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Rides
The Turquoise Trail HOG Chapter Road Captains have been working for months to choose the very best of the very best rides for you during the Rally! They are currently planning two longer all-day and two shorter afternoon Guided Rides on Thursday, May 9th, and two long day rides on Friday, May 10th.
BE AWARE THAT IF YOU GO ON THE LONG RIDES ON FRIDAY, YOU WILL NOT RETURN TO THUNDERBIRD H-D IN TIME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ON-BIKE GAMES.
EARLY REGISTRATION on WEDNESDAY, MAY 8th 5pm-7pm
Thunderbird Harley-Davidson
Get your paperwork done on Wednesday so that on Thursday you can just RIDE! For the morning rides departing Thunderbird H-D on Thursday, YOU WILL NEED TO BE REGISTERED AND HAVE YOUR RALLY WRISTBAND. If you register on Wednesday, please be sure to sign up for the rides on Thursday so that we have some idea of the size of the group we will be guiding! Road Captains will be available on Wednesday evening to talk to you about the rides.
If you don’t have time to see us on Wednesday evening, we’ll be opening Rally Registration on Thursday, May 9th, at Thunderbird at 7am. We will register anyone wishing to leave on the early-departure Guided Rides FIRST.
There will also be a group ride on Thursday evening to Spinns for Dinner and our Bike Night. That group will leave Thunderbird H-D at 6pm. Feel free to just meet us there, too. Spinns is on Montgomery just west of Coors Boulevard...pick up a map at Thunderbird H-D for riding instructions.
GUIDED RIDES
THURSDAY, MAY 9TH
Ride Name: High Road to Taos
Distance: 280 miles
Departure Time: 9:00 on Thursday, May 9th
Estimated Ride Duration: 8 hours
Guided by: Ace and Mayor
Ride Description: This ride departs Thunderbird H-D, takes you north on I-25 to Santa Fe, then onto the High Road to Taos (503) just north of Pojoaque, NM. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is a winding road through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos. It winds through high desert, mountains, forests, small farms, tiny Spanish Land Grant villages, and Pueblo Indian villages. After a short excursion north of Taos to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the return trip is via the "Low Road" which runs through the valleys along the Rio Grande. The ride will pass through Santa Fe and include a stop at Santa Fe Harley-Davidson before returning to Albuquerque. There will be a lunch stop during the ride.
Ride Name: Jemez Loop
Distance: 200 miles
Departure Time: 9:30 on Thursday, May 9th
Estimated Ride Duration: 8 hours
Guided by: Hawkeye and Hardrock
Ride Description: This ride leaves Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, travels north to Bernalillo, then west on US-550 to NM-4 and into the Jemez Mountains. Scenic sites along the winding mountainous route include the Gilman Tunnels, Jemez Soda Dam, Battleship Rock, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and the White Rock Overlook. The ride will pass through Santa Fe and include a stop at Santa Fe Harley-Davidson before returning to Albuquerque. Several scenic sites along this route were used for movie sets for movies such as Wild Hogs (2007), 3:10 to Yuma (2007), Kites (2010), The Missing (2003), and The Gambler (1980).
Ride Name: Jemez/Gilman Tunnels
Distance: 120 miles
Departure Time: 12:00 on Thursday, May 9th
Estimated Ride Duration: 4 hours
Guided by: Tigger, Willie, and Stephen
Ride Description: This ride leaves Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, travels north to Bernalillo, then west on US-550 to NM-4 and into the Jemez Mountains. Scenic sites along the winding mountainous route include the Jemez pueblo, Gilman Tunnels, and the town of Jemez Springs. Scenes from the movie 3:10 to Yuma (2007) were filmed in the Jemez Mountains at Gilman Tunnels. Scenes from the movie Wild Hogs (2007) were filmed along NM-4 and in the town of Jemez Springs.
Ride Name: Sandia Crest Scenic Highway Ride
Distance: 100 miles
Departure Time: 12:30 on Thursday, May 9th
Estimated Ride Duration: 4 hours
Guided by: Wingman and Brat
Ride Description: Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. The all-weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. This ride departs Thunderbird H-D, heads south on I-25, east on I-40, north on Hwy 14 to Sandia Park, then west onto NM 536 W and the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway. The road is a winding, scenic mountainous road. There are scenic overlooks, restrooms, hiking trails, a gift shop, and a snack shop at the top. There is a $3 fee for parking at the crest parking lot. Exact change is required. Be aware that the antenna farm may cause issues with your motorcycle proximity key fob or security systems. We recommend parking at the far left portion of the parking lot, next to the restrooms, to minimize the chance of signal interference problems. After leaving the crest, the ride continues north on the Turquoise Trail to the historic town of Madrid, a ghost town that has been reborn into an artistic community and the home of Maggie’s Diner from the movie Wild Hogs. After a short visit at Madrid, the ride returns to Thunderbird H-D.
