Great ride in the Northern mountains of NM on Mon and Tues. Traveled about 510 miles and averaged over 50 mpg.

My brother-in-law Wayne rode/trailered his new HD down from Seattle and has never had the opportunity to see NM. (Sorry, no pics on this computer).

We took along my daughter and Waynes grandson as passengers and left around 7 am from Albuquerque in a light rain up old Rt 66 around the backside of the Sandia Mountains through Madrid (think of the movie 'Wild Hogs' that was filmed there). Then through Golden (used to be a great biker bar called the Golden Inn there - burned down). Nice scenery all the way to Santa Fe. From Santa Fe, we went up the Tesuque Trail (Hwy 84) through at least 4 Native American Pueblos (a casino at every turn ) to Espanola and then up Hwy 68 past a couple more Pueblos along the Rio Grande Gorge to Taos (World class skiing at the Taos Ski Valley!. We stopped off for gas and then back on the road towards Questa. It started to rain and the temps dropped into the 60's as we got close to the mountain town of Red River, so we stopped at one of the famous taverns for lunch (look up Red River Rally, here's one site).

After some burgers and beers, it was off to the town of Eagle Nest next to Eagle Nest lake (yes, it was named for all of the eagles that nest in that part of the valley, you see them all the time. Awesome.) Down from there to town of Angel Fire (great skiing there also). It was getting late by this time, so we headed back up to Taos, straight to Espanola and through the Santa Fe bypass to I-25 back to Albuquerque.

All in all, we rode 425 miles and it took us about 12 hours with a lot of stops along the way. Fantastic views of some incredible vistas. We wanted to go by the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge but we were just too tired and I was saddle sore (gotta get different seats!).

Wayne loved the sound of my New Freedom True Duals (he thought I couldn't have that sound because HD had patented it ) but after a few hundred miles behind me wanted to lead (even though he wasn't sure where we were going) because he said they're to loud from behind.

Tuesday we rode up to the Jemez mountains among all that brilliant red rock and clay. Stunning with the cirilion blue sky and puffy white clouds. We took along my sister and my wife this time and it was great. Sis did some pottery shopping in the Jemez Pueblo and picked up a great deal. Then we rode back for a leisurly lunch with some margaritas at Garduno's (tourist food, but good margaritas, besides, my brother-in-law and sister qualify).

If you have the opportunity to run either of these routes, you have to take it. No matter where you go this summer, just get out and ride. The memories are treasures that stay with you no matter what your future brings. Hope you enjoyed my experience.

Probably won't get a chance to do a route like that this year (no pueblos in WI, casinos, yes). Been an interesting year to date (bad weather and some downtime). I do like to do charity rides a lot however. Love the commaraderie a good run brings. Glad you had a memorable safe trip.

GP

Sounds as though you had a great time, with memories to boot

Thanks for sharing your ride with us. Sounds like you really enjoyed your time. I cant wait to go out west on old route 66. Next year baby!!

Been over some of those roads and the RioGrande Gorge bridge which I thought was an awsome view. Sounds like a long day but fun

Ratl--

Hey, man, you were riding in MY old neck of the woods! I used to go from Santa Fe through Tesuque to Taos all the time...used to work in Espanola. Beautiful riding up there--much better than WA so far...I just need it to stop raining here long enough to explore. Wouldn't hurt for it to get above 58 degrees, either... Look up the "Enchanted Circle" ride, although it sounds like you covered most of it!

Glad you're doing well & getting out to enjoy the ride--

RK

Roadkill1962 wrote:
Ratl--

Hey, man, you were riding in MY old neck of the woods! I used to go from Santa Fe through Tesuque to Taos all the time...used to work in Espanola. Beautiful riding up there--much better than WA so far...I just need it to stop raining here long enough to explore. Wouldn't hurt for it to get above 58 degrees, either... Look up the "Enchanted Circle" ride, although it sounds like you covered most of it!

Glad you're doing well & getting out to enjoy the ride--

RK

Ola RK! I was up in Seattle to visit my Sis in May. No rain at all the whole week we were there until we were leaving. Sunshine most of the time, but it was little cool some days. My daughter had a cow about it, she bought a raincoat, rainhat and umbrella just to walk around in all the rain she was told about (NM girl, never sees the stuff). Nice trip.

Man, I bet you miss riding the mountains around here. Except for all the fires shutting down areas like highway 4 to Los Alamos from the Jemez Mountains, the riding is still special. Can't wait to go again. Maybe head up to Southern Colorado's high country. They have rain and no fires! A little bike camping would be great.

Take care, put on the rainsuit and ride!

Ratl.