ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — This is an article about five friends from Albuquerque who like to play hard. They are: Paul Lucero, retired co-owner of Sparkle Maintenance; Don Wagner, retired owner of Wagner Mechanical; Sean Stroud, software architect at Sandia Labs; Gerry Giese, software solutions architect at Sandia Labs; and Randall Marshall, partner at K2MD, an advertising and branding agency. The men range in age from 50-something to 60-something. A hobby that keeps the group close is their shared love for riding bicycles off-road, otherwise known as mountain biking.

1) Can you please share some information about the history of the group? What’s the meaning behind the name?

Paul:  The group with its five current riders has been together for about two years. Don and I began road cycling together almost a decade ago participating in various organized distance rides.  We both had mountain biked in the past. Don was the first to re-enter the “dark side of the force” by purchasing a new mountain bike and beginning to trail ride. He soon invited me and, after one ride, I also purchased a new mountain bike and the group was on its way. The next year Sean joined, followed by Gerry and then Randall. A ride is organized almost every weekend, usually meeting at the Tramway & Central Einstein’s Bagels, and then it’s off to the trails. We soon found the biker-gang needed a name and agreed on the OGREs (Old Guys Riding Everywhere).

 2) Approximately how long have the rest of you been riding with the group? What drew you to the group? Did you ride before?

Sean:  I’ve been mountain biking in New Mexico since the ’90s, but it was usually alone. Gerry and I worked together at Sandia Labs in 2016 and one day we noticed that we both used the Sandia-provided bikes to get from building to building. We started mountain biking together after that. In 2017, I discovered my long-time friend Paul had also gotten into mountain biking.  I’ve always loved the sport but what draws me to the group is the camaraderie. Adventures are much more fun when you share them with friends.

Gerry:  I’ve been riding with the group for just about five years but had casually ridden on and off in the past, nothing serious. I met Sean at work and was invited on a ride. I had a great time and the guys were patient with me as I learned; they waited for me at the top of hills. I was hooked, and as I progressed and my bikes got better, I was able to “hang” with the group much better. The stories, good-natured ribbing, and sharing of events in each other’s lives has been a blessing.

Randall:  I have been riding with the group for about a year and a half. I met Paul through mutual friends and we have been snow skiing together for years.  It really is a great group – lots of camaraderie.

3) Would you describe mountain biking as a good buddy sport?  Why? What’s the best part of being in the group?

Don:  Mountain biking is an excellent buddy sport for anyone.  Especially for those of us whose skill levels might not match their EGOS.  Safety is a concern when mountain biking, not so much on local easy trails but on longer more difficult terrain.  In case of an injury, it is always good practice to go in threes.  The injured person, one to stay with him, and the third to go for help, if needed.  The group members have fairly similar skill levels which makes for enjoyable outings.

4) What advantage does mountain biking have over biking on regular bike paths around the city?

Paul:  It offers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery and requires an adventuresome spirit, technique, and stamina.  A great attitude is a must for this group.

Sean:  Mountain biking has an adventure aspect to it that you don’t get in the city. You’re way out there in the woods, sometimes not exactly sure where you are. There is this sense of discovery. And there are obstacles – steep climbs, rocky descents, logs, ledges, jumps. It takes a lot of skill as well as fitness. Unlike road biking, it’s not just about pedaling; you can’t zone out for even a second. You must be 100% present mentally and physically every moment. Even after all these years, it still thrills me.

Don:  For those interested in mountain biking, I suppose the endorphins, the places you get to experience, no traffic, and being completely focused on the 10-20 feet directly in front of your front tire.

5) Is mountain biking a four-season sport in New Mexico? If not, how do you keep in condition during the off-months?

 Randall:  Absolutely. We are fortunate to live in such a great climate for outdoor activities. Even during the winter months, the temperatures aren’t too bad and if we do get bad weather, it doesn’t stay long. It’s a great addition to my gym workouts, and it’s a lot more fun too.

 Gerry:  You can ride in the Albuquerque/Tijeras/Sandia Crest area pretty much any time there isn’t snow on the ground (unless you have a “Fat Bike”). Even when it rains, the water soaks in and the Foothills and Placitas are usually good to go to the next day. Higher elevations and forested trails may be muddy for a few days, and not as accessible when there’s snowpack, but the range in elevations and geology nearby means you can always find someplace interesting to ride.

6) Sean, can you share some general tips for people who want to document their own sports activities?

Sean:  For getting first-person footage from the saddle, a GoPro is a must. The challenge is getting smooth video.  The newer GoPros have great image stabilization, but I still prefer strapping my GoPro onto a 3-axis gimbal that I wear as a chest mount. That way the image is always level regardless of body position. Of course, the contraption does make me look like a complete nerd but let’s face it, that’s what I am!

7) Have you ever gotten hurt in this sport?  What keeps you coming back?

Gerry:  Yes. I’ve torn my shoulder, broken a rib, and gotten numerous tiny scrapes and scratches on my shins and calves. Weird to say, but all worth it and part of learning.

Paul:  Injuries are expected and don’t usually faze any of the riders. The friendship and excitement of the trails are effective lures for each of the gang-members.

Don:  We have all been hurt to varying degrees.  That just goes with the territory, but at least none of the accidents involved cars and happened at relatively low speeds.  If things get too dicey, you just get off and walk.  Mountain biking is like hiking but faster paced and has a bit of an element of danger.

Randall:  Yes. Fortunately, we have all healed pretty quickly. The bruises to my ego may last a little longer.

8) What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had while mountain biking? What’s your favorite trail?

Randall:  So far, I would say Sedona is a pretty magical place to ride.

Don:  One of the most memorable rides Paul and I were on a few years ago, before the others came along, was a bit south and west of San Ysidro on a system called White Mesa.  The third person with us was ill prepared physically, insufficiently hydrated, with poor equipment.  The result was he eventually had to be rescued by two search and rescue teams from Jemez Springs.  As I stated before, I rode out to get help and Paul stayed with the injured party.  Not sure if I have a favorite trail as many offer different challenges, different scenery, and different conditions.

Paul:  Outside of the experience Don described, last year’s Moab, UT, ride is the most memorable for me with the favorite trail being Bull Run. Spectacular!

9) Any advice for new mountain bikers?

Gerry:  Practice in parking lots and parks to get familiar with your bike.

Don’t be afraid to hike-a-bike through rough trail sections you aren’t confident in yet. If you want to tackle that rough stuff, wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Build your general endurance and fitness and you’ll find everything gets easier. On any ride more than half an hour, always bring extra water, a spare tube and mini-pump, and a pocket size bike-specific multi-tool. Beyond that, watch mountain biking videos on YouTube!

Paul:  Be patient. Developing riding skills happens with riding so ride often to advance your skill-set quickly. Talk to other riders you encounter; the mountain biking community is awesome.  Finally, encourage other riders; we all need that extra boost!

Don:  Know where you are going and how to get back, go with others, invest in decent bikes so you aren’t broken down an hour or two from your car, take plenty of water and food, some first aid, and a few spare parts, AND wear a helmet – you will need it!

Randall:  Get out there. It’s so accessible. There are so many beautiful trails in and around Albuquerque.

10) Are there plans for upcoming trips?

Paul:  A second Moab trip would be nice.  Maybe 2022 will be the year for that adventure.

Godspeed to you, fellas!

Sean is an amateur photographer and videographer. His photos are included in this article and his action footage can be seen at  https://youtu.be/kg-sE1GL3V8  –AND–  https://youtu.be/biEJVq6L1oI.

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