Associated Press
VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE — The Valles Caldera National Preserve will open June 18-19 for mountain bikers.
"Pedal the Preserve'' will allow cyclists to pay $20 and choose from among three separate rides across parts of the 89,000-acre preserve in the Jemez Mountains near Los Alamos.
Riders can start anytime between 8 a.m. and noon each day as long as they finish by 4 p.m.
An easy to moderate 12-mile loop will be offered both days. It will include short sub loops along the way that less-experienced riders or families with children can handle.
The preserve is offering different, more difficult rides both days for more experienced bicyclists.
Saturday's ride of about 30 miles is not technically challenging but includes a few thigh-burning climbs.
The preserve is not normally open to bikes, said Ray Powell, executive director of the Valles Caldera Trust, which manages the preserve. Because of that, "we hope as many people as possible will take advantage of this opportunity to experience the preserve,'' he said.
It's the second year in a row that the preserve opened up time for mountain bikes.
Congress bought the preserve in 2000 for $101 million and it remains a limited access area.
news 
...go to bookmarks
E-mail Story
Print Friendly
