ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug 15, 2012 -- Routes Rentals & Tours (www.routesrentals.com), a bicycle rental and tour company located near historic Old Town Albuquerque, has announced their second annual ‘Bikes and Balloons’ tour to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 6 - 14).

Participants will travel to the Fiesta along the acclaimed ‘Paseo del Bosque’ bike trail, which offers a perspective of the Dawn Patrol event from the Rio Grande River wilderness seldom seen by visitors to the city. Balloon Fiesta Dawn Patrol pilots lift off in the pre-dawn hours to note environmental conditions, and their glowing hot air balloons create an impressive aerial light show visitors and locals have come to cherish.

‘Bikes and Balloons’ is the first professionally-led bicycle tour to the Balloon Fiesta, and includes bike rentals, unique photo opportunities, bike valet parking, and admission to the event through a dedicated pedestrian gate which bypasses the congestion historically faced by motorists. Tour packages may be customized with a number of amenities including breakfast, extended rental packages, and local souvenirs.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event in the world, and daily crowds often exceed 100,000 people. Those who commute by automobile frequently miss a complete view of Dawn Patrol and the Mass Ascension of over 700 hot-air balloons – which begins at 7AM and proceeds in waves – due to heavy traffic and long lines.

“We are pleased to offer a healthful, beautiful, and sustainable way for people to experience the magic of this event”, said Heather Arnold, who owns and operates Routes Rentals & Tours with her husband, Josh. “Albuquerque is known for exceptional cycling, and this low-impact tour showcases our city’s bike trails and the natural beauty of the Rio Grande River State Park [Bosque] in an entirely new, highly-memorable way”.

Guests can purchase tickets for the ‘Bikes and Balloons’ tour on the Routes Rentals & Tours website by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button next to their preferred tour date (http://www.routesrentals.com/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-bike-tours-abq.html), or by calling 505-933-5667 during business hours. Packages begin at $45.

About Routes Rentals & Tours
Routes Rentals & Tours (www.routesrentals.com) is a family-owned bicycle tour and rental boutique in the historic urban core of Albuquerque, NM with a focus on providing unique, sustainable experiences and products for their patrons. Founded in spring 2011, Routes is the only company in Albuquerque to feature professionally-guided bicycle tours and rentals throughout the year. Daily, custom, and seasonal packages are available including ‘Bikes and Balloons’, ‘Tour de Frights’, ‘Fall Colors’, and ‘Lights and Luminarias’ in December. Routes offers a range of high-end bicycle types and sizes to choose from, including the company’s signature, yellow-tired city cruisers. Snowshoes are offered in winter months and can be enjoyed in the nearby Sandia Mountains (accessible via the Sandia Peak Tramway) or the Jemez Mountains.