On the Southern Tier

[MrBent]

Funny, Westinghouse!

When I did my cross country ride (not my last, I hope), I came into New Mexico from the north, cut through Taos and Santa Fe, stayed a bit east of Albuquerque as I continued south, but eventually I picked up Hwy 60 to cross into Arizona.  New Mexico provided some of the best riding of the whole tour, and the roads I pedaled were almost all pretty good, and the cycling doesn't get better than Hwy 60!  The Southern Tier must have bad roads.   Arizona was the best of times and the worst of times.  I was especially shocked at the level of traffic up in the mountains around Showlow--crazy.  The Southwest in general can be tough riding because the empty country offers so few routing choices.  Still, when it's good, it doesn't get any better.

Scott

[staehpj1]

Funny, Westinghouse!

When I did my cross country ride (not my last, I hope), I came into New Mexico from the north, cut through Taos and Santa Fe, stayed a bit east of Albuquerque as I continued south, but eventually I picked up Hwy 60 to cross into Arizona.  New Mexico provided some of the best riding of the whole tour, and the roads I pedaled were almost all pretty good, and the cycling doesn't get better than Hwy 60!  The Southern Tier must have bad roads.   Arizona was the best of times and the worst of times.  I was especially shocked at the level of traffic up in the mountains around Showlow--crazy.  The Southwest in general can be tough riding because the empty country offers so few routing choices.  Still, when it's good, it doesn't get any better.

Scott

I found the portion of New Mexico I rode delightful.  I-25 was wonderful IMO.  The ST through the state must be much different.

[Westinghouse]

I am talking I-10 and I-8 here, not ACA's mapped ST. Delightful they were not, though some stretches were ok.

When it comes to the ST I suggest you follow ACA's route.