The Pilgrimage: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This is another church in town that caught my attention every time I drove by it.
Today, I rode my bike and made the "pilgrimage".

I got up early and left early.

I have not rode my bike since the triathlon a month ago.
The first test for the day is an uphill ride from Spain and Juan Tabo to Tramway.
Such a warm up!
I made it without stopping.

Yes, I made it! Looking back...

The sun was barely peeking when I got to the bike trail on Tramway. Heading north.

Tramway trail is not busy early in the morning, so it was a perfect place for me to practice taking my biking self portrait.

Nice artwork along the trail.

Passed the entrance to the famous tram.

Heading towards the downhill drop to the casino.

After the thrill of a downhill ride, I arrived at the casino.

Road sign after I passed I-25.

 I had to go through a turn around to get to 4th street. It was nice to see a bike path.

and a little history lesson by the roadside...

 

passed by one of the famous Mexican restaurant in town.

and just before the church, I saw a wooden fence, I stopped for a photo.

Finally, my destination for today. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, the thrid oldest church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

After the church, there was a small section of road construction. The good news is, they are extending the bike path! I climbed up the hill and made a right turn into the north diversion channel.

Well, it is time to show how I have been taking those biking self portrait...

I made a left turn here to get me to Ellison.

The area east of the diversion channel is totally new to me. Thanks for signs like this.

I was really tired when I got to the trail south of San Antonio. I took a little break by taking this photo.

Then I found a tree close to Wyoming on the same trail as above.

After I crossed Wyoming, Albuqueruqe Academy was in sight. I was closer to home!

I was really tired when I got to Spain and Eubank. The lawn looked very inviting. I stopped.

When one is really tired, the next target is not far away. One more stop up the hill before getting home.

So happy to reach home!

and for the record...

so, total distance 22 miles ( 35 km ) with a total time of 3 hours and 38 minutes!

After thought: I am not in shape! If I want to do the biking part of Patriot's Triathlon this September, I better get some training done. Now, since I found out that the church is the third oldest in town, it is reasonable to plan the next trip...yes, you got it. go for the second and the first!