bicycling

Bicyling is my favorite sport- as well as a good way to get around. No (or at least less) traffic,free exercise, reduce the pollution generated, etc. In this area it is possible to ride year-round. Yes, it is hot in the summer, and somewhat cold in the winter, but neither is bad enough to stop me from riding. I used to ride the tandem, pulling the kids in the trailer- but now Ryan rides the tandem with me and Dylan rides with his father. Some tandem pictures:

Ryan with his dad.

Ryan with me (on the way to soccer).

Dylan on a tandem.

I ride to/from work 2-4 days a week. The ride is 11 miles usually, and 17 miles if I ride from home (one way). Unfortunately (for training purposes) the route is pretty flat.

I make up for that by trying to ride hilly rides on the weekends. New Mexico has a lot fewer paved roads (outside of the city) than the midwest. This means I tend to ride the same roads and routes. Some of these are in the cue sheets section.

Clubs and organizations:

The New Mexico Chile Peddlers are a group of tandem bicycle enthuasists. We meet at least once per month to ride our tandems, talk about tandems, and generally have a good time. We often go out to lunch after the ride. Rides are typically 40 miles (often with shorter options). Anyone with a tandem or an interest in tandems is welcome.

In addition to club rides, there are informal weekly rides.

The New Mexico Touring Society has weekly and monthly rides for all levels of ability. They even have TANDEM rides.

Ultramarathon cycling is cyling long distances- often (always?) with a support vehicle.

RAAM has its own website.

Randonnering is cycling long distances on your own. Carrying (or purchasing along the way) most or all of your supplies. Brevets have a time limit, but are not a race.