Route to Durango from ABQ

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Has anyone given thought about the route to take from Albuquerque to Durango? I haven't gone every conceivable way, but I know 285 is gorgeous once you get past Espanola. You feel like you are in a Georgia O'Keefe painting, which is appropriate, because you ride right past her ranch (called "Ghost Ranch"). Just curious. I would love to hear your thoughts!

--ABQ

[flamingobabe]

I'll follow the Spyder in front of me.....I'm easy

[GloryRyders]

I'll follow the Spyder in front of me.....I'm easy


:agree:..............works for me.:D

[JG 777]

I grew up in ABQ (now live in LV NV) and have driven in the area for many years. The route I found the most scenic was instead of going up through Chama from Espanola go to Taos, then across the Rio Grande Gorge to Tres Piedras over the pass to Tierra Amarilla. - Quite pretty. And if you have any extra time you can take the ride around the "Enchanted Circle". Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River, Questa back to Taos. Another beautiful route.

[warp10]

I don't think Lamonts group will be taking the long way to Durango, even if it is pretty.

[captblack]

550 through Cuba, Aztec, etc.? Not quite as pretty as the other route but fairly direct. We could branch off at San Ysidro and go up through Jemez Springs. That route is about 90 miles from Bernalillo so I don't thing gas will be a problem.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

550 through Cuba, Aztec, etc.? Not quite as pretty as the other route but fairly direct. We could branch off at San Ysidro and go up through Jemez Springs. That route is about 90 miles from Bernalillo so I don't thing gas will be a problem.

I looked at that, and I guess what we have to decide is this--is a 4-hour trip that doesn't have much to see better than a 5-hour trip up to Chama & Pagosa Springs, then over to Durango--through picturesque Southwest terrain? Another nice benefit of the 5-hour ride is that it gives all the riders the opportunity to roll through Santa Fe on the way. KSU @ 8am and we roll into Durango around 1pm.

I know we won't be able to do the long route mentioned before (I've ridden it, and it is gorgeous--but long), but I wonder if a 1-hour difference is worth it to the group...?

[Yazz]

Went through Santa Fe this summer. 285 south to 25. If I'm remembering this right, there are stop lights going through town. Might be a problem with a large pack.

If my recollection if off, please chime in...

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Went through Santa Fe this summer. 285 south to 25. If I'm remembering this right, there are stop lights going through town. Might be a problem with a large pack.

If my recollection if off, please chime in...

That's my only concern, yes--in Espanola, there are a few lights. But the road opens up north of town and from there to Durango it's pretty much wide open. We could take the bypass around Santa Fe, but there's no avoiding the lights in Espanola. Of course, it's not like Espanola is a burgeoning metropolis--but your memory is accurate.

[Yazz]

Maybe taking the Santa Fe by-pass would be better considering how many Spyders are going? Hopefully there will be some adobe houses on that route?

Any road trip is going to have stop lights somewhere along the line. Just wanted to point Santa Fe out...

And yeah, I'm easy, will follow the Spyder in front of me. :doorag:

[Lifeisadaydream]

Just as a reference, US 550 direct is 215mi, via Chama on US 84 it is 275mi. I would be interested in seeing 84 in the summer, Ive only been that way to go skiing at Wolf Creek. A lot of Elk during the winter. I would think the Chama route would add at least 90min, it is mostly 2 lane and mountains where 550 is a few sweepers and 4 lane. 84 is far more scenic though.

[murphybrown]

:agree:..............works for me.:D

:agree: works for me......:clap:

[murphybrown]

Someone...anyone...just take "this bull" by the horns...make the decision...otherwise there will be 200 people with 400 opinions..:yikes:.I can see it now 200+ Spyders in a round-up going in circles ..:roflblack::roflblack:. so leader, self appointed or otherwise...step forward and those of us who want can follow!!!!!

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Someone...anyone...just take "this bull" by the horns...make the decision...otherwise there will be 200 people with 400 opinions..:yikes:.I can see it now 200+ Spyders in a round-up going in circles ..:roflblack::roflblack:. so leader, self appointed or otherwise...step forward and those of us who want can follow!!!!!

Nice Murphy. Well I'm going through Chama. I rolled through there in September and had no problem maintaining good speed. Whoever wants to go that way can follow me on US 285/84. We'll do the Santa Fe bypass, negotiate Espanola, and then roll through God's country en route to Durango.

Rock On. 39956

--ABQ

[SpyderAnn01]

Nice Murphy. Well I'm going through Chama. I rolled through there in September and had no problem maintaining good speed. Whoever wants to go that way can follow me on US 285/84. We'll do the Santa Fe bypass, negotiate Espanola, and then roll through God's country en route to Durango.

Rock On. 39956

--ABQ

Sounds good to me.

[warp10]

How about 285, 64, 84 to pagosa springs, then 160 to durango?

[ABQ_Spyderman]

How about 285, 64, 84 to pagosa springs, then 160 to durango?

That route is awesome--lots of twisties and nice elevation--but you're talking about adding on a good bit of time to the ride. I routed it in google and that would put our ride up at 6 hours, 18 minutes. I can't check in to my hotel until 3pm, but I thought it would be nice to roll in to Durango around 1pm or so, get some lunch, and roll around town for a bit.

Here is my route:
http://g.co/maps/kdrt7
Besides...we have to save some energy for the million dollar highway up by Silverton, right? :yes:

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Hopefully there will be some adobe houses on that route?

Trust me Yazz--you'll see plenty of Adobe! If you're in ABQ on the 19th, I'll take you to Tramway and Tierre Verde and show you some $500K-$1 million adobe homes that will knock your socks off.

[captblack]

That route is awesome--lots of twisties and nice elevation--but you're talking about adding on a good bit of time to the ride. I routed it in google and that would put our ride up at 6 hours, 18 minutes. I can't check in to my hotel until 3pm, but I thought it would be nice to roll in to Durango around 1pm or so, get some lunch, and roll around town for a bit.

Here is my route:
http://g.co/maps/kdrt7
Besides...we have to save some energy for the million dollar highway up by Silverton, right? :yes:

That's a good looking route - some great scenery and plenty of places to stop for fuel, working out kinks, etc. I think riding to Silverton is the only thing that would beat the train trip ;)

I think this would be a winner - plenty of sights and history to see and we won't be exhausted when we get to the hotel. :bowdown:

[warp10]

Good news, I checked on MSN, Bing maps and at 312 miles it is only 5 hrs and 38 min, much quicker :roflblack:

[Lamonster]

That route is awesome--lots of twisties and nice elevation--but you're talking about adding on a good bit of time to the ride. I routed it in google and that would put our ride up at 6 hours, 18 minutes. I can't check in to my hotel until 3pm, but I thought it would be nice to roll in to Durango around 1pm or so, get some lunch, and roll around town for a bit.

Here is my route:
http://g.co/maps/kdrt7
Besides...we have to save some energy for the million dollar highway up by Silverton, right? :yes:
I'm good with that. Like I said before there won't be much going on when we get there and really this is all about the riding in the area so I'll leave it to the locals :thumbup:

[arntufun]

Went through Santa Fe this summer. 285 south to 25. If I'm remembering this right, there are stop lights going through town. Might be a problem with a large pack.

If my recollection if off, please chime in...


Why can't you guys do it like HD riders do ??? Blockers. They have the front two bikes block traffic and when the pack goes through they peel off and go to the end and so on. :dontknow:

It might not be legal, but it keeps the pack together. :thumbup:

[Yazz]

It's legal if you get permission from the local powers-that-be. Thats how HD and other riding groups do it.

Are you going to Durango?

[Lamonster]

Why can't you guys do it like HD riders do ??? Blockers. They have the front two bikes block traffic and when the pack goes through they peel off and go to the end and so on. :dontknow:

It might not be legal, but it keeps the pack together. :thumbup:
That is what we do most of the time. :doorag:

[arntufun]

It's legal if you get permission from the local powers-that-be. Thats how HD and other riding groups do it.

Are you going to Durango?



No Yazz I can't, but I hope I will be able to go to Lamonts. I think I would have alot of fun there helping to tinker with the Spyders and learning to do other things. I hope if I do get to go to TN, that I will be able to ride the dragon.

I hope you all have fun in Durango. :2thumbs:

[GnA]

That route is awesome--lots of twisties and nice elevation--but you're talking about adding on a good bit of time to the ride. I routed it in google and that would put our ride up at 6 hours, 18 minutes. I can't check in to my hotel until 3pm, but I thought it would be nice to roll in to Durango around 1pm or so, get some lunch, and roll around town for a bit.

