by Joyce Cunningham
The Old Tascosa Cycling Club of Amarillo decided to celebrate April Fools Day outside. The club hosted rides starting at 2:00 pm from the Juniper Camp Ground in Palo Duro Canyon, on Sunday, April 1, 2007. The conditions were perfect with temperatures in the mid 70’s and almost no wind.
Palo Duro Canyon is one of the best known Texas State Parks and is affectionately known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”. This miraculous canyon, opened in 1934, was formed by water erosion. It has over 26,000 scenic acres; 120 miles long and 20 miles wide; and a maximum depth of 800 feet.
Opportunities to explore the canyon on your bicycle by yourself, or join one of the many guided rides for all ages were offered by experienced riders. There were mountain trail rides and road rides. One of the road rides took the more adventuresome experienced riders up up up out of the canyon, then to the city of Canyon, and back to Palo Duro Canyon for about a 35 mile trip.
There were no Fools today as an estimated 50 riders got back from their workout in time to be treated to a cookout of hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, chips, brownies, and drinks that were devoured and enjoyed by all. What a great way to enjoy this spectacular Sunday afternoon.
Non-members were invited to join the Texas Bicycle Coalition and the local Old Tascosa Cycling Club and participate in future events such as this and other rides and races throughout the upcoming months. Thank you to all the volunteers (ride leaders and cooks) for their time and dedication, and the great cookout.
