Great Divide Ride- the Ride Begins

[jakescase]

In" planned expeditions", we described the route we would take to drive from the Mexican border to the Canadian border along the Continental Divide (mostly) off-highway. The route reverses that used by the Great Divide Bike Race going on now with some changes suggested by other offroaders and includes some side trips to towns we enjoy eg. Chimayo, Ouray, Glacier park,etc.
The ride began in New Mexico on the border and the first day included Hachita,Separ road and on to Silver City. The next day took us to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and back to Spirit Canyon on SR35 ready for a big next day.
Today we drove North Star Rd and others to Pie Town (got Pie) and from there on 603 to El Malpais to Grants. No cell from Silver City to Grants.. Carry sufficient gas, no stations.
Have ridden on or crossed the Divide 7 times so far.

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Photos?

[jakescase]

Photos Separ rd and Gila Cliff DwellingsIMG_0108 (Large).JPGIMG_0109 (Large).JPGIMG_0113 (Large).JPGIMG_0238 (Large).JPGIMG_0234 (Large).JPGIMG_0136 (Large).JPGIMG_0131 (Large).JPGIMG_0130 (Large).JPGIMG_0121 (Large).JPG

[jakescase]

North Star Rd to Pie TownIMG_0248 (Large).JPGIMG_0257 (Large).JPGIMG_0263 (Large).JPGIMG_0271 (Large).JPGIMG_0273 (Large).JPGIMG_0286 (Large).JPGIMG_0301 (Large).JPGIMG_0305 (Large).JPG

[jakescase]

On the road( OURAY) I reported:
The last I updated our Divide Ride was 7/2.We have been out of service for many days. As mentioned, the purpose of the trip was to follow the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. We anticipated being off highway frequently to achieve this, and have been on many trails ( County roads, Forest service roads,etc) so far.
One main driver for our route has been that one used by the Great Divide bicycle race which is finishing now(we gave water,fruit and other food to various riders which we met as they came South)and this route is for them,at least as I find it,a means to get from North to South away from motor vehicles which is challenging,strenuous and a lone athletic event.
The scenic and historical places and events are an aside.They are looking for BICYCLE routes, not necessarily ones best for expedition vehicles.It is also fair to say that staying close to the Divide is, for them, of lesser importance.
We have therefore modified our mission to drive from Mexico to Canada as close as possible to the Continental Divide basing our route on the main items of Cultural,Scenic and Historical significance, utilizing our vehicle's unique abilities to be off highway so that when so doing supports these items. We will take side trips off the Divide to visit places we like and rejoin the Divide. As a personal preference we want to be in lodging each night.
If this seems whimpy, it certainly is whimpier than the Great Divide Bicycle Race. So be it. Our narrative will point out diversions from the bicycle route and why.
So the next update:
From Grants we drove north through the rez to Chaco Canyon and the Chaco Culture NHP. This ancient city was remarkable. From there we drove out of the reservation to east of Nageezi, to Cuba and eventually to Abiquiu.
The next day included a visit to Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O'Keefe had a summer place and painted landscapes of the area. She lived permanently in Abiquiu. We also visited Christ of the Desert Monastery,up a trail paralleling the Chama River.
We then went on a side visit to stay in one of our favorite places in New Mexico, Chimayo. As an aside, the restaurant there, Rancho de Chimayo, is one locals visit for lunch and dinner from as far away as Santa Fe for a day trip. We always stay at the Hacienda across the road.
The next day took us back through Abiquiu to state roads and so called "Indian Roads" through an Apache reservation so that we could pass "Stinking Lake" on our way to Chama.
The next day was Chama to Creede and represented a significant departure from the bicycle route.Instead of taking 79 miles of "washboard" (250 to 380 to hwy 160) we took 17 to Antonito, cited by many as one of the most scenic drives in Colorado to eventually get to South Fork and finally to Creede.I know some will say we missed Platoro and Stunner pass,but they would have to go some to surpass hwy17 to Antinito. Creede is a neat town- trail and 4wheel drive through "Bachelor" Loop past old silver mines. Can highly recommend the Old Firehouse B&B in Creede. Creede is one of those off the track towns with day-tripping visitors, but rolls up the sidewalks at about 6. A great restaurant stays open for locals and overnighters down the street from the Old Firehouse.
First Chaco to Abiquiu:IMG_0311 (Large).JPGIMG_0381 (Large).JPGIMG_0362 (Large).JPGIMG_0361 (Large).JPGIMG_0353 (Large).JPGIMG_0341 (Large).JPGIMG_0337 (Large).JPGIMG_0330 (Large).JPGIMG_0316 (Large).JPGIMG_0394 (Large).JPG
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[jakescase]

Then Chimayo to Chama:IMG_0409 (Large).JPGIMG_0461 (Large).JPGIMG_0465 (Large).JPGIMG_0500 (Large).JPGIMG_0510 (Large).JPGIMG_0516 (Large).JPGIMG_0518 (Large).JPGIMG_0531 (Large).JPGIMG_0405 (Large).JPGIMG_0534 (Large).JPG

[jakescase]

Then Chama to Creede:

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[jakescase]

And Creede with inevitable "Kodak Moments" :

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Fascinating....

Most encouraged to hear people can still have an 'adventure' within the lower 48 which does not involve the danger of being kidnapped, the hassle of crossing foreign borders or winching from mud hole to mud hole in highly modified and uber expensive diesel Land Cruiser (unavailable for sale in the USA) or Unimog.

Whimpy? I think not and thank you for sharing.

[1leglance]

This is YOUR trip and you should have what ever kind of adventure you want.
Don't worry if you measure up to the mega media trips or the hard core wheelers or anyone else.
Have the best trip YOU can have so you have the best memories you can have.

I did the Continental Divide route from Canada to Mexico and I did it too fast, trying to meet others expectations and I regret that. Granted my son's & I along with some friends will always have great memories and lots of stories. But it should have been so much more.

By the way I like your pics and I looking forward to more of your story as you travel. Enjoy this as life goes by too quick.