2011 Region 2 Spring Meet - Start a Plan?

[GilaMonster]

Hey folks,

Is it time to start talking about the 2011 Region 2 Spring Meet?  We left Kerrville without a consensus about what to do next year.  We could return to Cloudcroft, Silver City, or Big Bend, again.   Another idea is to try Red River, NM (near Taos).  Anyone have any ideas, other than Lubbock?  Inquiring minds (or lack of same) want to know....

[Rabidsnipe]

I would be interested in trying the Red River area if only because we haven't done it yet. When does the weather there start being agreeable to riding?

[Kneescrubber]

The roads in Taos/Red River area are pretty much open by mid to late April. I was in Taos the first week of May this year and all the roads were open. 64 from Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla was clear although there was still a lot of snow on the ground. FWIW, Taos would get my vote. I go there several times a year anyway.

[KodiakRS]

Depends on when.  Hopefully I'll have a new ride by then and this sounds like the perfect opportunity to give it a test ride.  

[bikerider]

 

[cruisin]

Northern NM can be absolutely beautiful (weather-wise) in mid-April but I have also seen a foot of snow fall there in mid-May.  Keep in mind, the area around Red River, Taos and Angel Fire puts you in the highest elevations of NM with Wheeler Peak being the highest in the state at 13161 feet.  I would cast a vote for the third or fourth weekend in May to heighten the chances of favorable weather.  Also, the month of May is usually considered off season in the entire area so accommdations should be abundant and discounted.  I would also consider Angel Fire and Red River to be better choices than Taos due to the heavy congestion of traffic in Taos just about year round.  My personal #1 choice would be Angel Fire because it is a bit safer traffic-wise than either Taos or Red River.  On the down side though AF does not have as many eateries or motels/camp grounds as RR or Taos. JMHO  

[PhxMan]

Attended a Rat Raid this year in Taos and it was outstanding . Traffic was a little busy in town but we did not stay in town very much !! There is a restaurant there that is to die for , Micheal's I believe it was called !! Taos gets my vote .

[Kneescrubber]

Don't schedule it Memorial Day weekend. I was in Taos that weekend this year and the place was crawling with pirates.  http://www.redrivernewmex.com/Mem.%20day%20write%20up.htm. And poh-poh.

[Kwixtar]

I guess it is time I butt in. We discussed Taos/Red River area while we were in Kerrville and came to the conclusion that the weather would be iffy and decided to look into Ruidoso/Cloadcroft. I talked to some people last month who live and ride Ruidoso and they said the rides there were OK but few. So I again think Taos/Red River would be better.
As far as when, the middle of May would be prefect. Since Mothers day is May 8th, then we could plan on the rally to be right after that.

Next issue, will we get better participation if we do it over the weekend or weekdays? I propose May 13, 14, 15th.
Next Issue, Has anyone riden that area. I have not been there in 27 years, so don't ask me. Who can map out the best rides.

Any more questions?

Any answers?

[Kwixtar]

Checking Hotels in Taos/Red River area -
When rates were high in Kerrville this spring -$110 per night I got a lot of negative feedback about the price.
When rates were cheap $59 in Alpine TX a few years ago we got negative feedback about the poor quality.

The best rates in Taos are $120 a night so I know we will have pushback on that.

Eagles Nest (north of Angle Fire and east of Red River) has one Hotel at $69, only one decent restaurant, only one Bar.

Red River has one hotel at $79 but a variety of restaurants and bars. It is a more ideal place and brings back a lot of old memories for me. I prefer this venue.

Any Discussion?????????

[cruisin]

Red River has considerably more than one "motel"; there are a number of lodges and cabins available from $65 to $120 with some having 2 and 3 bedrooms with kitchens.  

http://www.redriver.org/lodging

[Kneescrubber]

As I stated earlier, I go to Taos several times a year. I've never paid remotely close to $120/night. I like staying at El Pueblo Lodge http://www.elpueblolodge.com/ although I have stayed in other places. The weekend after Mother's Day would be ideal IMHO although you have to remember, it can still be cold up in the mountains at that time. If you need someone to map out some rides and point out interesting places to stop (hot springs), I can help. I know Northern NM and Southern Colorado almost as well as the natives.

[expatbrit]

Red River has considerably more than one "motel"; there are a number of lodges and cabins available from $65 to $120 with some having 2 and 3 bedrooms with kitchens.  

http://www.redriver.org/lodging

Glad someone else said that; I hadn't time to do the research, but I was pretty sure there were. We housed 25 people up there in August, 2009, for a weekend seminar.  Lovely town. Even has food options, and there's some great riding in that area!

OTOH, heading south does lend itself more to weather conditions....

[Orson]

OTOH, heading south does lend itself more to weather conditions....

maybe a Plan B would be prudent?  

it would suck to find out the weather forecast is calling for snow and have no alternate.

[Justin]

I'm not in region 2 technically, but I'll be there if there is an ST.n meet in northern NM. I get down that way a lot, some of my favorite riding roads.

[Kwixtar]

Red River would be choice #1. The problem with an alternative is where? If it is snowing in Red River, Ruidoso would have to be the alternative and since it is off season, finding rooms on short notice would not be a big problem, I don't think . What if it is also snowing there? You just have to pay your money and take your chances.

Of course Red River has more lodging than one Motel, but we are looking for one large enough for a group needing 25 rooms or maybe more. The Best Western is the only one that has a price quote of $79. Where you stay is up to each individual but it is nice to have a place that can accomodate most of us. It is advisable to get a roommate if the price is too high. In Taos, the El Pueblo Lodge was over $100 for two beds(according to the internet).

YES YES, we need maps of several rides in the area. Please provide them if you can. Actually we will need ride leaders that know the way. .  
I know the ride from Red River accross to Questa is good and from Taos to Angle fire is good, except for heavy traffic. I went over Black Lake Pass about 27 years ago and it wasn't paved then. Is it now?

If you are from another Region, that makes it better. We will be inviting other Regions to join us. You can help.

[Justin]

Actually we will need ride leaders that know the way. I know the ride from Red River accross to Questa is good and from Taos to Angle fire is good, except for heavy traffic. I went over Black Lake Pass about 27 years ago and it wasn't paved then. Is it now?

If you are from another Region, that makes it better. We will be inviting other Regions to join us. You can help.

I know the area very well, as far as riding roads, there are many good ones. Not sure about Black Lake pass though. Do you remember what road that is on?

[Kwixtar]

Black Lake Pass - Hwy 120 south of Angel Fire is the shortcut to I-25.
It goes up to Mt Wheeler and as I look at Google Maps, it still shows that it is still not paved.
So forget it.

[FJRmgm]

I favor Red River/Taos because I have never been there.

[Kwixtar]

Event has been scheduled!

Thread transfered to
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,59159.new.html#new

[Justin]

Black Lake Pass - Hwy 120 south of Angel Fire is the shortcut to I-25.
It goes up to Mt Wheeler and as I look at Google Maps, it still shows that it is still not paved.
So forget it.

Right, I know the road now. I have ridden it on a street bike though, so not that bad. Not ideal for sport touring though.