Day of the Tread is Albuquerque's big Halloween season send-off — a costumed, charitable, genuinely all-ages party on wheels that raises money for New Mexico children and family nonprofits. Sugar skulls at the aid stations, motivating music along the routes, a costume contest, and a full post-ride TreadFest at Sawmill Market. The vibe is celebration, not competition — Tread*Heads in skeleton getups cheering you through the recharge zones is a real thing here.
Routes fan out through some of the most scenic corners of the Albuquerque metro, with a stop at El Pinto among the themed recharge zones. Road options run 6, 12, 18, 23, 47, 55, 66, and 100 miles, so you can bring literally anyone. If you want dirt, the Bosque BoneShaker Gravel Grinder adds 8, 17, 31, 50, and 73-mile courses through the cottonwood corridor — roughly 40% dirt, 60% paved. Note: e-bikes are welcome on the road rides but not permitted on the BoneShaker per city ordinance.
Everything rolls out of and returns to the Sawmill District near Old Town, capping with TreadFest at Sawmill Market. There's also a 4K fun walk for nonprofits if you've got non-cycling friends looking for an excuse to show up in costume. Big event, low gatekeeping — it's a good one.