Warm sun, blue sky, cool breeze--perfect weather for riding the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway. Our 212 mile trip climbed and dipped between 6700 and 9800 feet and wound through valleys, mesas, mountains and national forest. Named for New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, it circles Wheeler Peak, at just over 11000 feet, the highest point in the state.
The Trail officially starts and ends at Taos, but for us it started in Raton, where we picked up SR 64 east of the circle. This part of the trip was straight and flat, but we didn't care. We just rode along, glad to be out in the middle of nowhere, singing Don't Fence Me In, and
enjoying our game of Spot The Pronghorns.
We were delighted to add Mule Deer to our list.
We rolled along, going up and down mountains and snaking along canyon bottoms.
Everywhere the scenery ranged from beautiful to breathtaking.
We actually did ride around Wheeler Peak, sporting a coat of snow.
Our high point for the day was Bobcat Pass, 9820 feet. From there we went down
to the town of Red River where we stopped to wander around the 36th Annual Red River Memorial Motorcycle Rally. Early on Friday morning, the rally hadn't gotten cranked up yet. Traffic was light and parking spots were plentiful.
We walked around shopping for a long-sleeved rally tshirt for Duane. We saw a few interesting things, and ate lunch in one of the local cafes.
On we went, meeting lots of bikers. (That left arm out and down is the biker wave.) Some of the bikers were locals going to the rally. Most of them were rally attendees riding the Enchanted Circle as part of their rally activities.
On we rolled, enjoying the weather, the scenery, and the road,
until we reached Taos, nestled in the valley below.
Taos is the official beginning and end of the Trail. For us it was just a little more than halfway.
Tomorrow, the end of the Trail.
Louise and Duane
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