Curiosity: Why was the ST re-rounted via Lordsburg between Safford?

[John Nettles]

Hey ACA, gotta question for you?

I had a WarmShowers guest recently who was doing BR66 late in the season (E-W) and was considering jumping to the ST due to the expected cold lows in northern New Mexico.  As I was showing him the ST on the ACA website, I noticed it had been rerouted onto NM-90 down to Lordsburg, NM from Silver City, then up on US-70 to Safford, AZ.  The old route went NW on US-160 from Silver City then left onto NM-78/AZ-78 then onto US-191 before connecting with US-70 east of Safford.

Just curious as to why it re-routed that way?  More services, less remote, easier, high quality roads, transportation,   There are definite pros and cons to each route so just trying to read your mind. 

Thanks for all you do!  John

[JHamelman]

Hi John,

As you might guess there were a few reasons for the change.

We had heard a number of cyclists were making the change on their own because the climbing is a little less fierce on the new routing in Arizona. The community of Duncan was also vocal in wanting our route to officially pass through their town. They love the cyclists. And on the USBR front, the new New Mexico routing should match up better with Arizona USBR 90.

Jenn

[John Nettles]

Thanks for replying so soon!  I guess I am just nostalgic but after doing both routes, I prefer the original (especially west bound/downhill) as it is MUCH more scenic and the climb from Lordsburg to Silver City on the new route was actually pretty tough, for me at least.  However, Lordsburg does offer a nice stopover if needed too.  Thanks again, John

[JHamelman]

Yea, sometimes in the end route selection boils down to personal preferences. =)

Jenn