Santa Fe to Las Vegas, NM

That's Las Vegas, NEW MEXICO!  Yes, there's another Las Vegas and, no, there aren't any casinos here.  This ride ranks up there with Oak Creek Canyon for beautiful scenery.  It was cool when we left Santa Fe and warmed up a little during our ride.  Skies were partly cloudy and the winds were either not a factor or behind us.  Great ride on a Sunday morning.

Highlights of today, our last miles on the interstate - done, finished, over.

Glorieta Pass, the highest elevation on our cross country ride, 7,500 feet.  This was the location of a civil war battle in 1862 between Confederate and Union soldiers.  The rebels were trying to open up a path to California through the New Mexico Territory.  The battle was pretty much a draw but the union forces destroyed the rebel's supply wagons and the rebels retreated to Texas, never to return.

Our route took us along old route 66 and part of the Santa Fe Trail.  The SFT was the major route for settlers from Independence, MO to Santa Fe.

A Dairy Queen one mile before the hotel for a cheeseburger and shake.  :)

5:03; 73 miles; 3,864' climb; 3,355 Calories.

Want to buy a chair?

The view at the beginning of the ride after leaving Santa Fe. 

The Alto bar.  This was where we did our SAG stop in 2009.  This year's stop was down the road. 

Clouds

White poppies. 

The view at the end of the ride.  Flat to the horizon. 

My new ride.  It's electric. 

The payoff at the end of the ride!