Hello New Mexicans! (Is that what the locals are called?) I am escaping the snowy, muddy trails of Denver to visit your fair state this week and will be staying in Santa Fe for a quick trip. Are the trails there in good shape/dry? And what are some recommendations for trails? I'd like to find some fun, flowy XC type trails if they exist in the area. Thanks for any suggestions!
Best trails in SF right now are the La Tierra trails. Dale Ball trails are only good when frozen, sloppy when warm and it's looking like a warm week, not even getting to freezing at night. Galisteo Basin Preserve trails are also good.
Dale Ball trails are only good when frozen, sloppy when warmQUOTE]
Why does everyone keep saying this? This is not true all through the winter and changes every few days.
Because right now, it's true. My comment was based on trail feedback I got from over the weekend and Monday. With the snow last week and warm temps forecast for this week, DB will be thawing out completely. And, right now, that means there will be mud.
La Tierra is faster, with some flowy sections. It also has stretches of old double track that are open and fast. DB has some flow, but is generally tighter single track with occasional switchbacks.
La Tierra is faster, with some flowy sections. It also has stretches of old double track that are open and fast. DB has some flow, but is generally tighter single track with occasional switchbacks.
It sounds like they are both up my alley. It being the beginning of the season I was thinking that I'd like to avoid super long, sustained climbs. But I love being on singletrack. Heck, I don't really care as long as I'm on my bike. I'll try both.
Just back from La Tierra. Dry and all clear, as expected. Dale Ball middle on the western legs are OK until you begin dropping into the Ski Basin Road (north slopes). Dale Ball north is OK on the western legs. No mud. Avoid Dale Ball South entirely, Dorothy Stewart, Atalaya, Secret Agent, Dale Ball middle east legs, and Dale Ball north east legs. With it this soft and muddy erosion will happen if we all ride it like it is. Waiting is difficult, but give it 3 more weeks and all of that will be good. I just can't wait for the hi-country, and that won't be until mid-May!
The whole north section is dry and fast, the middle is dry and fast (there is still snow from 11 down to HWY), and the east section of the middle is still muddy on all northish facing aspects.
Looking from high spots on middle toward Dale Ball South, all northish aspects still snowy, but getting there!
Gentlemen, start your engines, get set.......(wait for it!)......
It's been a little while. How's the DB network right now ? Anyone been out there in the last day or two ? I usually start on Cerro Gordo road and ride up to the ski basin road from there.
Snowpack is 20 to 40% of normal (based on the last three decades) according to Natural Resources Conservation Service. Yes, good news for riding, bad news for possible fires. Ride early and ride long before the possible National Forests closures later in the spring/summer. I sure hope for a ton more moisture!!!
Taos Ski Valley reports 220 inches of total snow this season (325" is average). SF Ski Basin reports 180 inches of total snow this season (225" is average). Averages are based on when snow begins falling to when it ceases, which can be into May or even June historically. We do get significant snows historically in April, after ski season ends. There is hope!
In the meantime, get out for a ride and make some turns while it is still ski season!
I am going to be in Santa Fe for work this coming I on Wednesday-Friday and I will be bringing my lights if any body wants to ride I am game for whatever or for however long I just want to ride my bike
Last edited by bikepackingdude; 04-09-2013 at 03:19 PM.
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Originally Posted by schraderlp
