Spring, much like the pandemic, refuses to yield around here. In Springs case though, that's a good thing as the weather this weekend will be BEAUTIFUL.

Highs in the low 80's, little ... if any ... wind and sunny skies. That's how it is in El Paso as we pretty much skip fall and let spring go into overtime.  We did have some fall-like weather a few weeks ago. It even got downright wintery with snow and everything but only for about 3 days. Now we're back to shorts, bbq's, (in small, socially distanced groups of course), and other fun stuff that anybody over 300 miles north or east of here is wrapped in blankets, dreaming about.

Thanks to COVID 19, there isn't really a lot to do. Unless you have a motorcycle. (Cars work too but, face it ... bikes are more fun.) Being socially distanced way before COVID 19 made the term commonplace, getting "in the wind" has always been a great way to have fun and enjoy our beautiful scenery; all while maintaining a safe and prudent distance from everyone else.

With that said, here are a couple of my favorite mountain routes. (A fun way to get some fresh air and have a good time at a point when that isn't as easy to do as it used to be.) There are SOOO many cool places to ride/drive in the Borderland, these are just a few of my favorite, mountain pass routes.

Keep in mind, many businesses and establishments are either closed or operating under different hours these days so, plan accordingly as far as your beer breaks and lunch plans go. Gas stations are all open so, you're good there.

  • Trans Mountain. Start in the Northeast or on the west side and simply roll over the Franklin Mountains. Beautiful ride, gorgeous view, and plenty of places to grab a bite and a brew at either end.
  • Scenic Drive. Skirt the very edge of the mountain on this route, beginning in Central or in the Kern Place area. Make sure you leave a little time to stop at the lookout, located about halfway across and take in the view.
  • Highway 70. You can start in either Las Cruces or Alamogordo and enjoy wonderful, almost neverending views as you roll over the San Augustin Pass. As with the Trans Mountain route, you'll find plenty of food and cold ones in both Las Cruces and Alamogordo.
  • Highway 404. The "Anthony Gap" can start or end in either Anthony or Chaparral and is an excellent starting point for a trip across any of the other roads listed.

Enjoy, be safe, and remember to call ahead regarding any plans other than just riding.

 

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