Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club
March 26, 2026, 06:50:16 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Ultimate Seats Link VRCC Store
Homepage : Photostash : JustPics : Shoptalk : Old Tech Archive : Classifieds : Contact Staff
News: If you're new to this message board, read THIS!
 
Inzane 26
Pages: [1]   Go Down
Print
Author Topic: Ride Report - Leaf Peaker Ride - Cumbres Toltec NM/CO  (Read 1309 times)
Gary
Member
*****
Posts: 1049


Northern New Mexico


« on: October 15, 2011, 09:27:46 AM »

Friday, made a last minute decision to make a run for the colors up north. Didn't get out of the house until about 10:00.  Undecided

Beautiful day out, no real wind, blue skies, temps running in the mid to low 50's. Long sleeve denim shirt met the task at hand.

Destination - Chama, then Cumbres Toltec Scenic Byway. It's a healthy 2 hour ride to hit Chama depending on how many photo stops I make.

The challenge - I had to make it back to Los Alamos to have dinner with some friends...

First stop, the usual favorite overlook


Early signs of limited colors...

Next stop, Los Brazos area


Stopped off for lunch in Chama at the Elkhorn Cafe. Decent place to stop for the area. Chama Burger, billed as award winning. I was grateful for the fresh jalapeño coins.  cooldude


As I roll out of Chama, the roads were fairly clear of traffic, some early signs of snow in the area.


What really tops off a ride through here is when the Cumbres Toltec Train is cruising through, no sightings today...  Sad



As you ride further along Hwy 17 you are accompanied by The Conejos River.




The road continues on to Antonito, CO but other than hitting the Cumbres Totlec train station, the return trip to Los Alamos is less favorable on Hwy 285S. It does shave off about a half an hour or so though. I elected for a repeat of the scenic route.




Bike pic added to make it Valk related...


Got back down in to the Hernandez area for gas at the Hwy84/285 Chevron by 4:30, just in time to receive the call for dinner plans. Had time enough to pick up some essentials from the big city (Española) and catch the friends for dinner.

A great trip despite the colors being almost there.

Hope you enjoy the pic's.
« Last Edit: October 15, 2011, 10:24:00 AM by Gary » Logged
olddog1946
Member
*****
Posts: 1830


Moses Lake, Wa


« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2011, 09:33:37 AM »

Great scenes...but where's the bike?
Logged

VRCC # 32473
US AIR FORCE E7, Retired 1965-1988
01 Valk Std.
02 BMW k1200LTE
65 Chevelle coupe, 1986 Mazda RX-7 with 350/5spd, 1983 Mazda RX-7 with FOMOCO 302/AOD project, 95 Mustang GT Convertible 5.0, 5 spd
Moses Lake, Wa.   509-760-6382 if you need help
donaldcc
Member
*****
Posts: 2956


Palm Desert, CA


« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2011, 10:02:09 AM »


   Cool That looks like a great ride! I am going to try to make it over that way soon.  I just did Google directions and Chamas is about 1500 mi round trip for me.  So I need to get a few days off in a row and go for it.  Thanks.  If I decide on this will shoot you a PM for suggestions.  cooldude

Logged

Don
John Schmidt
Member
*****
Posts: 15392


a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike

De Pere, WI (Green Bay)


« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2011, 10:21:42 AM »

Great pics of a neat area to ride, thanks for posting and bringing back some fond memories of when my wife & I used to ride together. Her health prevents any riding now but we still talk about our times out west. I've been through that same area in the past but was in August, did it a couple times and that same circle route. As I recall, heading west out of Taos we hit some fairly high peaks along the way west of the gorge. I remember a guy in an older BMW was really lugging it due to loss of power, met him at an overlook. Was interesting to still see some free range cattle up there, also a bit disconcerting coming around a curve near the top and seeing a herd in front of you. Do they still have the free range running up that way? I'd love to make that trip again some day.
Logged

Gary
Member
*****
Posts: 1049


Northern New Mexico


« Reply #4 on: October 15, 2011, 10:27:07 AM »

Great scenes...but where's the bike?


Problem corrected!  cooldude

I ran out of space in Just Pic's...  Undecided
Logged
Gary
Member
*****
Posts: 1049


Northern New Mexico


« Reply #5 on: October 15, 2011, 10:28:57 AM »

Was interesting to still see some free range cattle up there, also a bit disconcerting coming around a curve near the top and seeing a herd in front of you. Do they still have the free range running up that way? I'd love to make that trip again some day.

