Bernalillo Blast

Area Map The Bernalillo Blast is a good winter ride due to the low elevation of Bernalillo and Algodones. In the summer begin early. Tramway has really nice shoulders from I-25 to I-40. Tramway is a popular cycling route. There are spectacular views of the Sandias as you climb east on Tramway. The climb is a moderate, steady climb up from I-25 until you hit the Juan Tabo Picnic Area turnoff. The "BLAST" is the thrilling descent down Tramway that begins about at the intersection with the Juan Tabo Picnic Ground down to I-25. Starting: This classic, scenic ride begins at the Smith's at Montgomery and Tramway. Distance: 39 & 50 Mile Options, 1700 ft elevation gain Roadway: Also, NM313 from Tramway to Bernalillo is in pretty bad shape, state highway finances being such a disaster. It is a 2-lane road with crumbling edges with moderate traffic fast. There is routine bicycle traffic, touring to racers, on this road but the 6 miles or so may be intimidating to beginners. Notes: There are convenience stores along Tramway and at I-25 and Tramway. There is always the Ranch in Bernalillo for lunch. Options: Lengthen the ride by beginning at 4-Hills at Tramway/Central/I-40. Add a ride out to San Ysidro. Add a ride out to San Felipe pueblo. Add a side climb up to the Elena Gallegos Open space.

Bernalillo Blast 39 Mile Option

Bernalillo Blast CueSheet // 39 Mile Option, 1700 ft elevation gain Mileage Waypoint Description 0 Smiths (Montgomery) Follow Tramway (NM556) north, slightly uphill to the curve west in the Sandia Indian Reservation. At about 5 miles begin the "blast" downhill Tramway with vistas in all directions. Pass under I-25 on Tramway to the well signed turn south to Bernalillo on NM313 just before the 2nd and 4th street intersections. Tramway has wide, clean shoulders, the way all highways should be. 10.6 NM313&Tramway Follow NM313 due north to US550 at the first traffic light that you come to in Bernalillo. Be careful on NM313 since there are no shoulders, the edge is broken in places, and the traffic is fast. Fortunately, there is a lot of bicycle traffic on NM313 so you won't be alone. Ride single file. 19 NM550&NM313: The 39 mile option jogs east(right) to McDonalds for a late breakfast. Turn around here and follow the same route back up NM313 and Tramway, remembering that "what ever goes down must go up!". 39 Smiths Turn east (right) onto NM315, pass the tree farm, cross I-25 over the bridge to the far, east, frontage road.

Bernalillo Blast 50 Mile Option

Bernalillo Blast CueSheet // 50 Mile Options, 1700 ft elevation gain Mileage Waypoint Description 0 Smiths (Montgomery) Follow Tramway (NM556) north, slightly uphill to the curve west in the Sandia Indian Reservation. At about 5 miles begin the "blast" downhill Tramway with vistas in all directions. Pass under I-25 on Tramway to the well signed turn south to Bernalillo on NM313 just before the 2nd and 4th street intersections. Tramway has wide, clean shoulders, the way all highways should be. 10.6 NM313 & Tramway Turn right (north) onto NM313 and ride to US550 at the first traffic light that you come to in Bernalillo. Be careful on NM313 since there are no shoulders, the edge is broken in places, and the traffic is fast. Fortunately, there is a lot of bicycle traffic on NM313 so you won't be alone. Ride single file. 19 NM550 The 50 mile option continues straight (north) on NM313 from NM550 to the town of Algodones. There is minimal traffic after leaving Bernalillo making for a nice ride. In Algodones, just before the power plant, is the signed east (right) turnoff for NM315. There is a grocery store just past NM550. 25.5 NM315 Turn east (right) onto NM315, pass the tree farm, cross I-25 over the bridge to the far, east, frontage road. 25.6 I-25 Frontage Rd Turn south (right) on the I-25 east frontage road (two-way). This is a nice stretch of highway except for the gravel trucks that enter the highway near Placitas. 31.5 NM550 (Exit 242) Placitas Turn right (west) onto NM550. Stop at McD's or some other place in Bernalillo for a bite. Continue on to NM313 at the traffic light you passed earlier. 32.25 NM313 & NM550 Turn left (south) on NM313, ride through Bernalillo to Tramway. There is a grocery store and the Ranch restaurant. 40.5 Tramway & NM313 Return to the starting point by the same route back up Tramway. Pause to catch your breath and a view of the buffalo herd at the Bien Mur indian market as you ascend Tramway. As Tramway curves south appreciate the slight downhill back to the starting place. 51 Montgomery Smiths at Montgomery and Tramway

NM313 and Tramway

Bernalillo and Algodones

Bernalillo Blast Elevation Profile

Smith's - Bernalillo - Algodones - Bernalillo.