Northern New Mexico Alpiner Cycling Vacation

Northern New Mexico Alpiner

Dates: (7 days, 6 nights; Sun-Sat)
May 25-31

Assembly Point: Albuquerque
(airline service to Albuquerque; Timberline van transfers to and from airport)

Tour Cost: $1,895
(includes all lodging, breakfasts and dinners, support van, transfers, leaders, tour maps & narratives)

Itinerary

For so many years, in the context of our earliest experiences in New Mexico, we cycled to the "doorstep" of the mysterious Jemez Mountains, hovering just to the west of Bandelier National Monument, only to turn back for our overnight in White Rock. Finally, with the introduction of the Northern New Mexico Alpiner, we climbed into the Jemez and discovered one of the Southwest's great cycling adventures.

The Northern New Mexico Alpiner assembles in Albuquerque in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Early-morning of Day 1, we'll climb the Sandia Crest as we ride the Turquoise Trail through historic Madrid on our way to Santa Fe. Following an over-night at Garrett's Desert Inn adjacent to the Plaza in Santa Fe, we'll ride the backroads through the Nambe and Tesuque Pueblos to Chimayo, where we'll visit the famed Santuario and sample some of Leona's freshly-fired tortillas. And then it's on to the challenge of the High Road as we climb to Truchas — gateway to the Carson National Forest. Ojo Sarco, Las Trampas, Chamisal, Penasco — these are the villages we'll visit along the High Road — they are the essence of northern New Mexico. We'll spend the evening in Taos at the Sagebrush Inn with its welcome pool and hot tub, and incredible northern New Mexican cuisine.

Early-morning of Day 3, we'll ride beautiful Taos Canyon as it climbs gently along Taos Creek to the crest of Palo Flechado Pass and then descend into the ethereal Merino Valley for a visit to the DAV Vietnam War Memorial at Angel Fire. We'll continue on to Red River for the evening and a delicious western meal at Texas Red's. It's back to Taos early-afternoon of Day 4, with a full afternoon available to explore this fascinating area, including a visit to the ancient Taos Pueblo. We'll trace the course of the Rio Grande from Taos through Espanola to White Rock on Day 5. An interesting climb to the Pajarito Plateau and Los Alamos is an additional option on Day 5, and we'll visit the renowned Bradbury Science Museum. Katherine also is in White Rock and that's a primary reason why we've been coming here as often as possible for the past 23 years. After Kate's dinner, you'll understand a major part of our attachment to the area.

It's on to Bandelier National Monument on Day 6 with an opportunity to explore the Anasazi cliff dwelling ruins of Frijoles Canyon. We'll then climb from Bandelier into the Jemez Mountains and descend into the Grand Valle as we trace the Jemez River in it's plunge to Jemez Springs. We'll conclude this extraordinary day with a soak in the natural hot springs of the Jemez River and spend our final evening at the River Dancer Inn.

Our descent continues into the Rio Grande River Valley on Day 7 as we return to Albuquerque, where our tour concludes.

Total Mileage — 386

E-Mail: timber@earthnet.net