2009 AVA Rally- Enjoy Western Flair and Hospitality at Santa Fe, New Mexico!

Following is a list of the rides that will be conducted for the AVA International Rally this year. Maps will be provided at the rally site.

For those of you that attend the AVA Rally in Santa Fe, I have a suggestion for you. There is a "Steak House", called "The Stakeout Grill and Bar", located four miles South of Rancho De Taos, (Eight miles South of the Taos Plaza-City Center), on Highway NM 68, (75 miles North of Santa Fe). It looks like a good old-fashioned Mexican Hacienda, and is back among the Piñon Trees. It is well worth the trip and the time to have dinner there. The Proprietor's name is Mauro. They open daily from 5:00 PM 'till closing. Reservations are strongly suggested. (1-575-758-2042). I've eaten there several times, and it was GREAT! The Service is EXCELLENT! Info online at: http://www.stakeoutrestaurant.com/ .

And while you're in that area, take US 64 NW out of Taos, Go about ten miles, and see the Rio Grande River GORGE! What's that you say? A GORGE on the Rio Grande? Hard to imagine, but yes, it IS there! You might want to do this, on the way to, from, or during the Rally.

The design of this year's AVA Rally souvenir shirt is now being revealed. The past several years rally shirts have featured a collage of area attractions within the design. This year, will feature a predominate image with the New Mexico State flag image. The design will be featured on the back of the shirt (may vary slightly in size from what's shown) with an additional and different smaller design on front as in year's past. The shirt color this year will be a gold/yellow color. Rally shirts are available for an additional nominal cost to the rally registration, and can be ordered on the rally registration form (hard copy or online). To guarantee your rally shirt, it is strongly recommended you order with your rally registration. A few shirts will be available at the rally, but will be extremely limited in quantity and sizes. They promise to be an attention getting shirt!

What do you think of when you think of New Mexico? Some locals will tell you stories of phone calls with other people in the United States where they are often complimented how well they have mastered the English language, as if New Mexico is a different country. For others that are somewhat more enlightened, the only experience they have of New Mexico is what they can see from Interstate 10, Interstate 40 or Interstate 25. For years I thought that all of New Mexico was one big desert. Then I found a job in the Land of Enchantment and had the chance to see many of this state’s wonders.

Many ask what is meant by the state motto, “Land of Enchantment” I will try to answer that question; but to fully understand what that means you really need to come to the state and spend time out doors. I prefer to see the state from my motorcycle, however many have seen the state in everything from bicycles to hot air balloons. No matter how you decide to see the state you need to do it from some platform other than an automobile. New Mexico has some of the most agreeable weather that can be found anywhere. Being such a large state you can even migrate south in winter, and north in summer and always be reasonably comfortable.

During a one-day round-trip ride from Albuquerque you can actually ride on two different versions of historic Route 66, spend time on tight, winding, but well-paved mountain roads, see outstanding vistas such as a view of all of Albuquerque from 5,000 feet above the city, visit over a half dozen Indian reservations, and see authentic old Western mining towns. What was that about two different versions of historic Route 66? Many people think of historic Route 66 as a singular road from Chicago IL to Santa Monica CA; however the actual route has changed course many times over the years. In New Mexico there is the pre-1937 route that went from Santa Rosa North to Santa Fe, than South, parallel to the Rio Grande

River and railroad (which is also still present) through Albuquerque down to Los Lunes before heading west again. In 1937 the highway was straightened, bypassing Santa Fe, and roughly follows what is now Interstate 40. If you’re wondering why Route 66 was straightened there is at least one interesting story. In 1937 the then governor of New Mexico, Governor Hannett lost the re-election. Hannett blamed this on the politicians in Santa Fe. In one great last act of defiance before the new governor was sworn in he vowed to get even with this Santa Fe ring. He had until January to institute his revenge. And he did! He decided the best way to get even was to re-route Highway 66 to Albuquerque and bypass Santa Fe altogether. For more on this story see http://www.theroadwanderer.net/66NMex/santafe.htm. Both versions of Route 66 intersect in Albuquerque and are well marked.

The AVA Rallies just keep getting better and better all the time! Just when you thought the last one in Bowling Green, Kentucky was the cat's meow, we're planning on another great adventure and rally location in Santa Fe, New Mexico. AVA Rallies have always traveled to different locations every year, and we think we have another winner for 2009. If you are coming out from back east, you will have an adventure just getting there. So, say, to the devil with everyday pressures, job stress, hassles with the boss, etc. and plan on unwinding, and for once (for some) and again (for previous rally attendees), enjoying a great ride to, and a greater destination at, the AVA International Rally in 2009- our 20th year anniversary!

Santa Fe is located at the north end of the "Turquoise Trail", and offers many spectacular views and historic attractions along it. The Scenic and Historic Area encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. A sampling of attractions you will find within reasonable riding time are (titles are links):

Nambe Falls & Recreation Area

Outdoor Park and recreation area located on the Nambe Pueblo Indian reservation. Features beautiful scenery, waterfalls, fishing, boating and hiking. The pueblo is registered as a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the state’s major tourist attractions. Only 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, Nambe Lake offers some of the best high mountain trout fishing in the area with facilities for overnight camping.

Madrid, New Mexico

Madrid, pronounced mad-rid, was once an old-time western coal mining town. The area was booming in its heyday supplying coal for the Santa Fe Railroad, local consumers, and the US Government. The company town became famous for its Fourth of July parade, lighted Christmas displays, and minor league baseball games in the first lighted stadium in the west. When coal use declined, the town fell silent. It became a ghost town. In the early 1970's , artists and craftspeople arrived. They converted old company stores and houses into quality shops, galleries, and services. Madrid has an original tavern, the Old Coal Mine Museum. In the summer there is melodrama in a theatre created in the engine house and festivals and concerts at the Historic ballpark. The Fourth of July parade and Christmas celebrations (weekends in December) have been revived by Madrid's current residents. Recently, certain events have brought Madrid, New Mexico to the world spotlight. Touchstone Films produced the 2007 film Wild Hogs that showcased Madrid, and had the restless shirt and tie bikers making their final stand at the Madrid Chili Festival.

Sandia Peak Summer Chairlift and Tramway

Enter Cibola National Forest and take a scenic chairlift ride gliding over the lush forest below. The more adventurous can take their own mountain bikes (or rent one) up the chairlift and ride down over 15 miles of trails. Enjoy specialties at the outdoor grill.

Sandia Crest

Sandia Crest is the "High Point on the Turquoise Trail". The magnificent summit of the Sandia Mountain has an elevation 10,678 feet. The view from the observation deck is awe-inspiring. Information and refreshments are available. Venture into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness to hike through aspen glades and across flowering meadows on a well-marked trail system.

There's much more to see and do around the Santa Fe area, outdoor activities and scenery, just to mention a few. Visit the many "Offsite Links" to the right to see more of what is available to see and do in this area. And this is not to mention, all the AVA Rally activities that have proven to be rally favorites over the years. So, dust off your western wear again, move along those little doggies, and keep an eye on this page to keep updated with all the latest info, schedules, and rally activities to come your way for the 2009 big 20th Anniversary AVA International Rally!

Nambe Falls & Recreation Area

The Lodge at Santa Fe (Official Rally Hotel and Rally HQ Location)

Culturally Distinct hotel in Santa Fe New Mexico

Hotel Features: