Chuck Arning

Ride to Truth or Consequences to BellaLuca

Chuck Arning — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:35:44 +0000

Albuquerque – Socorro – Truth or Consequences – Bosque del Apache

Ride to Truth or Consequences and lunch at BellLuca with “Let’s Ride New Mexico” and back on NM 1 with a stop at Bosque del Apache—North Interstate 40 to T or C. Back on I 40 then on to NM 1, and in Socorro back onto I 40 to Albuquerque.

Ride was about 315 miles round trip-about 5 1/2 hours ride time.

January 28, 2012

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The weather site was telling me that we were going to have temperatures in low 50′s on Saturday. My daughter didn’t have any games and my schedule was open, so I started thinking about where I wanted to ride.

“Let’s Ride New Mexico” had a ride posted by Vicki for lunch in Truth or Consequences at BellaLuca. I decided to join the group for the ride down and lunch, then to come back alone using NM 1. NM 1 is a highway I’d rode, but never all the way from end to end.

The group met at Dion’s just off Gibson and we started the ride south at 9:15. We stopped in Socorro for gas, it was a quick fill up, then back on the Interstate. The group made good time riding right around the Interstate speed limit. We exited into Truth or Consequences, gassed up and started looking for BellaLuca.

BellaLuce is a Italian restaurant and on this day it was our group and two other people making up their lunch rush. They did however, look like they do a large amount of business for dinner.

I had their Fried Calamari, they served it on a bed of greens and it was very good. It was a relaxing lunch, I enjoyed my meal and the company.

After lunch I rode with the group back to I-40 and the 15 miles to the NM 1. After giving them a wave, I exited for my solo part of the day.

New Mexico Highway 1 runs parallel to I 25, it’s the remnants of a road built in the 30′s that ran between Albuquerque and Las Cruces. The road surface was a little ruff in a couple of places, but I was still able to keep Interstate speeds.

The best part of taking this road was no other traffic, it was truly a deserted highway.

This is the area where caravans made deadly water less trips along the Camino Real. It’s amazing to think how far mankind has come in the last 200 years. Where once there was a passage so dangerous it was called Jornada del Muerto(Journey of Death), now is a highway, one I crossed in less than a hour.

Next stop was the Bosque del Apache, a world-renowned bird and wildlife refuge.

Bosque del Apache, which means “woods of the Apache”, is a refuge for migrating birds. There are duck, cranes and geese filling these shallow ponds and fields along both sides of NM 1.

In some places there were so many birds, that their calls and chirping could be heard over the roar of my motor.

While I’m not bird watcher, seeing thousands of birds covering a field, all calling out and moving about, with groups flying in and out, is a spectacle worth seeing.

This ended up being a fantastic ride, I started the day with some great company. I ended the day alone watching nature in all it’s glory. I’ve ridden this part of the state in the summer and it’s no fun, the heat makes any ride almost unbearable. However I’m finding out this year that any sunny day over 38 is perfect riding weather.

Ride to Bobcat Bites

Chuck Arning — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:24:08 +0000

Albuquerque – Santa Fe – Galisteo – Madrid

January 21, 2011

Ride to Bobcat Bites with the AMRG for lunch – Instate 25, to NM 466 and lunch. Back on US 285 to NM 41, right on CR 42, then south on NM 14 to I 25

Ride was 135 miles with about 3 hours ride time.

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Two weeks had passed without me going a long ride and I was starting to feel the strain. I’d taken my daughter out the last two Sunday’s for short rides and breakfast. But either scheduling or weather had kept me from any rides over an hour. I’m lucky to live in an area where I can ride almost every day and I do take advantage of that. But short rides around town are not the same as riding the highway.

I saw this ride posted on the AMRG’s web site early in the week, but debated with myself, whether to join the group or take a longer solo ride. The weather site on Friday was predicting a 30% chance of rain/snow on Saturday afternoon, so I decided on the shorter group ride.

We met at the gas station across from Sandia Casino, it’s an easy on and off, by the Interstate on the north end of town. There were only three riding up to Santa Fe, Richard leading the ride, Bill on VTX 1800 and myself.

We started the ride at 12:00 and were meeting another rider in Santa Fe at 12:45, so we kept a nice measured pace on the Interstate. I rode with blinker flashing for about the first 10 miles of the ride, my switch is sticking after right turns. Found it to be a little cooler in Santa Fe, but still well over 40 and perfect riding weather.

We pulled over on exit 284 and waited for our 4th rider (Harkin) to join us for the last couple of miles before lunch.

