Exploring New Mexico on a Motorcycle

New Mexico - The Land of Enchantment. Divided east from west by the Continental Divide, New Mexico boasts everything from the Rocky Mountains with their alpine mountain scenery to the deserts along its western border with Arizona. Explore the dry, sun-baked tours from Santa Fe to the Carlsbad Caverns and on to Anasazi Indian country.

In south central New Mexico, the Road to Timberon takes you through the beautiful Lincoln National Forest past farms and ranches in the valley around Cloudcroft. From Cloudcroft to Timberon, you pass through spectacular canyons with indescribable scenery! Photo opportunities abound! This route is rated 10 out of 10 by motorcyclists, truly a must-see just east of Alamogordo. Amenities in Cloudcroft include restaurants, shopping and overnight accommodations, or you can camp at National Forest camp sites if that's more your style. Outdoor activities include golf in both Cloudcroft and Timberon, fishing, horseback riding, and the Sunspot Observatory just a short distance off the beaten path. Timberon serves as the "frontier of the Sacramento Mountains," promising nothing fancy but lots of beauty and solitude.

Slightly north and west of Timberon is Socorro, NM. Socorro sits at the junction of I-25 and Highway 60. And Highway 60 runs due west to Springerville, AZ, providing bikers a nice ride through the remote and rugged landscape covered with ranches and wildlife. The road twists and turns for approximately 150 miles, making this an easy day trip, but fill your gas tank when you can as there aren't many stations along the way. Lunch in Datil, have dessert in Pie Town (yes, they're famous for their pies.) The temperature will average 70 degrees, so wear plenty of layers and take extra cold gear to stay warm. This ride is not yet rated by motorcyclists - let us know what you think.

In southwestern New Mexico is Silver City, where the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Byway begins. From Silver City, take Highway 152 east to San Lorenzo. There, turn north on Highway 35 to the dead end at Highway 15. Again, go north about 20 miles to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, home to the Mogollon people over 700 years ago. As in all National Parks, there is an entrance fee, but the fee is offset by the beauty of these ancient dwellings. From the national monument, go south on Highway 15 to Pinos Altos, an old mining town, a round-trip journey of about 100 miles. From lowlands covered with cactus to high mountain scenery covered with Aspen trees, this mostly untouched National Forest covers 3 million acres. You can view an open-pit copper mine and detour to Bear Canyon Lake for fishing and recreation. Take a break from your bike and hike the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Land of Enchantment indeed!

New Mexico is a state rich in history and tradition, especially in regard to the ancient Indian dwellings on the Anasazi Indian Tour. Just north of Albuquerque, from Bernalillo, you take Highway 550 northwest to San Ysidro, where you catch Highway 4. Follow Highway 4 through Totavi to Route 30. Follow Route 30 north towards Espanola. Just before Espanola, Route 30 turns into Highway 84, which you follow to the north towards Abiquiu. This route ends at the Echo Amphitheater north of Abiquiu. The rock canyons of this tour display the beauty of the desert southwest. From the deserts, you climb the mountains to lush, alpine scenery. Rock bluffs, red and orange hills and beautiful mountains provide for wonderful photography.

Along the route, take time to enjoy the historical sites and National Parks. The Bandelier National Monument houses ancient cliff dwellings of the Anasazi Indians thousands of years ago. There are museums detailing the World War II development of the Atom Bomb, and some more Anasazi dwelling ruins at Puye Cliff Dwellings.

New Mexico - The Land of Enchantment - has much to offer with breathtaking landscapes and a rich heritage of Indian, Anglo and Hispanic cultures. Come and enjoy the beauty of the southwest.
Laura Woods

We carry a complete line of motorcycle gear and accessories, as well as dirt bike gear, Motocross gear, scooter and ATV gear. Our prices are competitive with any online retailer. Shop online, shop secure at http://www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com.

And view photographs of these destinations in my blog at http://www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.blogspot.com/.

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