Yes, in several areas out here. Keeps you on your toes for sure.
Logged
Devl
Member
*****
Posts: 539


Saginaw Michigan


« Reply #6 on: October 15, 2011, 02:51:02 PM »

Absolutely gorgeous country out there as proven by your pics.  Hope to get out there one day.  Loved the road sign for upcoming curves:cooldude:  Looks like you had a really great day on the bike and finished it with dinner and friends...how much better can it be.  Thanks for sharing!  Take Care!
Logged

Devl
Oss
Member
*****
Posts: 12883


The lower Hudson Valley

Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141


WWW
« Reply #7 on: October 15, 2011, 02:59:11 PM »

What a wonderful area and terrific pics

Thank you for posting them
Logged

If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison

When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra   (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
popsix
Member
*****
Posts: 53


VRCC #33588

Asheville, NC


« Reply #8 on: October 15, 2011, 05:48:03 PM »

Very nice write-up and pics! That's some wild and lonesome looking country. Thanks for sharing your ride with us.  cooldude
Logged

Pop


MrArn
Member
*****
Posts: 213


Albuquerque NM


WWW
« Reply #9 on: October 15, 2011, 06:11:21 PM »

I'm working on getting my wife to take a day off this week and riding to Chama with me.  I'm going to show her your picture.

Wish me luck.

PS--Highway 4 through the Jemez was filled with color in the southern end of the valley.
Logged

Jess from VA
Member
*****
Posts: 31189


No VA


« Reply #10 on: October 15, 2011, 06:20:55 PM »

Beautiful country.
Logged
Valkahuna
Member
*****
Posts: 1806


DeLand, Florida


« Reply #11 on: October 15, 2011, 08:36:47 PM »

Thanks for taking the time to share this beautiful country and pictures with us.  cooldude
Logged

The key thing is to wake up breathing! All the rest can be fixed. (Except Stupid - You can't fix that)

2014 Indian Chieftain
2001 Valkyrie I/S      

Proud to be a Vietnam Vet (US Air Force - SAC, 1967-1972)
flamingobabe #44
Member
*****
Posts: 1655


# 44

Friendswood, Texas


« Reply #12 on: October 15, 2011, 08:53:55 PM »

thanks for sharing....I love NM.....
Logged

old2soon
Member
*****
Posts: 23755

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #13 on: October 15, 2011, 11:49:04 PM »

I've trucked that area a time or two summer and winter. 2funny Summer wins hands down. uglystupid2 RIDE SAFE.
Logged

Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
Slick
Member
*****
Posts: 340

Jupiter, Florida


« Reply #14 on: October 16, 2011, 05:18:51 AM »




Outstanding pic's and report. Thanks for making me drool-
Logged

1999 Valkyrie Interstate,
2003 1800 VTX
Misfit
Member
*****
Posts: 2143


Colorado Springs Colorado


« Reply #15 on: October 16, 2011, 07:31:19 AM »

Thanks Gary. I always enjoy your ride reports. Keep em comin.
Logged

If you're lucky enough to ride a Valkyrie, you're lucky enough.

NCGhostrider
Member
*****
Posts: 592


A bad map and a long ride in Northern New Mexico!

Jacksboro, TX


WWW
« Reply #16 on: October 16, 2011, 09:37:56 AM »

Great report!!   Its been a while since I have been through there. Wish I were there now riding!!!

see ya,

Craig
NCGhostrider
99 I/S
Logged

#6674
99 I/S
Why aren't we riding?  Anyone? Anyone?

hotglue #43
Member
*****
Posts: 3151

Ya never know how many good Summers ya have left.


« Reply #17 on: October 16, 2011, 01:05:10 PM »

 cooldude  Great pics, Younger( and better lookin) Brother!!!!!
Sure some pretty roads and color!!!!!!
Thanks for the tour!!!!!
Logged



 blue=3 times
 green=at least 4 times
When they are all 'green'.. I'll stop counting.
Willow
Administrator
Member
*****
Posts: 16859


Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP

Olathe, KS


WWW
« Reply #18 on: October 17, 2011, 04:49:00 AM »

Good ride.  Nice lunch.   cooldude 
Logged
RTaz
Member
*****
Posts: 1319


Michigan...Home of InZane X -XI

Oscoda, Michigan


« Reply #19 on: October 17, 2011, 04:53:23 AM »

 cooldude cooldude good read and nice pictures thanks for sharing.
Logged



 RTaz
Pages: [1]   Go Up
Print
Jump to: