Santa Fe & Taos, New Mexico Bicycle Tour 2022

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 or call 706-363-0341 or text 706-363-0341
 
Vacation Bicycling, the smallest bicycle tour company with the biggest percentage of repeat participants. Celebrating 18 years bringing bicycle tour adventures to the best of all 50 states, where will you go next?
 
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  • Come join us on one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States: Santa Fe.
  • Santa Fe is known for its shopping, excellent dining, historic and unique architecture as featured in its downtown, Canyon Road and The Guadalupe/Railyard districts, featuring cafes, restaurants, museums and art studios.
  • On our first day we will bicycle part of the bicycling famous Enchanted Circle with views of the Rio Grande and Sangre de Christo Mountains, while descending 3000 feet into the city of Taos.
  • We will also bicycle on what is considered one of New Mexico's most stunning stretches: The High Road Scenic Byway.
  • In addition, we will peruse and explore the Bandelier National Monument before riding through Los Alamos, the city adjacent to the creation of the atomic bomb.
  • Our riding will also take us on Santa Fe's Galisteo Loop, the favorite route of local cyclists.
  • On our final day, we will ride a route that may be remembered as your favorite ride of all, after we descend 4000 feet from the Santa Fe Ski area back into the city of Santa Fe after enjoying the scenery overlooking the mountains and forests.
  • Unpack only one time as we stay at the same hotel for the entire bicycle tour.
Day 1, Saturday - September 24, 2022
 
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Welcome Dinner
 
Begin your first day in Santa Fe, the nation's 2nd oldest city, and celebrate Santa Fe’s 402 years of cityhood by enjoying the adobe architecture, culinary wonders and city history. Visit the Capital of New Mexico. which was chosen as the Capital and later the state. Originally Pedro de Peralta - the first Governor of New Mexico when it was a province of Spain wanted - wanted an area the was more secure and easily defended. Visit the downtown area and the various art studios, where pictures can be viewed and purchased from a few hundred dollars to a few million dollars. A Georgia O'Keeffe Painting was sold by the O'Keeffe Museum for $44.4 million! Welcome dinner will be at the Cowgirl Restaurant, a Santa Fe legendary dining landmark with New York Times noted, “Great margaritas” or maybe you have seen this gem on Rachel Ray, either way it is the winner of the Best of Santa Fe Award. Then join us at 4:00 pm for the Welcome Meeting, followed by a wonderful dinner with friends to begin our week!
 
Lodging:
 
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Hampton Inn Santa Fe South
Santa Fe, New Mexico
(Stay at the same hotel for the entire bicycle tour. Just unpack one time!)
  • Internet
  • Fitness room
  • Whirlpool
  • Pool
  • Business Center
  • Coin Laundry
  • Hair Dryer
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Dinner:
 
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Cowgirl Restaurant
Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Recommended by Rachel Ray, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Cowboys and Indians Magazine, and voted Best of Santa Fe by the Santa Fe Reporter -
 
Entrée Choices:
  • BBQ Sampler Platter - Mesquite-smoked Ribs, Brisket and BBQ Chicken served with BBQ beans, coleslaw and potato salad
  • Salmon Tacos al Carbon - Grilled salmon fingers folded into two flour tortillas along with melted Jack cheese, chopped lettuce and tomato, served with our own tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, rice and beans
  • Chiles Rellenos - beer-battered Anaheim chilies stuffed with Jack cheese, topped with red or green chile and melted cheese and served with rice and black beans. A favorite with locals!
  • Fajita Platters - with guacamole, grilled onions & peppers, Jack cheese, sour cream, salsa, rice, black beans & tortillas; choose from chicken breast, flat iron steak, Portobello mushroom or seared tofu fajitas.
Day 2, Sunday - September 25, 2022
 
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Taos, Red River and Rio Grande Gorge 
 
