4CU 004 : 2011 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

[Ken J]

Please do - tell him we miss him

[Boondocker]

I was just looking at Google maps, if you click directions and select 'bike' a map of bike routes pops up. Looks like you can pretty much go anywhere in the city on bike routes which is nice. BUT see how cool the route down to Old Town is! AND its less than 12 miles each way. That would be a phenomenal ride in the Fall. See morning glow, ect., then hop on the bike for an hour or so, see Old Town for several hours, hop back on and be back at the camper for happy hour. Sounds like a perfect day to me. Wish I would have done that when I went to the rally.

[eubank]

I just did the same with Bing maps and got about 9 mi. Either way, it's not that far.

I'm going to have to do something about my bike basket. My old one, which would be good for hauling camera stuff, is badly beat up, the result of carting around way-too-heavy propane cylinders in it. The "new" one is one of those saddle-bag types and won't fit the camera stuff (or a propane cylinder).


Lynn

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by eubank

I'm going to have to do something about my bike basket.

Lynn

I bought one with the map case thing, it detaches and has a detachable shoulder strap. It holds a camera (but not a lot of "stuff" for it) and my reflective clothing. I like it pretty well.

[eubank]

I also bought a padded camera bag, one that slings over one shoulder only. It's handy and comfortable for short carries, but not the greatest for longer treks (as I discovered while hiking the trails at Petroglyph Natl Mon last fall).

Apropos roads in ABQ, the road up at the intersection nearest Vicki's place is Paseo del Vulcan. If you follow it north, it ends at an intersection with Paseo del Norte, at that point still just out in empty territory on the mesa. And if you follow Paseo del Norte east, it winds up just a couple of blocks south of Balloon Fiesta Park. Turns out to be an easy, low-speed route with traffic that isn't nearly as horrific as it is on the interstate route to the same location. We left ABQ with the Airstream on this route in the fall.


Lynn

[mello mike]

The Summer 2011 issue of Airstream Life is out which features my article on the 2010 Balloon Fiesta (with pics from the 2007 Fiesta). Check it out and let me know what you think.

[Steelegood]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

I bought one with the map case thing, it detaches and has a detachable shoulder strap. It holds a camera (but not a lot of "stuff" for it) and my reflective clothing. I like it pretty well.

Hey Boondocker:

Are you going to be at the festival? I would look forward to meeting you. I've enjoyed your photography page, travel site and your favorite campgrounds project maps. As we will be traveling mainly on I40 the entire way, I was looking for some boondocking sites, and suggestions, but found little, or was to tired to see them. Can you give us any guidelines on places along that route?

Regards, Terry.

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by Steelegood

Hey Boondocker:

Are you going to be at the festival? I would look forward to meeting you. I've enjoyed your photography page, travel site and your favorite campgrounds project maps. As we will be traveling mainly on I40 the entire way, I was looking for some boondocking sites, and suggestions, but found little, or was to tired to see them. Can you give us any guidelines on places along that route?

Regards, Terry.

Terry, thanks for the kind words! I have no plans for attending the rally this year- wish I could, but I can not. Most of the better spots I know for boondocking are in the mountains and not really along the way.

Having said that:

• There is a world class wildlife refuge just north of Lawton Oklahoma that is perfect that time of year. I would give it a couple days. The elk, buffalo, long horn cattle roam freely throughout the refuge including the campground. You might get lucky and catch them in rut. The refuge also conducts elk tours behind the gated area during season.
• Palo Duro State Park in Texas is a nice days travel from the refuge. Again, October is a great time to be there. I suggest looking at reservations since it is very popular.
• Outside Tucmcari NM, Conchas Lake State Park. It is out of the way, and you can boondock beside the lake for $8 I think. Worth a night.
• The riverside campgrounds up Jemez Canyon are nice that time of year, the higher elevation camps in the pines will be a good bit cooler.
• Chama (to the north) is beautiful that time of year and the steam train is a nice days excursion.
• Check with the Four Corners Unit to see what their rally schedule is like. Pumpkin Chunking, and Sept in the Pines usually fall into that time period.

All and all, Sept-Oct is a wonderful time to visit NM. You wont run out of things to do even if you are there the entire two months. Let me know if you have more questions.

[Airxtream]

Albuquerque is starting to look like an urban bikers paradise. Lots of bicycle trails and bike friendly services are available at this city website. Biking in Albuquerque - City of Albuquerque With hundreds of miles of trails and paths, the city seems perfect for Airstreamers with Bikes. A real bonus for us visiting the Fiesta.

For local commuters, the city even has a guaranteed ride home program to encourage use of alternative transportation.

[Ken J]

Yup and the bike path is right out your door at Balloon Fiesta Park - I will have my bike and am planning a ride for anyone who is interested

Ken J.

[Steelegood]

Just read the article in "Airstream Life", great article Mello, and Ken...., how is celebrity life (with picture and all)? Just for curiosity sake, how many Airstream'ers are now signed up?

Terry.

[Air Cruiser]

Are there any spots remaining for the Balloon Fiesta? We are wondering what the weather normally is like there at that time of the year? (Temperature and preciptation.)

We've been discussing attending the Fiesta for some time, but we just don't know if we can be gone that long this year.

Thanks.

Deb

[billberk]

Are there spots left for the rally?

Thanks,

Bill

[Ken J]

Celebrity life is pretty good - the constant interviews and TV appearances are demanding, but the Lear Jet they sent me was nice......

Yes we do have some spots left - we are the largest group at the Festa, so they work with us - can't say that will always be, but for now we can still get some spots.

Ken J.

[miker64867]

How do we add our 'yes' to the RSVP page?

Also, we are planning on leaving Monday. Will it be difficult to get out before the rally ends?

[Ken J]

Please PM me your email address and I'll send you the sign up sheet - you may come and go as you like, so leaving early is not a problem - other than we will miss you.

Ken J.

[billberk]

Check one off the bucket list. We're in. Check's in the mail.

[Ken J]

Swaaaweet!

[StreamRollin]

Ken - can another one tag along? I have the sign up form, just want to make sure there's room for us so I can send the check on Monday. Wendy

[Ken J]

Yes - we have a few spots.

Ken J.