Bike Tourist Podcast

This is the BTP Intershow #3. In this edition, we have some information we would like to share as well as the audio from our visit to the Haak’u Museum at Sky City.

The first thing we would like to share is that the Tour of Life, a 68 miles bike ride which has been taking place for a couple of years now in the city of Guaynabo Puerto Rico, has been canceled for 2007. The tour was way to raise funds to help in the research and treatment of catastrophic diseases, and it was being organized by Bristol Myers Squibb. No clear reasons were given for the cancellation, which have led to a little speculation that the cancellation could be related to the state of the pro cycling world, which has nothing to do with this kind of fund raising activities, but it affects cycling’s image in general, proponents say. On my part, I don’t think this was the reason but it would be good that Bristol Myers Squibb explain a little about the decision and put the matter to rest. I was planning to ride the tour, but I guess we have to look elsewhere for a group ride, or better yet, go on a little tour around the island!

But, if you would like a bike race that is different, you should take a look at the Tour of Acoma, which is going to be held at Sky City New Mexico on September 23, 2007. It is a 25-50-100 mile bike race which will cover The Acoma and Laguna Native American pueblos. I rode part of the route during the Tour of the Nations, and I can tell you, that even if you don’t like to be part of races, the surroundings vistas alone are well worth participating, even if you take it at your own pace. If you go, take plenty of water with you and don’t forget your sunscreen. New Mexico is very dry and the sun really shines.

Now, let’s go on with the visit to the Haak’u Museum, which is located at the Sky City Cultural Center. As we mentioned in Show #19, The Haak’u museum houses a beautiful collection of both ancient and modern examples of the Acoma’s art and from time to time, it also holds examples from other Native American cultures.

To learn more about the SCCC and the Tour of Acoma, visit:

http://www.skycity.com

or call 1-888-759-2489

Listen to this episode as our guide, Mr. Melvin Juanico, take us in a cultural journey to the past, as well as the present of the Acoma's art.

In the picture: The magnificent Sky City Cultural Center building and Mr. Melvin Juanico, standing next to one of the traditional hornos used by the Acoma people to bake their excellent bread