The Best of New Mexico, by Larry Gillen
Dr. Joe asked:
Hey, who knows some good roads in NM, and AZ? Would like to have your best route suggestions for a little jaunt later this month!
Joe:
You are talking about the lands the gods made for themselves. Luckily they share it with us. I used to live in Albuquerque for a little while. The Jemez Mountains are a good ticket - towering red rock faces surrounded by the green of the pine forests. Been there hiking a couple of times but never on my scooter.
Suggestion: go north out of Albuquerque. It is quick to take I-25, but much more culturally interesting to parallel it on the smaller road west of I-25. There are several pueblos along the lesser route. About 20 miles north of the center of Albuquerque, go west on St. Rd. 44. At San Ysidro turn right on St. Rd. 4. Now, just hang on. Just south of the junction of 4 and 126, I saw where a cement mixer truck had its brake fade and it went right over the edge. At the right times, you can stop and buy bread at the roadside stands. The bread is made by the local Indians in their earthen ovens.
I do not know about 126 to Cuba, the landscape opens up somewhat out in that direction. If you are willing to brave the dirt roads (and absolutely make certain it has not rained in the last week and that it will not rain before you get out) go on up to Blanco Trading Post (back on 44 again) and check out Chaco Canyon National Historic Park. An Anasazi population of some 40,000 was centered here until about 1100 A.D., when they sudden disappeared. There are several theories about "why" but nobody really knows.
For more great riding, instead, do not turn on 126. Stay on 4. It is a great road and goes along the north side of the Jemez with picturesque basins on the north side of the road. Hwy. 4 curves around to Los Alamos and then drops magnificently into the Rio Grande River Valley north of Sante Fe. But, before you drop into the river valley, take the side road to Bandelier National Monument. Even if you do not hike any of the trails, the ride is beautiful with multi-switchbacks. But it is a national park, so reduced speed is more than encouraged.
If you go north of Sante Fe you will get into the high mountains and snow and all that stuff. If the weather is OK for ya', go fer it.
Have fun and ride hard,
Larry -- Larry Gillen, P.E. GILLENgineering
e-mail: lggillen@gillengineering.com