Day 19 – Backwards exploration – Abiquiu singletrack!

We were pretty content at taking a zero day at Ghost Ranch, and who wouldn’t be?  It’s a retreat afterall — peaceful and the perfect place to rest up.  But as Eszter says, we are action figures and resting is hard sometimes.

She provided the motivation to get us back on the bikes for a recon and supply mission.  I loved the idea of the ride, but probably would have fallen on the side of staying and relaxing had she not rallied us.

I’m glad she did.  US84 for 7 miles wasn’t too bad unloaded and fresh.  It was the only real downside of the mission.

Next was singletrack at Abiquiu Lake — built by very enthusiastic rangers from the Army Corp of Engineers.  They were so excited about their stacked loop system, and building to sustainable IMBA standards.  Very cool.  I am not sure I have ever ridden a bike trail on Army Corp land before, and didn’t even think to look for trails in this area when planning.

The trails were short but a total win.  Fun slickrock, not overly easy and stunning views of the cliffs behind Ghost Ranch and the lake.

When talking to the rangers further we learned they planned to connect their trailsystem with Ghost Ranch!  WOW.  That is exactly what we need, and what CDT cyclists will need.  He seemed very excited to have another reason to move forward with that effort and trail, and even said he wanted to try bikepacking himself.

Yay for the Army Corp (still Boo on NM BLM)!

7 miles along the Rio Chama from the end of the singletrack to Abiquiu was just what we needed.  Off highway, gorgeous views and pleasant pedaling.

Eszter had her heart set on Bode’s.  Good food.  Happy Ez.

Restocked on food for the next stretch, we retraced our steps along the river, having to climb the big dam at the end.  Then we took the other half of the stacked loop singletrack back, and grunted out the final miles of pavement, on to another chill evening at Ghost Ranch.

This is the perfect CDTbike route for anyone that follows us.  The singletrack we took was a no-go, so divide route into Abiquiu, then Rio Chama to Lake Abiquiu’s singletrack (slickrock side along the lake).  Perfect.

A good day of exploration, backwards as it may have been.  It sure was nice to ride unloaded for a change…..

From here we go up and it sounds like may get into snow.  Luckily we have some work layovers planned, though we sure would like to keep riding.  I think many of the hikers are going to end up on lower altitude alternates unfortunately.