Valles Caldera 200k
This past weekend I rode the New Mexico Valles Caldera 200k brevet. We had nice, if a bit cooler than normal, weather. A few threatening clouds, but no precipitation. If you like rural routes and mountain scenery this is an absolutely beautiful ride! About 123 miles of the 127 mile route you’re riding through public lands. You’ll also enjoy this ride if you’re a climber. It has over 11,000 feet of ascent. If you are particular about road surface this may not be the ride for you. Most of the route has frost cracks at regular intervals. Also, it’s probably best to do this ride during the middle of the week if you have the option. On a beautiful weekend day, there are a lot of city dwellers that want to get out of town and enjoy the beautiful scenery and multiple recreation opportunities.
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- Early morning climb out of Bandelier National Monument.
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- West of the main Bandelier entrance on Hwy 4.
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- Switchbacks on Cerro Grande Pass.
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- Climbing Cerro Grande Pass.
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- Sand and dirt washed across road in previous night’s storm.
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- A big forest fire ravished this area. It’s very green now below sparse tree covering.
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- East Fork Jemez River near Los Conchas Campground.
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- Across from Fenton Lake. Not quite half way through the ride.
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- We’ve been up and down the Caldera twice. Two more to go.
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- Jemez State Monument.
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- Soda Dam. The water is very stinky here.
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- Jemez River flows along side the road for many miles.
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- Riding up from the town of Jemez Springs.
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- Back up the Caldera for the last time.
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- About 3000′ and 30 miles to go.
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- Meadow near the intersection of Hwys 4 and 126.
