ALBUQUERQUE - Among this year's river craft was the SS ABQ RIDE. The brave crew, lead by its fearless leader, ABQ RIDE Director Greg "Captain Jack Sparrow" Payne, set sail at Tingley Beach on the raft's maiden voyage. With little more than water guns, oars and a bucket, the craft successfully navigated down the high-flowing waters of the Rio Grande. The captain and crew were decked out in the latest pirate fashions. This was a crew to be feared!

The spirit of the event was captured by Albuquerque Journal Staff Writer Lloyd Jojola in the June 8, 2008 Sunday edition of the Albuquerque Journal.

""The enthusiasm people have down here this morning is off the charts," said city Transit Director Greg Payne, who looked more like Johnny Depp in a tri-cornered hat and long, black wig. He manned the SS ABQ Ride. "I think half of the fun is coming down here and participating," Payne said. "Whether or not your boat makes it is beside the point."

Read the Journal's complete story on the raft race and the SS ABQ RIDE.

Look for ABQ Ride to participate in the next Great Race Down the Rio Grande in a bigger and better vessel.