Past  Rides

October 26-Nov. 8, 2007  Jemez Mountains
 I will be riding the Cuba District. This trip will focus on the area both sides of Hwy 126 between Eureka Mesa and Rock Creek, between San Pedro Parks on the north and  FR 20 to the south. This is a beautiful area and has some pretty nice riding. Most of the roads in this area will be closed to motorized use after 2010.
Cuba may sound like it's to far to drive, but it actually takes less time to get over there than it does to go to Fenton Lake from Albuquerque and the roads are 4 lanes most of the way and in very good condition. I expect the trees are still showing a lot of color. Forecast is for continued above normal temperatures.


October ~15-18 & 20-23, 2007     Glorieta Mesa - Rowe Mesa
 This area is south of I-25 near Glorieta east of Santa Fe
 If you would like to join me for one of those days call 294-3368 and leave a message.
  I don't know if there's cell coverage in this area, I suspect there is but don't know yet. Therefore, I may have to make my connections during the day while I'm up on top.

October 6-11, 2007     Jemez Mountains
 I will be riding the Cuba District. This is the area both sides of Hwy 126 between Smokey Bear Hill and San Pedro Parks from Blue Bird Mesa to Moon Canyon. This is a beautiful area and has some pretty nice riding.
 If you would like to join me for one of those days call 294-3368 and leave a message.
  I don't know if there's cell coverage in this area, I suspect there is but don't know yet. Therefore, I may have to make my connections during the day while I'm up on top.
  I will get back to you with the meeting place and time.
September 24-28, 2007     Jemez Mountains
Free Guided MTB Tours

I will be riding everywhere between the Gilman Tunnels and San Pedro Parks west of Hwy 4.
See a map of part of the area.  Topo Map

If you would like to join me for one of those days call 294-3368 and leave a message.
  There's no cell coverage in the canyon, so I have to make my connections during the day while I'm up on top.
  I will get back to you with the meeting place and time.
R.S.V.P. 
I will be camping near the bottom of Joaquin Canyon FR376/488 (4 miles above the tunnels)
Start: FR376/488 map    map 488 (4 miles north of the Gilman Tunnels) Park on the right.
Highway Map

Saturday - September 29, 2007
One of the rides below.
 Joaquin Canyon area to top of the Sierra Naciemento overlooking the west side toward Cuba, NM. Learn another cool single track. This will not be a fast paced ride, but will have plenty of climbing.
Happy Dog ride from the Abundant Adventures trail guide.
Photos and more info. More photos 21 miles 1800' elevation gain - incredible views.

Stable/Schoolhouse Canyons Loop
 ~17 miles 1550'
Very nice single track up a beautiful canyon
Great descent down Schoolhouse Canyon

Stable/Cebollita Canyon
 ~20 miles 1500'
Great single track + 2 miles of very technical single track
Photos
Mesa Venado
 ~12 miles 600'
This ride takes you to the top Mesa Venado overlooking Deer Creek from the top of the cliffs from the first and last shots shown below. The 3rd shot is looking up from the bottom. Photos

Single track/primative road up Porter return on FR1606 (fun jeep road)
 ~10 miles 500'
We can check out some cool pools in a box canyon along the river at the end of the ride.
I'll be going to these areas during the week.

Photos

San Miguel Mountain Photos
Cebollita and Stable Mesas and Cebollita Canyon to Stable Point
         ~25 miles lots of great single track.
         Technical Level - Intermediate with some Advanced sections
        Photos and more info
       
Cebollita and Virgin Mesas
              ~ 15 miles - casual pace with optional stops for photos
              There will be an option for more riding after that for anyone wishing to continue.
              Technical Level - Novice-Intermediate
              Photos

Saturday -  August 12
9:00 AM
Cebollita Canyon

Level:  Novice - Kids are welcome

 I'm leading this ride for Dennis Mirabal, a friend of mine who is teaching a beginning mountain bike class. I don't lead novice rides very often, so this is your big chance if you've been waiting for an easy ride.

This will be an out and back ride on smooth easy single track (trail). 
The trail is 6.9 miles round trip. We will have two leaders and you can turn back at any point, if you choose. Additional options are available for anyone wanting to continue after the ride.

There's a great place to camp near the trailhead if you're interested
in coming up Friday (or Saturday) evening and camping with us.

This new date puts us there at the peak of the  Perseids Meteor Shower.  This will be a great way to watch it.

August 13 
Cebollita Canyon-Stable Mesa
Level: Advanced
Great views - great single track
Jemez Mountains - North of Ponderosa
I have completed  the work I plan to do in this area for now. Sorry if you missed the rides.
If you want information on this area before I complete the guide for it, contact me.
Cedro Peak Area - August  - Weekdays and weekends as time and weather permits.
Level Advanced
I will be re-exploring and  remapping this area.
If you would like to join me on one of these days or be on an email list specifc for the rides, contact me for more info.
These rides will go on short notice so I will not be posting anything in advance. 
This ride is covered in the Abundant Adventures Trail Guide.   It may be a while before it's offered so get the guide and check it out yourself.
9:30 am  Start at FR376/FR1606 above the Gilman tunnels
Jemez  Mountains  -  "Happy Dog"
Intermediate-Advanced - some technical sections -
19.7 miles  1730'
Click here for the details and photos.
Saturday - May 6
9:30 am  Start at 604/607
Jemez  Mountains  -  Cebolita / Stable and Virgin Mesas and Canyons
  The Road Runner   
Advanced - lots of up and down - technical sections
Optional hike down to some really cool tent rocks
20 miles  1960'
Click here for the details and photos.
Sunday - May 7
9:30 am   Start at 604/607
Jemez Mountains - Virgin Canyon
Intermediate
The pace will be easier than Saturday's ride
17-20 miles  1560' or more
Click here for the details

September 12

Location:  Sandia Mountains:  This ride will be start at the Barro Trailhead and follow the following trails:  Bill Spring Tr., Oso Corredor Tr., Lower Tree Spring Tr., Challenge Tr., 10K Tr., Ellis Tr..  The return loop will be on 10K South Tr., Tree Spring Tr. (or Challenge Tr. if we run short of time), Oso Corredor Tr., Bill Spring Tr..  If there is extra time we could take Faulty Tr. to Wolf Spring Tr. and return on the new Lower Faulty Tr. back to Barro.

Distance: 15-20 miles
Level:  Advanced - There are some technical sections and lot's of climbing.

Meet:  Believer's Center of Albuquerue  - northeast corner of parking lot
320 Waterfall Dr.  (just east of Tramway and Central off of old Hwy 66.) If traffic is heavy coming out of the church, you can come in the east end via the next street.
Saturday 9/18/04
 

The Santa Fe National Forest is scheduled to reopen 7/2 -  Let's ride!!!

I will be riding 7/9 - 7/13.  If you want to join me on any of those days contact me.
(expect an all day ride unless you want to return early on your own)

Jemez Mountains - Holiday Mesa - Stable Mesa 'Mission Incredible'
Saturday, July/10/04   9:00am
Meeting Location:  FR604/606  Map
Distance: ~25miles 

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to first get to the end of the mesa on the right,  then get to the point at the end of the mesa left of center.   You must travel to the end of the first mesa via single track and return on a different one.


This is the view you will be given when you reach the end of this mesa. If you are really ambitious you may choose to add the end point of the mesa on the right to your mission.




You will drop via switchbacks into the canyon between the two points where  you must travel on fast single track down the canyon, where you will reach this point with a view of your destination from below. 

Remember.  It is critical to the success of your mission, that you wear a big grin at all times.



In order to get out of the canyon you will be required to ride this single track for a few miles.



Be forewarned, all recollection of the excuses you had for not coming on this ride will disipate once the ride has begun.  There will be no turning back.

Once you have completed this part of your mission and made it to the end point of the mesa, you will be given this view of the first mesa.
Your mountain biking horizons will have been expanded. You must then endure more single track to return to the point of embarkment.
Here are the team members in addition to your intrepid leader who have commited to the mission so far.  This is a dangerous mission and we need all the help we can get to enjoy it fully.  Are you up to the challange?


Jeni
 Sue
 Peter
 Dave
Plus a couple of maybe's.  If you didn't make the line-up, just show up anyway.

