A Santa Fe Christmas

[Luke Hendrickson]

I traveled to Santa Fe with my wife to stay in a spot with my Mom, my brother, and one of his daughters. We stayed just a few miles north of Santa Fe proper near the Santa Fe Opera and have been in Santa Fe, Taos, Chimayo, Tesuque (little out and back ride from our spot), and had some time in the towns between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

The last time I was in New Mexico was about eight years ago and I was more interested in the still-new relationship that I was in than the gorgeous surroundings here. Anyway, I’ve loved the stay and enjoyed stopping off at Sincere Cycles in town. I have included a few photos of my surroundings, the sunset, and my Riv on a trash run from the house (I didn’t even wreck).

[brizbarn]

Santa Fe is an absolutely beautiful place, as is New Mexico in general.  I'd love to get back there some day, it's been years.  Seems like a great place for a bike tour, or some local rides like you did. 

[Luke Hendrickson]

The local stuff (trails, riding into town, visiting nearby spots) was rad. Hearing about stuff north of me, Las Cruces bikepacking, and the thought of touring from pueblo to pueblo… I want to come back. 

Whereabouts did you stay/visit when here last?

[John M]

Those are great photos Luke-- I love the trash-hauling rainbow-tubed Atlantis.  I live in southern New Mexico (Silver City) but spent last Christmas in Santa Fe.  The sunrises/sunsets there really are incredible.  Here's a Christmas Eve sunrise from the rail-trail south of town.    

john

[Luke Hendrickson]

Thanks much, John!

Re: the sunsets – totally agree. Lovely snap there. How long have you lived in NM? You like it?

[brizbarn]

When I was in Santa Fe it was more of meandering van trip, not too much bike riding. My partner and I van camped at the ski area outside town (not in ski season). And also near an amazing hot spring in the Santa Fe National Forest, that area was incredible and definitely enchanting.  We spotted a bear paw print in the dirt near our camp spot, and were pretty spooked by that but lived to tell about it.  I remember loving the Georgia O'keeffe museum in town, downtown in general was really cool.  We also visited Gila NF, the Carlsbad Caverns, and Roswell (rode bikes outside Roswell somewhere, but didn't spot any UFOs).

[Eric Marth]

Great pics, Luke and John!

[Luke Hendrickson]

😊