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June 18 - 25, 2005

Albuquerque • Santa Fe • Las Vegas • Taos • Los Alamos

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Tour Schedule 2005
Day
Date
Route
Elevation Gain
Mileage
Saturday
6/18
---
---
Sunday
6/19
8,575'
92
Monday
6/20
3,685'
97
Tuesday
6/21
4,265'
77
Wednesday
6/22
5,080'
86
Thursday
6/23
---
---
Friday
6/24
5,570'
80
Saturday
6/25
4,303'
103
Average Daily Mileage: 89
Total Miles: 535
Total Elevation Gain: 31,478'

Day 1: Saturday, June 18
Orientation & Arrival Day In Albuquerque, NM


Day 2: Sunday, June 19
Albuquerque, NM to Santa Fe


Albuquerque: 8,575'

Leaving the city of Albuquerque, you will head east through the beautiful rolling Sandia Mountains. After you get your legs warmed up, if you’re up for some additional miles, we offer an optional climb to the 10,678 foot Sandia Crest summit (27 miles total). At the top you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent panoramic view. It’s a ride that’s well worth the effort.

You’ll continue riding along the Turquoise Trail traveling through the “ghost” mining towns of the past. Visit Golden (site of the first gold strike west of the Mississippi), Madrid (once a booming coal mining town and now a haven for artists and craft persons), and historic Cerrillos.

Your final destination is Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States. Visit the downtown Plaza, one of the city’s most prominent features, near the end of the legendary Santa Fe Trail. For centuries, people have gathered at the Plaza to trade news, buy and sell goods, and have community celebrations - be a part of the tradition.


Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
www.Albuquerque.org
800-000-0000


Day 3: Monday, June 20
Santa Fe to Las Vegas


Santa Fe: 0,000'

Climbing out of Santa Fe, you’ll soon ride over Glorieta Pass (7,432 feet), where a pivotal Civil War battle was once fought. Following the path of the Santa Fe Trail, you will ride to the historic town of Pecos. At the Pecos National Monument, a short walk will take you through ancient pueblo ruins, into reconstructed underground kivas (ceremonial rooms), and through the remains of an ancient church.

If you want more miles, we offer an optional 27 mile out ‘n’ back course to the fishing community of Terrero. Ride along the Pecos River Valley in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Voted a “must do” in previous years!

The destination is the city of Las Vegas. In the 1800’s it was the largest city in New Mexico due to its location on the Santa Fe Trail. During its prosperity, the architecture of the homes and the buildings knew no limits. Over 900 of these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with examples of everything from Spanish style adobe to Victorian architecture.

Today's Totals 97 Miles
Ascent 2,740'
Descent 3,270'
High 0,000'

Day 4: Tuesday, June 21
Las Vegas to Taos


Las Vegas: 0,000'

Today is a mountainous climbing day, deep in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The course takes you through the most scenic mountain, forest, and canyon lands in Northern New Mexico. You’ll pass through the historic town of La Cueva, famous for its homegrown raspberries.

Enjoy the scenic valley along the Rio Pueblo River and ride by the Sipapu Ski Area. Sipapu is the oldest ski area in Northern New Mexico, and has been owned and operated by the same family since 1952.

The destination today is Taos, world famous for its challenging ski resort, unique Spanish and Native American Flavor, the historic Taos Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and many other scenic and historic attractions.

Today's Totals 77 Miles
Ascent 4,265'
Descent 3,770'
High 0,000'

Day 5: Wednesday, June 22
Enchanted Loop


Taos: 0,000'

For the adventurous and spirited cyclist, we have planned a ride around the ever-popular Enchanted Loop. Heading eastbound out of Taos you’ll ride through National Forest Lands and over Palo Flechado Pass (9,100 feet). After passing the scenic mountain resort town of Angel Fire, the rolling road takes you alongside the magnificent Eagle Nest Lake and to the town of Eagle Nest. Wheeler Peek, the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, towers above the western horizon.

The course then proceeds through Moreno Valley and to Elizabethtown, a ghost town, that was the first gold mining town in the area in 1866. Next, you’ll climb to the summit of Bobcat Pass (9,820 feet). Bobcat’s fast and scenic descent will lead you into the quaint and historic mining town of Red River, now a ski and summer resort, nestled in the surrounding mountains at 8,750 feet.

Your last climb is just after Questa, signaling the final and demanding stretch back to Taos. This is a favorite ride for locals and out-of-town cyclists!

Today's Totals 86 Miles
Ascent 5,080'
Descent 5,080'
High 0,000'

Day 6: Thursday, June 23
Day of Many Options


Taos: 0,000'

The Option Day is designed to add variety to your vacation and bring a refreshing dimension to the tour. With so much to do in Taos, you’re certain to find something that suits your needs.

HOW ABOUT:
White Water Rafting? Golfing?
Horseback Riding? Sightseeing?
Hiking? Shopping?
Hot Air Ballooning? Mountain Biking?
Fishing?


Whatever you choose to do, Taos and Cycle America will help you design a great day!

Many of our riders choose to spend the day off their bikes trying something new. But, if you’re interested in riding, we will offer an “Optional Ride” to take you around the many attractions in Taos.

Note: These optional excursions are available for an EXTRA FEE. More information about these activities will be provided in your TOUR KIT (sent to you before the tour).

Day 7: Friday, June 24
Taos to Los Alamos


Taos: 0,000'

Today you’ll ride through the unique high mountain desert. You’ll discover many mountainside towns with plenty of local historical and artistic treats.
Visit Chimayo, home to famous weavers and the Santuario de Chimayo, a church completed in 1816. In Truchas, at the base of Truchas Peak (13,102 feet), you’ll see a magnificent view of Los Alamos - 40 miles away! A scenic 18 mile ascent through the Jemez Mountains will lead you into Los Alamos, a town hidden in the cliffs and canyons of an ancient volcano.

Los Alamos, home of the National Laboratory, was once inhabited by the Anasazi, or “The Ancient Ones” who carved their dwellings out of volcanic cliffs and canyon walls. The largest Anasazi settlement was in Frijoles Canyon, just outside of Los Alamos, now known as Bandelier National Monument.

Today's Totals 80 Miles
Ascent 5,570'
Descent 5,180'
High 0,000'

Day 8: Saturday, June 25
Los Alamos to Albuquerque

Tour Finale

Los Alamos: 0,000'

On your final day, you will climb through a densely vegetated portion of the Santa Fe National Forest and the volcanic Jemez Mountain Range. It’s a special ride through Native American history in terrain unique only to Northern New Mexico.

You’ll pass by the Valle Grande, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. Here, the top and sides of an ancient lava and tuff-layered volcano collapsed, leaving a valley 14 miles in diameter!

For added fun visit Battleship Rock, Soda Dam Hot Springs, Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo and Bernalillo. It’s your last day to enjoy this unique area of New Mexico, so take the opportunity to get off your bike and explore. As you arrive in Albuquerque, you can reflect on the challenge you accepted to Pedal the Peaks in New Mexico!

Today's Totals 103 Miles
Ascent 4,303'
Descent 6,347'
High 0,000'


 
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