New Mexico '18 - Enchanted Circle

New Mexico Biking '18

I wondered what I wanted to do for my bike adventure.  The best option I heard was from Andy.  "I've always wanted to do the Enchanted Circle ride".  I talked Dwayne into making the trip; and better I talked Dwayne into driving his Explorer so we could ride in comfort.

Day One:

Red River, NM is a 10 hour drive.  There is not much between Bartlesville and Red River.  The lunch stop in Guymon proved to be great.  El Pollo Ranchero was great!  Aside from food we were entertained with an audio book, "The Martian".  It was definitely entertaining.

Finally made it Red River.  We got a good amount of rain coming into New Mexico and into he mountains.  Rain was in the extended forecast for every day we were going to ride.

Red River, NM

The Condo

Day Two:

I had a few plans for pre-rides in the area.  The first biking stop was Raton, NM.  There is a 6 mile climb into a canyon to the Colorado border.  Rain was a threat for late morning/afternoon so we left early.

Heading toward the canyon.  The sky looks a bit angry

Me near the top

Dwayne near the top

Turns to gravel at the state line. 

route for the day

Stop on the way back to look at cool mountains

Never had rain on day 2.

Day Three:

Santa Fe.  Today I've planned a 15 mile climb up to the Santa Fe Ski Area.  

Day Four:

Nothing  - mandatory rest day

Day Five:

Enchanted Circle Century

Lots of great views on this ride

Dwayne was nice enough to wait.

It's literally all downhill now

118 mile average at mile 90 turned into something much less by the time we were done.  The last hill was a killer.

Day five:

 

Our return entertainment.  I would recommend this audio book.

Oh no!  she stopped working

And then it started just fine after a 2 hour tow.

We made it home without anymore issues.  Whew...