FRIDAY, MAY 10TH
Ride Name: Pecos River Run
Distance: 225 miles
Departure Time: 8:30 on Friday, May 10th
Estimated Ride Duration: 8 hours
Guided by: Hardrock and Hawkeye
Ride Description: This ride leaves Thunderbird H-D, travels around Albuquerque on Tramway, then goes east on Old Route 66. At Tijeras, the route turns north onto the Turquoise Trail to the historic town of Madrid, a ghost town that has been reborn into an artistic community and the home of Maggie’s Diner from the movie Wild Hogs. After leaving Madrid, the ride continues northeast, past Santa Fe, to the town of Pecos, NM. Once in Pecos, the ride climbs north along the Pecos River into the Santa Fe National Forest to an elevation of 8,300 feet. At the end of this winding and scenic road, the group will make a U-turn and return back to Pecos and visit the Pecos National Historic Park. In the park, there will be an opportunity to visit the remains of an Indian pueblo that stands as a meaningful reminder of a culture that once prevailed in this region. After leaving the park, the ride will return to Albuquerque via I-25 and its side road that includes a trip through the Santo Domingo Pueblo and the San Felipe Pueblo. The ride will pass through Santa Fe and include a stop at Santa Fe Harley Davidson before returning to Albuquerque. There will be opportunities for gas and lunch during the ride. Plan for a $3 fee to enter the national park, or use your National Park Pass.
Ride Name: Ride to the Ruins
Distance: 230 miles
Departure Time: 9:00 on Friday, May 10th
Estimated Ride Duration: 8 hours
Guided by: Mayor and Phoenix
Ride Description: There are only six seventeenth-century Spanish Colonial churches in the United States and all six of them are in New Mexico, with four of those being part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions. On this ride you will have the opportunity to tour two of them. The ride departs Thunderbird H-D, heads SE to Tijeras, then south through a combination of mountain roads and desert scenery to the Gran Quivira ruins. After a visit to the ruins, the ride will continue north and west to the ABO ruins. After another visit, the ride will continue east toward Belen, then north through the Rio Grande Valley, around the west side of Albuquerque and then return to Thunderbird H-D. Entrance to the ruins is free. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
Ride Name: Founders Ranch
Distance: 80 miles
Departure Time: 9:15 on Friday, May 10th
Estimated Ride Duration: 3 hours
Guided by: Bama, Popeye, and Darryl
Ride Description: Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) is an international organization created to preserve and promote the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. An SASS endorsed regional match, Buffalo Stampede, is being held at Founders Ranch on May 7-12, 2013. This ride leaves Thunderbird H-D, goes south on I-25, east on I-40 to Tijeras, then south on winding Hwy 337 to Hwy 217 and Founders Ranch. At Founders Ranch, there will be authentic looking Western buildings, western costumes, cowboy shooting competitions, horseback shooting competitions, and vendors. Entry is free, but be prepared to ride on dirt roads and park in dirt lots on Founders Ranch. After a stay at Founders Ranch, the ride returns to Thunderbird H-D.
Ride Name: Sandia Crest Scenic Hwy Ride
Distance: 84 miles
Departure Time: 9:30 on Friday, May 10th
Estimated Ride Duration: 3 hours
Guided by: Ace and Wingman
Ride Description: Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. The all-weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. This ride departs Thunderbird H-D dealership, heads south on I-25, East on I-40, north on Hwy 14 to Sandia Park, then west onto NM 536 W and the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway. The road is a winding, scenic mountainous road. There are scenic overlooks, restrooms, hiking trails, a gift shop, and a snack shop at the top. There is a $3 fee for parking at the crest parking lot. Exact change is required. The ride returns to Thunderbird H-D.
SATURDAY, MAY 11TH
Ride Name: North Around the Sandias to Wildlife West Nature Park
Distance: 135 miles
Departure Time: 8:30 on Saturday, May 11th
Estimated Ride Duration: 5 hours
Guided by: Monty and Hawkeye
Ride Description: Take the long way around the Sandia Mountains on your way to Wildlife West Nature Park. Enjoy scenic Corrales, Algodones, San Felipe Pueblo, Madrid, and Sandia Peak on your way. There is a $3 fee for parking at the crest parking lot. With stops at Madrid and Sandia Crest, this ride will take about 5 hours and end at Wildlife West Nature Park for afternoon Rally activities.
Ride Name: Founders Ranch and Wildlife West Nature Park
Distance: 52 miles
Departure Time: 9:00 on Saturday, May 11th
Estimated Ride Duration: 3 hours
Guided by: Showgirl and Tim
Ride Description: Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) is an international organization created to preserve and promote the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. An SASS endorsed regional match, Buffalo Stampede, is being held at Founders Ranch on May 7-12, 2013. This ride leaves Thunderbird H-D, goes south on I-25, east on I-40 to Tijeras, then south on winding Hwy 337 to Hwy 217 and Founders Ranch. The ride then continues to the Wildlife West Nature Park. At Founders Ranch, there will be authentic looking western buildings, western costumes, cowboy shooting competitions, horseback shooting competitions, and vendors. Entry is free, but be prepared to ride on dirt roads and park in dirt lots on Founders Ranch. After a stay at Founders Ranch, the ride continues to Wildlife West Nature Park for afternoon Rally activities.