Bobcat Bites was our destination and their burgers our reason for the ride. First thing you need to know about Bobcat Bites is that it’s not always open. When it is open it’s very busy and it’s small. From what Richard told me, long waits are common in the summer time, after eating there it’s easy to understand why.

The burgers aren’t cheap, but they are huge, mine could have fed my whole family. To go with my burger I ordered some coleslaw and that was a mistake. Not that the slaw wasn’t good, it was, there was just too much food.

We sat at the counter looking out the window at a bird feeder and we were treated to quite the show while waiting for our meal. After lunch we split up and headed home different ways. Richard and Bill took the Interstate back. Harkin and I took US 285 and NM 41 to Galisteo and CR 42 to NM 14.

There were some very beautiful views riding NM 14 and I should have stopped for some pictures. But there were several slow moving wide load trucks on the highway and I didn’t want to pass them again. The mountains were covered with a light dusting of snow, it gave them a definition I’d never seen before. Harkin and I parted ways at the Shell station in San Antonio.

I’m glad Richard set up this ride, the food was great as was the company.

Ride to Valles Caldera National Preserve

Chuck Arning — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:18:29 +0000

Albuquerque – Bernalillo – Jemez Springs – Valles Caldera National Preserve

January 01, 2011

Ride to Valles Caldera National Preserve – take I-25 exit NM 556 (Tramway) west, then NM 313 north to Bernalillo, turn left of US 550 for 26 miles to NM 14, past Jemez Springs to Valles Caldera National Preserve

Ride was 160 miles, about 3 1/2 hours riding time

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Every year the AMRC has a New Years day ride and it’s an event I’ve attended for the last few year. The group meets at Murphy’s Mule Barn and then rides around town for a couple of hours. Normally it’s really cold and I get a short ride to start out the year. But this year it was climbing into the low 50′s and I wanted to get out and do a longer ride.

My wife told me that this year she wanted to join me on this first ride of the year. We started the day by driving over to Murphy’s Mule Barn and eating breakfast with the AMRC riders. After eating we spent a few minutes socializing, it was a big turn out and there were lots of people.

Yesterday I mentioned to Mike that I might take a run to the Jemez instead of riding around town and he expressed a desire to join us on the ride.

Five of the AMRC riders wanted to ride around some before their ride got started, so we followed then north on NM 313 to Bernalillo. They turned around and we started north on US 550 for 26 miles to NM 14. This was the chillest part of the day, it’s funny how much colder you get the faster you go.

We were unsure how far into the Jemez we wanted to ride, but after asking a hiker about the roads ahead, we rode to the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

There were areas of the highway that haven’t seen the sun for sometime and they were heavily salted. The salted road looked like ice, making it hard to distinguish between an icy and salted areas. Luckily there were very few snow covers places left on the road, all in the dark or shaded areas.

As we moved farther into the mountains the snow got deeper.

It was a enormous thrill to start the new year exploring the snow covered Jemez mountains with my wife.

After taking in the Valles Caldera we started back to Albuquerque. We made one quick stop for pictures and adjusting our gear before hitting US 550.

In Bernalillo we stopped at the Flying Star for some hot chocolate and a little conversation.

This ride was the perfect way to start the new year. Seeing the Jemez mountains like this from the back of my Valkyrie was a first for me. Honestly I was a little cold a couple of times, but it was a lovely day, with almost nobody else on the road. Mike was first-class company and the rush I felt from this ride kept me up late into the night.

Ride to Estancia for Lunch

Chuck Arning — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:01:45 +0000

Albuquerque – Moriarty – Estancia – Mountainair – Belen – Los Lunas

Ride east on NM 333 to Moriarty, south on NM 41 to Estancia, back west on NM 55 to Mountainair, then west on NM 60, north on NM 47

December 31, 2011

Ride was 155 miles with a ride time of 3 hour and 20 minutes

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The weather man was predicting nice weather for Saturday the 31st, the last day of 2011. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny winter day than riding the highways of New Mexico. So I posted the ride on the AMRC web site and had four riders join me for this outing.

We met at Einstein Bagels on Central, right where NM 333 starts east out of the city. It was a mixed group of riders, three men and two ladies, with all different types of bikes. As soon as we left the city limits snow was lining both sides of the road. When we started south on NM 41, there was snow blanketing the ground as far as you could see in all directions.

Looking out over the snow covered plains turned me into real sightseer, it was an inspiring vista.

In Estancia we stopped at Blue Ribbon Bar, only it’s not a bar any more.

The Blue Ribbon is listed on “New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail”, so that’s what I ordered. The burger was good but not great and the chile had a bite. The service was friendly and quick, it’s a place I will return too if it fits into my plans. After about an hour of food and fellowship we got back to riding. At NM 337 we broke into two groups, three went north on NM 337 and back to Albuquerque.

That left two of us (Myself and Mike) traveling NM 55 into Mountainair and turning right onto NM 60. Just outside Mountainair as the road was running parallel to the train tracks, we passed a freight train heading the other way. The engineer gave us a wave and a blast from his horn, providing me with one of those, “it great to alive moments” you get while riding.

On the west side of the mountains there was very little snow to be seen. We rode north on NM 47 making a quick stop at Benny’s for what I think are the best taquitos in New Mexico. While we were eating a guy came over and started talking with us about riding. Then he left and came back with a picture of him on his bike. You could tell he loved his Harley and was excited to share the picture with us.

After leaving Benny’s we rode NM 47 to the Interstate and then headed into the city and home. I had a wonderful time, it was a good way to end this 2011 year of riding. Thanks to Kitty, Maryanne, Ed and especially Mike for making this last ride of the year one to remember.

Christmas Day Ride

Chuck Arning — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:26:17 +0000

Albuquerque – Bernalillo – Corrales

Ride north on I 25, then east NM 556 to NM 313, right on NM 550, then left on NM 528, left on NM 448, left on NM 528 back to the Interstate

December 25, 2011

Ride was 50 miles with a ride time of 1 hour and 15 minutes

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Every year my family gets together on Christmas eve, we open presents and then eat dinner at La Placita in Old Town. For Christmas the Old Town neighborhood lines it’s streets with luminarias. It’s both beautiful and so popular that sold out bus tours drive around the area most of the night. Our family tradition makes our Christmas one day early and Christmas day open, but with everything closed, we usually just stay home.

This year I thought it might be fun to go for a short ride and grab some lunch. It was my mistaken belief that everyone would be at home and the road empty. We took the Interstate over to Tramway (NM 528), it was 28 degrees when we started the ride. Moving down the Interstate at 75 was really making me wish I was wearing a full face helmet.

We took NM 313 past Sandia Pueblo and into Bernalillo, on the left hand side of the road we saw several flocks of geese flying in their “v” formation along the river.

We found nothing open for lunch in Bernalillo, but the casino, so we kept riding. I turned left onto NM 528 and started back south, bypassing Rio Rancho I turned left on NM 428.

We found light traffic as we rode through Corrales, making this the best part of the ride. Also the speed limit is 30 MPH, which made it seem a little warmer. All along the road you could see snow left over from the storm that pass through earlier in the week.

As we headed back into Albuquerque, we kept looking for an open restaurant. I even rode over to the area by the large movie theater, thinking one of the nearby places would be open. We ended up eating at home. This ride taught me that without heated gear and temperatures below freezing, I’m good for about 1 1/2 hours before I need to stop and warm up.

I want to give my daughter some praise. When I asked my wife if she wanted to go with me, she just laughed at me and said “too cold”. Not only did my daughter go on the ride, not once did she complain about the cold. It was a great present!

Ride to Canyon Hills

Chuck Arning — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:56:39 +0000

Albuquerque – Tijeras – Canyon Hills

Ride on NM 333 to NM 317, then NM 271 back to NM 333

December 11, 2011

Ride was 55 miles with a ride time of 1 hour and 20 minutes

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We had some snow this last week, the schools were closed for a snow day on Monday. This storm even caused me to use my Jeep instead of the bike for commuting two days, so by Sunday I was ready for any kind of ride.

It’s was a little cold in the morning, so I let the day warm up before starting out. Also the Saint’s were playing the early game this week, adding additional motivation for a late start.

At 2:00, I rode NM 333 east out of town, there was a coating of snow in Tijeras Canyon and the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees. At NM 317 I turned right into the mountains. Lots of snow was piled up on both sides on the highway, but the road was mostly dry. The traffic was heavy (and slow) and that kept me from pushing the bike through the twisting part of this road. Not that I would have tested the turns, but it did remove the temptation.

The snow plowed from the road prevented me from stopping for pictures till I had turned left onto NM 217. NM 217 took me east and then south through plains and rolling hills.

Riding south on NM 217 I passed several sign stating the obvious, that “Hill Blocks View”.

