What we did on our summer vacation

[VintageGW's]

On your way think about the enchanted circle that runs through Taos, Red River, Angel Fire. And ion the way to Durango. Nice twists and Vietnam Memorial (for all of us I think). And, cool breezes. I am here bikeless in Red River but I will survive.

[Whiskerfish]

Fantastic shots Dean!! I like the first pic better. The contrast is just awesome.

[Sagebrush]

We rode the enchanted circle a few years ago, but thanks for the tip, its a good one. And for anyone who thinks I'm doing all this riding and posting to this thread in real time..... well I'm not. Were currently home back in NC.

I think i agree with you Steve.

[05c50]

Tough choice on the pictures, Dean. Both are great! I like the second one because it seems to give more contrast between the mountains and flatlands, but the first one is my choice because of the dramatic color of the rocks. Thanks again for posting.

....Paul

[Dog Boy]

+1 on the first pic...absolutely stunning!

Dean and Terrie, it was a real pleasure meeting you at Roady's Pig Out. Great people, super bikes and excellent pics and report! Keep up the good work.

AL

[Lefty]

Frame the most dramatic one...let's see was that the first or second. Hard to choose. Both great as are all your shots. I had never heard of Tinker Town. I like that he did it all a dollar at a time. That would be my approach to restoring a GL. My he had talent to boot.

[Neil]

Fantastic writeup and pictures. Between the two I like the coloring in the first shot.

[AussieGold]

an excellent write up and absolutely fantastic pictures. we dont need to plan a trip to the US now. seen some good bits. here

[Brant]

Great write up Dean. You should publish a motorcycle travel book with all your pics and reports. Thanks for sharing.

[Roady]

I like the first one for color and depth. The second is great too, though. Frame both.

And I agree, you should do a book.

[KYpondman]

+ however many on #1! Great pictures, great adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Claude

[Sagebrush]

After thoroughly enjoying our stay in Albuquerque we headed north to Santa Fe. Taking the interstates its only 59 miles from our hotel to the Plaza but were not going that way. There is a back way that takes you across the Rio Grande and gradually climbs from the desert floor to the Ponderosa Alpine region once again before descending to Santa Fe. The heart of this route is NM-4 between San Ysidro and where it terminates with its junction with NM-502 near Los Alomos, another bucket list ride.

I'll just sit back and let you enjoy.



















While in the ponderosa forest we came upon this wide, wide meadow. Turns out it was an ancient super volcano caldera that had filled with water and drained many times over the eons. Now its a grassland in a bowl.





When we came to the town of White Rock I lead Terrie off the main highway into town down residential streets to a park with ball diamonds, playgrounds and picnic areas. She had no idea where we were going and was astounded when we arrived. This is what the detour was all about, the Rio Grande Valley as seen from the town of White Rock's Scenic Overlook Park.









We also spotted our first snow capped peaks of the trip from here.



We got to Santa Fe early in the afternoon, too early to check into our hotel so we parked the bike's in the hotel's parking lot and walked to the central Plaza one side of which is bordered by the old Spanish governors mansion.



The entire side of the building was taken up by Native American street vendors. The building is a museum now, unfortunately its closed on Monday's the day of the week that we were there.



Santa Fe is a low rise adobe city. Sights in the central Plaza area.

Museum front.



There wasn't a sign saying we couldn't feed the animals.



Parking garage Santa Fe style.



We found this inspiration for our underground customizers in a little Mexican pottery store just off the Plaza.



The Plaza itself.



The hotel we stayed in had a free sherry and tea hour starting a 4pm so after touring the Georgia Okeefe Museum, an artist very closely associated with New Mexico, we toddled off to enjoy our complimentary happy hour. I'd say we got our money's worth on the sherry. In fact I think they shut it down a little early because of us . At any rate we checked into our room at the Inn of the Governors one of only three hotels not spent at a Comfort Inn on the trip. It was a pleasant change of pace.

The room came complete with a working fireplace and firewood.



The decor throughout the hotel was very Southwestern Spanish.



If you ever find yourself going to Santa Fe this is a very nice and convenient place to hole up. Everything is within walking distance.

Overall this day rated a ...................



Coming up, the road to Durango, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge RR, Million Dollar Highway, Arkansas river valley, Coloroado Springs and Pike's Peak.

[ianstaley]

What a fantastic trip to make, the sights and the nature magnificent. I only went to the states once NY and hated it, clearly should have just stayed longer and hired a bike. Lucky people jealous....

[Rat]

Nice work guys, great fun to 'ride along with you'.

Gord

[Lefty]

Love the shot that included the birds.