Biking enthusiasts and casual riders alike in Las Cruces, grab your helmets and join Mayor Eric Enriquez this Saturday for a journey on two wheels. The 2024 Mayor's Bike Ride is set to kick off at 9 a.m. on September 14, starting at La Llorona Trail's south trailhead. With parking available off Calle de Norte and the east levee road, participants can choose between a family-friendly five-mile jaunt or stretch their legs on a longer 14-mile excursion, as reported by the City of Las Cruces.
Pedaling through the multiuse trails, riders will benefit from limited road crossings along the more ambitious route. Designed as an exhibition of the city's lesser-known trails, the event promises to be an accessible entry into Las Cruces' biking paths. “This will be a great showcase of the multiuse trails available to all Las Cruces citizens, many I’m sure do not even know they exist,” said George Pearson, Velo Cruces' vice president, as per the City of Las Cruces. With the event, biking in the community takes on a new light, as Pearson told the City of Las Cruces.
Open to all who can handle a bike, the Mayor's Ride is pushing to be more than just an athletic event, it's a family affair. It's free to join and riders are given the freedom to pivot back whenever they've had their fill. Just be sure to wear a helmet, it's mandatory. Maps for both the short and long routes can be found online, a convenient resource for those planning their day on the pedals.
City of Las Cruces and Velo Cruces Inc., a group with eyes set on the transformation of the area as a haven for walkers and bikers, sponsor the Mayor's Bike Ride. Part community gathering, part public health initiative, the ride illustrates a community thread, weaving together the love for wellness, the outdoors, and, above all, bicycles. Those interested in more details or in viewing the route maps are encouraged to visit the city's website.
