Enchanted Tour
Sat June 4 - Sun June 12, 2011
Join us on a trip through the Enchanted state of New Mexico!
Ellen (Cupcake) Chilikas and Karen (Scoop) Jenneman just got back from a scouting trip for the Enchanted Tour of New Mexico in June. We found some new routes that we think everyone is going to like plus added another night to the trip since there is so much to see and do in New Mexico. Here's the updated plan for the trip. Note that mileages given are for the planned rides - there are options to add more miles for those looking for more of a challenge. This trip truly is an intermediate ride - fun riders may find the hills too challenging.
On Saturday 6/4 we'll drive to Santa Fe and have a pre-trip meal/happy hour to hand out daily itineraries, maps, and discuss options. Dinner is on your own with hundreds of fabulous places to choose from!
On Sunday 6/5, we'll do a flat warm up ride of 30 or so miles near Cochiti Lake and Cochiti Pueblo. The afternoon will be spent exploring Santa Fe, and we'll have a happy hour on Sunday night before people venture out for dinner.
Monday 6/6 will be a 35 mile roller coaster loop from Madrid to Galisteo - some of this route is newly paved so it should be new to most people. After the ride, we'll have the afternoon free to enjoy the artsy and historic town of Madrid, where there are many restaurants and shops to visit.
Tuesday 6/7 will be a free day, and the day we check out of the Santa Fe hotel to drive to Los Alamos. Ellen will lead a optional short and incredible easy hike to Tent Rocks National Monument - this place has stunning scenery - you've got to see it to believe it. Other options for people to do are to ride some of the Santa Fe Century loop, go shopping or museum hopping in town, visit a winery or two, do some gambling, soak in the 10,000 Waves spa or find some great deals at Trader Joe's.
Wednesday 6/8 we'll ride from the hotel in Los Alamos along some beautiful roads around Bandelier National Monument. The rolling hills and canyon scenery make for a great ride. There will be a 29 mile option for those who don't want to ride the steep hill inside the Monument, and a 35 mile option for those who want to take in all the sites and climbs. In the Monument, there is an easy 1.2 mile hike you can do right from the visitor's center to see some ruins up close and personal. We'll have a happy hour back at the hotel before venturing out for dinner.
Thursday 6/9 is a free day - we check out of the hotel and have to find our way to Taos. Ellen will lead an optional hike in the area - there are dozens to choose from including an easy 5 mile hike along a river with 2 great waterfalls. There are also ride options for those who want to get in more saddle time. Another must see thing to do in Los Alamos is visit the Bradbury Science museum to learn about our atomic past.
On Friday 6/10 we ride from the hotel in Taos along the hilly back roads of Taos and the surrounding area, and wind up in the charming town of Arroyo Seco. Here we'll get to visit some galleries and shops and maybe the historic church, and eat some fabulous sandwiches and ice cream at the Taos Cow. As we ride back to Taos, we'll pass the Millicent Rogers Museum which contains outstanding historical collections of Native American jewelry and pottery along with Hispanic textiles, metalwork and sculpture. After the ride you can explore the town of Taos.
Saturday 6/11 is another free day. The optional ride will be a 50 mile hilly loop near the Ojo Caliente Resort and Spa. Out and back ride options are also available. Last time we were here, many of us took a memorable mud bath and have the pictures to prove it! Ellen is going to try to arrange a visit to Georgia O'Keefe's home and studio - keep your fingers crossed on that. We'll have a farewell authentic New Mexican meal tonight.
The trip ends on Sunday morning 6/12 when you check out of the hotel.
The trip includes 8 nights double occupancy lodging, 7 days of riding and exploring, continental breakfasts each morning, several happy hours and a farewell dinner. All of this can be yours for $575/person. If you would like to join us, please send a check for $150 to John Campbell at 6531 S. Logan St., Centennial, CO. 80121. Post date your check for January 10, 2011.
Ellen Chilikas
PO Box 471803
Aurora, CO 80047
outdoorsdiva@yahoo.com
John Campbell
6531 S. Logan St
Centennial, CO 80121
jwc@rmi.net
