Greetings everyone. We are just back from our first dedicated tandem vacation. We put our '97 Burley Duet (new for us) on our rack and drove from Menlo Park to New Mexico the long way. We camped at Canyon de Chelly in AZ and rode along the south rim - local folk on the res found us quite amusing, and vis versa.
Then in New Mexico we used Nicole Blouin's "Road Biking New Mexico" (2002, Globe Pequot Press) and roughly followed Blueberry Hill Ramble (great way to get to know Taos area), Enchanted Circle (WOW!!!):D , and O'Keefe Country Challenge (great ride):) .
Food-wise we could not get enough red chili on our huevos rancheros and enchilladas, and the sopapillas were incredible (especially in Cuesta for both). We have had 23 rides on our first tandem, and after this trip our team work went to new levels - and OH the climbing - beaucoup de elevation gain where it is HIGH and DRY. I don't think my stoker has ever had so much sport drink in one week.
And as always - the Burley is becoming our friend. What a solid, dependable beauty.
Shayne
06-06-07, 11:39 AM
Very cool, sounds like you two had a great time and came away with some new memories.
Shayne
Ginny
06-06-07, 12:13 PM
Congrats!
Sounds like a great trip.
I'm jealous!
oldacura
06-06-07, 12:29 PM
We did an organized ride with Heartcycle in northern NM about 3 years ago. First day was start & finish in Taos around the enchanted circle. The rest of the tour was generally north & west of Taos & went into southern Colorado briefly. I think the tour was about 5 days. The tour director took us into Los Alamos from the east up a very narrow 2 lane road with heavy traffic during rush hour. A big mistake. Cars were honking at us and passing VERY close. I just tried to concentrate on the white line & not vary. Cars about 8" from my left handlebars & a guardrail just to the right. I was very thankful for surviving that ride. It was the worst day I have ever spent on a bike.
Thigh Master
06-06-07, 01:09 PM
Ginny and oldacura! Thanks for your thoughts - I'm from Boulder AND was just emailing a former riding companion (from grad school days at Purdue, 1990-93) about favorite rides in Boulder - he has recently relocated there... so good to hear from some Coloradans. I miss it. I used to tandem from Boulder up Left Hand Canyon to the Peak-to-Peak Highway, to Allenspark in order to eat amazing pancakes at the Meadow Mountain Cafe!
oldacura
06-06-07, 01:28 PM
We ride up Left Hand Canyon to Ward once or twice a season. Great ride except the last mile into Ward is brutal. The ride down is a favorite - 15 miles with little traffic & predictable curves.
Thigh Master
06-06-07, 01:35 PM
We ride up Left Hand Canyon to Ward once or twice a season. Great ride except the last mile into Ward is brutal. The ride down is a favorite - 15 miles with little traffic & predictable curves.
YES! I know that last mile into Ward WELL! And of course there is nothing like fending off tossed stones from the Ward-ite children on the hill above the little store.
oldacura
06-06-07, 02:14 PM
"And of course there is nothing like fending off tossed stones from the Ward-ite children on the hill above the little store."
That has never happened to us but Ward is a strange place. I refer to it as an alpine junkyard. Last season there was a small general store on the right that was cyclist friendly. I used to think it would be nice if Ward were to get gentrified but if it did, traffic up Left Hand Canyon would increase so I'm greatful that it is what it is.
Thigh Master
06-06-07, 02:20 PM
... I used to think it would be nice if Ward were to get gentrified but if it did, traffic up Left Hand Canyon would increase so I'm greatful that it is what it is.
I totally AGREE...:)
zonatandem
06-06-07, 03:59 PM
So you like the spicy food in M.M.? Did you try the red Menudo at all??? Caramba . . . . mucho calor!
Have done a tandem century in the Albuquerque region a few years back. Lots of hillwork and a storm looming over the top of the mountain . . . but did beat the rain
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Thigh Master
06-07-07, 11:49 PM
So you like the spicy food in M.M.? Did you try the red Menudo at all??? Caramba . . . . mucho calor!
Have done a tandem century in the Albuquerque region a few years back. Lots of hillwork and a storm looming over the top of the mountain . . . but did beat the rain
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
We aren't menudo fans but we managed to eat plenty of that amazing red chili SAUCE on everything else!
Trsnrtr
06-08-07, 06:47 AM
I had some great Mexican food in a little place off of the old town square in Albuquerque five years ago. Being from Illinois, I'm not an expert on Mexican food, but my wife and I reminisce about this little place whenever NM or Mexican food is mentioned. :)
zonatandem
06-08-07, 11:18 AM
Menudo is an acquired taste, but 'red' menudo is a real sinus opener!
Your tandem team needs soxs with redhot chili's on 'em!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy abnd Kay/zonatandem
Thigh Master
06-12-07, 12:48 AM
... we just prepared some salmon with green chili purchased at the Santa Fe flea market. N I C E...