True bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts ride year long... and in the southwest... that's no problem. But, when you get a late November warm spell; it just seems to bring out everyone. Almost, as if knowing this sweet weather won't be around in another week.

For the most part, these bikers like to take it slow. There aren't any speeding "crotch rockets" weaving in and out of traffic on the valley roads. No. These are your older riders who love to put on the black leather and catch some wind... especially if its warm.

Take for instance, Norma and Ramon who have been riding for years. They were in La Mesa fueling up at the Mercantile store on Hiway 28. This bright sunny day just before the cold front hits on Thanksgiving is just perfet for them to get out and feel that freedom one more time. Of course, they have to do it in style... and a fully tricked-out "Harley" says it all.

Here in the Upper Valley, McNutt Hiway and Westside lead to Hiway 28 which is the backroad to Old Mesilla. McNutt stretches from Anapara, New Mexico at the foot of Mt. Cristo Rey and goes through Sunland Park, New Mexico. Then it traces the desert just above the Rio Grande and the fertile valley farmland. Just before it runs into a mystifying 4-way stop where Westside and Hiway 28 connect there is a wild little cattail loop around an old pecan orchard. Sometimes as you ride this leg you can see private planes land and takeoff from Cielo Dorado... a fly-in residential community.

But, to most motorcyclying enthusiasts... this is just the start. Hiway 28 winds through the heart of the Upper Valley and the "South Valley" portion of the Mesilla Valley.

Once you get past Chamberino, New Mexico about 10 miles north of the start of Hiway 28, riders can branch off and take different roads through the valley. 404 is one path that crosses the Rio Grande at the Anthony Country Club. Riders can loop around on a series of farm roads back to Hiway 28 at Berino, New Mexico.

But, a ride though the valley isn't complete without a cruise through the world famous Stahmann Farms pecan orchards. Even at this late date; the pecan trees are still heavy with nuts and plenty of leaves that have just started to turn yellow and rust.

Since we live in an area of the wold that does't really know much about winter... there will be plenty of motorcyles out on weekends no matter the temperature.

But, with spring just a couple of weeks... oh, okay, months away... you can get on your own hog and ride with the rest. Happy trails to you.

  (Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)

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