Back at NM 333 I turned left and started my ride back into Albuquerque. This ride was a short loop, getting me home before I started getting cold. I found a couple of ice patches in some shady areas, but most of the roads were dry. While this ride didn’t give me as much time on my bike as I would have liked, it did get me out. This is not a bad loop if you don’t have much time and just want a quick ride, lot’s of twists, great views and it’s close.

Ride on Old Route 66

Chuck Arning — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:50:41 +0000

Albuquerque – Laguna – Grants

Ride on parts of old Route 66 west of Albuquerque – I-40 west about 30 miles to NM 6, south to old RT 66, back to I-40 for 12 miles to Mesita exit, then east on Old RT 66/SR 124 to Grants, then back the 83 miles to Albuquerque on I-40

November 26, 2011

Ride was 172 with a 3 1/2 hours ride time.

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My plan was to get in a couple of rides the three days after Thanksgiving, but as it turned out I could only do one. This ride followed parts of old RT 66 west of Albuquerque. With the days getting colder I wanted to let the sun warm everything up before starting, so I waited till around 10:00 to leave.

I began the journey by going west on I 40 for 22 miles, then I pulled over at the 66 Casino to fill up

When it’s cold I like to stop for gas early in the ride, it gives me a chance to warm up. For some reason on a cold day I find the first 30 minutes of riding to be the hardest. It really doesn’t make any sense, because at the end of some winter rides I’m so stiff I can hardly get off the bike, but somehow I’m fine with that.

Next I rode 12 miles to the NM 6 exit, taking NM 6 north to where it intersects with Old RT 66. At this point Old RT 66 was only paved passed the bridge for a couple hundred feet. Not wanting to drive on dirt I turned around and went back to I 40, following it another 12 miles to the Mesita exit. (Note you can’t tell from Google maps that this section of Old RT 66 is unpaved)

From the Mesita exit I turned right at the overpass, then a short distance down this road I took a left onto Old RT 66. From this point Old RT 66 parallels I 40, but it doesn’t run next to it, instead this road weaves through the canons.

When I got to SR 124, turned right and rode it all the way to Grants. This back-road runs through several small places – Mesita, Laguna, Paraje and Acomita. While riding SR 124 you get to experience this area up close, something that never happens on the Interstate.

While I was stopped for pictures at one location, four large barking dogs came running across the mesa. Quickly I put the camera away and jumped onto my bike, it was close call, with my back tire shooting gravel at them as I pulled away.

My plan was to eat lunch in Grants before heading home, but the wind was really starting to blow. In this part of New Mexico, high winds are normal and they can make riding very unpleasant.

Finding myself not that hungry, I jumped on I 40 for the 80 mile ride back to Albuquerque.

On the way back I rode into a head wind for about 40 miles, then it just stopped. That made the last half of my ride back, much more enjoyable than the first.

With the holidays it seemed harder to get away and take to the highways. Glad I could find time for at least one ride and I’m a little sad I didn’t get in two.

Ride in the Rio Rancho Toy Run

Chuck Arning — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:54:06 +0000

Albuquerque – Bernalillio – Rio Rancho

November 20, 2011

Ride to the 19th Rio Rancho Toy Run with AMRG

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The Rio Rancho Toy Run was something my wife really enjoyed last year when we went and she wanted to go again. We got up early and left the house at 8:00, rode over to Mac’s La Sierra on Central and grabbed some breakfast. There were 8 other bikes in their parking lot, all headed

to the Toy Run.

After breakfast we made our way over to Weck’s in Rio Rancho to meet up with the AMRG. Richard (Grumpy) had posted a ride for the AMRG to ride to the run as a group. He was easy to find in his Santa hat.

AMRG had a turn out of 8 bikes plus a couple of riders that stopped at Weck’s to drop off toys, but couldn’t make the ride.

At 9:45 we made the short ride over to Rio Ranch High School where the Toy Run starts.

At the school we made the long walk over to drop off the toys and can goods. Then we stood around shooting the breeze till 11:30, when the run started.

For the run the police blocked all the traffic along the route, still there was a lot of stop and go. We were near the front of this long line, thousands of bikes long. Last year there were over 5000 bikes, I don’t know how many rode in the run this year.

At the end of the run there was a band, beer and booths. We wandered around and looked at the booths, saw some deer skin gloves (they were so soft).

We walked down the street and looked at all the bikes on our way out. There were so many different kinds and styles to see.

Saw one custom built bike with a V6, had to wonder how that one rode.

We had a good breakfast, I saw some people I’d hadn’t seen in a while. Made some new friends and got to see thousands of different bikes all for a good cause.

Plus, we were home in time for me to watch the afternoon football games.

It was a nice day!