Here is my route:
http://g.co/maps/kdrt7
Besides...we have to save some energy for the million dollar highway up by Silverton, right? :yes:



If you all go through Pagosa Springs.... perhaps those coming down from the Denver area can meet you there and roll into Durango together on the 20th.
We were planning on heading down on the 19th, but if nothing is going on, on the 20th till evening time, We may ride to Pagosa Springs on the 19th and head into Durango at a leisurely time on the 20th. Our plans are flexible and Pagosa has the "Hot Springs". :thumbup:

[ABQ_Spyderman]

If you all go through Pagosa Springs.... perhaps those coming down from the Denver area can meet you there and roll into Durango together on the 20th.
We were planning on heading down on the 19th, but if nothing is going on, on the 20th till evening time, We may ride to Pagosa Springs on the 19th and head into Durango at a leisurely time on the 20th. Our plans are flexible and Pagosa has the "Hot Springs". :thumbup:

That would be great! We should be to Pagosa between noon and 1pm.

[GnA]

That would be great! We should be to Pagosa between noon and 1pm.


The Colorado group met last night. Most going made reservations for Durango for the 19th... I won't be able to ryde down till the 20th. So either way, it doesn't look like we'll be meeting in Pagosa Springs. We'll just see everyone in Durango.

I hope BRP puts out an agenda soon. ;)

[NitroCircus Spyder]

Hi Everyone, So in reading all of the post has it been decided on what route we will take to get to Durango and also a meeting place and time on the 20th? I need to know where everyone is staying on the 19th so I can make a reservation please. I do not want to miss this group ride and would like to stay where others will be staying. Thank you.

[GnA]

Hi Everyone, So in reading all of the post has it been decided on what route we will take to get to Durango and also a meeting place and time on the 20th? I need to know where everyone is staying on the 19th so I can make a reservation please. I do not want to miss this group ride and would like to stay where others will be staying. Thank you.




http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?35539-Are-you-staying-in-Albuquerque-on-June-19th

[3whlLefty]

I grew up in ABQ (now live in LV NV) and have driven in the area for many years. The route I found the most scenic was instead of going up through Chama from Espanola go to Taos, then across the Rio Grande Gorge to Tres Piedras over the pass to Tierra Amarilla. - Quite pretty. And if you have any extra time you can take the ride around the "Enchanted Circle". Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River, Questa back to Taos. Another beautiful route.

I've done these rides and totally agree. Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla Great curves but gentle enough to go fast. Or,,,slow down and take in the fabulous views. If you have the time, don't miss it!!!

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Hi Everyone, So in reading all of the post has it been decided on what route we will take to get to Durango and also a meeting place and time on the 20th? I need to know where everyone is staying on the 19th so I can make a reservation please. I do not want to miss this group ride and would like to stay where others will be staying. Thank you.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.png
OK--they have us blocked. When you book your room, do it under "Spyder Motorcycle Club" and you'll get the group rate plus the upgrades. Cancellation policy is fantastic--you must cancel by 4pm on the day of arrival. They have a pool and nice facilities. You can check them out here: http://www.ramada.com/hotels/new-mex...n_date&rooms=1 (http://www.ramada.com/hotels/new-mexico/albuquerque/ramada-albuquerque-nm/hotel-overview?partner_id=&hotel_id=00680&campaign_code=IP-RAM_PPC_GGL_TM&propId=RA00680&checkout_date&brand_id=RA&children=0&corporate_id=&teens=0&affiliate_id=&iata=&rate_code=SP2&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1)

Check-in is after 3pm; check-out is noon. I'm sure they can get you in sooner if you need an early check in.

This is great for me too--I live 4 miles from the hotel. :)

If you have already booked--you can call back and tell them you're with the "Spyder Motorcycle Club" (or the SMC as I'm now calling it) and they'll give you the rate.

Can't wait for y'all to get here! I've been riding solo for so long I feel like this is Christmas in June!

--ABQ

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Rally Point on the 20th: My recommendation is to meet at Sandia Resort & Casino (big parking lot). It is right off I-25. Those staying at/near the Ramada can just jump on Tramway and it's a straight shot. FYI.

--ABQ
40127

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I'll be ryding solo so I wanted to get some local feedback on some routes. Santa Fe to Aztec via Los Alamos on NM-501 NM-4 to NM-126 - US-550 or skip Los Alamos and go north NM-84 to NM-96 to US-550. How are these routes through the mountains? :dontknow:

Bro I don't think you can go wrong either way, but I hear the ride through Los Alamos is beautiful.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Hey everyone I had a thought today: Instead of taking I-25 to Santa Fe (average speed through there is 80mph (speed limit is 75) and it's always windy--a huge cross breeze across the highway), we could meet up on the east side of ABQ and take NM 14 up to Santa Fe. That puts you along the Tuquoise Trail and through Madrid (where they filmed "Wild Hogs"). According to google maps, it's only an 8-minute difference in the ride.

