This route is principally an out and back
from the north end of Truth or Consequences to the end of the paved road that traverses the north end of the Black Range of
the Gila National Forest. There is an additional out and back spur to the time forgotten small town of Monticello. As
with most NM Brevet routes, the countryside is mountainous and remote with few services, the exception being the exceptional
little general store in Winston.
Riders start in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn, just off I-25 at Exit 79. The route then heads
north on NM 181, gently climbing to NM 52. This is low country and the start will be warm. Riders then turn north
onto NM 142 to Monticello. The road crosses Cañada Alamosa, here riders must take caution after screaming downhill
into a right turn onto, a gravel section of road. This gravel section continues on and off for a half mile with
most being ridable, but caution is advised. The first checkpoint is manned, with food and water, at the old plaza of
Monticello, settled in 1856.
Randonneurs
will double back to NM 52 and begin climbing to Winston, where the namesake general store provides a wide variety of items,
a true throwback to times past. A left turn up to the never unpopulated former silver mining, 'ghost town' of
Chloride brings riders to the second supported checkpoint. A return to Winston and further climbing over the Continental Divide,
begins the rolling mountains of the Gila National Forest to Beaverhead, the turn around checkpoint. This is ponderosa
pine country, but the route never tops 8000', so temperatures will be moderate even in late October.
The route then doubles back over the Divide at 7670' and downhill
to the checkpoint a Checkpoint at the Winston General Store (only open until 5:00), but we will provide drop bag service and
some food and water. Then riders head further downhill to NM 181 and the return in Truth or Consequences. Traffic is light
on this return, but good tail lights and reflective gear will be required if you cannot make it in before dark. Safety
is your number one concern and this past year less than half of the riders made it in before dark.
The Black Mountain Side route has
approximately 10,300' of climbing which is deceptive. It has several steep climbs, but the overall elevation gain
is surprising as the majority is in long gentle climbs or in the rolling mountains of the Black Range.
The roads are in good condition and the traffic is minimal.
This route is a great fall ride allowing brevet riders to maintain fitness heading into the winter months.