Ride to Las Vegas to see the Rough Rider Memorial Collection

Chuck Arning — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 04:41:52 +0000

Albuquerque – Moriarty – Villanueva – Ribera – Las Vegas

November 11, 2011

Ride to Las Vegas to visit the Rough Rider Memorial Collection with lunch at La Risa Cafe – Took I-40 to NM 3 north for 20 miles to Villanueva, then 10 more miles past Ribera to right on I 25 to Las Vegas Going home I 25 to NM 285, then south on NM 41 right (west) on NM 472 continue on NM 306 to NM 14 right on I 40 to Albuquerque.

Ride was 238 miles with lunch and 4 1/2 ride time.

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I had planned this ride for last Saturday but a storm hit the state and I had to postpone it. The weather man was calling for another storm again this Saturday, so to beat the storm I took the ride on Friday. My daughter had practice and the wife didn’t want to deal with the cold weather, so I did this trip alone.

I started the ride by heading east on I 40, didn’t fill up before leaving town, so I made a quick stop for gas in in Moriarty. The stop gave me a chance to warm up. The sun never got out of the clouds, making it a very cool, grey and breezy day.

I exited onto NM 3 and rode north for about 20 miles before dropping into the valley that holds Villanueva. The ride for the next 12 miles is what really make this road worth riding.

After you drop down into the valley, you follow the Pecos north through several small villages and farms.

Every curve in the road gives you another back road surprise, an old home, a plowed field or a view of the river. This part of the highway felt completely different from the last time I rode it in the summer.

About 1 mile before you get to I-25 in the village of Ribera, you will find the La Risa Cafe. If you are traveling north it’s on the left side of the road just before the train tracks. I’d ridden past this cafe many times before and had never stop. Thanks to the recommendation of another rider (Jerry) this was where I stopped for lunch.

For my lunch I had “The Hangover” it was green chile stew with two eggs dropped on top. My lunch was outstanding, it was more like a soup than a stew, but it was delicious.

As I sat eating my heavenly stew and watching other diners served plates of mouthwatering food, I knew this restaurant was going to be a regular stop for me in the future.

After lunch it was back on the road north about 22 miles on I 25 to Las Vegas and the Rough Rider Memorial Museum. Unfortunately for me the museum was closed, so I took a picture of the door and started for home.

The ride back south on I 25 was very cold, with an icy headwind blowing up the canyon. After turning onto NM 285 / NM 41 it warmed up some, making my ride more enjoyable.

It was a grey sunless day, but I still enjoyed myself. The landscapes spoke of winter, giving the roads a totally different look and feel. The traffic off the Interstates was very light and most of day I rode these highways completely alone. My daughter asked me if I was upset that the museum was closed and I laughed. The ride gave me everything I was looking for, I’ll catch the museum another time.

Ride to Belen

Chuck Arning — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:33:18 +0000

Albuquerque – Los Lunas – Belen

November 06, 2011

Ride to Belen for lunch and back –Took NM 313 to Belen, then right on NM 309 as you pass NM47 it become the Manzano Express Way – follow it south to Meadow Lake Road, right on NM 47

Ride was 73 miles with 2 hour ride time.

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I canceled my Saturday ride to Las Vegas because a winter storm brought rain and snow to that part of the state. By Sunday morning the storm had passed and the sky was clear.

Not wanting to waste a nice day, I took a short ride to Belen for lunch with my daughter.

We started our ride around 10:00, it was still in the low 40′s, making it cool, but not too cold.

We went south, taking NM 314 as it follows the old El Camino Real. The El Camino Real was the only trade route from Mexico City to Santa Fe. This trade route was founded by Onate in 1598. There were only two roads into New Mexico for wagons, the Santa Fe Trail and El Camino Real.

The El Camino Real was one of the most important roads in New Mexico until 1881 when the railroad was built.

We stopped at Harla Mays for lunch. It’s an old movie theater that’s been turned into a restaurant. What keeps bring me back to Harla Mays is their green chile strips. They take green chiles, batter and fry them like onion rings.

After lunch we road NM 306, past NM 47 and onto Manzano Expressway, it was my first time taking this road. The road takes you through the foothill, up away from the river. It was two lane (40-50 MPH) with several intersection for housing developments. There are good views of the Manzano mountains and less traffic than NM 47. The road ends at Meadow Lake Road, taking a left brings you back down into the river valley and the NM 47 – NM 6 crossroads.

It was a great day for riding, cool, but not cold and light traffic. I even made it home in time to watch some of the early NFL games.