Taos Area Road Riding The road riding in Taos is as underrated as it is challenging. Our roads are narrow with little to no shoulder, but this shouldn’t discourage any cyclist from enjoying epic scenery and world class climbing. The trick is to choose your route and time wisely. Remember to be prepared for changing weather, especially during monsoon season which is mid July through September. Roads here are rough, so bring plenty of spare tubes and a patch kit. It also helps to have some road side repair skills. We have rides ranging from short town loops to several century options and beyond. Contact Taos Cyclery for up to date road conditions and ideas for that perfect road ride experience. Taos Area Road Rides The Enchanted Circle - Our most popular road ride route. This is an 85 mile loop through the towns of Questa and Red River and near Angel Fire. There are several options to make this a century. The route goes over 10,000 foot Bobcat Pass and Palo Flechado Pass. It can be done in either direction. Call us first for a heads up on traffic in the canyon and which direction suites your style. The Mora Loop - Longer, harder, and more scenic than the Enchanted Circle. This one follows highway 518 over US HIll, past Sipapu Ski Area, down Holeman Hill and through the town of Mora. Then riders go through some pristine New Mexico rural terrain on their way to Guadalupita and on to Coyote Creek State Park. The road becomes narrow, super scenic, with three 10% grade pitches before the clearing near Black Lake. Take in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and all its splendor on the way to Angel Fire. Then it’s up and over Palo Flechado Pass and on down into Taos. This 107 mile beauty will give you something to write home about and keep you coming back. The New Mexico Death Ride Double Century - Just the name alone should thin the field on this one. So daunting, only two riders have successfully completed it. From Taos ride to Tres Piedras, many riders will drive here and us the local ranger station as a starting point. Then ride the mountainous terrain through the Brazos area. This is also some of the best shoulder in northern New Mexico, which is why the drive is worth it. The Brazos Cliff overlook is your point of no return. The descent to Tierra Amarilla is fast and fun. Head north to Chama, a short 100 miles from the start and not even half way yet. Climb into Colorado and create Cumbres and Mongas Pass, both over 10,000 feet. Then descend some of the most scenic road around along the Conejos River into Antonito, Colorado. Turn south and return to Tres Piedras via highway 285. This completes the 140 mile loop for those who drove. Death riders will return to Taos, crossing the Rio Grande Gorge bridge for the second time. If you complete this one let us know so we can add your name to the Hall of Fame. The Taos area
has many loops ranging from 12 to 50 miles. There are many small
back roads which feature our rural terrain. Not to
be missed are: the Hondo-Seco-Valdez loop, a road classic; the Taos
Ski Valley climb, super scenic
and cool on a hot day; and US Hill, another classic climb with a
ripping fast return. Finally, just riding around the historic
plaza district is a fun way to see the center of town. Bicycles
move faster than the cars and parking is never a problem, just
bring a lock. |
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6-26-10 The biggest
challenge to road riding in the summer is the afternoon winds.
Gusts up to 50mph is not unheard of, so be prepared. Your best defense is Local rides
are very good with the trip to Taos Ski Valley not to be
missed. The raging Rio Hondo highlights this route as well as the descent
from Valdez all the way back to Taos. U.S. Hill to Sipapu is on the Mora
Loop but offers good climbing along the highway 518 corridor. Do the out
and back to Holeman Hill, a 70 miler, and you'll climb the Hill in both Shorter local loops are plentiful around the back roads of Taos and give views of the rural northern New Mexico treasure. Come by for details on fun and hidden routes around Taos. |
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