Because you got that new RAMalicious internet device for the holidays and mostly because the page reprinted below is so chock full of interesting stuff, we’re just shipping the full page 13 of the March 2, 1975 Albuquerque Journal at full resolution. It’s worth it and your new smokin’ device can handle it.

So much to chew upon here, but it’s hard not to start with the fact stories generally about cycling in Burque and specifically about the brand-spanking new City Bike Plan were to be found in the “Woman’s World” section. Guess women just weren’t up to too much home economics and getting married that week of March back in 1975. Yes, I am kidding.

Here’s a bigger version of that fabulously lo-fi illustration of the Plan’s proposed Eastsidet cycling heaven 50 years ago.

If you’re one who rides pretty much all over town these days, the map above explains how some of the today’s cycle route weirdness got its start. E.g., why is there that weird 2nd to Claremont to Broadway to Prospect…? Well, see the map above.

The Journal’s big reason to bring up the Plan and map was Pat Kailer’s feature on the 400-strong Sandia Bicycle Association (SBA), among whose members up to 200 Sandia Labs employees rode together in some fashion pretty much every workday in warmer months. In 1975. And yes, while helmets were optional, 1970s haircuts and facial hair were evidently not.

Any idea what stroad SBA members are blocking above with their beautiful “bikes may use full lane” mentality? And look at that pavement! And that front bike light big enough for a naval carrier! And how did photographer Ray Cary get that shot?

Fun, fun times.

50 years later, we probably wouldn’t see a feature story about cyclists sequestered to the “Woman’s World” section of the newspaper and that’s not only because there’s no such thing as a “Woman’s World” section of the newspaper anymore. As a cyclist who identifies male, I’ll add I’d be 1000% for a full-page (almost) story today about cycling with photos and illustrations in a “Woman’s World” section. Especially if I could be in the photo riding that bike with the naval carrier front light.

P.S.: Speaking of newspapers, I did see the Grand Re-Opening of the Journal’s Opinion Section in yesterday’s edition. Two observations:

1. I’m 63, and I’d guess I’m still well under the average age of those serving on the Journal’s Community Council.
2. As befits a newspaper with a Community Council with an average age over 63, I also note six full pages of obituaries, color photos of the deceased included, and zero pages of wedding/engagment announcements. There may be no “Woman’s World” anymore, but it’s all “Dead and Dying People’s World.” I don’t know if that’s a sustainable business model.