Warning!  This opportunity will self destruct in 4 days.
Sunday, July/11/04   9:00am
Meeting Location:  FR604/606  Map   If  you need more maps look under Trailhead Maps on the home page. 
                                                                                                                                  Get on604 and stay on it until you come to a corral on the right.
Distance ~10 miles
Pace:  Easy
Technical Level:  Easy
Meet Forest.  He's been riding about a year and is making great progress.  He's worked his way up to a novice level now and is really enjoying mountain biking.  When you learn more of his history you will find out why this is very impresive.   Forest's enthusiasm has prompted me to lead another special ride for him.   This ride will be easy and we'll stop for breaks as needed.   Forest has tried to get  some others to join him, but hasn't had any responses yet.  This is you chance to get out for a great ride in beautiful scenery.  You also get the bonus of having an inductee in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame as a leader to offer tips and pointers.  If 10 miles is to far for you, we can swing back to the start part way throuh the ride.  If  it's not enough, we can add some more after. 

The areas I plan on riding later this summer may not have easy riding available, so don't miss out; join us for this one.

Update 7/8
A couple more will be joining us.



Well be riding through areas like this.


Don't put it off.  There are currently fire restrictions, but the forest is still open.  That could change overnight.

Someone using an ATV and a chainsaw has turned some single track sections into roads, cutting logs over 2' in dia.
If you see this kind of activity, report it to the Jemez Ranger District.  (or the district in which it has occurred)
Don't wait until the great stuff is gone.  'Next week' may be to late


The fire danger is EXTREME!!!  There is a fire ban in effect at this time. 
No fires or characol grills.  Stoves ok.  No chainsaws.  No fireworks of any kind. 
All motorized vehicles restricted to roads only.
Do not park or stop off of the road unless it is clear of vegetation. 
No smoking.  Help prevent forest fires.
Do not leave jugs of water where the sun can shine thru them and start a fire.  They can act as a magnifing glass.

The easy rides will no longer be scheduled due to limited response.

If you want to see them continue, you will have to let me know you are serious about it.   If there is enough response, I will lead them on a limited basis.   I love to share this great sport at any level even if it's just with one other person,  but it takes a considerable investment of time and effort to put these rides together.  If the interest isn't  there, I can't afford to take time away from my exploratory and development rides and effort on future volumes of the trail guides.  If you want them, get your friends together and let me know.  It's up to you.

Saturday, June/5/04 
On the Mesas from 376 (Rio Guadalupe) above the Gilman Tunnels 
  Stable Canyon - Cebollita Canyon
~20 miles 1500-2000ft     More Info
 This ride takes you on some great single track  thru these canyons.   It climbs for 7 mile- some gradual, some not.  The rest is downhill.  This has some totally awesome single track, much is buff, also some great technical sections.


Saturday's (5/15) ride was great!  Nine of us and did the trip and all had a blast.  The weather was perfect and we had a well matched group.
Click here for some photos. 
 You can see Brian C.'s pictures and comments at  http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=24671

Sunday's (5/16) ride with Forest was leisurely and we had a great time.  I'll get some pictures up, if I get a chance.

Monday (5/17)  another awesome day.  Check back for some pictures.

Tuesday (5/18)  Here's a couple shots from my exploratory ride.  It may be awhile, but you can bet these areas will eventually be part of another cool adventure.








This canyon ran like this for quite a way..  Pure joy !!!



Virgin Mesa Rim


Saturday:  5/15/04   9:30 am  R.S.V.P.  
Start at FR604/607 (click for map)
Level:  Advanced
Distance:  20-25 miles  - mostly single track
We'll go thru some really cool  areas following the rim of Virgin Mesa.
    _________________________________

Don't miss the photos for this ride.  click here

I'm going up Friday.  I will not be able to read your email after I've left.  Please call my wife so I can get any messages from her.  294-3368
_______________________________________________________


Sunday:  5/16/04  9:30 am   R.S.V.P.
Start at FR604/607 - tenative
Level:  Novice - Intermediate
To be announced:  about 10 miles
Mostly single track
We can have the ride swing by the start point part way thru if some want a shorter ride or add an extra bit on the end if some want more.
This will be an easy ride without much elevation change.  Leisurely pace.

Check back in a few days for more details and photos.
      _________________________________


In order for these rides to continue, I need a good response.  Don't hesitate.  Come on out and enjoy some incredible mountain biking.   The first few people to respond will influence my choice for the ride if I haven't picked one yet.

