runners and cyclists, for training because of the high altitude and mild weather. In winter 2008, the city was home to a two-week training camp for the ProTour Astana Cycling Team. The 2008 Astana team includes eight-time Tour de France team director and Astana Team Manager Johan Bruyneel, the 2007 Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador, and the 2007 USA National Road Champion Levi Leipheimer. Other pro teams who have recently trained in Albuquerque include Navigators Insurance team and TEAm Lipton. Astana Team Manager Johan Bruyneel is in the process of developing a training academy for junior cyclists in Albuquerque to recruit upand-coming athletes. www.itsatrip.org http://www.itsatrip.org/outdoors http://www.itsatrip.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008

Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008 Contents Welcome to Albuquerque Visitor & Relocation Information Maps Cultural Conversations Pueblo Culture Arts What's New? Family Outings Calendar of Events Ballooning High Desert Golfing Birding in Albuquerque Outdoor Enthusiasm Albuquerque's Original Flavors Shopping Destinations Resource Directory of Marketing Partners Lodging Directory Virtual Ad Index

Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide - Spring 2008

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