For lots of reasons (mostly work-related), I have been almost totally off my bike for a year. The work part seems to be getting solved, with a move to the Los Alamos area being worked on. I actually might be able to ride again!

What is riding in rural Northern New Mexico like? Any recommendations? Any things I should know or plan for? Will live about an hour out of Albuquerque, about the same or a bit more from Santa Fe, we hope.

I love to ride on the road, though a mountain bike might be in the offing. Since I commuted on my cyclocross bike, I will be able to reconvert it to off road, and can start out that way. But I love the longer road tours - centuries, etc - so I will want to be able to get the saddle time in to toughen my butt for the long road days.

Anything you might know will be appreciated - asking here rather than on the road forum, since I am of "that" age range.

David