Ride Name: Sandia Crest Scenic Hwy Ride and Wildlife West Nature Park
Distance: 71 miles
Departure Time: 9:30 on Saturday, May 11th
Estimated Ride Duration: 3 hours
Guided by: Ace and Wingman
Ride Description: Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. The all-weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. This ride departs Thunderbird H-D dealership, heads south on I-25, east on I-40, north on Hwy 14 to Sandia Park, then west onto NM 536 W and the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway. The road is a winding, scenic mountainous road. There are scenic overlooks, restrooms, hiking trails, a gift shop, and a snack shop at the top. There is a $3 fee for parking at the crest parking lot. Exact change is required. The ride continues to Wildlife West Nature Park for afternoon Rally activities.
Ride Name: Wildlife West Nature Park
Distance: 36 miles
Departure Time: 10:00 on Saturday, May 11th
Estimated Ride Duration: 40 minutes
Guided by: Moses and Darryl
Ride Description: This ride goes to Wildlife West Nature Park for afternoon Rally activities.
Ride Name: Wildlife West Nature Park
Distance: 36 miles
Departure Time: 11:00 on Saturday, May 11th
Estimated Ride Duration: 40 minutes
Guided by: Mayor
Ride Description: This ride goes to Wildlife West Nature Park for afternoon Rally activities.
Ride Name: Wildlife West Nature Park
Distance: 36 miles
Departure Time: 12:00 on Saturday, May 11th
Estimated Ride Duration: 40 minutes
Guided by: Bama
Ride Description: This ride goes to Wildlife West Nature Park for afternoon Rally activities.
SELF GUIDED RIDES
If you prefer to do your own riding thing, we will have maps of the Guided Rides with additional “Suggested Routes,” available for you to pick up in the Registration Area at Thunderbird H-D. Should you not see any suggested routes that strike your fancy, please feel free to ask any of us “locals.” We can help you pick a route for specific sight-seeing, specialty eateries, or shopping! Just ask!
Some of the Self-Guided Ride Maps at Your Leisure will include:
The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument: The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument has cone-shaped tent rock formations that are the products of volcanic eruptions that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago. Many have precariously perched boulder caps. An easy 1.2 mile Cave Loop walking trail and a more difficult 1.5-mile one-way Canyon hiking trail into a narrow canyon are available. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the park. We recommend that you take water with you if you plan to hike the trails. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is located 50 miles northeast of Albuquerque. From Albuquerque, go north on I-25, take the exit for Santo Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area (Exit 259) onto NM 22. Follow the signs on NM 22 to Cochiti Pueblo and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Turn right off NM 22 at the Smoky Bear sign past the turquoise water tanks on the hill onto Tribal Route 92, which connects to BLM Road 1011. From the fee station, travel five miles to the national monument’s designated parking/picnic area and trailhead. $5 entrance fee per vehicle.
Billy the Kid's Gravesite: This ride goes to Ft. Sumner, NM, with stops at the Billy the Kid Museum and the Fort Sumner State Monument. At the Billy the Kid Museum, history comes to life! They have his rifle, chaps and spurs, the original “Wanted” poster, and even locks of Billy’s hair. Entrance fee is $5. At the Old Fort Sumner Museum there are paintings which chronicle Billy’s story and a gravesite with his headstone. Entrance fee is $3.50. Addison Drug, an old-style soda fountain, at 127 E Sumner Ave. is a recommended stop for refreshments. This is a 360-mile, 6-hour ride plus a few hours at Fort Sumner. Plan on 9 to 10 hours.
Sandia Crest: Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. The all-weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. The suggested route would leave Thunderbird H-D, head South on I-25, East on I-40, north on Hwy 14 to Sandia Park, then West onto NM 536 W and the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway. The road is a winding, scenic mountainous road. There are scenic overlooks, restrooms, hiking trails, a gift shop, and a snack shop at the top. There is a $3 fee for parking at the Crest parking lot. Exact change is required. Be aware that the antenna farm may cause issues with your motorcycle proximity key fob or security systems. We recommend parking at the far left portion of the parking lot, next to the restrooms, to minimize the chance of signal interference problems. The ride is 40 miles, one way, to the Crest.
Jemez Loop: The suggested route leaves Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, travels north to Bernalillo, then west on US-550 to NM-4 and into the Jemez Mountains. Scenic sites along the winding mountainous route include the Gilman Tunnels, Jemez Soda Dam, Battleship rock, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and the White Rock Overlook. The ride is 194 miles. Plan for 4 hours of riding time and about 3 hours for stops along the way.
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