There are two ways to get to Datil, N.M. from Reserve – the 67-mile direct way (which stays on NM 12) and the 97-mile way. The longer way takes you on NM 32 through the Gila and Apache National Forest, and connects with U.S. 60 at Quemado, and also adds Pie Town, N.M. to the itinerary. I chose the long way just because I wanted to go through Pie Town. By the time I got there, it was nearly 5 p.m. and both pie shops closed at 3 p.m.
Pie in Pie Town would have just been the dessert after a feast of the most spectacular scenery I’ve enjoyed on a bike. I had thought U.S. 180 was going to be the highlight of Bikecapade II as far as landscape, but I had no idea of the beauty of NM 32.
I left Reserve at about 7:30 a.m., and the temperature must have been below 40 degrees. I even had to put on my balacava (the ninja head warmer thing).
There’s a 12-mile ride east from Reserve on NM 12 before the turnoff to NM 32, and I stopped there at the Apache Creek Store for coffee and a cinnamon roll. The coffeepot wasn’t working so I had to buy a Starbucks Frappuccino from the cold drink section, borrow a mug and the microwave. Worked out fine.
NM 12 involves an 18-mile climb, rising to above 8,000 feet through rocky canyons. The trees are mostly evergreen, but some of the cottonwoods and a few other trees had begun taking on fall colors. I looked everywhere for deer and elk, but the only mammals I spotted were a few squirrels, plus one dead badger on the road. With as little traffic as there is on NM 12, that was one unlucky badger. I figure a car passed me about once every mile.
The ascent is quite steep at times, but the canyon walls and forest views made it all worthwhile. I even appreciated the longer time the slow uphill pace gave me to take it all in. The last climb was the first time this trip I used my special mountain gear in back – a 34-tooth cog – out of necessity.
Once past the summit, the road took me on a welcome downhill joyride to the plains leading to Quemado. Had lunch there, then rode one of the few flat stretches of the trip so far as I began my way to Pie Town. The road is mostly a gradual uphill grade, coming from Quemado (about 6500 feet) to the continental divide (7796), and finally a long downhill into Datil. Made it time to shower, eat and watch Tuesday night’s presidential debate. Had a huge enchilada casserole but ordered a piece of pie anyway, just to make up for the lost opportunity at Pie Town.
1 comment:
Sounds like despite a cold start to the day you had great weather after. Fall colors!!!!! I envy you getting to experience a ride through that country this time of year. The climb sounded a little daunting though. Again, am enjoying your blog.
Linda
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