The Desert Southwest on a Motorcycle

Ah, the Land of Enchantment - New Mexico! Most people think first of Santa Fe, but if you like to ride, there are some "do not miss" tours and rides to tell you about. Deserts, cacti, mountains, alpine scenery, rocky canyons and Indian ruins - New Mexico has it all. This is a land rich in history and heritage. And the weather is almost always good for riding - year-round.

Let's start with Santa Fe - a community known for the arts and culture. This is an easy day trip from Albuquerque, and reachable also in a day from Denver. Walk the streets, shop the galleries, dine at one of many fine restaurants under a brilliantly blue sky. You will easily discover why this city ranks #5 on the Most Popular Travel Destinations list.

But Santa Fe isn't the only destination that's popular with motorcyclists. The expansive Cibalo National Forest, covering over a million acres, provides desert elevations of 5000 feet to mountain elevations upwards of 11,000 feet. Just 20 miles east of Albuquerque at Cedar Crest begins one such ride. From Cedar Crest you take Highway 14 south, which turns into Route 337. Follow Route 337 to Highway 55, and go west to Tajique and Torreon. The route ends at Mountainair on Highway 55. This route is about a 50-mile ride complete with deserts, mountains and canyons.

Along the way, stop at the Goat Farm for some goat milk fudge. Visit the towering adobe walls of the ancient church at the Quarai Ruins. And when you are done visiting this area, you can make the 65-mile run back to Albuquerque or head south to El Paso and Old Mexico.

But before leaving town, be sure to get the accessories and gear you need at less than retail prices at www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com