Over the past few months, a group of hard-core trail enthusiasts braved the elements for a series of rides in the local area. There weren’t many of us, but good times were had navigating the different depths of snow and winter riding conditions. “Riding” might be a strong word for what we were doing, but we were on our bikes and on the trail.
The MTB riding group then set its location sites on areas a small drive from Taos. We explored Ojo, Nambe, White Rim and Glorieta. Not only did these areas prove to be great fun (while Taos trails were under snow or deep in the mud), but the numbers of riders increased at each ride. Our first winter ride had two participants; our most recent had over a dozen. For most of us, it was the first time to be on these trail systems, so we were guided by riders who were familiar with them.
As spring turns to summer, TMBA will continue to organize these all-comers group rides.
Many of these group rides will happen on the weekend (most have been on Sunday), so check TMBA’s Facebook and this website for announcements. We are also working on local mid-week rides in the evening. Unless otherwise stated, these rides are open to all levels of riders. The ride organizers are committed to not leaving anyone behind, so no one will be wandering the wilderness! In fact, most rides divide into multiple groups of different level riders, so everyone has fun.
As always, get the scoop on local trails here.
Now here’s a summary of a few of the season’s supplemental riding destinations:
The Glorieta Trail System east of Santa Fe proved to be an exceptional option for getting the stoke on. Personally, I rode these trails half a dozen times since discovering them mid-winter. The South most facing trails proved to be the most accessible after snows.
The Ojo Caliente Trails might be the driest options for riding in winter and spring. These trails are mostly Blue trails with moments of Black climbs. The trails are not exposed, but are punchy steep at times. It seems to me that the origins of these trails are Horse and Dirt Bike, so some of the lines go straight up the ridge line. Be prepared to push some segments.
The Nambe Badlands Trails were a real surprise for me. Sandy cliffs and ridges mean that these trails must dry out quickly after precipitation, though to be honest, based on the vegetation, I’m going to guess moisture is a rare visitor here. I’ve spent most of my time riding the black diamond (moments of double black sheer terror) and the blue/blacks that get you there, I have been told that the series of blue trails to the Northeast are more inviting and less threatening. Your sand-riding skills will be tested or advanced on these rides.