[Yazz]

Glad you're giving that road a miss. It was windy there when we went through. Sand flying all over the place. Didn't know it happened on a regular basis.

Thanks for making this a great ryde! :thumbup:

[captblack]

Hey everyone I had a thought today: Instead of taking I-25 to Santa Fe (average speed through there is 80mph (speed limit is 75) and it's always windy--a huge cross breeze across the highway), we could meet up on the east side of ABQ and take NM 14 up to Santa Fe. That puts you along the Tuquoise Trail and through Madrid (where they filmed "Wild Hogs"). According to google maps, it's only an 8-minute difference in the ride.

I think that would be a great ride, Andy. As I recall, that is a beautiful area and as far as I am concerned I could skip Santa Fe ... I'm not big on the interstate anyway and with most of us staying on the east side of town I think that would be easy for everyone. I'm really looking forward to getting out there.

It might be a good idea to see what those staying in Albuquerque are wanting to see on the way up. I know some want to see some adobe so maybe we could find a pueblo on the way. One think to keep in mind is gas stations. The RT's get 28 - 32 mpg and those 6 gallons can go pretty quick.

I am glad you are staying on top of the planning on this. I'm sure we will have a pretty good group. I know I am going back to Albuquerque but some may be heading back east from Durango. Many, many options ...:thumbup:

Take care ...

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I think that would be a great ride, Andy. As I recall, that is a beautiful area and as far as I am concerned I could skip Santa Fe ... I'm not big on the interstate anyway and with most of us staying on the east side of town I think that would be easy for everyone. I'm really looking forward to getting out there.

It might be a good idea to see what those staying in Albuquerque are wanting to see on the way up. I know some want to see some adobe so maybe we could find a pueblo on the way. One think to keep in mind is gas stations. The RT's get 28 - 32 mpg and those 6 gallons can go pretty quick.

I am glad you are staying on top of the planning on this. I'm sure we will have a pretty good group. I know I am going back to Albuquerque but some may be heading back east from Durango. Many, many options ...:thumbup:

Take care ...

I'm planning to route us around the actual city of Santa Fe to avoid the lights. Nothing I can do about Espanola but I am going to let the police dept know we are coming and see if they can do anything for us. NM 14 will provide a nice relaxing ride up. The only "stressful" part I see is Espanola, so I'd like to mitigate any issues prior to the actual ride if possible. Once we get north of Espanola it's all gravy from there.

As for gas stations--no worries. There are plenty along the way. But thanks for bringing that up. I will look at where there might be some good stops to go ahead and establish en route.

Can't wait!! Less than 4 months away!!

[neelbert]

I
I'm planning to route us around the actual city of Santa Fe to avoid the lights. Nothing I can do about Espanola but I am going to let the police dept know we are coming and see if they can do anything for us. NM 14 will provide a nice relaxing ride up. The only "stressful" part I see is Espanola, so I'd like to mitigate any issues prior to the actual ride if possible. Once we get north of Espanola it's all gravy from there.

As for gas stations--no worries. There are plenty along the way. But thanks for bringing that up. I will look at where there might be some good stops to go ahead and establish en route.

Can't wait!! Less than 4 months away!!

I made this trip in a cage at night(dark night) there was't a light in no direction let alone plenty of gas stations crossed several Indian Res. i met 2 other cages.

[Bootie]

Has anyone given thought about the route to take from Albuquerque to Durango? I haven't gone every conceivable way, but I know 285 is gorgeous once you get past Espanola. You feel like you are in a Georgia O'Keefe painting, which is appropriate, because you ride right past her ranch (called "Ghost Ranch"). Just curious. I would love to hear your thoughts!

--ABQI am going to be in Kansas City in early June for a rally and then down to Bartlesville, OK to visit family.:D After that I need to kick around for a few days before the Durango event. Maybe I could hook up with you in ABQ.:thumbup:

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I am going to be in Kansas City in early June for a rally and then down to Bartlesville, OK to visit family.:D After that I need to kick around for a few days before the Durango event. Maybe I could hook up with you in ABQ.:thumbup:

That would be awesome!

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I

I made this trip in a cage at night(dark night) there was't a light in no direction let alone plenty of gas stations crossed several Indian Res. i met 2 other cages.

There are several stations on the back side of the mountain. You may have to go 30 miles without a station between here and Santa Fe. You an also fill up in Abiquiu, Chama, etc along the way.