The Magical History Cruise was a bike ride through time and space organized by SFCT through the Outside / Bike and Brew event. Twenty riders participated in the ride on the morning of May 21, including visitors from Albuquerque and Durango, but primarily consisting of local folks curious to learn more about our city’s varied history.
We focused on transportation history in and around the city center, and how it relates today’s trail system, including plans for a “Grand Unified Trail System” throughout the Santa Fe area. We visited stretches of all three National Historic Trails in our area, one active and two abandoned railroads, the Acequia Madre, the old hydropower plant at the Water History Park, and the original alignment of Route 66.
Water History Park , with Hydropower Plant, whose feed line (and historic interpretation) can be visited above Junction 29 in Dale Ball Trails
Galisteo St., an old way into town from the Galisteo Basin, site of ancient pueblos and wonderful trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, built and maintained by the Commonweal Conservancy, a GUTS Partner
Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Depot
New Mexico Central Railroad (Acequia Trail), whose railbed can also be explored by trail in and around the subdivision of Rancho Viejo – a GUTS partner with whom we hope to build a rail trail to Eldorado and beyond.
Route 66 (1926-37). A more dramatic – and authentic – experience of the pre-1937 alignment of Route 66 can be had on the rugged switchbacks above La Bajada Village, in the southwest corner of the Santa Fe National Forest’s Caja del Rio area.
El Camino Real “Original Route” (Agua Fria St.)
El Camino Real “Hiking Trail” (Santa Fe River Trail). Another “retracement” route reflecting the Camino’s original alignment northwest of Santa Fe will soon allow hikers and cyclists to connect a south-side section of the River Trail all the way to BLM’s Diablo Canyon trailhead, via the City’s Municipal Recreation Center.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (“Chili Line”), whose railbed can also found in the southwest corner of La Tierra Trails
I think a good time was had by all. Thanks Outside Bike and Brew, New Mexico Brewers Guild, vendors and volunteers – especially Santa Fe Fat Tire Society – for another great event. We are looking forward to another running next year.