New Mexico Expedition October 11-17, 2023, Don, Mark G, Casey, Thom, L4, Leander HEB, 7:00AM

This is a 7 day trip to Albuquerque and / or Santa Fe, taking a full day and a half to get there.  The itinerary goes like this:

EVERYONE TOGETHER WILL......

Oct 11- We leave as one big group on Wednesday October 11, from Leander HEB at promptly 7:00am, traveling to Roswell, NM, heading up 183 to Goldswaite and angling to the northwest.  Lunch in Sweetwater at Heff's Burgers.  We then will continue our trek to the northwest to Post, TX catching US 380 that will take us to Roswell, NM.  Lodging that night is at the Holiday Inn at the north end of town.  Total miles for the day is: 500ish.  Make your reservations at the Holiday Inn, Roswell for October 11, (575)623-3216, block reservation under CTHOG, 109.00 plus tax. 

October 12- KSU at 8:30, KSD for Albuquerque will be around 1:30, and for Santa Fe around 4:30 (total miles-151). We travel together to Vaughn, NM, and then split into two legs of the trip, Leg Balloon Fiesta at Albuquerque OR Leg Santa Fe Ride. 

Leg Balloon Fiesta-

Way back in the days, around 1967, there was a musical group named the Fifth Dimension.  They had a number one song which is the question we are asking today:  Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon??  Here is your chance to potentially float among the stars and view the world below!! Or you can keep your feet firmly planted on the ground and watch hundreds of colorful hot air balloons, up close and personal, sail towards the clouds!!  Once in Albuquerque, you have several days to take in the 51st Annual Balloon Fiesta (schedule here), as well as the local sights and sounds of the area.  And of course, some of the best food around, unlike your typical Tex-Mex variety, but true New Mexican Style. Westward Ho to Albuquerque and KSD at the Days Inn on the corner of Eubanks and Hotel Ave about 1:30 pm. Make your reservations at Days Inn for October 12-15th, checking out on the 16th, (505) 312-9766  or use this link. Block is reserved under CTHOG, rate is $229 for kings and $239 for doubles

Oct 13-15:   For Balloon Fiesta activities, the schedule should be posted soon.  There are morning and evening sessions each day, and tickets will be available soon.  It is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that you purchase the park and ride passes as you will be dropped off at the field and will miss the traffic jams around the field!  The nearest to the hotel is about 3 miles up the road. On Sunday,  a  group ride around the Jemez Loop, one of the many scenic areas around Albuquerque. KSU to be determined. On Sunday evening we will rejoin with the Santa Fe Leg and a group dinner is planned at one of the local establishments.  Stay tuned for more info!!

Leg Santa Fe Ride- 

October 12- We will say 'bye to Leg Balloon Fiesta at Vaughn and head north, up the Turquoise Trail to Madrid for a late lunch stop and a bit of shopping, then KSD down at the Inn at Santa Fe (Best Western). LINK HERE, block is listed as "CT Hog", for Thursday October 12 through Saturday October 14, checking out on Sunday the 15th. Rate is $166 plus tax.

October 13- Prepare for a long day of riding a 270+mile loop through Taos, stopping for lunch in Questa, then Angel Fire and back in Taos. We will see the Rio Grande Gorge, the Enchanted Scenic Byway, the resort community of Red River, and some crazy beautiful scenery. Lots of seat time on this one! Dinner will be on your own when we return to Santa Fe (but we can sneak off to a cool place close by if you want). 

October 14- There will be a short morning ride to the top of Thompson Peak (44 miles). You can stay at the top to enjoy a nice hike, or stay with the group to hit up the  Wicked West Harley Davidson dealership back in Santa Fe. KSD will be back at the hotel, and we can coordinate a trip to the downtown marketplace for some afternoon shopping for those that want to attend. 

October 15- We will enjoy a relaxing morning to chill and pack up to return to Albuquerque, taking a little twist up to the top of Sandia Peak, just northeast of Albuquerque (elevation 10,678 ft!) to enjoy a spectacular view. Then, we will rejoin the Balloon Fiesta Leg and check in at Day's Inn. Make your reservations at Days Inn for October 15th, checking out on the 16th, (505) 312-9766. Block is reserved under CTHOG. Make your reservation for Oct. 15 using this link. Rate is $229 for kings and $239 for doubles.(MAKE SURE TO CHANGE THE START DATE TO OCTOBER 15!). 

We will then enjoy a group evening dinner at Bruno's with the Albuquerque group.

EVERYONE TOGETHER

October 16- Our rejoined group  will  KSU at 7:30 am with a 495 mile trip to San Angelo.  Lunch will be at Brownfield, TX.  KSD at the Holiday Inn Express around 5:30 pm.  Multiple restaurants are around the hotel. Make your reservations at Holiday Inn, phone number is (325)223-2200, rate is $119 plus tax. 

October 17-   KSU at 8:30 am with a half day ride back to the HEB.  Total miles just under 200 miles

This is going to be a fantastic trip! REGISTER HERE for RC's to know you are going and which leg of the trip you are taking.