Restart, Changes & New Rides

When I moved to New Mexico three years ago I started riding my mountain bike again after a three to four year layoff because of arthritis in my lower spine which caused leg cramps and nerve pain in my legs.

After riding the dirt roads around my house I began searching for other places to ride. After discovering cattle paths and dirt bike tracks during some hiking on the West Mesa I began riding them and found other tracks and how they were connected. 

I have ridden the trails in Elena Gallegos and the Southern Foothills and Coyote - Chamisoso and some of Poker Chip, Mahogany and their connecting trails in the Manzanitas and most recently Dale Ball in Santa Fe but the unofficial trails at the northern end of the West Mesa I also find inviting.

Most of the time I find myself alone with great views of the Rio Puerco and Rio Grande valleys as well views of the Jemez and Santa Fe mountains. Most of the trails are not technically challenging but some of the climbs and descents on loose tread can be a bit scary. Of course there is sand particularly where the trails cross arroyos and washes.

Weather can be a huge factor on the trails I have listed below. There is almost no protection from the wind and the sun. During the summer I try to get out as early in the morning as possible to escape the heat of the day and the afternoon winds. Winter riding can be nice because the soft sand will set up and be firmer but if the wind is blowing it can be bone chilling. 

When I first started this blog I wrote a description of a couple of trails and one of them was 2 Wash. Due to being chased by dogs and finally PNM construction which destroyed a track I have changed the 2 Wash route. Soon I will have a new description up.

TRAILS

2 Wash

Length: 11.7 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike and cattle path) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with short, soft sandy sections.

Arroyo

Length: 11.4 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with some arroyo crossings.

Bluff

Length: 9.6 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike and cattle path) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections.

Cholla Groves

Length: ? Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections.

Dead Cattle

Length: 10.3 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike) except for a .1 mile ride on Encino Rd. at the end and beginning.

Tread: Firm with a few loose or soft sections.

Double Bluff

Length: 12.7 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike and cattle path) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections.

North End

Length: 9.6 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike and cattle path) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections.

Power Station

Length: 14 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike and cattle path) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections.

North End

Length: ? Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections particularly where the trail crosses arroyos.

Rainbow

Length: 10.5 Miles

Track: (Loop) Single (dirt bike and cattle path) and double (four wheel track)

Tread: Firm with soft sandy sections.