the dot connection in new mexico

I finally bit the bullet and headed out on my bike into dreaded NE Heights territory. I had several errands out that way and have wanted to get past the sense that I "must" drive when I simply must go into the Heights. I've seen some of those streets marked "Bike Route," and it doesn't much look like some of those cars want to share the road.

I chose Griegos/Comanche as my best route out, and it wasn't half bad. It goes back and forth between bike lane and bike route (a bike route is where there is no separate lane but cars are reminded by signs to share the road.) Most of it felt fairly comfortable.

There was one treacherous part, going through the I-25 on/off ramps and a ways after that. I'm not sure why it is, but it seems the bike lanes inevitably disappear right at the freeway interchanges, the most congested and potentially dangerous part of the road. At least the sidewalk was good at this part, without a bunch of annoying driveways.

On the way back, found an even better route on the separate bith paths that line Hahn Arroyo and the N. Diversion ditch--and found it was actually a shorter route.

I picked up a CD from my singing teacher, some meds at Lovelace, some prints at TJs Camera, went to the bank and to Smith's. A morning of errands in just under 3 hours. Of course, it might have taken less than an hour in my car, but I got great exercise, burned no fossil fuel, and got my kicks for the morning. Other cyclist may take pleasure in racing down a mountain road, or in bumping up and down a dirt path. I get my cycling kicks through using my bike to accomplish something that I would otherwise do in my car. Like a morning of errands.