The "story" behind my secret riding area

You and I have it easy. The harsh and long high-altitude winters aren't a problem for us. We don't have to chop wood and keep the iron stove hot. Our drinking water is pumped to our house. We don't have to save rain water. Killing mice isn't part of our daily workflow. Fly and maggot control isn't on our "to do" list.

The people living near the Jemez mountains know all about these things. I was invited to live like they do, but with a twist. My goal during the trip: mountain biking! And my hosts were happy to oblige.

I do have to add a disclaimer to this story: I will not divulge my location, precisely. I will say that we are near the Jemez mountains of central New Mexico. But, I swore to secrecy.

My experience on the plateaus of the Jemez mountains was wondrously adventurous. We stayed in a small cabin built in the 1960s. If you haven't been to a REAL log cabin then imagine this: exposed rafters, incomplete stucco walls, cedar trim, single-paned glass and uneven stone floors. If you've been to a newer log cabin, then you can't relate to the look, feel and smell of the log cabin where I stayed. It was incredible to actually feel the history. The surrounding country-side is very remote. The novelty of the area created such a spiritual sense. And, no wonder. According to our hosts, the area was first established by Spanish farmers and missionaries. But, what the missionaries didn't have to contend with was the mountain biking.

"Get ready to get scratched," said our host as we took off onto a faint trail. He was right. We had to make our way through some serious scrub oak to hit an old wagon trail, which would begin our journey. I can't say I was very excited to see blood flowing freely from my legs. Our riding party seemed to be of the same opinion. After about 20 minutes of bushwhacking we finally made it to the trail.

The ride covered mostly double track, but with some incredible views and scenery. We also passed old adobes and mills. Back in the day, the farmers would take their wheat to the mill to grind. A small amount of money was made through these old structures. Today, they are decomposing faster than President Bush's approval ratings. Part of our ride also included a short hike to a waterfall. Ice had already formed near the mouth of the waterfall. Trying to maneuver around the rocks to get closer to the waterfall edges was a bit precarious in mountain bike shoes.

Our ride ended with a loop back on a 2,000-foot climb. The dirt road was steep and consistent. It passed old Spanish churches and adobe homes. If you're the scenic type the dirt road ride was amazing!

We ended our trip with some more riding up near the wilderness areas -- not IN the wilderness area. I wondered aloud if mountain bike tires had ever touched these trails. According to our host, "probably not."

The area where I rode over the weekend might be open to other riders, one day. But I plan to keep it a secret. I'm sure that many of you have secret spots, as well. The best thing about a secret riding area isn't the secret, it is the untouched experience.