Info for ride from ABQ to Durango

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I've had a few questions regarding route, meet-up location, time, etc. for the upcoming Owner's Event, so I figured I'd post the details again.
Link-up location will be at the Ramada off Hotel Hotel Ave NE near I-40 in Albuquerque (10300 Hotel Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87123). Most folks are staying there or at the Holiday Inn Express next door, so it's a logical place to meet. Plus the parking lot is a good size, so it's a good spot.

Departure time is set for 8:00am. If there is much weeping and nashing of teeth, we could change it. But 8am allows us to take a leisurely stroll to Durango, enjoy the sights along the way, and not having to rush--while also getting us there at a decent time.

The map of the route can be found by clicking here: http://goo.gl/maps/Q9y2 It's a scenic route that incorporates Historic Route 66 along with the Turquoise Trail. Back roads and easy riding.

My phone number is 505-353-1032. My first name is Andy. Feel free to call or text any time to discuss.

A couple of notes:
1. We'll take the Santa Fe bypass to avoid the traffic and stop lights in Santa Fe
2. Espanola is going to be a pain in the butt, but there's just not really a good alternative. We'll either have to make our own stop lights or simply meet up North of Espanola. There is plenty of room to rally on the North side--and once we get to that North side, it's smooth sailing from there.
3. We'll be able to gas up in Espanola. It's right at the 100 mile mark, and a great spot to pick your station and then rally together North of the town and move on.
4. The 2nd stop will be in Chama, NM. It's a little over 80 miles from Espanola, and a logical last-stop prior to Durango. Pagosa Springs, CO would be pushing it at 127 miles.
5. It's 109 miles from Chama to Durango, so no worries about gas or having to stop. We can just enjoy the ride.

I hope this helps. If anyone has questions please let me know.

Best,
Andy

[Yazz]

Sounds good to me!

[captblack]

Great plan ... I can't wait!

[RTGENE]

You have put a great deal of time and effort to take care of us.
Thank You.
If Ann01 really dose give me a Diet Coke I'm going to give it to you.

[thehawk]

Looks like a great plan to me!! tnx.

thehawk

[ABQ_Spyderman]

You have put a great deal of time and effort to take care of us.
Thank You.
If Ann01 really dose give me a Diet Coke I'm going to give it to you.

Sweet! Diet Coke is my drink!

[bikeguy]

Man, I wish we were going with y'all but just can't make it this year. That's a beautiful route you have layed out ABQ. I've ridden all of it and the neat thing is that it just gets prettier as you go. And to top it off, Pagosa Springs has the Fred Harmon Art Museum. Most of you aren't old enough to remember but Fred Harmon created the Red Ryder and Little Beaver comic books back in the day and Red Ryder, played by Bill Elliott was my favorite cowboy movie star when I was a little kid. Now you know just how old I really am : )

Cotton

[SteveMac]

Sounds good to me!

!!!

[GloryRyders]

X 2.............sound like a great plan.

[flamingobabe]

GREAT route...looking forward to meeting you....and everyone else...14 more days til ABQ

[RTGENE]

Steve are you headed out on the 17th

[SteveMac]

Steve are you headed out on the 17th

As of right now, planning on leaving early on the 18th. Here is the itenerary: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...t.php?p=406781

PM me if you are riding with us and we will exchange cell numbers. Not sure where we will rendezvous at yet, but probably somewhere for breakfast before heading out!

I'd be open to leaving on the 17th if the rest of the group concurs. I'll post on the other thread to see.

[WaltH]

I am thinking of staying in Moriarty. Would highway 41 to 285 be an okay way to get to Santa Fe? Alternatively, would highway 550 be an okay way to get to Durango? I seems like 550 may be a very long way between gas stations.

[captblack]

That is a pretty desolate route, for sure. Do you have friends or family in Moriarty? I don't remember there being much there as far as lodging. Albuquerque is only 30 miles further west ...

A better ride, if you are staying in Moriarty, would be the one Andy mapped out at the top of this thread. The turn off for Hwy 14 is 20 miles west of Moriarty.

Last time I was on 550 was a number of years ago and I understand that Cuba has grown a lot and Aztec and Farmington have pretty much grow into one big town. I think there are some folks staying in Albuquerque that are going to take I 25 up to 550. Any ride out there would be safer with a group, in case of flats, breakdowns, etc.

Have a safe trip and we will see you in Durango, if not before

[Schnauzer]

Sounds like a plan, We'll be staying with friends just north of town. So I'll be checking the map and route to make sure we are in the right place at the right time...

[Lifeisadaydream]

I am thinking of staying in Moriarty. Would highway 41 to 285 be an okay way to get to Santa Fe? Alternatively, would highway 550 be an okay way to get to Durango? I seems like 550 may be a very long way between gas stations.

US 550 is 4 lane well maintained and Cuba has a few gas stations. Its about 70 miles from I25. 41 is a little 2 lane so ask locally about the condition. Our dry deserts tend to keep our roads in decent shape.

[captblack]

I checked the weather for the 19th for Albuquerque... says it will rain. I AM TIRED OF RAIN!!!

Andy, make it go away, please

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I checked the weather for the 19th for Albuquerque... says it will rain. I AM TIRED OF RAIN!!!

Andy, make it go away, please

Rain? In Albuquerque? I can't tell you the last time I saw rain! And if it does rain, it will be for like 10 minutes. No worries amigo!! We're going to have a great time!

[Lamonster]

Rain? In Albuquerque? I can't tell you the last time I saw rain! And if it does rain, it will be for like 10 minutes. No worries amigo!! We're going to have a great time!

If you can predict rain that far out you're dreaming.

Thanks for laying this out for us. My plans are to leave East TN on Friday and drive to SpyderPops place, Saturday we head for?, all I know for sure is we are suppose to be in Durango on Monday, Tuesday I'll head to Albu to pick up Faran at the airport then we will pick her Spyder up from the dealer and head to the hotel to hookup with you guys and ride with to Durango. After the event I'll be heading to San Diego to see my fam. Can't wait.

[captblack]

If you can predict rain that far out you're dreaming.

I know, Lamont. I grew up out there and didn't know what rain was until I went to college in Missouri. Comment was more about how much I want it to stop raining here. We had 10" or so from Beryl and now it has rained all week - another 8".

Even if it does rain, we will be dry before it quits ...

[SteveMac]

I know, Lamont. I grew up out there and didn't know what rain was until I went to college in Missouri. Comment was more about how much I want it to stop raining here. We had 10" or so from Beryl and now it has rained all week - another 8".

Even if it does rain, we will be dry before it quits ...

Wow. We could sure use some of that here in SE Missouri. One tiny splash of rain in the past four weeks here. My grass crunches when you walk on it. No joke!