Transport to Red River, northeast of Taos as we prepare to bicycle half-way around the Enchanted Circle, while taking in views of the Rio Grande and Sangre de Christo Mountains. Once we arrive in Red Rive we will bike to the Rio Grande Gorge and finally to Taos, descending nearly 3000 feet while enjoying all the beauty of the Southwest. After the ride we will take time to enjoy Taos, a city of art and culture that was named by National Geographic as one of the "Top Adventure Towns." The culture captures a Spanish and Native American influence. Also you can find local art, adobe architecture and Taos Pueblo, a sovereign nation within the United States, encapsulating the living culture of the Pueblo Indians, whose ancestors have lived there for a millennium. The natural beauty of the Taos continues to have an important influence customs, cultures, artists and adventurers. As the first settlers to areas knew, the relationships between land, water, sky, weather and wildlife and creativity and quality of life here are close ones as we experience the culturally rich area.
 
Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
 
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 36 miles, riding from Red River to Taos; or 49 miles riding from Red River to Rio Grande Gorge to Taos.
 
Dinner:
On your own
 
Day 3, Monday - September 26, 2022
 
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The High Road Scenic Byway
 
We travel to and then bicycle the area that is considered as one of New Mexico’s most stunning stretches. Many cyclists believe this byway is one of the most spectacular rides through New Mexico and is designated as an official scenic byway with beautiful views while experiencing a variety of landscapes. We will take in its beauty while on bicycles including views of the mountains, desert, trees and beautiful small towns. 
 
Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
 
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; 33 miles, riding from Penasco to the end of the High Road Scenic Byway.
 
Dinner:
 
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Andiamo
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Awards include: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, 1st Place Winner in Best of Santa Fe and Diner's Choice Award by OpenTable.
 
Entrée Choices:
  • Chicken Parmesan – Mary’s chicken, melted fontina, roasted tomato sauce and spaghetti
  • Grilled Idaho Ruby Trout – seasonal vegetables, roasted fingerling potatoes and lemon parsley butter
  • Chicken Piccata – Ramaty’s chicken, mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach
  • Fettuccine Alfredo – reduced heavy cream and parmesan Reggiano
  • Penne Arabiata – Garlic, tomato sauce, chili flakes, basil and parmesan – with chicken or shrimp.
  • Local Lamb Burger - with aioli and mint pesto on home baked gluten-free or brioche roll, served with lemon marinated kale
Day 4, Tuesday - September 27, 2022
 
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Free Day or Paseo del Bosque Bike Trail 
 
Enjoy a free day to explore the Santa Fe area, including taking a journey on your own to Bandelier National Monument run by the National Park Service to view the ancient ruins and cave dwellings and then proceed down to the famous town of Los Alamos.The Bandelier National Monument is a 33,677 acre United states National Monument that preserves the homes and territory of the Ancestral Puebloans. President Woodrow Wilson designated this as a national monument in 1916. It was named after a Swiss-American anthropologist, who researched the culture of the area and supported the preservation of the sites and the park infrastructure was developed in the 1930s. After spending time exploring Bandelier take a stop in the small town of Los Alamos, which is adjacent to the famous Los Alamos National Laboratory where Robert Oppenheimer and fellow physicists created the world's first atomic bomb during World War II. Most of the residents in the area work in the laboratory. Or ride the optional Paseo del Bosque Bike Trail in Albuquerque, the premier paved bicycle path in the city,
 
Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
 
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; 32 miles, bicycling the complete trail down & back in Albuquerque.
 
Dinner:
On your own
 
Day 5, Wednesday - September 28, 2022
 
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Santa Fe's Galisteo Loop 
 
Today brings a few choices as we bicycle south of Santa Fe from the hotel and ride the Galisteo Loop, a favorite ride of Santa Fe cyclists. We will bicycle past long horn cattle, beautiful mountain-scapes, adobe architecture and expansive farms; or ride into the downtown area on your own to explore Santa Fe, the Capitol city of New Mexico. Santa Fe (literally "holy faith" in Spanish) is one of the most intriguing art centers in the world with sculpture, visual art, galleries, music, dance and opera. The Los Angeles Times named it one of the top places to visit and one of America's most popular travel destinations. Finally, take the time to see Meow Wolf a unique arts and entertainment collective with something to see for everyone.
 
Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
 
Bicycling Route: 0, staying at the hotel; 35 miles, riding to the lunch stop and then taking SAG; or 49 miles, riding the entire loop from/to the hotel .
 
Dinner:
On your own
 
Day 6, Thursday - September 29, 2022
 
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Ski Santa Fe & Santa Fe
 
Today we venture to the top of Ski Santa Fe by van for a truly exhilarating downhill journey - we will descend over 4000 feet while doing very little pedaling, but with lots to see. We bike down the mountain and through vistas of trees that open up into panoramic views of the the entire mountain area with designated pull-outs for pictures and to absorb the natural beauty of the mountains and forests. Just down from the top we will make a stop at the Vista Grande Overlook Observation Site with mountains in the distance as far as you can see. We will then continue riding on this very lightly traveled road - the road ends at the ski resort - and is primarily used by bicyclists and hikers, during the fall.

Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
 
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel or 26 miles, bicycling from the Ski Santa Fe back to the hotel. [Descend over 4000 feet with only 400 feet of climbing]
 
Dinner:
 
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Midtown Bistro
Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Traveler's Choice Award from TripAdvisor -
 
Entrée Choices:
  • Pacific Blue Crab Cakes with mixed organic , Mango Salsa and Lemon Aioli.
  • Luis’ Roasted Blue Corn Chicken Enchilada with New Mexico Red or Green chile, and red chile fries.
  • Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Israeli couscous, sautéed broccoli, red bell peppers and tobiko caviar.
  • Salad Nicoise with Organic Greens and Spinach, hard boiled egg, roasted red bell peppers, kalamata olives, capers and seared rare ahi tuna or grilled Shrimp.
  • Melissa’s 5 oz Burger with Bacon, Mozzarella cheese, green chile, and red chile fries.
  • Homemade Pasta of the day.
Day 7, Friday - September 30, 2022
 
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Wake up in Santa Fe and tour the city one last time before heading home.
 
Breakfast provide by hotel each morning
 

Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.
 
Riding difficulty:
  • Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have an enjoyable trip. The routes on some of the most popular bike routes in the state. Please see the daily routes descriptions for additional information. Of course, if a rider is tired or does not feel like riding, the SAG vehicle will transport the rider. All riders may ride at their own pace, slow or fast or anything in-between.
Arriving by Automobile:
  • Drive to the Hampton Inn Santa Fe, 3430 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507; parking your car at the hotel for the duration of the trip.
Arriving by Plane:
  • Fly directly into Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) about 6 miles from the starting hotel and UBER/Lyft to the hotel. (Yes, it is nice to fly into a small airport; yet have service by American and United Airlines.) Or fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) about 60 miles from the starting hotel and rent a car to the hotel.
Deposit:
  • $200 to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start.
What is Included:
  • Hotel lodging
  • Ride packets, including maps & cue sheets (directions)
  • Fully sagged, including ride leaders, luggage transport, SAG vehicle transportation and rider assistance
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Dinner with the group three nights (see above)
  • Great riding, scenery, fun and enjoyment!
Bicycles:
  • Most participants bring their own bicycles
  • To ship your bike, we would suggest using shipbikes.com or bikeflight.com for shipping. Hampton Inn Santa Fe, 3430 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
  • If you fly, most major airlines including Delta, American, United and Alaska Air now waive the oversize fee for bicycles (sporting equipment) and just the standard luggage fee applies. Please contact your airline for all the details.
Weather for Santa Fe area in September:
  • Average High 77°

 

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Vacation Bicycling, LLC
1860 Barnett Shoals Rd, Ste 103-514
Athens, GA 30605
 
Vacation Bicycling, the smallest bicycle tour company with the biggest number of trips. Celebrating 18 years bringing bicycle tour adventures to the best of all 50 states, where will you go next?
 
 
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