New Mexico boasts excellent weather and more than 177 miles of bike trails. It is a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts and incredibly popular with bicyclists. Since 2012, one business has provided a unique service for bicyclists; “Bike-in-coffee.”
The destination coffee shop sits on a local farm just west of Old Town. Old Town Farm has shady trees in a peaceful setting. After a long bike ride, it’s a nice way to escape the heat and refuel with a meal or snack.
Taking a bike ride and landing at a safe bicycle destination is a popular concept found worldwide and now it’s here in Albuquerque. The property was originally a horse and produce farm. The additional coffee shop business accidentally came into existence. Owners Lanny Tonning and Linda Thorne sold produce at the Downtown Farmer's Market. Tonning says, “A lot of people were on bikes. Since we are on the I-40 bike trail and the Mountain Road bike boulevard, we invited them to ride to the farm to buy produce. That morphed into the coffee shop.”
The 12-acre farm has been open since 1977 and is used primarily for horses and as a produce farm. Now, bicyclists and visitors enjoy the retreat-like atmosphere in the middle of the city. During their busy season, several hundred people visit the unique property.
At Bike-in-Coffee, the motto is “Pedalers welcome.” Tonning and Thorne hope that will become the motto for every city in America. The owners believe, “Destinations for cyclists will encourage cycling. Albuquerque has a substantial trail and bike lane network. Sometimes a ride is a ride, but if there is a destination, we think that will encourage more rides.”
At Bike-in-Coffee, it’s common to find live music, yoga, and even a mobile bicycle repair company on site. You can also purchase salad, burritos, crepes, dessert, or the farm’s fresh produce while visiting. “Chef David is the best! His menu evolves and we have new options often,” says Tonning. The farm sells home-grown tomatoes, corn, chile, bok choy, and grapes, as well as a variety of other small garden options.
The owners love the good vibes from their customers. Toning says,” It tends to attract very positive, friendly people! Most come on bikes. Lots of families… lots of people bring dogs.” Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at Bike-in-Coffee.
The farm is located on the bike path next to Interstate 40 just east of Gabaldon Road. Visitors can enter from the I-40 multi-use trail on the east side of the Duranes Ditch or by heading west down Mountain Road bike boulevard from Old Town. Tonning says, “Go to Montoya Road, look for Reginald Chavez Elementary, and turn north. We’re at 949 Montoya Road.”
The owners are passionate cyclists but the property has limited vehicle parking. Tonning says, “We started charging for motor vehicles on weekends to encourage cycling.” All the fees go to the music program at the Reginald Chavez Elementary School.
Old Town Farm also hosts weddings, retreats, and workshops at the picturesque property and in their iconic red barn. Visitors seem to enjoy the farm’s scenic serenity in the heart of the city. Tonning says, “People like the relaxed atmosphere...and being able to 'getaway to the country' without leaving town.”
How do you hope people feel after they visit? “Relaxed and happy,” says Tonning. Visit oldtownfarm.com/bike-in-coffee for more information.
The owners love the good vibes from their customers. Toning says,” It tends to attract very positive, friendly people!