If there's a good response, we may be able to set up car pooling.


Saturday:  5/1/04   9:30 am  R.S.V.P.  
Start at FR604/607

We'll start this seasons Jemez  rides with a relatively easy one from Volume 1.
It's a fun ride with a mix of single track and primitive roads.   It follows the rims of  some figure mesas with cool view into the canyons.

Soaring Daffy
16.1 miles      1080 ft. elevation gain

There will be an optional ride after this one for those wanting more miles.

click for more info and photos

Sunday:  5/2/04  9:30 am   R.S.V.P.
Start at FR604/607

to be determined

You can take a chance and just show up at the start,  but I can't guarantee there won't be last minute changes.  I would prefer you contact me to let me know you are planning to come, so I can keep you informed.   I usually  go up Thursday or Friday,  but check back by cell.  Leave a message on my answering  phone  if you don't reach my wife.   (505) 294-3368   Emails will not be answered after I've left.

Mountain bike rides in the Jemez Mountains of north central New Mexico - Fall 2003
Typically the Saturday rides will be 20-30 miles
And the Sunday rides will be 10-15 miles
I usually go Friday thru Monday, so if you can join me on either of those days that is an option also.
If you have a group of 6 riders or more, and you want an easier or harder ride, I will be happy to lead a special ride for you.
Come for a day or camp over.  There is no charge for these rides.

If there is a group they usually meet at the parking lot at Bernillilo and I-25 to car pool.  Call or email to verify.

Come and put yourself in the picture.

The aspens started turning mid September and they willl get even more spectacular!
This is the best time of year to ride.  Don't put it off.

10/3-6  The last trip was great.  Sorry no one else was able to join me.  The trials riders were awesome.  It was fun and impressive watching them.  I got rained on a little Friday, but the other days made up for it.  The fall colors were spectacular and should be even better this week.  See the pictures in the Photo Gallery under  The Mesas - Fall Colors

October 18
Holiday Mesa End to End  This ride will start at the top of the mesas at FR604/607 and take us all the way to the south end overlooking the Tunnels above Gilman.  This route is mostly single track.  Expect incredible wiews and great riding.  This ride is 35miles long with about 1400' of climb.  The days are getting shorter so we'll have to hold a descent pace, therefore this is a ride for advanced riders only.
MEET:  FR604/607 Saturday 9:00am     Click for map

October 19
Cruise thru the aspens on great single track.  The primary objective for this ride will be to get pictures of you riding thru the fall colors.  Come out on this ride and you'll receive a high resolution image of yourself to use for you computer background.  The pace will be leisurely.  See The Mesas - Fall Colors  The photos with aspens will give you an idea of what this ride will be like.
MEET:  FR604/607 Sunday 10:00am     Click for map

October 25 Velo Swap (bike swap in Colorado) Some are going. Inquiry for details.
Tenative
Oct. 31- Nov. 1    (30-2)  Rides starting from the Rio Guadalupe and climbing up on to the mesas.
November 15-16  (14-17) Rides starting from the Rio Guadalupe and climbing up on to the mesas.

All of the these rides will be in the area between FR376 and Virgin Mesa rim.  (west of Jemez Springs)
These rides will be mostly single track.
See the Photo Gallery -  Summer 2003 for photos typical of these rides.

Some of the upcoming rides will include:
Porter to Virgin Mesa Overlook
Virgin Mesa Rim
Holiday Mesa end to end (overlooks the tunnels)
Single track along the Rio de las Vacas

Winter rides to Caja del Rio
X-C Ski trips to the Jemez - Send me an email to get on the list for these trips.

On the weekends between these dates, I ride the Sandia or Cedro areas.  These
rides are usually Sunday afternoons,  leaving at noon - typically 6 hours of steady
riding.  You may join me for any of these.
Check back for future ride details.

If you're not on the mailing list and would like to be notified of future trips, send me an email to get on the list.
I don't always get this page updated regularly.


Offer to out of state riders:  Would you like to plan a mountain bike vacation in Enchanted New Mexico?  Contact me if you would like to put a trip together.  I may be able to work it into my schedule.  There is no fee for this.

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4/28/04
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