West Side Loop #1
This ride is rather short at 31 miles but there are opportunities to lengthen it. One way is to start at the Bosque Path parking lot at Alameda. This would add about 8 flat miles. For a longer ride in the same area, see the West Side Loop #2.
It begins on the paved Bosque Path where it intersects Montano Rd. You can park at the shopping center (Coors and Montano), or at the Bosque School (west of Coors, south of Montano and has a bike path to Montano).
Head south on the bike path and enjoy the scenery (and absence of motor vehicles). You will pass the Rio Grande Nature center, Tingley Beach, the Zoo, and the Hispanic Cultural center. There is no sign on the bike path at Rio Bravo. It is the overpass after you go around a gate, 9.3 miles from Montano. Go left on the access road to enter Rio Bravo road, then head west across the river.
Rio Bravo is busy for a few miles but there is a wide shoulder to ride on. After crossing south Coors, traffic is minimal. The climb up the mesa is about 800 feet but not steep. Turn right at the top of the climb (no other choice really) and head north. There are great views of Albuquerque and Sandia mountain from the wide-open high desert west mesa.
At the next big intersection turn right. This is Central/Rt66, with Paseo de Vulcan continuing north over the freeway. The road down the mesa is not ideal but traffic is seldom heavy. Continue past 98th St to Unser which is 4 miles from where you turned.
Go north on Unser where there is a bike lane or path most of the way. You pass the Petroglyph National Monument on the left. The traffic light at Dellyne is 5.4 miles from Central.
Heading east and downhill, cross Coors to enter Bosque School via Learning Road. Follow the road as it bends north and pick up the bike path to Montano and back to the start.
