Day of the Tread (DOTT) is a lively and fun walking and biking event for people of all ages. Taking place October 28-29, 2023, this unique Halloween/Day of the Dead themed event was created to connect youth and families with movement and activity.
“We decided we wanted to do an event that kids would really connect with,” says Mark Gundlach, DOTT Founder. “That’s why we incorporated music and dress up.”
Since its inception in 2007, DOTT has evolved and grown in multiple ways, with walks and rides of varying lengths and the addition of things like recharge zones.
“El Pinto is an epic stop,” says Gundlach of one of the most popular recharge zones, where cyclists can make a pit stop to take a break and enjoy refreshments. “Last year they served over 7,000 sopapillas and honey. They have great music there, too.”
Rail Runner Family Fun Ride
Another piece that was added seven years ago is the 12-mile Rail Runner Family Fun Ride. Participants start just in front of Hotel Chaco in Albuquerque’s Sawmill District and bike ten miles north to the Los Ranchos/Journal Center Rail Runner Station. From there, they jump on the train, where all of the riders and their bikes are loaded into two cars in under five minutes. They take the Rail Runner to the Downtown Albuquerque Station and bike the last two miles back to Sawmill.
Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder
The trend of trying new things and adding new events continues this year with the addition of the Bosque Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder.
“We’re very excited about the Gravel Grinder. They’re really the rage nationally,” says Gundlach. It’s a combination on- and off-road ride that will take place on Albuquerque’s Bosque trails.
“It’s been a great collaboration with the City,” says Gundlach of the Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder. “The Parks and Recreation team helped us find routes that we can utilize while maintaining the integrity of the Bosque and the trails.”
Giving Back to the Community
Not only is DOTT an event with kids and families in mind, it is also a way to give back.
“We have been partnering with the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation since the first year,” says Gundlach. “They have an adaptive cycling team called the Tread Setters. There are about 70 of these athletes and family members that ride in DOTT with their hand cycles. Over the years we’ve been able to fund several of those hand cycles and support the program.”
In addition, DOTT partners with approximately ten other non-profits such as NM Adaptive Sports and the Brain Injury Alliance to help them raise funds for their organizations. These non-profits man the recharge stations. “We provide them with a donation for their good work,” says Gundlach. “They provide exceptional hospitality to our riders along the course.”
Something for Everyone
Day of the Tread truly offers something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the 4K Fun Walk, the Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder, or one of the many rides between 12 and 100 miles, there will also be a Day of the Dead/Day of the Tread festival in Old Town Albuquerque on Saturday and Sunday.
Good to Know 
- The events start and end in Albuquerque’s Sawmill District.
- All registered cyclists get an official (and coveted) Day of the Tread t-shirt and admittance to Treadfest, the post event party at Sawmill Market.
- There are themed recharge Stations every 7-12 miles.
- There is roaming first aid and traffic control along all routes.
- Dress up for the costume contest!
“Just come for fun! It’s not a race. It’s not timed. Enjoy the weather. Enjoy the Bosque and the colors of the cottonwoods,” says Gundlach.
Learn More and Register
Visit dayofthetread.com to learn more about this truly unique, truly New Mexican event. Online registration will close on October 27. If you miss the online deadline, you can also register in person during packet pick-up in the Hotel Albuquerque Grand Ballroom on October 28.
Thanks to the Volunteers and Sponsors
Day of the Tread would not be possible without the support of the 400+ event volunteers, a dedicated volunteer advisory board, and sponsors including Lovelace Health Systems, Sunny 505, and Rio Grande Credit Union. Give these folks a wave as you’re walking or biking by to say thanks!
